If you are counting, there are nine more hectic days until Christmas. Which includes Christmas dinner planning and shopping for the entire family in a very short window. Yes, I am that person. The last minute shopper (the night before Christmas kind) and if possible I will order a complete dinner from a local organic market, throw a little flour on my face for visual effect, and once again I will look like the Christmas version of “Wonder Woman.” Who wants to shop when there are simply too many holiday activities to fill up my calendar? It’s my favourite time of the year, and even if I have the family entourage in tow I’m going to see all the holiday homes which includes Callanwolde in the Druid Hills area of Atlanta. I believe in making the most of this “wonderful time of year.”

I’m obsessed with visiting holiday home tours, (which is a very good thing since I’m a design blogger). I want to see how the other half lives (and decorates), in this case, the former home of the Charles Candler, son of Asa Candler-the inventor of Coca-Cola. If you live in Atlanta then you have undoubtedly heard of the Candler family, if not rubbed elbows with a distant relative. This 1920’s mansion is resplendent in walnut paneling, stained glass windows, intricate mouldings and fireplace reliefs. It’s design nirvana.

When I lived “Intown,” I was a frequent visitor to  this 27,000 square foot mansion, and occasionally took art classes there. Any excuse to get inside (as if I need a reason). I’ve walked across sculptured lawns through the formal gardens and nature trails, and like most have pretended for at least one glorious moment that I was the owner. Unfortunately, I’m just going to have to settle on infrequent visits. So yesterday, the family and I traveled to see Christmas at Callanwolde. The tour didn’t disappoint with rooms resplendent in holiday finery created by some very talented interior designers who graciously allowed me to take pictures. In an ideal world I would have the mansion all to myself, but…I’m not that famous yet. I was still able to get just enough Christmas design goodness on film to share…so come on in…

 

callanwolde1

 The Music Room interior was designed by Lynne Coker from Birmingham. She scoured the U.S. for just the right pieces…and I loved the shades of deep corals in rich fabrics. Photo-Vicki Gladle Bolick

callanwolde3

Designer/ Lynne Coker-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick

The piano was draped in holiday style…

callanwolde4

 Designer/ Lynne Coker-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick

All that glitters is gold…

callanwolde20

 Designer/ Lynne Coker

The mouldings are original to the mansion, as is the wall covering. I wasn’t able to capture the entire room because of crowds, but it was breath-taking.

callanwolde22

 Designer/Lynne Coker-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick

Topiaries and richly decorated presents in luxurious fabrics were the perfect backdrop in this century old mansion…

callanwolde7

 Designer/Ann Wisnewski-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick

Mohair pillows in rich tones….

callenwolde11

 Designer/Ann Wisnewski-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick

A detail from the fireplace relief…of course what fireplace wouldn’t be complete without a wing-back chair and a luxurious faux fur throw.

callanwolde8

 Designer/ Ann Wisnewski-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick

Rich browns & teals were the perfect hues for this holiday room…

callenwolde17

 Designer/Ann Wisnewski- Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick

A closer look at the original fireplace relief…

callenwolde9,jpg

 Designer/ Nate Nardi-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick

“Tea time” underneath a canopy of fabric and twinkle lights…

callanwolde16

 Designer/ Robin LaMonte-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick

Cobalt blues, greys, creams against the walnut paneling. Stunning.

callanwolde23

Designer/Robin LaMonte-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick

The chairs were the perfect mix of modern fabrics with old world lines…

callanwolde19

 Designer/ Robin LaMonte-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick

A closer look at my favorite chairs. I loved the juxtaposition of new against old.

callanwolde15

Designer/Robin LaMonte-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick

A quiet corner in the library…

callanwolde2,jpg

Designer/Robin LaMonte-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick

A quiet reading nook…

callanwolde9

Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick

An upstairs room…decorated with just the words “Believe.” And I do.

I hope you enjoyed this holiday tour, and I want to give a huge round of applause to the Designers who did such an incredible job transforming Callanwolde into a such a stunning home over the holidays. It would have made the Candlers proud.

As always, don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest, Instagam, Facebook, Twitter & Google+ for more inspiration and design happenings….

Until next time…

BE INSPIRED. BE AMAZED.

Categories