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…
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
Designer/ Lynne Coker-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick
The piano was draped in holiday style…
Designer/ Lynne Coker-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick
All that glitters is gold…
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.
Designer/Lynne Coker-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick
Topiaries and richly decorated presents in luxurious fabrics were the perfect backdrop in this century old mansion…
Designer/Ann Wisnewski-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick
Mohair pillows in rich tones….
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.
Designer/ Ann Wisnewski-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick
Rich browns & teals were the perfect hues for this holiday room…
Designer/Ann Wisnewski- Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick
A closer look at the original fireplace relief…
Designer/ Nate Nardi-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick
“Tea time” underneath a canopy of fabric and twinkle lights…
Designer/ Robin LaMonte-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick
Cobalt blues, greys, creams against the walnut paneling. Stunning.
Designer/Robin LaMonte-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick
The chairs were the perfect mix of modern fabrics with old world lines…
Designer/ Robin LaMonte-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick
A closer look at my favorite chairs. I loved the juxtaposition of new against old.
Designer/Robin LaMonte-Photo/ Vicki Gladle Bolick
A quiet corner in the library…
Designer/Robin LaMonte-Photo/Vicki Gladle Bolick
A quiet reading nook…
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.
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Until next time…
BE INSPIRED. BE AMAZED.
