AGAINST THE GRAINA young collector transforms a white-box interior into a space that’s rich in charm and character

A YOUNG COLLECTOR TRANSFORMS A WHITE-BOX INTERIOR INTO A SPACE THAT’S RICH IN CHARM AND CHARACTER

Written by Heather J. Paper Photographed by Sarah Dorio Produced by Susan Uedelhofen

Adding a rich pop of color to the living area is an antique map that homeowner George Krauth had been holding onto for ages, but never had just the right spot for. To double the drama, he ordered a shade for the nearby fl oor lamp in the exact same turquoise color. opposite Upon moving into his new residence, Krauth did little more in the kitchen than to replace the appliances, hardware and countertops, and add a backsplash of glazed brick from Waterworks. A once-nondescript storage piece was given a coat of automobile primer and topped with cut-to-fi t marble, transforming it into a handsome—and handy—bar.

As THE CREATIVE MANAGER for Jamestown Properties, George Krauth oversees aesthetics and branding for commercial real estate nationwide which, locally, includes Ponce City Market and White Provision. But that fi ne eye for aesthetics serves him well personally, too, attested by his parttime home in MidCity Lofts. “I’d looked at MidCity 10 years ago after graduating from Georgia Tech, ” he recalls. “The design of the building always resonated with me; it was so unlike anything built in this city before. So I jumped at the opportunity when I needed a part-time home in Atlanta.” Krauth, who has traditionally owned older homes, found the opportunity to live in something relatively new exciting. Specifi cally, he liked that the modern loft featured vast expanses of glass and epoxied concrete fl oors, but not the clichéd exposed ductwork. The fi rst order of business was to paint the backdrop white—the walls, the ceiling, everything. But fi nding the right white “took forever,” he admits. “I’d paint one wall what I thought was the perfect shade, but it was a cloudy day. Once the sun came out, I realized I needed something different—and so on.” The trial-and-error method paid off, though, resulting in a light space that beautifully showcases his mix of old and new possessions. “I like the mix of elegance and comfort with a modern palette,” he says, pointing out an English roll-arm sofa as an example. “I think you can have a contemporary space but have a classic sofa to curl up in; it all works as long you choose items throughout that are similar in texture and scale.” One sweeping glance of this residence makes it clear that the homeowner is a masterful collector. But he modestly defl ects the compliment, giving credit instead to his upbringing. “My mother was a writer and an artist, and her mother was a master gardener,” he says. “I think all that creativity had an impact on me.”

A custom table top made of reclaimed heart pine is supported by hairpin legs, creating a multi-purpose server/ desk/dining area. Old library chairs made of walnut were spray-coated white, giving them a fresh lease on life. opposite, clockwise from top left Found in a Chattanooga salvage store, this wooden bench—securely attached to the wall—is equally adept at providing seating or storage. Plus, its peeling paint echoes the predominant blue hue of the nearby portrait of George Washington from Hatch Show Print (appropriate since this homeowner and the fi rst president share the same name). Because Krauth is a big fan of letterpress, this antique type from Scotland was the perfect gift from his sister. The very fi rst thing moved into the condominium was a treasured family heirloom; Krauth keeps many of his favorite things tucked inside this 200-year-old chestnut cabinet.

HOMEOWNER GEORGE KRAUTH EFFORTLESSLY MIXES VINTAGE FINDS WITH CONTEMPORARY FURNISHINGS

From those family members, and others, he’s inherited some meaningful pieces over the years, and relishes grouping those with new fi nds. “I typically try to avoid a lot of clutter, so I keep many of my favorite things tucked inside an heirloom, 200-year-old chestnut cabinet,” he adds. “Besides the sentimental nature, it is very practical.” Still, it’s the storied pasts of many an item—be it a newly found piece or a family heirloom—that give this MidCity condo its heart. In the dining area, for instance, a vintage globe was found on eBay, but Krauth drove to Ohio to pick it up rather than take the chance that it wouldn’t arrive in pristine condition. And next to it, a blownup image of a handwritten letter is by no means random; Krauth found the original letter in a dresser that he inherited from his grandfather. “It was addressed in 1917 by my great-grandmother to her uncle, who just happens to be my namesake,” he explains. Krauth seems to fi nd creative inspiration at every turn; one can only wonder what he’ll be inspired by next. SEE RESOURCES, BACK OF BOOK.

In the bedroom, a modern version of a wingback chair is decked out in white cotton twill with a custom brown mohair seat cushion. An eight-drawer chest from Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams also serves as a console while anchoring a group of artworks by Brooklyn’s Richard Haines. “I fi rst saw Richard Haines’ drawing in The New York Times,” Krauth recalls. “I reached out to him about purchasing a sketch, and he invited me out to his studio in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. I took a friend with me and we sifted through hundreds over a couple of hours—and I left with seven!” opposite By building a 1x6 tongue-and-groove headboard right into the space, Krauth was able to accommodate a California king-size bed. The mobile is from ABC Carpet & Home in New York.