Lush greenery surrounds this hidden gem, comfortably located in a suburb of Homewood, Alabama. Combining the old and the new through colourful decor that reflects depth and warmth, the house is a mix-and-match of styles and periods, featuring nostalgic elements in a vibrant and energetic atmosphere.
The owners had embarked on a journey to find their forever home, a place where they could create lasting memories. Their pursuit took an unexpected turn when they stumbled upon this property: a house on a 4 000-square-metre plot with natural privacy, terrace shade, and breathtaking views of the city – however, it wasn’t on the market at the time.
Determined not to let this slice of paradise slip away, the would-be buyers approached the existing owners off-market, and made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Through negotiation and many heartfelt conversations they secured the property, grateful for the opportunity to call this haven their family home. And then embarked on a journey to make it their own.
Shortly after closing the deal, the property’s new owners reached out to husband-and-wife designers Kevin and Leigh Misso of River Brook to facilitate the renovation they were picturing.
What does it take to transform a dated space into a forever home? Three large additions – namely a cutting-edge kitchen, an outdoor living space and a detached garage – plus a full interior renovation.
The house was originally built back in the 1990s, and the full renovation was completed in 2023. The result? A home that feels both contemporary and timeless, thanks to a modern, romantic architectural style that seamlessly combines the clean lines of traditional styles with the innovative materials of modern design.
‘The aesthetics of this home seamlessly intertwine the classic allure of 19th-century French antiques with the vibrancy of modern elements,’ says Leigh Misso. ‘The overarching theme was to create a warm and inviting ambiance; 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.’
Today, vintage pieces are strategically placed to evoke a sense of history and nostalgia; while contemporary touches, such as pops of modern art, sleek furniture and colour contrast, have injected a fresh and dynamic energy.
One such re-energised space is the made-over kitchen, where antique urns have been transformed into lamps and a modern approach to the kitchen table comes in the form of mix-and-match seating, accompanied by a custom-upholstered green velvet bench.
The juxtaposition of bold cosiness is carried through into the atmosphere of the study, where deep off-black gloss on the walls creates a punchy vibe by day and a sumptuous feeling by night. Strategically (of course), the same palette was used in the main bedroom.
