Designer Dina Varner’s clients knew they’d found the right neighborhood, even if the house wasn’t there quite yet. Charming, walkable Virginia Highland provided the perfect location, although the builder-standard residence, built in 2022 and largely black and white, fell short on character. Referred to Varner by word of mouth, the couple felt confident the VPI Design owner could take the so-so abode and make it feel just like them, injecting the warmth and individuality the new construction lacked.
Both partners hail from the Northeast and have called Atlanta home for about a decade, having happily embraced the South’s hospitality and easier pace. Busy professionals who travel frequently and entertain regularly, the couple wanted a home that would become equal parts refuge and entertaining space.
Known for her ability to marry old and new, Varner was delighted to discover that her clients favored an eclectic mix. Rather than referee clashing styles, she leaned into their shared love of contrast—from traditional bones and heritage pieces to crisp lines and contemporary gestures…