The general perception about eco-friendly homes is that they employ a wide variety of cutting-edge innovations and an array of sustainable features to get the job done. But there are times when smart home design can take care of business with same effectiveness. Cara Cummings and Jose Tavel, partners in TaC Studios and life, conjured up and brought to life their gorgeous home in Atlanta with a hint of green goodness. Having bagged Silver LEED certification for its “resource-efficient design”, the lovely residence blends form, functionality and sustainability with effortless charm.

One of the first things that we love is the use of stoic grey on the outside and the sleek façade that looks even more sophisticated after sunset. Step inside and a staircase in American walnut greets you and leads to the first floor that holds the living room, the dining area and the kitchen. Moving away from the popular trend, the living areas are a blend of an open floor plan and segmented rooms that use a wall or two to clearly define each space. A large mask collection and lovely wall art stand out in the living room, while expansive windows usher in ample ventilation.

A sleek, modern kitchen with a gorgeous island and back-painted glass backsplash in white leads to the spacious dining room, where a DIY light fixture crafted from salvaged branches steals the show. A serene master suite with an understated Asian style, a laundry room and a lovely bookshelf in the hallway grace the second floor. At the front of the residence is the office of TaC Studios and a conference room for those intense brainstorming sessions!

Completing this carefully curated Atlanta home is the lovely backyard with a deck in Dasso bamboo, a koi pond with stepping stones and a beautiful porch next to the lap pool. With ample natural ventilation and passive heating and cooling design, the energy needs of the house are kept to a bare minimum.