Entertaining spaces, an important consideration for the homeowner, abound with separate areas for dining, lounging and soaking in the lush landscape and pool.
A suspended swing invites naps on the covered porch.
A supersized stone table by Michael Taylor accommodates a crowd on a covered gazebo overlooking the pool; a commanding chandelier adds drama.
The bluestone from the exterior extends into the laundry room, which has a convenient farmhouse sink and an area to wash off dirty paws after a romp around the large property.
“I love when exterior materials flow into the interiors, like this stone floor in the back entry,” says Morris. Lantern, Formations at Jerry Pair.
Eggplant-hued barstools bring liveliness to the soft gray kitchen. The oversized ceiling fixture, from R Hughes and appropriately named Light Drizzle, dresses up the space with rows of sparkling lights.
In a dining nook adjacent to the kitchen, a stylish banquette in a warm charcoal wool with nailhead trim offers more tailored, menswear appeal while curvy chairs in a lavender hue add a feminine element to the space. A pair of standout double lanterns from McLain Wiesand illuminate a table with a custom wood base and a zinc top.
The butler’s pantry reveals prized pieces on one ends and hides classic pantry items on the other.
In the master bedroom, white lacquered and mirrored pieces up the glam quotient. A tailored Jan Showers settee in a charcoal gray provides a chic counterpoint. Morris took advantage of an existing bedroom niche and upholstered the entire space in a muted purple velvet by Theo.
Subtle curves contribute to the room’s feminine appeal. An oversized mirror sets off the clean-lined writing niche.
Feeling that an upholstered headboard would appear lost in the master bedroom sleeping niche, Morris cleverly upholstered the whole space in a pale purple velvet by Theo with tufted detailing. Mirrored side tables by Coup D’Etat and custom white lacquered pieces show off midcentury Hollywood style.
The rich forest-green settee from Jan Showers brings a dash of restraint to the otherwise feminine room. A neutral carpet grounds the space, and classic silk panels with decorative trim cover the large window overlooking the pool.
While the expansive master bath is wrapped in white, it is anything but staid, thanks to tile detailing on the floor and a touch of color in the window treatments.
“The study is the most masculine space in the home,” she says. The curved side table and chandelier are Ochre through R Hughes.
The room’s neutral scheme features a dash of industrial style with an antiqued mirror-topped coffee table by Ochre through R Hughes.
A stunning gray-green shade envelops the dining room and highlights the wall paneling to great effect. Chair by Dennis & Leen through Jerry Pair with Rose Cumming fabric through Ainsworth-Noah; sconce by Porta Romana, also through Jerry Pair.
The stairway’s curves bring an elegant architectural look to the three floors of the home.
A simple curved stairway connects all three floors.
In the dining room, a farm table mixes with contemporary pieces such as the gold metal chandelier by Avrett through R Hughes.
When interior designer Amy Morris’ client found the perfect home for her busy family of five—a great location and expansive property—she fell in love immediately. After the initial attraction wore off, however, she realized that the Sandy Springs house needed help in almost every respect. Stephen Fuller of Stephen Fuller Designs was hired to execute substantial renovations, and Morris was enlisted to bring big city style. “The lovely architectural interior finishes give off a more rustic farmhouse feel,” says Morris. “My client is extremely chic, so I wanted to make sure the house reflected that side of her as well.”
Many of the rooms exude femininity—curved legs, lacquered finishes and shots of purple—which Morris balanced with clean-lined furniture in tailored menswear fabrics, frill-free window treatments and shades of charcoal gray. Purple may not be the easiest color to decorate with, but variations of the shade, from pale lavender to aubergine, prevent it from feeling heavy-handed. “So many people are afraid of color, so they keep everything monochromatic,” says Morris. “You can add color without plastering it everywhere like the overdone look of the ’90s with all the cranberries and greens. I think some color adds personality, and my client looks great in these rooms.”
The home may be pretty, but it also has many practical elements for a single mother of four who loves to entertain. Morris had the plans changed to create a galley-style butler’s pantry with room for everything, including an apron sink and a library ladder on wheels to reach the highest shelves. The cabinets, some of which are faced with chicken wire, harmonize with the farmhouse finishes throughout the rest of the house. In the kitchen, a faucetless sink serves as a built-in ice bucket for easy access during parties. The laundry room even has a separate wash-up area for dirty feet and pets.
Light fixtures, especially the oversized chandeliers, make striking appearances throughout the home, even in the outdoor dining space. “I think lighting is so important. It’s like the jewelry for the rooms,” says Morris. “I don’t believe in a lot of fussy accessories. I like things that make a statement.” She also underscores the importance of antiques, which she intersperses with more modern elements. It’s a strategy that consistently strives for balance, resulting in interiors that suit her client in the best possible way.
