THE COLSON HOME
By Tory Irmeger / Photography by Ali Harper Photography
Scott and Jurga Colson weren’t necessarily looking for an urban home. But since becoming empty nesters, the couple was interested in a change of pace. “Before the kids, we lived in downtown Atlanta, and we always wanted to go back to the city life one day,” says Jurga.
The Colsons looked to make their home in Chattanooga. “We were thinking of looking at something in the mountains,” Scott reflects, “but we never made it out of town.” They settled in a condo in the heart of the city, smitten with the walkable neighborhood and central location. A few years later, a nearby dream property became available, offering a balcony overlooking the beautiful Tennessee River and surrounding mountains. This townhome boasts all the comforts of downtown dwelling without compromising scenic views. In 2022, the couple bought the home and began the process of making the space their own.
Stepping into the home, guests get the immediate sense of the Colsons’ creative worlds. Jurga is an artist and Scott a musician, and their love for art and inspired living is reflected in the home interiors. Artwork throughout the home reveals a curator’s eye, inviting dimension and abstract shapes into the space. “We travel quite a bit, and the pieces here are from different trips,” Scott says. Paintings on either side of the fireplace were found in Amsterdam, while a large work depicting a dolphin shape was from a trip to Lake Tahoe. “There’s always a story behind each piece,” Jurga adds. “We go to galleries and try to pick up something if we feel it fits our home.”
On an open plan, the living area blends seamlessly with the kitchen and dining areas, creating an intimate and relaxing repose. A muted color palette allows for wood and stone textures to shine, giving the space a dynamic atmosphere. The interiors favor a mid-century influence, drawing on sleek silhouettes and geometric shapes to create a contemporary feel.
Interior design: Miles and Kirk Design LLC
Just steps away, this pared-back aesthetic extends to the dining vignette. The table is encircled by four upholstered parsons chairs, while overhead a spiked chandelier completes the circular motif. A wide window, elegantly dressed with Roman shades, allows plenty of natural light and a view of the tree canopy beyond. Here, a gallery wall features prints with pops of saturated color and organic shapes.
In the kitchen, this minimalist approach creates a pleasing balance. The cabinets show a contemporary twist on the shaker style with narrow ridges. Luminous countertops and a perimeter backsplash showcase the natural stone’s veining. At the kitchen island, guests can comfortably sit along the four leather barstools.
Cabinetry: Scarlett’s Cabinetry | Countertops and tile: The Tile Store
The beauty of the home is its ability to evolve alongside the Colsons’ interests and tastes. They are in no rush to fill empty spaces; rather, they want to be sure to find artwork and pieces that complement and complete the interiors. “The space kind of talks to us, and we like to take our time and feel it out,” Jurga says. Locally, the Colsons have no shortage of curatorial inspiration, as they are within walking distance to the Bluff View Art District.
The cozy primary suite is the ideal place to consider creative pastimes. The furnishings maintain the house’s simple geometric themes, while rich textiles layer in comfort. Bronze and gold tones breathe warmth into the space, which is continued with wood and metallic accents in the primary bathroom. Intricate tilework completes this bathroom, including a spacious walk-in shower surrounded by subway-style format tile.
Last but certainly not least, the Colsons’ favorite space is the top floor. Scott says, “You can walk outside on the terrace and can see the aquarium, the skyline, and the mountain line. It’s really a great view.” To maximize these views, they put in a glass wall on this level, creating an indoor-outdoor space with a vista at every angle. They also refitted the area with a bar, and the couple loves to entertain friends and family here. New Year’s is an especially fun tradition, as they can watch fireworks from their terrace.
In this townhome, the Colsons enjoy the best of both worlds: proximity to restaurants, museums, and shops that are ensconced in stunning natural scenery. “Chattanooga isn’t a big city, but it feels big,” Jurga says. “We love that we can walk everywhere.” They also enjoy inviting others into their space to share in this beauty. From the inviting living areas to the top floor terrace, the Colsons have found the perfect urban escape.
