Layers of contrasting textures course through Chris Hutcheson’s Smyrna home, from open wall spaces to tiny nooks and crannies.
The former textiles industry executive knows the importance of texture in design. Throughout her house, Hutcheson has decorated by hanging African baskets on her walls, layering throws and tablecloths, and even creating custom light fixtures from salvaged items, such as a pillar from an old home.
“I didn’t know what I was going to do with it, but I just knew I loved it,” she said of the old pillar.
Those fixtures and antiques are now at home with modern furnishings in the renovated bungalow.
Snapshot
Residents: John and Chris Hutcheson, and their English cocker spaniels, Sam and Gus. Chris, a former textile and home decor executive, is a co-founder of DearKeaton.com, a global lifestyle brand and online marketplace offering furniture, lighting, decor and accessories inspired by resort-style living. John owns a heavy construction equipment company.
Location: Smyrna
Size: 1,400 square feet, two bedrooms, two baths
Year built/bought: 1927/2007
Architectural style: Bungalow
Favorite architectural elements: Original windows, archways and original coal-burning fireplace
Renovations: They immediately remodeled the kitchen, dining and living room areas, which took about three months. In the kitchen, they added new cabinets by Crystal Cabinet Works, Kenmore Pro Series appliances, wooden shelves reclaimed from a Kentucky barn, granite countertops and a Hansgrohe faucet.
They lived through the renovations after their former home went under contract within a day of being listed, said Chris, who handled the interior design and general contracting. Another major change was repairing the foundation. “After living through the mess of a major renovation, we took a couple years to recuperate before taking on the next project,” she said.
The guest bath was remodeled in 2012, then they updated the master bathroom in 2014 with a custom freestanding soaking tub from Signature Hardware and custom cabinets. In 2015, they added tiered patios, a built-in grill (by Property Masters), custom farm-style fence, plus new landscaping and hardscaping around existing 100-year-old trees.
Interior design style: Refined global
Favorite interior design elements: Antiques, global textiles and textures mixed with contemporary details.
Resources: Furniture by Michael Weiss for Vanguard, Van Thiel & Co, Hooker Furniture, McCreary, Stanton Home Furnishings, O&G Studio from Steve McKenzie's, Southern Furniture, Scott Antique Market, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Ballard Designs, Currey & Co. and Aidan Gray
Decor tip: Consider playing around with tile sizes to create the illusion of space in bathrooms. The guest bathroom is only 5-by-5 feet, but Chris selected 12-by-24 tiles, cut them in half and ran them horizontally along the shower.
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