Home Home Decor Ideas New House Gets a 19th-Century Makeover By Southern Living Editors Southern Living Editors Since 1966, the editors of Southern Living have been carrying out the mission of the brand: to bring enjoyment, fulfillment, and inspiration to our readers by celebrating life in the South. We inspire creativity in their homes, their kitchens, their gardens, and their personal style. We are a friend they can trust, a guide to the seasons, a helping hand during the holidays, and a relentless champion of the Southern way of life. Southern Living's editorial guidelines Updated on March 10, 2017 Share Tweet Pin Email Trending Videos Architect Peter Block gives a brand-new Atlanta home the character and authenticity of a centuries-old manor house, minus the leaky pipes and drafty windows. 01 of 06 Remake History When it comes to designing houses, architect Peter Block tries to avoid strict stylistic definitions. "First we go for feel," he says. "Style finds its way." Case in point is the new home of Marcia and Mark Miller, located on a rare expansive lot in Atlanta's Buckhead area. For its design, Peter looked to the English Country houses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. "The roofline, beams, small-paned windows and sculpted chimneys are all specific references to this period," he says. Love it? Get it! Front Door: custom mahogany, Lighthouse Woodworks; 770/789-1273. 02 of 06 Notice the Details: The Limewash Photo: Emily J. Followill The custom mixture of lime, pigment, and water penetrates the brick facade, rather than forming a layer over it, resulting in a finish that has instant patina and can last hundreds of years. Love it? Get it! Paint: BioCalce Limewash; romabio.com 03 of 06 Notice the Details: The Windows Photo: Emily J. Followill The variety of window shapes—vertical, horizontal, and round—all encase small glass panes. "That's what would have been used historically, before large sheets of glass were possible," says Peter. Love it? Get it! Front Windows: Heritage Series; kolbe-kolbe.com 04 of 06 Notice the Details: The Back Bay Photo: Emily J. Followill "We created this curved, steel-framed window to give Marcia a window seat," says Peter. The copper roof, popular during the Middle Ages, will mellow over time. Love it? Get it! Roof: cedar shake 05 of 06 Notice the Details: The Chimneys Photo: Emily J. Followill Peter designed the chimneys in the style of English architect Edwin Lutyens. The top half of the chimney, the flue, is rotated 45 degrees on the base for an added accent. Clay chimney caps top the spires. Love it? Get it! Walls: wood-molded brick; statesvillebrick.com 06 of 06 Architect's Advice: Peter Block Photo: Lee Hopkins I'm inspired by...those who think outside the box without being different just for the sake of being different, such as antiquarian and designer Axel Vervoordt. What makes a new house old? Crafting with real materials...and heart. Small upgrade that makes a big difference: Put all your lights on dimmers. Low lights create an intimate atmosphere. Best architectural detail: A plastered barrel-vault ceiling for dramatic volume. Favorite building product: Roma's lime-based paints and finishes. romabio.com Easiest way to add curb appeal: Plant a great tree! Worthy splurge: Mortise lock boxes on every door. No Southern home should be without...porches for entertaining and living outdoors. Favorite Southern building: That's a tough one—probably Drayton Hall just outside Charleston, South Carolina. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Tell us why! Other Submit