A Comfortable Classic Home Design

Patrick and Diana Horton with daughters Clara and Olive Photo by Kayla Jones

Shortly after becoming a family of three, Patrick and Diana Horton decided it was time to leave their Greenville, South Carolina, home in favor of one that was a little closer to family. “Patrick is from Chattanooga and grew up just over the hill, so when we began looking and saw this house come on the market, we already knew we’d like the area,” says Diana.
But being a state away provided an added challenge. “We video chatted with my in-laws in order to preview the home,” she adds. “It was a little scary, but we virtually bought this house sight unseen.” While Diana will be the first to tell you that home improvement projects never truly stop, the Hortons have finally wrapped up an incredible remodel that has turned this quaint ranch home into one perfectly suited for their soon-to-be family of five.

Upon entering the Horton home, guests are immediately put at ease. Natural woods, botanical influences, and neutral colors create a motif that’s as stylish as it is simple. A deep green sofa anchors the space, and two white slipcovered armchairs along with a barrel back cane chair round out the seating options. The real star of this combined living and foyer space, however, is the floral wallpaper that lines the far wall. The sketch-like accent wall is paired with several live plants for a layered ode to nature. A small chandelier emits a warm glow, while two tabletop lamps maintain continuity with their identical shades. Recessed lighting fills in the gaps and illuminates the space, which has seen many a gathering.

“My big thing was that I wanted a space that was classic. A lot of our furnishings are new, but we also have plenty of pieces that are antiques or have been thrifted and restored. The goal was modern with vintage touches.” – Diana Horton

Part of what makes the home an entertainer’s dream is the openness and connectivity of the various spaces. Just a stone’s throw from the living room, a minimal yet refined wooden dining table seats six and is situated adjacent to a set of French doors that leads to a porch. Fresh hydrangeas make for a stunning centerpiece, but nearby is a gallery wall that required a bit more effort. A variety of paintings and prints enclosed with black frames are expertly spaced and surround a painting of an American Avocet that commands attention.

Keeping with the open-concept theme, the dining room effortlessly gives way to the kitchen ­­– one of Diana’s favorite rooms in the house. “I’m always in the kitchen, and our girls like to stay near me and help cook,” she says.
Outfitted in creamy quartzite, the kitchen is a picture-perfect example of simple living. Several open shelves offer up easy access to frequently used items, while double-stacked, white oak cabinetry wrapping the perimeter provides additional storage. White painted lower cabinets are dotted with brass pulls and are paired with natural upper cabinets for a fun duality.
Four barstools rest under the overhang of the island, and nearby is a nook complete with two additional armchairs. More potted plants and a set of four woven shades are a delightful addition and take the earthy atmosphere one step further.

A hallway off the main living space takes guests to a trio of bedrooms. First up is a nursery for the latest member of the Horton household, who is scheduled to make their appearance early next year. Designed to be a calm and tranquil retreat, this room delivers with everything from serene forest imagery to plush and neutral textiles. Brass accents are paired with a brass crib frame and pop against a suite of grays.
Further down the hall is the master suite, which is outfitted in an aesthetic much the same. Beloved brass makes another appearance, and a wooden slat-back bedframe houses a queen-size bed with plenty of cozy accouterments. Woven rounds dot the space above the bedframe, and personal photos and dried grass fronds add another layer to the décor.

“With the added light, our house feels even more warm and happy. I love this home that we’ve built for our family, and it’s so perfectly suited to the way we live.” – Diana Horton

Back across the home, another set of French doors provides access to Patrick’s office. The same planked accent that can be found in much of the home runs along the ceiling in this space as well. A standing desk and dual monitor system make for a productive workstation, and a pair of black leather armchairs from an old TVA office is just one of Diana’s storied finds. A series of nine black and white family photos are a stylish and captivating touch, and their black frames offer up some additional color repetition.
“One thing we did during the remodel that was a last-minute decision was adding in several windows to this space. Patrick wanted to be able to get some natural light while working, and these windows have made the biggest difference,” says Diana.