Acclaimed interior designer Amber Guyton transformed an Athens, Georgia residence for a busy young couple with a baby on the way. The owner of Blessed Little Bungalow incorporated saturated colors, rich millwork, cultural artwork and sculptural furnishings throughout. This approach dramatically altered the home’s original aesthetic of all-white walls and matte black farmhouse fixtures into a vibrant home filled with character, warmth and sophistication. Aptly dubbed “Project New Beginnings,” the interiors are a visual breath of fresh air filled with charm and personality, perfect for a growing family.
Gwen Donovan: What were your clients’ goals for this re-design project?
Amber Guyton: The home was recently renovated prior to my clients purchasing it, so it was important for us to bring some traditional elements in alongside the existing modern elements to bring balance to each space. More than anything, my clients wanted me to blend their backgrounds and style (collected from their previous homes in California, Michigan and Florida) that would help them fall in love with this new chapter of their lives as they plant roots in their newest home.
GD: With a generous 5,400 square-foot floor plan, did you encounter any design challenges?
AG: Although this felt like a massive home, it was well-segmented into individual rooms (something I love about older homes, open concept floor plans can be overrated!), so we were intentional about giving each space its own identity while still complementing eachother. From wallpaper and rich colors, to layering contrasting patterns and textures, we were able to create a cozy vibe in each room that easily enveloped anyone who entered.
GD: Can you share some of the custom features you included in this renovation?
AG: To honor the traditional style of the renovated home, we added millwork in the formal living room and wallpaper in the nearby formal dining room. This interrupted the modern farmhouse changes made throughout the home, helping it return to the traditional Southern home it was intended to be, both visually and emotionally.
GD: What is the homeowner’s favorite space?
AG: The homeowners’ favorite space is the nursery. Welcoming their first child was such a pivotal and priceless moment for the couple, so much so that everything felt complete once she arrived. The nursery is calming, whimsical and filled with sweetness. Entering it feels like you’re escaping the world into a safe, serene space. The mix of lavender, natural tones and botanical wallpaper was the perfect combination for the unique room size. One of the most touching parts was the beautiful gallery wall of the baby’s guardian angels (living and deceased grandparents and ancestors) next to her crib. Framing these beautiful black and white photos was a very touching tribute to the couple’s family, in addition to affirming pennants, books, and imagery for their daughter as a little Black girl.
GD: Did you have any surprises during the renovation process?
AG: The biggest surprises were a few furniture delivery mishaps and damages, but I tried my best to make the process as smooth as possible while the future mother was expecting and soon to be nesting, and again afterward once the baby arrived. They also welcomed a new puppy into the home, so we had a few accidents on the rugs, but the puppy is so cute I didn’t hold it against them!
Photography by Marc Mauldin.
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