Creating a new build that would fit within the setting of older homes was the task for builder Dexter White of Dexter W. White Construction. By using natural materials and cream-colored painted brick, he achieved an English Cottage look with a well-established feel.
By Candice Graham | Photography By Med Dement
Architect: Jon Greenfield, Greenfield Design
Builder: Dexter White, Dexter W. White Construction
Interior designer: Lindsey Frost, Frost Designs
“This project was unique because it was built on the lot of a razed home, surrounded by homes built decades ago,” White says. “We knew it was important for the home’s façade to have the look and feel of an older home, but with the most current amenities and updates.” Combining the English cottage look with a distinctly American slant made the project a success. A collaborative effort between the homeowner, builder, and designer resulted in a beautiful presentation inside and out.
Fresh & Natural
White-painted brick helps keep the home’s exterior looking fresh. “We worked hard to figure out the paint color,” says designer Lindsey Frost of Frost Designs. “We didn’t want anything too yellow or stark white, and we wanted it to have an aged feel.” The creamy hue mixes with natural stone to accomplish the cottage look, and plenty of grassy space in the backyard contributes to a pastoral feel. Pavestones, ample lawn chairs, and a pool round out the space.
See more from Dexter W. White Construction at dexterwhiteconstruction.com.
Outdoor furniture: The Patio Shop
The homeowner’s collection of Oriental rugs creates cohesion throughout the home and brings a rich jewel-toned pop, as evidenced in the living room. A stacked stone fireplace brings in an outdoor element, while traditional furniture in the form of a sofa, end table, side chairs, and club chairs features straight lines and neutral fabrics. Keeping the furniture simple allows accessories to shine, from printed pillows to a statement painting. Mercury glass jugs and furniture with a nail head trim bring in a modern metallic touch.
Furniture: The Furniture Shoppe | Trim and woodwork: East Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.
Red and tan grasscloth on the walls brings a warm look to this formal dining room. “Since the dining room suite and buffet are the only furniture pieces used, I felt like we needed an element to create interest and texture,” Frost says. Rich cherry furniture sets a masculine tone, while chic table linens and a glistening chandelier give the space a nice balance. Artwork with red and orange hues plays up the wallpaper color and rests above a buffet table flanked by two brass buffet lamps. A cutout in the wall for the furniture piece was created to keep the space open.
Cabinetry by Norcia Fine Cabinetry is the showpiece in this kitchen, which includes dark cherry wood as well as a cream-colored built-in. “Everything is clean and streamlined. The built-in furniture piece is our spot to have extra storage and incorporate something that catches your eye,” Frost says. Function was a main consideration when building the cabinetry. “We tried to use organization and ergonomics to make things simple,” says Mike Norcia, who explains that easy access to cabinetry items was key. Oil-rubbed bronze hardware lends a rustic vibe, as do the driftwood and natural woven bar stools. Three hanging lanterns tie in with the home’s cottage feel, but don’t distract from the cabinetry. Modern granite on the countertop and mosaic glass tiles in the backsplash finish the space.
Appliances and lighting: Ferguson | Cabinetry: Norcia Fine Cabinetry | Tile: Louisville Tile
Attached to the kitchen is a casual dining area that has views to the verdant backyard and a door leading to the deck. A rectangular x-based table and fabric chairs with nail head trim anchor the space, and a rectangular iron light fixture mimics the shape of the table while keeping the look airy and windows
unobscured.
Other Suppliers:
Closets and shower glass doors: Therm-Con, LLC
Countertops: Granite Warehouse
Landscape architect: Craig Design Group
Pool: Everclear Pool & Backyards
A blue-gray wall color was pulled from the subtle blue in the bedroom’s area rug, and the hue is continued in the bed linens. A throw pillow depicting a Lab is a nod to the homeowner’s pet, while other personal touches include a bachelor’s chest with a houndstooth wood pattern and hammered brass knobs. Seeded glass lamps flank the bed, providing a mixture of streamlined square bottoms and curved glass bases. The square and round design elements are repeated throughout the room, in the curvature of the bed and mirror, and the sleekness of the framed art and drum shades.
Calacatta gold marble countertops make this master bathroom posh, but a masculine feel is retained through an iron and concrete accessories table and dark wooden cabinetry. “We used a decorative base on the cabinetry to give it a furniture look,” explains Norcia. Incorporating classic and contemporary styles was done through a basket weave marble tile floor with a classic, timeless touch, and the walk-in shower feature wall that has a more modern mosaic. Thick-framed mirrors add interest and allow a place to mount wall sconces.
A basement media room with a connected kitchen is the perfect spot for game day. The kitchen features the same cabinetry stain as upstairs, but a more contemporary flair is given with vertical backsplash tiles that pull your eye up to the different cabinetry levels. “This relaxed dining area is not stuffy. It still feels cozy, so it’s a great place to hang out and spend time with friends,” Frost explains. A refrigerator, sink, dishwasher, and microwave allow for drink storage and easy cleanup. The space leads out to the backyard pool and patio, making it the ultimate landing spot after a day outside.
