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Hart Residence

House Renovation

Watkinsville, Georgia

A comprehensive renovation of this residence transformed it into a refined and functionally sophisticated home while celebrating its inherent architectural strengths. The house’s 12-foot ceilings and expansive windows were leveraged to enhance light, space, and grandeur, all while maintaining a timeless sense of formality through symmetry and rhythm. The front porch underwent a reconfiguration to achieve classically correct proportions, creating a more balanced and inviting entry. Small steps were replaced with substantial brick steps that align with the house's stately character. Inside, the entry room gained two symmetrically placed closets which also serve as the foundation for a new archway that frames the view of the staircase beyond. This staircase, previously understated, received an elevated treatment with elegant new trim and a banister designed to match its prominent location within the floor plan. A previously dark and enclosed hallway was illuminated by the addition of a new office featuring steel and glass doors, which allow exterior light to flow through the office and into the hall. Designed with a distinct "dark academia" aesthetic, the office provides a moody yet welcoming workspace that aligns with the homeowner's personal style. Central to the home, an unused powder room was replaced by a thoughtfully designed wet bar, offering both functionality and an elegant focal point between the dining room and kitchen. The basement stairwell was also reimagined to echo the language of the main staircase, tying the vertical circulation elements together with a cohesive visual identity. The kitchen became the heart of the home, significantly expanded and connected to a new porch. This outdoor space, adorned with a classical colonnade, serves as a seamless extension of the interior. Adjacent to the porch, a library with French doors, flowing curtains, and a ceiling inspired by the draped interior of a tent introduces an unexpected and whimsical element to the design. A new scullery tucked away behind the kitchen provides useful dry and cold storage while reducing the clutter of cabinets in the kitchen.  On the upper levels, the renovations continued with a new bathroom and closet replacing a shared bathroom, offering privacy and modernized amenities. A dramatic "Paris-style" window in the primary suite enhances the connection to the outdoors and floods the space with natural light. The underutilized basement now features a new bedroom suite, craft room, home theater, and exercise room, transforming it into a versatile and dynamic part of the home. Throughout the renovation, the design honors the house’s formal presence, blending classical details with modern functionality. Every addition and update respects the rhythm and proportion of the original structure, ensuring a seamless connection between the house's existing forms and its new renovations.

©2025 by Patch Design, LLC

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Athens, Georgia, USA, Earth

706-225-9260

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