Search results for "Feel active" in Home Design Ideas

Built by Schumacher Homes, America's Largest Custom Home Builder, this stunning Heritage Coastal model home in Wilmington, North Carolina, effortlessly balances classic coastal architecture with contemporary modern design. Perfect for active families who love to entertain, this spacious floor plan features an expansive, light-filled open-concept living space designed to host large family gatherings and holiday parties. The main living areas showcase beautiful shiplap accent walls throughout the home, adding classic coastal dimension, texture, and a high-end designer feel. The open-concept layout flows seamlessly into a gourmet chef's kitchen, which is anchored by a dramatic central kitchen island featuring a premium waterfall countertop edge that provides a sleek, unique touch to the open kitchen design. To maximize daily functionality, a versatile flex room is outfitted with custom floor-to-ceiling built-in cabinets and open shelving, creating the ultimate organized home office, library, or homework zone.
Serving as the perfect homeowner's oasis, the luxury primary suite (owner's retreat) offers a private, sophisticated sanctuary to unwind at the end of the day. Extending the indoor living space into nature, an optional covered porch and shaded patio area provides a seamless transition for outdoor entertaining, kicking back, and enjoying coastal ocean breezes. Combining highly sought-after coastal curb appeal, trending interior millwork, and practical spaces for modern lifestyles, this custom coastal home provides exceptional inspiration for families looking to design and build their forever dream home.

This Historical Home was built in the Columbia Country Club in 1925 and was ready for a new, modern kitchen which kept the traditional feel of the home. A previous sunroom addition created a dining room, but the original kitchen layout kept the two rooms divided. The kitchen was a small and cramped c-shape with a narrow door leading into the dining area.
The kitchen and dining room were completely opened up, creating a long, galley style, open layout which maximized the space and created a very good flow. Dimensions In Wood worked in conjuction with the client’s architect and contractor to complete this renovation.
Custom cabinets were built to use every square inch of the floorplan, with the cabinets extending all the way to the ceiling for the most storage possible. Our woodworkers even created a step stool, staining it to match the kitchen for reaching these high cabinets. The family already had a kitchen table and chairs they were happy with, so we refurbished them to match the kitchen’s new stain and paint color.
Crown molding top the cabinet boxes and extends across the ceiling where they create a coffered ceiling, highlighting the beautiful light fixtures centered on a wood medallion.
Columns were custom built to provide separation between the different sections of the kitchen, while also providing structural support.
Our master craftsmen kept the original 1925 glass cabinet doors, fitted them with modern hardware, repainted and incorporated them into new cabinet boxes. TASK LED Lighting was added to this china cabinet, highlighting the family’s decorative dishes.
Appliance Garage
On one side of the kitchen we built an appliance garage with doors that slide back into the cabinet, integrated power outlets and door activated lighting. Beside this is a small Galley Workstation for beverage and bar service which has the Galley Bar Kit perfect for sliced limes and more.
Baking Cabinet with Pocket Doors
On the opposite side, a baking cabinet was built to house a mixer and all the supplies needed for creating confections. Automatic LED lights, triggered by opening the door, create a perfect baker’s workstation. Both pocket doors slide back inside the cabinet for maximum workspace, then close to hide everything, leaving a clean, minimal kitchen devoid of clutter.
Super deep, custom drawers feature custom dividers beneath the baking cabinet. Then beneath the appliance garage another deep drawer has custom crafted produce boxes per the customer’s request.
Central to the kitchen is a walnut accent island with a granite countertop and a Stainless Steel Galley Workstation and an overhang for seating. Matching bar stools slide out of the way, under the overhang, when not in use. A color matched outlet cover hides power for the island whenever appliances are needed during preparation.
The Galley Workstation has several useful attachments like a cutting board, drying rack, colander holder, and more. Integrated into the stone countertops are a drinking water spigot, a soap dispenser, garbage disposal button and the pull out, sprayer integrated faucet.
Directly across from the conveniently positioned stainless steel sink is a Bertazzoni Italia stove with 5 burner cooktop. A custom mosaic tile backsplash makes a beautiful focal point. Then, on opposite sides of the stove, columns conceal Rev-a-Shelf pull out towers which are great for storing small items, spices, and more. All outlets on the stone covered walls also sport dual USB outlets for charging mobile devices.
Stainless Steel Whirlpool appliances throughout keep a consistent and clean look. The oven has a matching microwave above it which also works as a convection oven. Dual Whirlpool dishwashers can handle all the family’s dirty dishes.
The flooring has black, marble tile inlays surrounded by ceramic tile, which are period correct for the age of this home, while still being modern, durable and easy to clean.
Finally, just off the kitchen we also remodeled their bar and snack alcove. A small liquor cabinet, with a refrigerator and wine fridge sits opposite a snack bar and wine glass cabinets. Crown molding, granite countertops and cabinets were all customized to match this space with the rest of the stunning kitchen.
Dimensions In Wood is more than 40 years of custom cabinets. We always have been, but we want YOU to know just how much more there is to our Dimensions.
The Dimensions we cover are endless: custom cabinets, quality water, appliances, countertops, wooden beams, Marvin windows, and more. We can handle every aspect of your kitchen, bathroom or home remodel.

This commercial interior design project in [CITY] by Lavish reimagines the shared amenity spaces of Capitol Lofts, a historic downtown loft community, as warm, design-forward gathering places for residents.
Our client wanted the building's common areas to feel like an extension of home — polished, comfortable, and genuinely usable day to day. Lavish designed a series of connected spaces that give residents room to play, work, unwind, and stay active, all tied together by a confident transitional palette of deep charcoal, warm wood, and brushed brass.
Highlights include a billiards and game lounge with a sculptural chandelier and framed vintage patent art, a resident café and coffee bar with banquette seating, a paneled media lounge for movie nights, and a bright fitness studio. Layered lighting, rich millwork, and mixed textures elevate each room while keeping the spaces inviting and low-maintenance for shared use.
Lavish provides full-service residential and commercial interior design, bringing thoughtful, livable design to communities like Capitol Lofts.
From concept to completion — reach out to Lavish to start your commercial project.
Find the right local pro for your project

Guadalajara, San Clemente Coastal Modern Remodel
This major remodel and addition set out to take full advantage of the incredible view and create a clear connection to both the front and rear yards. The clients really wanted a pool and a home that they could enjoy with their kids and take full advantage of the beautiful climate that Southern California has to offer. The existing front yard was completely given to the street, so privatizing the front yard with new landscaping and a low wall created an opportunity to connect the home to a private front yard. Upon entering the home a large staircase blocked the view through to the ocean so removing that space blocker opened up the view and created a large great room.
Indoor outdoor living was achieved through the usage of large sliding doors which allow that seamless connection to the patio space that overlooks a new pool and view to the ocean. A large garden is rare so a new pool and bocce ball court were integrated to encourage the outdoor active lifestyle that the clients love.
The clients love to travel and wanted display shelving and wall space to display the art they had collected all around the world. A natural material palette gives a warmth and texture to the modern design that creates a feeling that the home is lived in. Though a subtle change from the street, upon entering the front door the home opens up through the layers of space to a new lease on life with this remodel.

This commercial interior design project in [CITY] by Lavish reimagines the shared amenity spaces of Capitol Lofts, a historic downtown loft community, as warm, design-forward gathering places for residents.
Our client wanted the building's common areas to feel like an extension of home — polished, comfortable, and genuinely usable day to day. Lavish designed a series of connected spaces that give residents room to play, work, unwind, and stay active, all tied together by a confident transitional palette of deep charcoal, warm wood, and brushed brass.
Highlights include a billiards and game lounge with a sculptural chandelier and framed vintage patent art, a resident café and coffee bar with banquette seating, a paneled media lounge for movie nights, and a bright fitness studio. Layered lighting, rich millwork, and mixed textures elevate each room while keeping the spaces inviting and low-maintenance for shared use.
Lavish provides full-service residential and commercial interior design, bringing thoughtful, livable design to communities like Capitol Lofts.
From concept to completion — reach out to Lavish to start your commercial project.

Watermark Residence was conceived as a “downsizing” project for Owners looking to transition from the home where they raised their family to a simpler lifestyle. The footprint and exterior massing of the single family condo was prescribed, but MMA wove new details into these constraints and was urged by the Owner to completely reinvent the interior experience.
From the exterior, the home sits subtly on a corner lot, referencing the neighborhood in its style, but with a warmth and crispness that speaks also to the interiors.
The primary goal of the project was to provide an open, inviting atmosphere of connected spaces that allowed natural light into all areas of the home. Upon entry, there is an immediate involvement in the daily activities with the living and dining rooms being the focal point, and a more intimate kitchen slightly out of view.
Throughout the home, the idea of privacy and transparency plays an important role in the organization of spaces and materials chosen. More private corridors lead to intimate bedroom spaces and functional laundry and mudrooms. A two-floor, semi-transparent slat wall shields direct visibility from the street, while also providing connection between the entertaining spaces of the home. Combined with the white oak, open staircase, the movement between levels feels intuitive and inviting.
A simple palette of materials, understated in their appearance but detailed in their execution, are threaded throughout the home. Gathering spaces are represented with open slats, grounding brick, white oak, and bright walls. Movement deeper into the house brings refined slat panels with integrated hardware at kitchen millwork, softly painted cabinetry, and warm tones of walnut in furniture elements. The most private spaces of the home further extrude the slat element into fluted panels, painted in deeper colors.

These clients loved the historic details of their classic Portland Bungalow, but wished for modern updates to improve livability. We were able to capture square footage to the kitchen by removing an unused chimney allowing us to increase additional work surface with the addition of a narrow island. Where traffic flow previously moved directly across the work triangle, the new layout keeps cooking activities within one zone of the kitchen and shifting traffic flow to another zone, allowing their daughter and four-legged family members to run through the space freely! High-end appliances create a luxury cooking experience. Crisp surfaces and colors create a light and bright space while classically sized crown and trim profiles draw the eye up and around the room offering a feeling of expanse in a modestly sized footprint. The blue and white color pallet offer a subtle reminder to coastal and tropical environments … the client’s favorite place to escape!

Sponsored
Sunbury, OH
J.Holderby - Renovations
Franklin County's Leading General Contractors - 2X Best of Houzz!

This more formal sitting room offers a calm, intimate space just off the main living area — a place designed for quiet conversation, reading, or unwinding at the end of the day. Positioned to feel connected yet separate, the room provides a sense of retreat without isolation.
Thoughtful lighting, warm wall tones, and classic furnishings create an inviting atmosphere, while views to the covered outdoor living area add depth and natural light. The scale of the room encourages conversation and reflection, offering an alternative to the larger, more active gathering spaces in the home.
Designed with intention and balance, this sitting room reflects a quieter form of luxury — one centered on comfort, privacy, and the enjoyment of time well spent.

With a new baby on the way, this new young couple bought a fixer upper in Castro Valley. The couple really envisioned a peaceful, open, modern oasis that withstands the rigors of an active new child, along with a dog and cats. Every surface of this house was touched. Everything old was replaced with new surfaces and finishes. We created a focal point with function by using a dramatic wall color and wall of shelving. Using a soothing color palette that calls to mind the natural surroundings we achieved the tranquil vibe they were looking for. Yoko used clean multifunctional furniture to create zones and provide welcoming spaces for family and friends, while the warm light wood floors that expand throughout the home make it still feel cohesive. We can’t wait for this new family to make many memories in this beautiful space.

A description of the homeowners and space from Linnzy, the Presidential Pools, Spas & Patio designer who worked on this project:
"The homeowners can be described as an active family of three boys. They tend to host family and friends and wanted a space that could fill their large backyard and yet be functional for the kids and adults. The contemporary straight lines of the pool match the interior of the house giving them a resort feel in the very own backyard! The large pergola is a perfect area to cool off in the shade while enjoying a large outdoor kitchen as well as an oversized fire pit for the cooler nights and roasting marshmallows. They wanted a wow factor as the pool is the main focal point from the living room, and the oversized wall and rain sheer did the trick!"

This Historical Home was built in the Columbia Country Club in 1925 and was ready for a new, modern kitchen which kept the traditional feel of the home. A previous sunroom addition created a dining room, but the original kitchen layout kept the two rooms divided. The kitchen was a small and cramped c-shape with a narrow door leading into the dining area.
The kitchen and dining room were completely opened up, creating a long, galley style, open layout which maximized the space and created a very good flow. Dimensions In Wood worked in conjuction with the client’s architect and contractor to complete this renovation.
Custom cabinets were built to use every square inch of the floorplan, with the cabinets extending all the way to the ceiling for the most storage possible. Our woodworkers even created a step stool, staining it to match the kitchen for reaching these high cabinets. The family already had a kitchen table and chairs they were happy with, so we refurbished them to match the kitchen’s new stain and paint color.
Crown molding top the cabinet boxes and extends across the ceiling where they create a coffered ceiling, highlighting the beautiful light fixtures centered on a wood medallion.
Columns were custom built to provide separation between the different sections of the kitchen, while also providing structural support.
Our master craftsmen kept the original 1925 glass cabinet doors, fitted them with modern hardware, repainted and incorporated them into new cabinet boxes. TASK LED Lighting was added to this china cabinet, highlighting the family’s decorative dishes.
Appliance Garage
On one side of the kitchen we built an appliance garage with doors that slide back into the cabinet, integrated power outlets and door activated lighting. Beside this is a small Galley Workstation for beverage and bar service which has the Galley Bar Kit perfect for sliced limes and more.
Baking Cabinet with Pocket Doors
On the opposite side, a baking cabinet was built to house a mixer and all the supplies needed for creating confections. Automatic LED lights, triggered by opening the door, create a perfect baker’s workstation. Both pocket doors slide back inside the cabinet for maximum workspace, then close to hide everything, leaving a clean, minimal kitchen devoid of clutter.
Super deep, custom drawers feature custom dividers beneath the baking cabinet. Then beneath the appliance garage another deep drawer has custom crafted produce boxes per the customer’s request.
Central to the kitchen is a walnut accent island with a granite countertop and a Stainless Steel Galley Workstation and an overhang for seating. Matching bar stools slide out of the way, under the overhang, when not in use. A color matched outlet cover hides power for the island whenever appliances are needed during preparation.
The Galley Workstation has several useful attachments like a cutting board, drying rack, colander holder, and more. Integrated into the stone countertops are a drinking water spigot, a soap dispenser, garbage disposal button and the pull out, sprayer integrated faucet.
Directly across from the conveniently positioned stainless steel sink is a Bertazzoni Italia stove with 5 burner cooktop. A custom mosaic tile backsplash makes a beautiful focal point. Then, on opposite sides of the stove, columns conceal Rev-a-Shelf pull out towers which are great for storing small items, spices, and more. All outlets on the stone covered walls also sport dual USB outlets for charging mobile devices.
Stainless Steel Whirlpool appliances throughout keep a consistent and clean look. The oven has a matching microwave above it which also works as a convection oven. Dual Whirlpool dishwashers can handle all the family’s dirty dishes.
The flooring has black, marble tile inlays surrounded by ceramic tile, which are period correct for the age of this home, while still being modern, durable and easy to clean.
Finally, just off the kitchen we also remodeled their bar and snack alcove. A small liquor cabinet, with a refrigerator and wine fridge sits opposite a snack bar and wine glass cabinets. Crown molding, granite countertops and cabinets were all customized to match this space with the rest of the stunning kitchen.
Dimensions In Wood is more than 40 years of custom cabinets. We always have been, but we want YOU to know just how much more there is to our Dimensions.
The Dimensions we cover are endless: custom cabinets, quality water, appliances, countertops, wooden beams, Marvin windows, and more. We can handle every aspect of your kitchen, bathroom or home remodel.

This Historical Home was built in the Columbia Country Club in 1925 and was ready for a new, modern kitchen which kept the traditional feel of the home. A previous sunroom addition created a dining room, but the original kitchen layout kept the two rooms divided. The kitchen was a small and cramped c-shape with a narrow door leading into the dining area.
The kitchen and dining room were completely opened up, creating a long, galley style, open layout which maximized the space and created a very good flow. Dimensions In Wood worked in conjuction with the client’s architect and contractor to complete this renovation.
Custom cabinets were built to use every square inch of the floorplan, with the cabinets extending all the way to the ceiling for the most storage possible. Our woodworkers even created a step stool, staining it to match the kitchen for reaching these high cabinets. The family already had a kitchen table and chairs they were happy with, so we refurbished them to match the kitchen’s new stain and paint color.
Crown molding top the cabinet boxes and extends across the ceiling where they create a coffered ceiling, highlighting the beautiful light fixtures centered on a wood medallion.
Columns were custom built to provide separation between the different sections of the kitchen, while also providing structural support.
Our master craftsmen kept the original 1925 glass cabinet doors, fitted them with modern hardware, repainted and incorporated them into new cabinet boxes. TASK LED Lighting was added to this china cabinet, highlighting the family’s decorative dishes.
Appliance Garage
On one side of the kitchen we built an appliance garage with doors that slide back into the cabinet, integrated power outlets and door activated lighting. Beside this is a small Galley Workstation for beverage and bar service which has the Galley Bar Kit perfect for sliced limes and more.
Baking Cabinet with Pocket Doors
On the opposite side, a baking cabinet was built to house a mixer and all the supplies needed for creating confections. Automatic LED lights, triggered by opening the door, create a perfect baker’s workstation. Both pocket doors slide back inside the cabinet for maximum workspace, then close to hide everything, leaving a clean, minimal kitchen devoid of clutter.
Super deep, custom drawers feature custom dividers beneath the baking cabinet. Then beneath the appliance garage another deep drawer has custom crafted produce boxes per the customer’s request.
Central to the kitchen is a walnut accent island with a granite countertop and a Stainless Steel Galley Workstation and an overhang for seating. Matching bar stools slide out of the way, under the overhang, when not in use. A color matched outlet cover hides power for the island whenever appliances are needed during preparation.
The Galley Workstation has several useful attachments like a cutting board, drying rack, colander holder, and more. Integrated into the stone countertops are a drinking water spigot, a soap dispenser, garbage disposal button and the pull out, sprayer integrated faucet.
Directly across from the conveniently positioned stainless steel sink is a Bertazzoni Italia stove with 5 burner cooktop. A custom mosaic tile backsplash makes a beautiful focal point. Then, on opposite sides of the stove, columns conceal Rev-a-Shelf pull out towers which are great for storing small items, spices, and more. All outlets on the stone covered walls also sport dual USB outlets for charging mobile devices.
Stainless Steel Whirlpool appliances throughout keep a consistent and clean look. The oven has a matching microwave above it which also works as a convection oven. Dual Whirlpool dishwashers can handle all the family’s dirty dishes.
The flooring has black, marble tile inlays surrounded by ceramic tile, which are period correct for the age of this home, while still being modern, durable and easy to clean.
Finally, just off the kitchen we also remodeled their bar and snack alcove. A small liquor cabinet, with a refrigerator and wine fridge sits opposite a snack bar and wine glass cabinets. Crown molding, granite countertops and cabinets were all customized to match this space with the rest of the stunning kitchen.
Dimensions In Wood is more than 40 years of custom cabinets. We always have been, but we want YOU to know just how much more there is to our Dimensions.
The Dimensions we cover are endless: custom cabinets, quality water, appliances, countertops, wooden beams, Marvin windows, and more. We can handle every aspect of your kitchen, bathroom or home remodel.

Tracery incorporates the natural color variations of striated yarns with the sophistication of an interlaced trellis motif. Inspired by the integration of natural, handcrafted materials and the influence of green design in the home, this unique design offers a handcrafted look and feel. The loop texture adds incredible performance with exceptional style. Constructed of STAINMASTER® Luxerell® nylon fiber and part of the Active Family™ brand.

Sponsored
Columbus, OH
Free consultation for landscape design!
Peabody Landscape Group
Franklin County's Reliable Landscape Design & Contracting

A unique combination of stone, siding and window adds plenty of charm to this Craftsman-inspired design. Pillars at the front door invite guests inside, where a spacious floor plan makes them feel at home. At the center of the plan is the large family kitchen, which includes a convenient island with built-in table and a private hearth room. The foyer leads to the spacious living room which features a fireplace. At night, enjoy your private master suite, which boasts a serene sitting room, a roomy bath and a personal patio. Upstairs are three additional bedrooms and baths and a loft, while the lower level contains a famly room, office, guest bedroom and handy kids activity area.
Photographer: Chuck Heiney

After: We reimagined the space with frameless beveled shaker cabinetry in ‘Pearl Bliss’, paired with a stunning engineered quartz countertop in a Pearl Jasmine finish. The new kitchen island, painted in rich ‘Hale Navy’, adds contrast and style, while under-cabinet LED lighting enhances brightness. The relocation of the refrigerator opened up more wall space for additional upper cabinetry, greatly improving functionality. Modern matte black fixtures, a touch-activated pull-down faucet, and sleek pendant lighting complete the transformation, making the space feel brighter, more open, and endlessly inviting.

Design Challenges:
-Offer sufficient storage despite a very large window and many appliances
-Include an island without crowding the existing breakfast table
-Create a feeling of warmth in an all-white kitchen
Design Solutions:
-Take wall cabinets up to the 10′ ceiling – this facilitates plenty of storage for everyday items and items that are used less frequently
-Scale the island’s potential back a bit and add furniture details so that it fits into the space beautifully
-Add glass doors to the cabinets surrounding the hood – displaying carefully curated items and keepsakes is a great way to add color to a mostly white space
-Matte black hardware and lighting adds contrast and keeps things fresh
THE RENEWED SPACE
The family loves their new kitchen. As a focal point for meals and activities, it is the hub of their day-to-day lives. The bright, light-filled space is great for cooking, enjoying meals and spending time with family and friends.

An serene, inviting bedroom and sitting room for a creative, active teenager. She requested a Scandinavian look and feel with plenty of space to dance, paint, and hang out with friends.

Bathroom in Ironwood Drive | Warm Modern Home in Scottsdale, AZ |
Room Type: Whole Home Remodel and Furnishings |
Project Name: Ironwood Drive Residence |
Key Feature: A Tuscan home transformed into a warm modern interior through a full remodel and furnishings, highlighted by a custom hand-painted terracotta tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, and a new fireplace clad in basalt black stone that anchors the living space with drama and elegance.
Challenge: Tuscan homes in Scottsdale are everywhere, and the design language that defined them, heavy wood, ornate details, dark iron, and rustic stone, does not transition gracefully on its own. The goal was to shed that Old World weight and move the home into something warmer and more current without losing the character that makes a remodeled home feel intentional rather than generic.
Solution: Living with Lolo led the full remodel and furnishings as a single integrated project, which meant every decision from the custom cabinetry to the final throw pillow was made in service of the same design vision. The hand-painted terracotta tile backsplash brought artisan character into the kitchen in a way that felt fresh rather than Tuscan, and the basalt black stone fireplace gave the living space a bold focal point that reads as distinctly modern. Because Lauren holds both an interior design credential and an active Arizona ROC general contractor license, the construction and design were managed under one roof with no gap between the two.
Materials: Custom hand-painted terracotta tile backsplash, custom cabinetry, basalt black stone fireplace, curated warm modern furnishings and textiles sourced through Living with Lolo's trade relationships.
Budget: $250,000 to $550,000 |
Timeline: Approximately 5 to 9 months from design through completion.

This garage conversion in La Crescenta transformed an underutilized space into a stylish and highly functional laundry room combined with a playroom. The goal was to create a practical, organized area that feels modern, durable, and welcoming for everyday use.
Cambria quartz countertops were selected for their durability and sleek finish—ideal for a high-use laundry space. Rich dark blue cabinetry adds depth and character, while black fixtures and dark gold hardware introduce a balanced, contemporary contrast.
The light gray epoxy flooring provides a seamless, durable surface that resists wear and stains, making it perfect for both laundry tasks and children’s activities. A modular storage system was installed to maximize organization and maintain a clean, clutter-free environment.
Through close collaboration with the homeowner, this garage remodel was thoughtfully designed to combine functionality, style, and flexibility creating a versatile space that serves the family’s daily needs.

Stuart Wade, Envision Virtual Tours
Envision Virtual Tours and High Resolution Photography is your best choice to find just what you are looking for in the Ellijay, Ga. area .Ellijay, Georgia, known as the “Apple Capital” of Georgia, is located between the Ellijay and Cartecay Rivers where they join to make the Coosawattee River and is the county seat of Gilmer County, Georgia. The origin of the city’s name is not certain but thought to be the English derivative of an Indian word(s) meaning “many waters”, “place of green things” or “new ground”. Some histories say it may have been named for an Indian chief.
Inhabited for countless years by the Cherokee people indigenous to the North Georgia, the area was first mentioned as a village and trade center before the onslaught of white settlers inhabited the region. During the 1830’s both white settlers and Indians occupied Ellijay. During the original land lottery in 1832, Martin Scalf acquired the 160 acre lot where the town now stands. In 1833, Clemonds Quinland bought 10 acres from Scalf, retained one acre for himself and donated the rest of the purchase to the County. A plan for twenty town lots, streets and a public square was created and the streets were oriented to allow maximum sunlight exposure to the buildings.
Proceeds from lot sales were used to build a jail and courthouse and pay other city expenses. During this same year, Gilmer County was appropriated $800.00 from the State to build a school, and a three-acre lot was donated for the city cemetery. On December 29, l834, Ellijay was incorporated and designated as the County seat of Gilmer County. By 1837, the town had twenty dwellings, three stores and one attorney. Most of these early buildings were of log construction.
Many roads led to Ellijay by 1849. The population had grown to 150 by 1850 and the town at five stores. Some wood-frame buildings were being constructed at this time and in 1854, a new courthouse was built in the center of the square, replacing the earlier building. The County’s first newspaper was the Ellijay Courier, started in 1875, and during this time period, Ellijay was a stop on the stagecoach line. The railroad bridge over the Cartecay River was completed in 1884 and the town now had rail service.
With the arrival of the railroad and subsequent tracks to White Path, Ellijay began to grow much faster. Many hotels were constructed and land was donated for a depot east of town. More industries, such as a cheese factory and the Shippen Brothers Lumber Mill, located in Ellijay. By 1898, the city had expanded its limits in every direction and now included the depot.
By 1900, all the buildings on the town square were brick. This included the recently completed Hyatt Hotel. Most of the other buildings in town were still of log construction, but new wood-frame buildings were being built. The Shippen Brothers Lumber Company production was expanding and exporting their lumber to Europe. Within the next few decades, this company grew to be one of the largest employers in Ellijay, often with five to six million feet of lumber in the yard at one time.
The population of Ellijay grew to 659 by 1910, and began to acquire many new modern conveniences such as electric lights and power, a telephone company and many new businesses.
Then in 1912, a fire ravaged the city, destroying 23 buildings. As a result, many new buildings were constructed under new and stricter fire and safety guidelines. The population, however, decreased slightly at this time to 632 in 1920.
During the 1920’s the town’s population began to grow again and, by this time, apples were being shipped out of the county and new storage facilities were built. Chickens were also shipped to markets outside of Ellijay and Gilmer County.
From the mid 1930’s to 1950, Ellijay received much assistance from the Federal WPA Programs. The old courthouse was removed from the center of town square and the Hyatt Hotel was remodeled to be the new courthouse. A park was created on the site of the old courthouse and the streets around the square were paved. A new street was built at this time entering town from the northeast. Other new roads, bridges, sidewalks and gutters were constructed to improve the city. A school and gymnasium were also built and other structures improved.
This growth began to impact the city’s infrastructure and in the l950’s and l960’s, a period of upgrading water systems, roads, and power supplies began. New low-rent housing appeared in l960 and a new hospital was built in l957. Georgia Highway 5 was widened in l962, new buildings around the square replaced old ones and some were remodeled. In 1974, the hospital was enlarged.
Currently, Ellijay attracts tourists who love the small-town feel and friendly atmosphere. Hotels and restaurants, unique shops, antiques and art galleries lend their charms to those who visit. A new courthouse constructed to resemble the old one, new streetscaping, family-oriented downtown events and the beautification of the square have stepped up the social and economic activity and have made Ellijay a popular destination.
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