A creative couple puts their own whimsical spin on an East Atlanta cottage

“I think we ended up with something of a cross between Hayao Miyazaki and Wes Anderson, which is pretty much perfect for us," says homeowner Megan Sirkin

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A creative couple puts their own whimsical spin on an East Atlanta cottage
Poodle-themed lamps from Currey & Co. and a framed needlepoint poodle—along with pink walls and floral draperies—set the vintage vibe while keeping things cheeky. Sofas are from DWR, while the caned chests and rug are from Target.

Photograph by Rustic White

If Megan and Austin Sirkin’s house looks like it could be in a Wes Anderson film—with its saturated color palette and vintage interior design—that’s not an accident. “I think we ended up with something of a cross between Hayao Miyazaki and Wes Anderson, which is pretty much perfect for us,” says Megan, referring to the Japanese animator and American filmmaker, respectively. “Warm and inviting, from some ambiguous time in the past, and full of charming little moments of joy.”

Also intentional: playful details inspired by the 1920s, ’30s, and ’60s, blended to revitalize this 1930 Tudor home, including pink kitchen cabinets and floor mosaics that pay homage to heirloom china. Since the couple met at the sci-fi event Dragon Con, it’s also not surprising that their William Morris–inspired wallpaper includes dinosaurs. They bought this historic home in 2018, realizing it would be perfect for their one-of-a-kind look.

A creative couple puts their own whimsical spin on an East Atlanta cottage
“When we got together, I told Austin we had to have a pink kitchen,” says Megan Sirkin, who has worked as a fashion designer and as a costumer for the Atlanta Opera. Austin works for Mailchimp, and they’re both self-proclaimed “history nerds,” who have loved learning about this 1930 Tudor home.

Photograph by Rustic White

A creative couple puts their own whimsical spin on an East Atlanta cottage
Charming elements in the butler‘s pantry (which doubles as a breakfast room) include the blue cabinet with a scallop motif. Megan displays her Calamityware and vintage FireKing milk glass there. The Spoonflower wallpaper of an Arts and Crafts–style dinasour pattern is a reliable conversation starter.

Photograph by Rustic White

Design-remodel firm Copper Sky, which is known for its colorful and historic projects, was the ideal partner for this home’s style journey. Their experts kept the spirit of the house intact. For example, they kept the galley-style kitchen, yet moved its arched doorway for better effect. Combining history with the unexpected elements and colors was part of the firm’s challenge. “We researched kitchens from the 1930s and 1960s and incorporated elements of those eras into our design,” says Copper Sky’s director of design,
Micaela Quinton. “This project was all about the details.” Vintage features in the kitchen include the built-in dishrack over the sink, floral cutouts on cabinet doors, and custom tile flooring.

A creative couple puts their own whimsical spin on an East Atlanta cottage
“I think a big part of our home decor aesthetic is informed by the fact that Austin and I are unapologetic nerds, and when you start to look a little closer you see references to the nerdy things we love,” says Megan. In the powder bath, wallpaper from House of Hackney features more prehistoric scenes, paired with Tiffany-style pendants and mint-colored quartz on the vanity.

Photograph by Rustic White

A creative couple puts their own whimsical spin on an East Atlanta cottage
Hexagon tiles from American Restoration Tile and blue cabinetry liven up the primary bath, remodeled to include a Japanese soaking tub.

Photograph by Rustic White

In addition to the whimsical dinosaur wallpaper and the vintage china influence, another motif involves poodles. The Sirkins have actual poodles as pets, but they have also collected lamps and artwork depicting the breed. In fact, Megan named the home “Poodle Cottage” and chronicles its progress on Instagram with the same moniker. “The entire house has such a unique, fun, and cheery aesthetic,” says Micaela. “You can’t help but smile and feel happy in the space.”

RESOURCES | Remodeling & interior design Copper Sky Renovations Kitchen Cabinetry color: “Lotus Flower,” Sherwin-Williams, sherwin-williams.com. Walls: “Open Air,” Sherwin-Williams. Floor tile: Specialty Tile. Brass hood (custom): St. Udio Metal Shop. Ovens: Blue Star. Refrigerator: Liebherr. Dishwasher: Fisher Paykel. Butlers pantry/dining room Wainscoting and cabinetry paint: “Ebbtide,” Sherwin-Williams. Wallpaper: “Strawberry Thief,” Spoonflower. Pendant: Shades of Light. Family room Wall paint: “Comical Coral,” Sherwin-Williams. Fireplace paint: “Memorable Rose,” Sherwin-Williams. Sofas: Emmy Sofa, DWR. Poodle lamps: Currey & Company. Rug: Target. Draperies: Lush Décor. Bar area Cabinet paint: “June Day,” Sherwin-Williams. Wall paint: “Butter Up,” Sherwin-Williams. Mudroom wall paint: “Open Air,” Sherwin-Williams. Wainscoting paint: “Lotus Flower,” Sherwin-Williams. Powder room Wainscoting: “Haven,” Sherwin-Williams. Wallpaper: House of Hackney. Floor tile: Restoration Tile. Tiffany-style light: Meyda Lighting. Primary bath Floor tile: Restoration Tile. Cabinetry paint: “Ebbtide,” Sherwin-Williams.

This article appears in Atlanta Magazine’s HOME.

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