ILLGES WOODRUFF HOUSE

The beautiful Illges home at 1428 Second Avenue was built around 1850 and is one of the most noted of the Greek Revival houses in the South. It was owned for seventy years by A. Illges and his descendants.

By Marla Caligaris - Photography by S. Saxon and R. Caligaris

One of the living rooms features a linen sofa and modern marble top coffee table from Dina's store in Atlanta, Peridot West. The colorful wool rug is also from her store and adds some color along with the two antique green wingback velvet chairs. The antique desk is now used to display a collection of China, and the two contemporary paintings give the room a modern feel.

The second formal living room features a high back green velvet sofa and tufted ottoman which really stand out against the white walls. The elaborately carved chairs have been updated with contemporary fabric. The room also features another hand carved marble fireplace, and the portrait is of A. Illges, one of the descendant of Abraham Illges and Mary Lou Barnett who bought the home in the 1870s.

When the wallpaper was removed in this upstairs bedroom, it left a beautiful patina wall treatment. The vintage floral fabric on the bed and dressing table perfectly pull the peach color from the wall, and the two contemporary turquoise lamps and beaded chandelier gives the room a youthful feel.

The entrance hall features Italian floor tiles, which were added in the 1870s and contrast well with the modern blue tufted sofa. The two coffee tables are made of copper and are from Peridot West.

The dining room, which was originally the master bedroom, is now a light filled space which features a beautiful antique Turkish rug, an antique mahogany dining table, and two contemporary blue velvet arm chairs. The flower arrangement was created by Betsy Illges, and the silk tapestry on the wall adds texture to the room. The hand carved marble fireplace is original to when the home was built in the 1840s.

The 1930s kitchen still has the original cabinetry, zinc countertops and painted wooden floors. Stainless steel appliances from Daniel Appliances were added and Johnny Cargillen closed a door giving room for the oversized refrigerator. A simple wooden breakfast table and a modern chandelier give this functional room some warmth and character.