Click on any of the pictures below to go to the Kodak Gallery of the renovations in progress.
 
Downtown Decatur Craftsman Bungalow Period Bathroom Renovation

We were originally hired to restore this bathroom to its period appropriate look & feel. At some point, the owners had a penchant for Tuscany and the tile that hailed from Italy and used it liberally in this old house bathroom. While the tile is very expensive and elaborate with its high relief pattern, it is not appropriate for a 1920s bathroom. So, we will be gutting the space, installing a custom storage cabinet tucked behind the tub for towels and toiletries, building and installing a furniture design vanity with a black granite top and undermount sink, and installing hex tile with a border, complete with subway tile in the shower and wood beaded board. An antique medicine cabinet built into the wall will complete the look of a gorgeous bungalow bathroom.

As the homeowners were prepared to transition from Guatamala to Decatur, the tenants turned off the heat right before a big freeze. The pipes burst in the attic and flooded the house with 2 inches of standing water. We will also be gutting several rooms and installing insulation, sheetrock, new reproduction trim, paint, and then sanding all of their antique oak floors (which cupped from the water).

We will also be removing windows and installing French doors to the screened in porch.
   
Fireplace Restoration Project in Ormewood Park

We have been hired by this homeowner to gut and remove his fireplace. The mantel and tile have been modernized in a slip-shod fashion and is now neither decorative nor functional. We will demo all the components and in its stead install antique colorful mosiac fireplace tile, an antique cast iron fireplace screen, and a restored farmhouse style antique mantel. The result will be a focal point and a piece of art in his living room, infusing the space with some "wow" factor.

   

Decatur Laundry and Half Bath

We are in the process of converting this once porch, then storage room into a roomy laundry room and half bath. The 6" thick concrete slab floor has required a lot of patient and grueling labor, but the finshed product - a large, bright laundry room and half bath with solid wood walls and travertine floors - will be well worth it.

   
Recently Completed Projects  

Grant Park Kitchen

We recently transformed this previous particle-board cabinet and linoleum-floored kitchen into a modern classic. The custom cabinetry is flush inset, shaker style and extends to the ceiling. The new layout makes the kitchen much large and more inviting, and the ample seating opportunities only add to this effect. Two large pantry cabinets, a built-in window seat, a hidden TV cabinet, and a magentic chalkboard are a few of the features we incorporated.

   

Avondale Porch and Bathroom

 

   

Lake Claire Sun Room Conversion, Wide Plank Oak Floors, Bookshelves and Custom Furniture

In this conversion of a screened-in porch to a sun room, we incorporated classic wainscoting, wide historic molding, divided light windows, wide plank oak flooring, and a custom stained glass window. We added insulation, electrical outlets, siding, and additional framing to complete the less glamorous elements of the space.

Elsewhere in the home, we provided custom woodworking. In the living room, we designed and installed a large painted bookcase with flush inset doors and soft close drawers for loads of storage. In the dining room, we worked with the clients to design a custom burled-wood American walnut dry bar with curved doors and a top inlaid with a bird's eye maple border.

   
Facelift and Paint Job in Ormewood Park

This gorgeous Craftsman bungalow is filled with original details that were not being showcased. After replacing rooted clapbords, windows, window sills and trim, we painted the exterior with a three color scheme that accentuated the details. We also replaced the front door after performing much structural repair on the entryway. The result is a much more sound and beautiful home.

   

East Atlanta Custom Furniture

We designed and built three pieces of furniture to meet the specific needs of this couple in East Atlanta. We crafted two gorgeous walnut tables for the living room with birds eye maple inlays and interesting joinery. The slats under the table add visual interest and additional storage.

The cherry dry bar in the dining room was sized to fit the wall and provide the couple additional storage for wine, spirits, and dining room accessories. All the pieces are solid wood construction with high end hardward and will be future heirlooms.

   

Cosmetic Rehab in Lakewood

This home was in process of renovation but has sat empty for a period of time. The homeowner hired us to spruce it up for resale. We painted the entire interior, finishing the custom maple cabinets in the kitchen including crown molding and shelving. We also installed a window in the kitchen, along with a kitchen sink and faucet.

   
 

 

Inman Park Revamp

We completed a major restoration on this beautiful Inman Park Craftsman bungalow. We demolished the back of the house (where the framing rested precariously on the decking) and then rebuilt. This included adding ample structural supports underneath the house and new foundation walls, new siding and windows, and a new roof line. When the heavy lifting was complete, we installed a gorgeous new custom kitchen and master bathroom. The kitchen features stone and heart of pine counters, refurbished antique cabinets mixed with custom new ones, and a subway tiled backsplash. The new master bathroom is a luxurious marble retreat with a steam shower, huge dual vanity, separate water closet, and tucked away laundry closet.

   

Inman Park Attic Conversion

We converted this new construction home's attic into a playroom for children complete with hidden storage, custom trim, an entertainment center with storage, and a wrapping table for wrapping gifts.

 

Oakhurst Custom Bookcases and Coffered Ceilings Installation

We designed and installed pine Craftsman style bookcases with doors and up lighting to span two walls of this large office. We also installed coffered ceilings and match all of this new woodwork to the patinaed heart of pine trim and floors existing in this Oakhurst 1920s bungalow.

 

Fireplace Antique Tile Install and Restoration in West End

We have been hired to refinish and stain the salvaged walnut mantel. The clients have also hired us to provide antique fireplace tile to install a new hearth, complete with cast iron surround, new brick, rebuilt fireplace pad, and run a gas line to the fireplace.

   

New View of Nature

We were hired to remake the views on this ranch house in Decatur. We removed the original brick and installed large windows and French doors to bring the outside in. We cleaned the original brick and re-installed it around the new windows for a seamless effect. For Phase II, we are demolishing the concrete catwalk and stairs, and building a larger catwalk and sundeck. This will be made out of cumuru - a wood that looks like mahogany, is much denser than pressure treated, and is harvested in an environmetally friendly way. Cumuru has a fire rating of steel, is insect resistant, and actually sinks in water.

   

Tiki Hut

We were very excited to take on the challenge of building an exotic tiki hut. We first had to find the bamboo structural components (large poles) and aesthetic components (bamboo slats). The purpose of this hut was to hide and protect the pool equipment for this client’s pool. At the same time, we wanted to build a bar area where sun worshippers could eat and sip on frozen drinks. The hipped roof is clad in a rolled roofing, as well as a decorative thatch. The tiki hut is a green project as both thatch and bamboo are renewable resources (essentially grasses). We finished the hut with a honey toned stain on the underside of the framed roof and the bar area. The whimsical footrest is also made from bamboo poles.

   
   
email: paula@laughingsun.com