Authentically Antebellum

Exemplary Exteriors

To achieve the authentic look of an antebellum home, the exteriors were a very important focal point. “We spent a lot of time helping the homeowner select the right shade of white. Stark white looked too new, and we didn’t want it to go toward cream with any yellow undertones. I think this custom blend we landed on is a really nice shade to achieve the look we were going for,” White shares. With bronze gutters, copper chimney caps, dark shutters and exterior doors, and brick archways, this home exudes an antique ambiance. Special attention was paid to the entryway (see previous page): Impressive columns lead to the dark-colored French front door. The cut flagstone porch and gas lanterns chime in to help all of these classic features greet visitors with a specifically Southern, classic plantation tone.

Even the landscaping was carefully curated to ensure the home looks as if it has been here for a long time. In the back of the home, a large stone retaining wall not only emphasizes authenticity but also helps provide a spacious, level back yard.

To see more from Dexter W. White Construction, visit DexterWhiteConstruction.com.

In the formal living room, a traditionally Southern blue and white color palette emerges. A refined style is established with a use of more formal fabric patterns. Floral prints can be found on twin bergère chairs to one side of the room, while throw pillows on the couch help tie in that pattern. Across the room, slipcovered swivel chairs in a soft shade of blue help balance the arrangement. With traditional millwork around the fireplace and custom built-ins, the room’s styling is a beautiful combination of traditional with touches of European influence. Meanwhile, three sets of French doors, accentuated by custom, pom-trimmed drapes, look out to breathtaking valley views.

Lighting fixtures: Ferguson  | Trim, windows, and interior doors: East Chattanooga Lumber

In the nearby formal dining room, everything is finished with chic features. A pale blue wall color paired with subdued, silky, gray-blue custom drapes retains a consistency with the rest of the home’s design style. In this room, large crown moulding and custom wainscoting are key features. As White explains, “For this home, the trim work was very important to achieving their traditional and elegant style. Some rooms, like the dining room, have up to four pieces of crown molding, which is authentic to homes from the period we were trying to recreate.” The furnishings further reinforce that style with a beautifully burled and inlaid antique table and pristinely slipcovered and monogrammed parsons chairs.

Stepping into the kitchen, crisp selections of white marble on every surface, all the way up to the tiled backsplash, set the tone. A six-burner gas cooktop, custom stove hood, pot-filler faucet, and discretely hidden high-end appliances make this kitchen a treat for any home cook. The stylish pairing of a very warm white cabinetry color with gold-toned hardware elevates this room to traditional elegance. At the spacious island, white ostrich skin bar stools complement the room’s sophisticated style. The cabinetry incorporates subtle detailing which clearly establishes its antiqued appearance. Cabinets are footed to achieve an appearance of custom furniture, and they are trimmed on the edges and into every panel. Other opulent features can be found in the large pantry, which was thoughtfully designed to incorporate all of the countertop appliances, and the enormous picture window which frames the home’s signature vista behind a crystal chandelier.

“This kitchen was very intentionally designed. I love the cabinetry – it’s very traditional with the detail in the paneling of the doors. I think it fits the home perfectly.”

– Dexter White, Dexter W. White Construction

Appliances and plumbing fixtures: Ferguson

Marble: Stone Source, Inc.

Tile: Louisville Tile and The Tile Store

Just off the kitchen, the den is a cozy room. Designed with rich colors and more rustic materials, this room is perfect for an intimate family gathering. A stacked mountain stone fireplace is wood burning for an added sense of relaxed comfort. A warm gray-green on the walls subdues the colors in this room to a restful appearance. Even the sisal rug helps create a feeling of familiarity and approachability to this comforting room. Transom windows and a white-painted wood-planked ceiling both emphasize the traditional Southern style of the home. Eye-catching custom pine beams are finished with a wax coat to lend an antiqued appearance.

In the private master suite, the home’s brow lot comes into play. Incredible second story views from every window sweep across the scenic valley. Soft blues and whites help continue the antebellum theme. A large buffalo check pattern in the upholstered bed, bed skirt and curtain, and the custom draperies helps create a welcoming charm. Meanwhile, structured valances above the windows and bed pair with gold tones in the furniture, artwork frames, and a crystal chandelier to balance the space in elegance.

From the soothing master bedroom, the master bath continues the same soft blue tones, and even the approachable buffalo check-patterned draperies. The gold tones are also carried through in small details, such as the vanity mirrors and a small chandelier. However, there is an enhanced sense of luxury in this room. “The master bathroom was one of my favorite rooms. There is floor to chair rail marble, and the floors are heated. The large shower is a really luxurious feature with a long bench and fully tiled in marble,” White says.

A warm white covers the custom cabinetry, which also carries very traditional features. Small trim detail runs inside the panel of each door, and the marble countertop reinforces these classic elements.

Marble: Stone Source, Inc.  |  Tile: Louisville Tile and The Tile Store

On a brow lot with views as grand as these, it would be remiss to not take advantage of outdoor living. This welcoming porch features a brick fireplace with a solid beam mantle and ample comfortable seating options. The expansive porch decking is custom stained and leads to an outdoor kitchen, complete with a gas grill, refrigerator, warming drawer, and ceramic grill. Not only is the back porch perfect for entertaining, but it also provides versatility and comfort with power sunshades. “Those were a very nice feature. They help to shade the sun, and consequently extra heat, not just from the porch but also from inside the house,” White shares.

With meticulous attention to detail, this home was built with thoughtful, authentic materials and features. As a new construction, it looks impressively established and effortlessly evokes the classic, traditional aesthetic of an antebellum home.

Other Suppliers: Beams: Windsor Pines  |  Brick and tile: Acme Brick, Tile & Stone  |  Closets: Geren Custom Cabinetry  |  Fireplaces: Therm-Con

Flooring: Five Star Hardwood  |  Landscaping: Green Valley Land Solutions  |  Landscaping design: Craig Design Group

Outdoor kitchen and patio: Fine’s Heath & Patio  |  Stone: Stone House Designs