Classic traditional home in Buckhead for interior designer

Buffalo check prints and certain colors, such as blue and white lamps and plates, in designer Jena Salmon’s home are an ode to the late Charles Faudree, an expert in French country decor.

“I love and adore Charles Faudree. I was lucky enough to be in the last showhouse that he did up in Cashiers (N.C.) and really get to know him,” she said.

Another obsession for Salmon is buying a certain piece of furniture, which fortunately can be used in any room.

“I’m kind of a chair hoarder,” she said. “I love the lines and styles of chairs.”

Snapshot

Residents: Bob and Jena Salmon, daughters Morgan and Julia, dog Catalina and cats Taylor and Snowbell. Bob is senior vice president of sales for AQSC, Jena is principal of Jena Salmon Designs.

Location: Buckhead

Size: 2,800 square feet, five bedrooms, three baths

Year built/bought: 1955/2005

Architectural style: 1950s split-level

Favorite architectural element: Black and white striped awnings on the front and back of the house.

Renovations: When they purchased the home, they renovated the kitchen, added a porch and garage and installed hardwood floors. They made over the master downstairs, and painted the home inside and out.

Interior design style: Classic and traditional

Favorite interior design elements: Punches of color, such as a cobalt blue Viking range, red foyer ceiling and orange-red front door.

Favorite pieces of furniture: Two antique cream velvet French Bergere chairs. The pieces belonged to her mom, and when Salmon was growing up, kids were not allowed to sit on the living room chairs. "Now, I get to sit on them daily and think of her," Salmon said.

Favorite artwork: Pieces in the home range from contemporary paintings to landscapes to an African-style mask that would never seem to fit in a home with a bit of French country design, said Salmon, a former executive with an art publishing company in California.

Resources: Furniture by Duralee, Pierre Deux chinoiserie wallpaper, Thibaut grasscloth inside bookcases. Paint is Benjamin Moore Witching Hour for the kitchen cabinets and bookcases; the walls are Benjamin Moore Elmira White and trim is Benjamin Moore Linen White.

Decor tip: It's OK to mix elements, such as antique and acrylic pieces. "I hate when people say, 'I'm afraid to use that.' Why are you afraid? It's your home," she said. "If they have great lines and particularly if you love it, then that just shows that it's your home."