Decatur bungalow shows off family’s eclectic taste

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Decatur bungalow shows off family’s eclectic taste

When they bought the Decatur bungalow in 1993, its curb appeal lacked character, they said. Liefje and George Smith elevated the roof and designed the medallion and latticework that surround the porch. She drew some of the inspiration from the geometrical themes found in international architecture and design.

The pendants over the kitchen bar are from Rejuvenation.

Some of Liefje Smith's favorite pieces are the matching Barbara Barry chairs in the living room, with a geometric pattern in neutral colors and delicately curved arms.

The wooden capital that once adorned a column was found at Scott Antique Market and now makes an interesting art piece in the Smiths' home.

The sofa by Hickory in the living room is from Mathews Furniture + Design, the accent pillows are from Williams-Sonoma and the coffee table is from Marguerite's on Dresden.

The painting in the guest bathroom is by Liefje "Liefy" Smith. The first-prize winner is part of a series focusing on windows and chairs inspired by photos she took in Madison.

The Smiths found the carved wooden lowboy in the front guest room at an auction while they were living in Annapolis, Md., and added the marble top. The painting is by Liefje Smith.

On what Liefje Smith calls her "ancestry wall," the large central photo is of the home where she grew up in Mississippi, and above that is a photo of her grandmother's home in Japan. Other photos show the interior of her grandmother's home, and the wicker furniture seen in the pictures were the inspiration for the wicker chair from Dearing Antiques.

To liven up the original flooring that was well-worn in places like the kitchen, Liefje Smith painted a floral and geometric design that matches the front porch's motif.

In the dining area off of the kitchen, Liefje Smith designed the bench and bar area to accommodate what she says became the natural gathering spot. Hidden below the bar sink is a Sub-Zero mini-refrigerator.

The eclectic interiors feature cabinets painted Benjamin Moore's Palm Trees. "I decided with it being so small I was just going to pack in some good design details," said Liefje Smith. She selected granite countertops with an ogee edge and colorful painted knobs and pulls from MacKenzie-Childs.

A train passed down from Liefje's father is above George Smith's desk. The two sconces are from Progressive Lighting.

Pine beadboard runs perpendicular to oak beams on the ceiling while windows cover three walls in the art studio.

Liefje Smith's favorite room in the Decatur house is her art studio, designed by her husband, George. Her work is part of the 2019 "Women Create" art show hosted through March by Trinity Mercantile & Design and the Decatur Art Alliance at Trinity's shop in downtown Decatur.

An abstract painting propped on a bench shows how artwork casually fits into the artist's home in Decatur.

The Smith's daughter, Sacha, studied art in college, and as a project painted the self portrait on the right side of the living room wall. Liefje said she loved the piece and asked her daughter to create a matching portrait of her brother, Ben. The console table is by Baker.

The black leather armchairs in the family room are from Ethan Allen, the teal chenille pillows are from Trinity Mercantile & Design Co., the Asian-print pillows are from etsy.com and the drapery is from Pottery Barn.

In the master bathroom, a unique cabinet from Texas artist David Marsh hangs over the toilet.

A quilt by Judi Boisson hangs on a landing. The quilt can be spotted in Sacha Smith's portrait of her brother in the living room, giving extra meaning to both pieces.

The previous owners finished the attic and turned it into a master bedroom with an attached bathroom. The furniture is from Crate & Barrel and the accent pillow is from etsy.com.

In the family room, the couch is from Baker and customizable panel rug is from Flor. With an active dog, the Smiths have been through several rugs, but the removable panels have been easier to keep clean, Liefje said.

Trying not to overscale the house for their Decatur neighborhood, the Smiths gave extra roominess to the porch by curving the side that overlooks the yard. They used beadboard on the ceiling. The outdoor sofa is form Crate & Barrel and the tall chairs belonged to Liefje Smith's grandmothers.

Liefje "Liefy" and George Smith bought their 1930 bungalow in Decatur in 1993, when their children, Ben and Sacha, were teenagers. They now live there with their dog, Rudder. Liefje is an artist and George is a retired facilities director for the Navy.

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When they bought the Decatur bungalow in 1993, its curb appeal lacked character, they said. Liefje and George Smith elevated the roof and designed the medallion and latticework that surround the porch. She drew some of the inspiration from the geometrical themes found in international architecture and design.

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