With fall and all of its celebrations just around the corner, creating a fabulous space to entertain friends and family is at the top of everyone’s list. For inspiration, we asked local designers to share with us the living spaces they simply love. From patios to family gathering spaces to open-concept kitchens and sun rooms, these are some of our favorite designers’ top projects.
Local Designers’ Favorite Living Spaces
Selena McAdams of Spruce Shop
Light & bright
This breakfast room, the “heart of the home,” is a perfect blend of neutrals and open space. Selena says, “I love that the design blends traditional elements with clean lines. The house is a third-generation family home. Every detail is intentional. It feels updated, modern and fresh while staying true to the original aesthetic.”
Elizabeth Malmo of Elizabeth Malmo Designs
Subtle pattern play
Elizabeth said she had a great time creating this living space. “We had a fun time mixing patterns and textures and playing with the contrast in this living space. Blending high and low elements helped create a beautiful, yet inviting room. We combined antiques with modern lighting, blended velvets, linens and embroidery fabrics, as well as paying special attention to accessories,” says Elizabeth. Her favorite thing about this space is that it is for a young family, and she was able to use an indoor-outdoor rug for durability.
Bishop Hearth & Home
Al fresco great room
“I think a successful porch includes space to cook, eat and visit. Louie and Rachel’s porch was built to ensure frequent usage with the ability to grill under a covered area, regardless of the weather. The Infratech heaters and ISOKERN fireplace ensure that the outdoor entertaining season is extended well into the fall,” says Charles Shipp, architect.
Rhea Crenshaw of Rhea Crenshaw Interiors
Chic country
“My favorite thing about this particular space is the way the light moves and filters through the den and kitchen. There are so many moods and activities simultaneously happening in a combined space, day or night. The style of this space is a family country house, solid and handsome with a subtle nod to the feminine,” says Rhea.
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Ryan Anderson, Owner of RKA Construction
Modern traditional
Ryan says, “This space is the true center of the home with enough space to accommodate a family gathering, but it still feels connected to the other parts of the home. It’s a traditional space with modern touches like being connected to the kitchen scullery as well as the master bedroom den. Ashley Binkley staged the space for the Vesta Home Show.”
Cindy McCord of Cindy McCord Interior Design, Inc.
Patio for fall and football season living
This elegant outdoor space is an ideal space for entertaining. “I love this space, because it is so relaxed and comfortable. I love the openness and casual feeling,” says Cindy. The pops of color paired with the sleek furniture make this patio feel chic and inviting.
Ami Austin, President of Ami Austin Interior Design
Casual beauty
“It’s casual and elegant, just like my clients,” Ami Austin says of this space, adding, “My design concept for this space is one for the casual but beautiful living. The transition from inside and outside the home are in harmony with a flow that is warm and inviting. Additionally, pieces like these from Century Furniture can withstand the elements and a pet-friendly family.” Ami’s favorite thing about this project is the relationship she’s built with the client. “I feel like I’m coming home every time I’m able to visit. Their home and estate has been an evolution over the past several years.”
Becca Gaines of B. Gaines Interior Design
Family football
Becca’s favorite thing about this space is the use of neutrals with a few soft “crimson” accents. “Knowing this family cheers on the Crimson Tide is my favorite thing,” says Becca. “Their game-day attire enhances the room every Saturday. They can live and celebrate in this space. The slipcovered furniture and custom cocktail farm table allows for game-day food and propped up feet. Roll Tide!”
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Designer Ragan Maness of Greg Baudoin Interior Design
Upscale modern
“The style is simple and tailored, but very comfortable,” says Ragan of this stark white clapboard home. “I love that this year-round porch can seat a crowd and is a perfect spot for watching football in the fall, lighting a fire in the winter and watching swimmers in the warm months.”
Kevin Barnard of Barnard & Deck
Formal “livable” room
Kevin says that even though this living room is formal, it’s meant to be a very livable space. The owners, Katrina refugees, wanted to incorporate several pieces from their former home in New Orleans. “This room includes stained glass lit over the fireplace and the antique shutters hide the television,” says Kevin. “My favorite things have to be the combination of raw pine and cherry furniture and the Buddha that greets visitors facing the front door found on an antiquing trip.”
With entertaining season approaching and fall parties and football season in full swing, we hope these local designers have provided some home inspiration. Thank you to these home design experts for sharing their favorite projects!
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