Georgia’s 2012 Southern Living Idea House

Southern Living magazine has chosen Senoia, Georgia as the site of its 2012 Idea House. This is the second time the small Georgia town, located 32 miles south of Atlanta, has been the Idea House location. Senoia was the site of the 2010 Southern Living Idea House. The 2012 home is within the town’s historic district.

Southern Living’s newest Idea House is unusual in that it is not a new construction, but a restoration of an 1830s farmhouse. This is the first time the magazine has renovated an historic home as its Idea House. The home is one of the oldest in Senoia, and has seen a number of additions and renovations over the years. Southern Living worked with architects from Historical Concepts, an Atlanta based firm, to rescue the house and redesign it for modern living. The architects were careful to stay true to the home’s original details. The structure was moved forward on the lot, gutted, and completely reconfigured inside. Old windows were replaced with new energy efficient windows. The house was clad in low maintenance exterior siding by James Hardie. A new dining room, keeping room, and a two story garage addition provide additional square footage. A wraparound front porch welcomes visitors and adds inviting outdoor space.

The interior spaces were designed by Tracery Interiors, with studios in Mountain Brook, Alabama and Rosemary Beach, Florida. The new floor plan of the farmhouse is a more open layout and lets in lots of natural light. Original materials were salvaged and reused when possible. The interiors are light, comfortable, and functional for today’s families. Fabrics and other fixtures are durable. Many of the decorating ideas can be used with any style of home. The designers have mixed old and new elements to maintain the home’s historic charm. A thoughtful landscape design adds curb appeal, and backyard living spaces provide private entertainment areas for a modern family to enjoy.

The 2012 Southern Living Idea House is open to tour through December 23, 2012. It is located at 57 Morgan Street in Senoia. Hours are Wednesday-Saturday from 11am-5pm and Sundays from 1-5pm. The house is closed on Monday and Tuesday. Tickets are $12 and a portion of the proceeds will benefit charitable partner Camp Southern Ground, a camp for special needs children. Beginning in October, the Idea House will be decorated for Christmas. It will be included on Senoia’s Candlelight Tour of Homes on December 9.