What was the brief?

• In Homewood, our clients embarked on a journey to find their forever home, a place where they can create lasting memories. Their pursuit took an unexpected turn when they stumbled upon a hidden gem: a one-acre + lot with an existing home not on the market. The average lot size in Homewood is .25 of an acre and this existing home sat just over 1 acre with privacy, terrace shade, and breathtaking views of the city. Our clients approached the existing owners off-market and made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Determined not to let this slice of paradise slip away, the family embarked on the journey to make it their own. Through negotiations and heartfelt conversations, they secured the lot, grateful for the opportunity to call this haven their forever home. Shortly after closing on the property the Ydel’s reached out to River Brook to design the house to include three large additions, a kitchen, outdoor living space, a detached garage, plus a full interior renovation of 5,000square feet. The large, detached garage is for the husband to work on his golf game, with a high end golf simulator. They were looking for a design-build firm that would do both the design and construction of the home.
• During design, the family envisioned their dream house, a home that joins harmoniously with the landscape, allowing the outside to become an integral part of their everyday living. By incorporating different textures, colors, and styles, we have created a visually captivating interior that strikes a perfect balance between modernity and timeless elegance. The result is an inviting and harmonious space that celebrates both innovation and sophistication.
• The juxtaposition of old and new was a deliberate choice, drawing inspiration from the timeless elegance of traditional French antiques and the sleek sophistication of modern design. We sought to marry these contrasting styles in a way that not only respected the historical context but also breathed new life into the space.
• The warmth of the overall design was achieved through carefully selected color palettes, rich textures and colors, and a thoughtful arrangement of furnishings. Antique pieces were strategically placed to evoke a sense of history and nostalgia, while contemporary touches, such as pops of modern art and sleek furniture, injected a fresh and dynamic energy.
• While navigating the intricate process of designing and decorating this home, there were several delightful anecdotes that added a personal touch to the project. One memorable instance involved sourcing a set of 19th-century French antiques from a charming antique store in Atlanta. As we carefully selected each piece, the store owner shared fascinating stories about their provenance, infusing the collection with a rich history that became an integral part of the home's narrative.
• In the foyer, we embarked on a creative endeavor that became a distinctive focal point of the home – the checkerboard flooring. To achieve this unique look, we opted for a classic yet contemporary approach by staining the oak in two different tones. This design choice not only added a touch of visual intrigue but also created a dynamic and welcoming entryway that set the tone for the entire home.
• The process of staining the wood was a meticulous one, requiring precision and attention to detail. As the two stains interacted, a beautiful contrast emerged, contributing to the timeless charm of the checkerboard pattern. This bespoke flooring not only showcased our commitment to personalized design but also became a conversation starter, with guests often admiring the craftsmanship and the thoughtful consideration behind such a seemingly simple yet impactful element.

What were the key challenges?

• The biggest challenge was creating a layout that caters to the family's needs and preferences. Balancing private and shared spaces while ensuring a seamless flow throughout the home required careful consideration.
• Incorporating a butler's pantry into the layout posed its own set of challenges. The challenge here was to strike a balance between accessibility and discreet storage, allowing for a seamless transition between the kitchen and the pantry.
• The need for ample storage space in both the kitchen and butler's pantry was a significant consideration. Designing creative and efficient storage solutions to accommodate kitchen tools, appliances, and pantry items while maintaining a clutter-free appearance was a priority.
• Developing a comprehensive space plan involved determining the optimal placement of rooms, considering factors such as sunlight exposure, privacy, and ease of movement. The layout was fine-tuned to create a cohesive and functional living space. The overall design process took 3 months.

What materials did you choose and why?

• Flooring - White Oak: White Oak was chosen for its timeless appeal, durability, and ability to lend warmth to the space. Its neutral tones provide a versatile backdrop for the eclectic mix of furnishings and design elements.
• Hardware - Unlacquered Brass: Unlacquered brass was selected for its ability to age gracefully, developing a beautiful patina over time. This choice adds a touch of vintage charm while offering a durable and low-maintenance option for various hardware throughout the home.
• White Oak – Cabinetry: Continuity in material choice ensures a cohesive design. White Oak cabinetry complements the flooring, creating a seamless flow and contributing to the overall warmth of the home.
• Calcutta Marble: Used for the kitchen's perimeter and slab splash, Calcutta marble brings a luxurious and classic touch. Its natural veining adds visual interest, while its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas like the kitchen.
• Soapstone Surfaces: Chosen for the island and butler's pantry, soapstone provides a tactile and sophisticated surface. Its dark color creates a striking contrast and adds depth to the design.
• Marble Fireplace Surround: Marble for the fireplace surround adds a timeless and elegant focal point to the living space. Its classic appeal aligns with the overall design aesthetic.
• Marble in All Bathrooms: Consistent use of marble in all bathrooms maintains a cohesive theme throughout the home, elevating the level of sophistication in these spaces.
• Limestone Fireplace on the Porch: Limestone was selected for the fireplace on the porch for its durability outdoors and its ability to withstand varying weather conditions while maintaining a refined appearance.
• Cedar Roof and Exterior: Cedar was chosen for both the roof and exterior to introduce a natural and warm element. Its weather-resistant properties make it an excellent choice for outdoor applications.
• Concrete Dining Table on Exterior: Concrete provides a durable and contemporary option for the outdoor dining table, complementing the overall design theme while withstanding outdoor conditions.

Team:
Architect: River Brook 
Stylists: Buffy Hargett and Mary Beth Jones 
Photography: Laurey Glenn

Material Used:

1. Facade cladding: Cedar Shake Siding, Fire Rock
2. Flooring: White Oak #2 character, Bona Floor Stain
3. Doors: Wood/ Clad, Windsor
4. Windows: Wood/ Clad, Windsor
5. Interior lighting: Included below, Mostly Visual Comfort from Mayer Lighting
6. Interior furniture:

• Daughters Bedroom
  • Custom Valence and drapery & bed skirt- Capri Blue by Ferrick Mason
  • Wall Paper Ceiling - Capri Blue by Ferrick Mason
  • Ceiling fixture- visual comfort
  • Bedding- Matouk
  • Night Stand- Phillips Scott
  • Chair- Vintage chair recovered in blue Velvet
  • Rug- Deer Field
• Daughters Bathroom-
  • Wall Paper Ceiling - Capri Blue by Ferrick Mason
  • Marble surfaces
  • Lighting- Visual Comfort
  • Hardware- unlacquered Alno tab pulls
  • Cabinetry- custom by Refinery Custom Cabinets
• Den
  • Leather Chair- Herman Miller
  • Coffee Table – Worlds a Way
  • Floor Lamps- CB2
  • Art Mckenzie Dove Commission
  • Rug- Custom cut Deer Field
  • French Buffet/ side board & marble top- 19^th century French – antique dealer in Atlanta
  • Chair- Robbert Abbey
  • Pillows custom- Fabricut velvet
  • Lighting- visual comfort
• Foyer
  • Entry table- custom made
  • Lighting- visual comfort, Mayer
  • Upholstery door- custom
  • Drapery- custom
  • Entry sofa- custom
  • Drink table- elegant earth
  • Art- family crest- family heirloom
  • Floor lamps- visual comfort
  • Chair- African from a family estate
  • Side Board- French antique 19^th century, antique dealer Loft Antiques
  • Art- family heirloom
  • Flooring- oak stained in a check pattern
  • Leather chair- family heirloom
  • Mirror- French repousse Mirror antique dealer
• Exterior front elevation
  • Architectural design, River Brook
  • Gas lamps- copper Smith
  • Car- mustang 1967
• Daughters room 2 bathroom-
  • Thibaut Eden Mystic Garden custom roman
  • Art- Carrie Pittman
  • Mirror- uttermost
  • Lighting- Ballard
  • Vanity- custom
• Daughters Bedroom
  • Side tables- Phillips Scott
  • Drapery- custom
  • Chair- coley home
  • Rug- custom
  • Bed skirt- custom
  • Day bed- coley home
  • Drapery- custom
  • Sconces- visual comfort
  • Shades- custom
  • Art- Carrie Pittman
  • Desk chair- coley home
  • Desk- Antique dealer
• Kitchen
  • Lamps- antique urns made into lamps
  • Table- custom glass top and pedestal elegant earth
  • Chairs- interlude
  • Bench – custom, fabric Cowtan & Tout, trim Schumacher
  • Range- la Cornue France
  • Art- McKenzie Dove, frames UL brass custom
  • Cabinetry-custom refinery
  • Lighting- overhead custom metal chandelier
  • Stools- leather custom made
  • Faucet- Fixtures & finishes Newport Brass
  • Marble- Calcutta Marble
  • Sconces- Visual Comfort
• Laundry
  • Wall paper- Schumacher
  • Cabinetry- Refinery
• Living
  • Sofa- custom made blue velvet
  • Chairs- Lee Industries
  • Antlers- various antique shops
  • Lamps- Visual Comfort
  • Coffee table- French antique copper table
  • Day Bed- Coley Home
  • Drop leaf Table- Crown And Colony Antiques
  • French Arm Chairs- Antique recovered in Schumacher fabric
  • Artwork- antique dealer
  • Drapery- custom
  • Rug- custom layered with Oushak
• Office-
  • Antique doors from Charles Phillips
  • Desk- 19^th century French Renaissance desk hand carved, local antique dealer
  • Chair- Vintage tulip chair in high gloss white
  • Art- Antique dealer
• Powder Bathroom
  • Vanity- Stone
  • Faucet -Fixtures & finishes water works
  • Lamps- Visual Comfort
  • Wallpaper- grass cloth Schumacher
  • Mirror- antique Italian baroque mirror
  • Art- antique vendor in Birmingham
• Primary Bedroom
  • Bed- Noir
  • Sconces- Visual Comfort
  • Lamps- made from antique urns
  • Bedside tables- Worlds a way
  • Bedding- Matouk
  • Bolster- custom
  • Mirror- French repose Mirror local dealer in Birmingham
  • Hide Chairs- Lee Industries
  • Rug- Custom
  • Art- Joe Turner
  • Drapery -Custom
• Primary Bathroom
  • Tub chandelier- Visual Comfort
  • Tub & faucet- Fixtures & Finishes
  • Drapes- custom
  • Chair- Antique corner chair from Atlanta dealer
  • Mirror- antique dealer in Birmingham
  • Sconces- Currey and Co.
  • Art- Joe Turner
  • Rug- Warm Oushak from Nashville Rug company