Riverside Retreat

July 18, 2022 Amber Guyton

Last summer, I had the amazing opportunity to meet a beautiful couple for coffee referred by another client family. They were about to embark on a new build and sought out Blessed Little Bungalow’s help to personalize every inch of it.

Greg and Shani planned to marry in March 2020, until the world stopped and interrupted their plans. After the pandemic delayed their wedding for a few months, their custom home build planned for 2021 was also feeling the effects of COVID-19 with construction and supply chain issues looming. However, nothing can stop what God has planned for your life, and this amazing duo is proof of that. As fate would have it, Jay and Blayne of #ProjectBabyBailey are good friends with Greg and Shani and encouraged them to reach out to BLB for help. Upon meeting the couple, I was immediately attracted by their good energy and love for one another. Although this would be my first new construction project since returning to Atlanta, I was excited and up for the challenge.

First things first, we met with their talented builders, Stoney River Homes and spent hours in their first design meeting meticulously selecting all the finishing details of their home. This included exterior and interior paint colors, cabinetry, built-ins, fireplace mantles, shiplap, countertops, tile, grout, hardware, lighting, and plumbing fixtures. Making all of these selections before drywall is even up can feel overwhelming for first or second-time homeowners, but partnering with a designer can certainly ease one’s anxiety when making these decisions. Once these selections were made, we were ready to design each space in their five-bedroom, 3,000 square foot home beginning with the main floor, then moving into the upstairs and outdoor spaces.

DESIGN PROCESS:

MOOD BOARDS:

DÉCOR PROCESS:

Finally, the day we’d been waiting for had come. The couple closed on their home during the holidays, and we were ready to start decorating! Greg and Shani opted for plantation shutters throughout the house, so instead of window coverings and drapery, we focused our attention and budget on larger furniture pieces. After the mood boards were approved, I built a comprehensive shopping list for the couple to order online from and I kept my eyes peeled for in-store decor purchases while out and about each week. We added pops of color and custom millwork to the dining room and upstairs flex space thanks to my friends at The Boardroom Accent Walls. We’d also cover most of the hardwood flooring with modern and abstract rugs that were stylish yet pet-friendly for their two doodles, Duke and Brocko. Though we were intentionally minimalistic with the décor, we added gold accents, layered on different fabric textures, and black & white and colorful artwork throughout the house reminiscent of Atlanta and reflecting their interests and culture. Lastly, we wrapped up the décor and styling this spring with new bedding for each of the bedrooms and sophisticated accents and accessories in each space.

After a year of persistence, patience, and hard work, the final result was worth the wait. Wouldn’t you agree?

AFTER:

Thank you, Greg and Shani, for trusting me with your gorgeous new home and being so gracious over the past year. You two are so deserving and I hope your new home brings you so many blessings and beautiful memories for years to come. I’m so grateful for your business and new friendship, and can’t wait to arrive bearing gifts at your highly anticipated housewarming!

For more final photos and behind the scenes content, check out my Portfolio and #ProjectRiversideRetreat on Instagram.

Be Blessed,

ACG

Design Deets:

Paint - Evergreen Fog and Software by Sherwin-Williams

Accent Wall - The BoardRoom Accent Walls

Area Rugs - Overstock, HomeGoods, Overstock, Wayfair, Lowe’s, Overstock, Wayfair

Sofas - West Elm

Coffee Table - Crate & Barrel

Fireplace Cover - West Elm

Counter Stools - Meridian Furniture

Dining Table - West Elm