Bursts of blush and teal in an abstract painting by Atlanta’s Melissa Payne Baker pops against neutral walls while pink peonies and a deer antler add natural elements to the living room in Jessica McRae’s Kennesaw home.
“It’s a fun way for me to use color,” she said. “It all feels very soft and light.”
Credit: Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo
Credit: Text by Marena Galluccio/ Photos by Christopher Oquendo
Artwork and unexpected texture, such as beads displayed on tables and framed paper and fir wood art, bring a contemporary vibe to spaces in the family’s renovated traditional Cobb County home.
Tip: When using a neutral palette, she recommends mixing wood with metal or add materials like stone and jute in order to create more depth and dimension.
Snapshot
Residents: Bobby and Jessica McRae and children Lundy, 6; Janie, 5; and Mack, 23 months old. Jessica McRae co-owns SwatchPop! and Bobby owns Southern Pro Termite and Pest Control.
Location: Kennesaw
Size: 4,000 square feet, four bedrooms, three-and-a-half baths
Year built/bought: 1993/2013
Architectural style: Traditional
Favorite architectural elements: The vaulted ceiling in the master bath and the beadboard accent on the screened porch ceiling.
Renovations: They removed the existing deck and built a screened-in porch and new deck. The kitchen was gutted of its Formica countertops and island and replaced with custom cabinets, Absolute Black honed granite countertops and stainless steel Whirlpool appliances. The Jacuzzi tub, shower and flooring in the master bathroom were ripped out for a Kohler shower system, a cast-iron pedestal tub from Signature Hardware, tile from Floor & Decor and The Tile Shop, and a chandelier from Ballard Designs. They also renovated the other bathrooms. The hardwood floors on the main level and the carpet in the living room were replaced with refinished and restained hardwoods.
Cost of renovations: About $100,000
Renovation consultants: Romero's Quality Construction
Interior design consultant: Amy Perrin of SwatchPop!
Interior design style: Transitional
Favorite interior design elements: "I lean toward clean lines, with some contemporary elements," Jessica said. "I love mixing various textures for visual interest." For example, in her office, she used the "Fawn" wallpaper by Walls Republic, which has a textured look of deer skin.
Favorite outdoor feature: The screened porch
Resources: Furniture from CR Laine, Outrageous Interiors, Wayfair, Ballard Designs, Leisure Made, Pier 1 Imports, Cost Plus World Market, Ikea, Target, Overstock.com and HomeGoods. Pillows from Outrageous Interiors, Lacefield Designs, Tonic Living and Etsy. Lighting from West Elm, Outrageous Interiors, Cost Plus World Market, Lumens, Ballard Designs and Ikea. Decor from Outrageous Interiors, Sugarboo & Co., Ballard Designs, Bobo Intriguing Objects and studioQgallery via Etsy. Mirrors from Target. Rugs from Ballard Designs, Target and Mohawk. Fabric from Lewis & Sheron Textiles. Paint by Sherwin-Williams (Accessible Beige in the living room, Aloof Gray in the master bathroom and Alabaster in the kitchen).
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