Tasteful & Timeless
A Columbus midtown home renovated by Sam Hartin Contracting Co., keeps its traditional roots by incorporating timeless art and antiques with modern decor.
Text by Emily Fournoy- Photos by R. Caligaris
Located in the highly sought after area of Midtown, this charming, 2,600 square foot home, a Colonial Revival style, was originally built in 1945 for Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Julius, President of Acme Laundry. The home has kept its original charm, but has been given a refreshing look with a stark white for the majority of the house accented with an iron ore color by Sherwin Williams on the window trim. Its main architectural features are centered on the front entry with a welcoming arms staircase and classic Doric columns over the pediment.
Upon entering Chris' home, one can look all the way through the hall, to the den, and outside to the garden beyond. Light flows throughout this home and original glass pocket doors allow Chris to open up or separate the adjoining rooms. A large-scale print wallpaper adds visual interest to the foyer with two corner chairs that look as though they were made for the space. Chris' late husband Mark Porter was on the collection committee at the Columbus Museum and that is what inspired their love for art which is seen in this space and throughout this 1940s home.
Chris purchased two modern art pieces at Scott's in Atlanta to add a punch of color to the dining room's neutral color scheme. The round pedestal mahogany table, Chippendale chairs, and English mahogany sideboard from his grandmother give the dining room a traditional feel, while the chandelier and crystal sphere lamps add a modern touch. This elegant room makes for a great entertaining space for Chris and his guests.
The den is a sophisticated, light-filled room where Chris can read, watch TV, and gaze outside to the garden. The room also functions as his home office for Wildwood Gardens with a custom bookcase from Peach State Cabinets. Textured grass cloth walls, an antelope pattern rug by Stark, and a plush sofa by Lee Jofa lend a neutral backdrop to the space. Large gold lamps on either side of the sofa bring a metallic element to the room. Orange throw pillows by Valentino and an Asian, orange coffee table add a bright color to the den and also tie into the patio space, just beyond the wall of custom-made transoms and fixed doors.
This room, besides being a space to watch TV and gaze out to the garden, also serves as Chris' office. The upholstered chairs in a Greek key design give this side of the den style an comfort. The painting below was a wedding gift to Chris and Mark from Amber and Charlie Mordic. it was painted from a photograph of the two of them on their wedding day in New York City.
Large windows, sidelights, and a glass paneled wooden door allow the interior to flood with light. Lush green landscaping and elements of rod iron really make the house stand out. Purchased just a year ago by local landscape designer Chris Harman, the home has been beautifully updated in the interior spaces and the landscape of the property.
Neutral tones with grey and black accents reflect the exterior of the home in this master bedroom. Elements like the collection of art framed in bamboo and the combination of fabrics give the master bedroom a subtle Asian feel. Custom made draperies, in a repeating trellis pattern by Thibaut, give the room some geometric interest and Carlton V fabric in the print, Puff, ties the room together. The room makes for a calm, serene retreat at the end of a long day. GUEST ROOM: An EJ Victor four poster mahogany bed gives this guest room a large focal point. Thibaut fabric draperies and pillows add an Asian touch which is carried throughout the home. The pop of red-orange in the shams, and the bamboo inspired lamps provide a modern touch to this traditional room. A herringbone patterned straw rug adds a layer of texture and makes for an inviting place for guests to stay.
Stepping off the den onto the brick patio, one gets a feel at just how talented Chris Harman, the owner of Wildwood Gardens, is. Each tree, bush, and container was well thought out to give this outdoor space a sense of privacy and peacefulness. Betsy Illges had the cushions recovered in a Hermes inspired-color scheme of orange and brown to add a pop of color to the teak outdoor furniture by Summerchase from Hinson Galleries
The compact, but super functional kitchen was completely redesigned to allow a custom island, topped with honed Georgia marble from Innovative Marble. New island cabinets from Peach Cabinets were built and Jenn-Air stainless steel appliances from Daniel Appliance were installed. Jeremy Frost with Precision Floors laid the hardwood floors throughout the home, including the kitchen, and Chris had them stained in a rich Jacob Bean. The back splash is an arabesque shaped Carrera marble tile from Jenkins, and Mitch Goare installed the the two inch wooden window blinds.
Betsy Illges helped Chris choose the brown and white Miles Redd Schumacher fabric to add not only a visual interest, but something unexpected in the home's formal living room. This gives the room a modern, edgy feel without it being overwhelming. The painting over the mantel, once hung in the Governor's mansion in Illinois, and is flanked by two blue and white Chinese porcelain vases. The tufted sofa is beige velvet and the vintage burgundy leather barrel-back chairs are from the 1940s. The blend of these styles create a well-designed living room.
