“With the growing attention on small town life and family-oriented, walkable communities, we set our sights on finding a historic town under revitalization,” said Kristen Payne, Director Southern Living Homes Group.

Enter Senoia, a small Georgia town where the main street looks like a scene out of Driving Miss Daisy, but look deeper and you will find a community committed to eco-friendly construction right down to the electric cars parked in front of the diner. 

“This town is blending the best of today with the nostalgia of yesterday,” adds Payne. “It’s why we chose this location to tell our story with this year’s Idea House.”

The home in Senoia will be the first ever Southern Living brownstone located in the heart of a historic southern town.  The Idea House was designed by Historical Concepts, an award winning architecture and planning firm with an established history of specializing in traditional design.  The house will open for tours from June 12, 2010 until December 12, 2010 with ticket proceeds benefitting The American Cancer Society Cattle Baron’s Ball 2010.

Jamie Elliott McPherson, CKD, Allied ASID and principal of Hearth and Home Interiors was selected by Southern Living as the interior designer for the project.  Jamie’s own home was featured in the November 2009 issue showcasing his nod to comfort, style and a “southern feel,” undeniably influenced from his roots in nearby Newnan, Georgia. His sophisticated style and unique ability to blend antiques with urban style is simply innate.  Jamie’s work as a noted kitchen designer has earned him recognition both locally and nationally.

Completing the team is John Bynum Custom Homes, Inc., one of the Atlanta area’s premier custom home builders.