Bright and eclectic

Asking Jill Helmer to name her favorite room is like asking her to choose a favorite flower. “It depends on the season,” said Helmer, a floral and event designer. In the spring, it’s her den with a view of Penelope roses outside. In the summer, it’s how

Flowers, plants, antiques figure strongly into decor of Dutch Colonial home,

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Residents: Jill and John Helmer and their mini goldendoodle, Winnie. Jill is a floral and event designer and co-author of books, including“HOME-Celebrating Autumn and Winter,”expected this fall; John is retired from the financial industry. Location: Atlanta’s Peachtree Heights East neighborhood Size: About 2,400 square feet, four bedrooms, four baths Year built/bought: 1917/2002 Architectural style: Dutch Colonial

Favorite architectural elements: High ceilings, including some with beadboard, and large windows Project consultants

(renovations): Architect Richard Dooley, David Jenkins (decorative details and antique hardware), interior designer Susan Howell Branch (paint and furniture layout), Ellis Landesign’s David Ellis and Bradley McGill (hardscape and landscape design)

Renovations: Demolition began when the Helmers were on their honeymoon in spring 2003 and finished in February 2004. The second floor was removed and redesigned with two bedrooms, two baths, linen storage and attic space. They tore off the front of the house and created a master on the main. As a result, they moved the front door and stoop to the side of the home. They moved the staircase in the front foyer, which has beadboard and shiplap. They reconfigured and added bathrooms. A kitchen renovation with new cabinets, countertops, appliances and a sink became necessary when they discovered termite damage under the floors. They added the detached garage, which serves as her flower studio. Interior design style: Traditional eclectic Favorite interior design elements: Furnishings from the mid-19th and 20th centuries. “It has a story to tell, because many times it has had several homes,”Jill said.“It’s the same with accessories. I have a couple of collections, because I know each piece that I collect is a part of someone’s history. To me, this is what creates warmth in our home.” Favorite outdoor elements: Her garden, which includes Limelight hydrangeas, boxwood, shasta daisies, white Loropetalum, hellebores, phlox, spirea, nandinas, lamb’s ears, Chinese snowball viburnum and New Dawn roses.

Resources: Tile from Zumpano & Specialty Tile Products; plumbing fixtures from Noland

Decor tip: Even a century-old home can use a contemporary element, such as artwork.“I think a touch of contemporary in an older house gives it a little more vibrant feel,”she said.

CHRISTOPHER OQUENDO PHOTOGRAPHY/WWW.OPHOTOGRAPHY.COM The home’s interior spaces are traditional eclectic, with antiques such as a chinoiserie table and a Victorian coal bin among the built-in bookcase and a fireplace in the living room. The walls are painted Caramel Tint, a Pratt & Lambert hue. Interior designer Susan Howell Branch provided guidance for paint and furniture layout.

Floral and event designer Jill Helmer, with her mini goldendoodle, Winnie, is a member of The Ladies of the Lake Garden Club in Peachtree Heights East. The club is hosting its 31st annual Garden Party on May 7 at the restored Duck Pond Park in her Atlanta neighborhood.

During their renovation, John and Jill Helmer updated their kitchen, adding new cabinets, countertops, appliances and a sink. The Helmers replaced the flooring in their kitchen, but opted against opening the kitchen to the family room. The original butler’s pantry was removed while work was being done to preserve it, and then it was reinstalled in the renovated space.

The dining room windows are among the favorite architectural elements in Jill Helmer’s home, particularly when flowers are in full bloom in the window box. A custom mix by Pratt & Lambert gives the room a cheerful tone.