What did they do to the bishop's house? Photo: Southern Living
Southern Living recently underwent a much needed overhaul, including a redesign and brand new content. When I got my hands on a copy of the debut October issue, I couldn't help but spend some time checking out the new columns, features and design. One article really struck me: "What We Did With The Bishop's House," which tells the story of a house overhaul inspired by a child's drawing.
While I lean toward modern design, the traditional and Gothic elements of this home made me want to pack my bags and head south.
When the Ladisic family moved into a former bishop's home in Atlanta, Georgia, they hired a builder to help them design their dream house with just the right amount of southern charm. Inspired by a child's drawing of the home featuring a multi-colored roof, the Ladisics, Michael and Lisa (and their four children), hired Linda MacArthur, a local architect, to help them bring it to life. The Ladisics were Methodist, and the bishop was Eposcopalian, but both were brought together in religious and architectural harmony throughout the home.
The kitchen and mudroom from the Ladisics' new home. Photo: Southern Living
A traditional kitchen (above, left) was created, using a huge distressed green butcher-block Michael and Lisa found in an antique shop in Pine Mountain, Georgia. Other great found elements include a freebie. While Michael was driving in North Carolina, he discovered an enormous amount of unused wood that he salvaged and later used in the front hallway ceiling and family room fireplace surround. Another clever element in the mudroom (above right): the finials atop the banisters are bishops that you would find on a chessboard.
Banquette seating resembles church pews, and the living room goes casual. Photo: Southern Living
On the left in the photo above, you can see the resemblance of the eating area to a church pew, another reminder of who occupied the house previously. In the living room (above right), the family kept it casual with old frames on the mantel and soft, neutral tones. The home also features more architectural elements inspired by Gothic churches, including leaded glass, stained glass windows, dramatic wall sconces and a vaulted foyer. One detail that the Ladisics' made sure they didn't neglect was that beautiful red, orange and green roof inspired by the child's drawing.
Be sure to grab a copy of
Southern Living's newly designed magazine, and check out the full article -- it's a must read.
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