When American designer Sally Wilkinson moved to the UK, she thought she had classic design down pat. But working in London with Salvesen Graham, and later running her own U.S. studio, transformed her style.
She discovered that a little imbalance brings life and character to a space, far beyond the rigid schemes often seen in American interiors.
That fearless approach guided her stunning revamp of this 1990s Atlanta home, where bold contrasts of heavy stone, rustic brick, warm wooden beams, and an ornate iron staircase came together to create a vibrant, unexpected, and beautifully imperfect sanctuary.
1. House Exterior
Set against newly installed metal and wood doors in a gentle blue-grey hue, a pair of vintage chairs from Holland MacRae forms a cozy and welcoming seating nook.
The retired couple who owns the home dreamed of a space that felt both refined and comfortable for everyday living, while also opening up beautifully for hosting friends and family.
Ensuring each room had a distinct purpose was key to making the entire house feel connected and lively, rather than vast and underused, explains the designer.
2. Welcoming Entrance
Lloyd, the clients’ lovable Labrador, is always the first to greet visitors with a wagging tail as they step onto the charming brick porch and approach the grand arched entryway.
Inside, an antique Oushak rug from ART Rugs Gallery sets the tone with its timeless beauty and rich texture, adding warmth and character right from the start.
It’s the kind of welcome that instantly makes guests feel at ease and hints at the thoughtful details waiting throughout the home.
3. Entrance Hall
A custom hall table by Wilkinson, finished in the deep plum shade of Farrow & Ball’s Brinjal, makes a striking first impression in the entryway.
To set the right foundation, the original orange-toned hardwood floors were swapped out for elegant stone underfoot at the entrance, while the remaining floors were stripped and sealed for a fresh, natural look.
Overhead, a lantern from Jamb casts a warm glow, tying together the rich details that greet everyone who walks through the door.
4. Breakfast Nook
For gatherings, the table can be repositioned to the center of the room, instantly transforming the bench into a casual spot for lounging and conversation.
Vintage chairs from The Nicholson Gallery add timeless charm, while bamboo blinds from Opium Shop filter sunlight beautifully. A pendant light by Holland MacRae and a wall lantern from Howe London layer in soft, ambient lighting.
Sally’s thoughtful updates, including pale, stripped pine floors and iron-framed glass doors, create a bright, welcoming space that flows effortlessly into the garden and pool area.
5. Rustic Design
Exposed ceiling beams bring a charming, time-worn feel to the space, while thoughtful touches like a patterned curtain and an elegant lamp layer in extra personality.
Custom cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball’s Bone create a soft, inviting look, and antique bobbin shelves from Bungalow Classic add character and storage.
A striking green table lamp by Christopher Spitzmiller finishes the room with a pop of color, blending classic and contemporary elements for a space that feels curated, cozy, and full of life.
6. The Kitchen
The airy kitchen exudes warm sophistication with its natural wood cabinetry, creamy stone floors, and generous central island topped with fresh greenery.
Light pours through large windows, illuminating a harmonious blend of classic and modern details, from sleek pendant lights and brass sconces to rustic touches like woven baskets and an organic-edge dining table.
The arched doorway creates a graceful transition to the rest of the home, while soft neutral tones and thoughtful textures make the space inviting, functional, and effortlessly elegant.
7. Living Space
A striking gallery wall blends contemporary pieces with classic artworks, creating a dynamic visual story across the space.
The Gregorius Pineo Madagascar wallcovering adds subtle texture, while a sofa from Travis & Company, upholstered in Haiku Pond linen by de Le Cuona, invites relaxation.
A circular Bombay Button table from Howe London anchors the seating area, complemented by the Cylindre Moderne lamp and Archie bench, both by Rose Tarlow. Beneath it all, a bespoke Jaipur rug from Eve & Staron Studio brings warmth and depth, uniting old and new with effortless elegance.
8. Sunroom Area
Muted tones and organic textures weave a seamless link between the home’s interiors and the lush garden just beyond.
Elements like a vintage rug, a corded Scandinavian chair, and thoughtfully upholstered pieces ground the spaces in warmth and nature. The sofa and armchairs from O. Henry House, covered in Haiku linen and Hopsack ticking, pair beautifully with a Rose Tarlow table, creating a layered, inviting look.
Sally’s careful selection of these pieces ensures the home feels connected to its surroundings while remaining effortlessly elegant and timeless.
9. Dining Room
Sally describes the dining space as a perfect balance between her love for a layered, collected look and her clients’ preference for a more streamlined aesthetic.
Here, Gregorius Pineo Paloma chairs dressed in rich rust linen slipcovers from Cloth House bring warmth and character, while a Regency table from Rose Tarlow adds timeless elegance.
Overhead, an antique Georgian-style copper lantern from Skelton Culver casts a soft glow, and the Bella Blue-painted cupboard doors provide a fresh pop of color, tying together a room that feels curated yet comfortably understated.
10. Cozy Bedroom
In the bedroom, vibrant floral patterns strengthen the connection to the lush garden just beyond the windows.
Cushions in crisp White MB0809 by Holland & Sherry add a fresh touch, while Cove chairs from Nickey Kehoe, upholstered in the cheerful Coromandel Tulip fabric by Soane Britain, bring playful color and charm.
Completing the look, a captivating piece by artist Kathryn Maple hangs nearby, infusing the room with a sense of life and creativity that mirrors the garden’s natural beauty.