Remodeling both the interiors and exteriors, the team at Christopher Architecture & Interiors transformed a retro ranch house into a timeless estate that makes a clever statement. For the interior and exterior architecture, the innovative use of brick, steel, and glass creates unique details for the clients to discover and enjoy over time, while the interior decoration focuses on luxurious materials, subtle shapes, and bold accents.
However, the final design wasn’t only experienced by the clients. Christopher Architecture & Interiors also opened up the house for tours, ultimately raising more than $300,000 for Open Hands Overflowing Hearts, a nonprofit funding research on pediatric cancer. Explore the chic property in the following slides.
Because the property was located on a corner lot, Christopher Architecture & Interiors expanded the house upward, not outward. The architects preserved the existing foundation elements, basement, and first level walls, and added dramatic windows to increase natural light and enhance the relationship between the interior design and surrounding environment. The team then designed a second level and converted the second floor of a detached garage into a welcoming, cottage-style guest suite.
An expansive, glass front door creates a seamless transition from outdoors to indoors.
The kitchen design showcases a pared-down aesthetic that still has personality. Custom cabinets from Heath Hughes, Inc, stone countertops from Pacific Shore Stones, and Ashley Norton hardware from Brandino Brass set the tone; the metal pendant lights are by Visual Comfort. The Sub-Zero refrigerator and Wolf appliances offer functionality as well as beauty, while a hidden pantry brings additional storage and an unexpected element to the space.
The original ranch house comprised many small, self-enclosed rooms. To modernize the property and introduce more natural light, Christopher Architecture & Interiors relocated the fireplace to open up the floor plan and heightened the ceilings in the great room from eight to twelve feet.
A sleek, long-armed chandelier from Currey & Company ushers delicacy into the design of the great room. The sofas, coffe table, and armchair are from Gabby. Underneath, a rug from King's House Oriental Rugs in mixed neutrals offers a creative foundational layer for the furnishings.
The dining room is creatively elegant, featuring a floral Schumacher wallcovering that accents the space. The table is an antique from Argent Antiques in Homewood, Alabama; the chairs are also from Argent Antiques, and the chandelier is from Currey & Company.
In this cozy, polished bedroom, the cypress-paneled ceiling offers a dose of warmth to the blue-gray color palette and mixed patterns. The custom drapery was fabricated by Housewarmings in Birmingham, Alabama, and features fabric by Osborne & Little. The chic bed frame is by Lee Industries, sourced from Circa Interiors & Antiques in Birmingham; the bed linens are from Three Sheets; and the studded stools are from Arteriors.
Placed in front of full-height windows in the master bath, a floating marble vanity manages to be both subtle and dramatic. Although the large window may seem revealing for a bathroom, a custom motorized shade allows the client to easily achieve privacy. With the floating vanity, the placement of the faucets created a challenge. The designers chose to place the American Standard spouts on either end of the vanity over integral sinks and then designed custom iron mirrrors to suspend from the ceiling, maximizing practicality, natural light, and visual pleasure all at the same time.
American Standard faucets in the built-in spa tub helps create a deeply relaxing experience. The luxurious tile is by New Ravenna, purchased at Fixtures & Finishes in Birmingham.
Comprising the mid-century modern credenza, purple rug, and fur-topped stool, furnishings from Kellum & Company in Birmingham, Albama, provide the backbone of the nursery design. The overhead lighting fixture is from Visual Comfort, and the baskets are from Scott's Antique Markets in Atlanta.
A posh rug from Page Albright Orientals in Birmingham brings color and pattern into the study. Adding a punch of detail, the table by Noir Furniture helps craft the intellectual atmosphere typical of a study. The drapery is custom, designed from Jim Thompson Fabric and fabricated by House Warmings. The soft-hued artwork is from Gallery Services, Inc, in Birmingham.
Christopher Architecture & Interiors designed the swing, which was then crafted by Southern Komfort Bedswings.
A beautiful courtyard features an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and pool. The furnishings are from Summer Classics.
Overhead, the custom-designed steel garage door opens to allow increased space in the guest suite above the existing two-car garage. A tufted headboard from Birmingham Wholesale Furniture adds sophistication to the space; the table lamps and night stands are also from Birmingham Wholesale Furniture.
Within the walk-in marble shower, Christopher Architecture & Interiors designed a custom lead-glass window to facilitate natural light and ornament the exterior.
This image spotlights the exterior of the garage and guest suite, including the innovative window.
Designers mixed styles both within and without to create a warm and elegant transitional design.
