The Westbrook Home
By Tory Irmeger / Photography by Daniel Neuhoff / Creative Revolver
After nearly 30 years of living in San Francisco, the Westbrooks decided it was time for a change. Originally from Atlanta, Mary and Jack are outdoorsy folk who also love a city scene, so Chattanooga was the perfect place to settle while also being closer to family. “I have to honestly say it’s the best choice we made because this area offers so much,” says Mary.
The Westbrooks worked closely with their team to customize a layout that would perfectly suit their daily needs and love for entertaining. “One thing I knew I wanted was a huge sliding glass door opening out onto a porch,” says Mary. “It’s kind of a California thing because the weather is so good there that you can just open up and enjoy the outdoors pretty much all year round.” Here, this expanse brings those in the home closer to experiencing the four seasons.
This sliding glass door feature opens up the kitchen to the porch and pool deck, creating a spacious area where guests can comfortably mingle. During a party, everyone ends up in the kitchen, and Mary structured the main living areas with this in mind. The island acts as a central point between the backyard and the interior living and dining spaces. This way, whoever is in the kitchen can tune in to conversation in every direction and always feel part of the party.
“We wanted to give space for everyone to be where they feel comfortable and connected,” Mary says, “whether that’s by the pool with their cocktails, in front of the fireplace watching the game, or sitting indoors in the living room.”
The house features strong sightlines throughout, contributing to a feeling of cohesion between living spaces. From the kitchen, guests have a direct line of sight to the pool deck with its symmetrical fire bowls and sheer descent waterfall feature. This beautiful, calming element is then carried into the interior spaces.
The décor also plays a role in inviting guests into an ambient space. The Westbrooks have traveled all over, from Morocco to Papua New Guinea and more. “When we travel, I always come home with something and it goes somewhere in the house,” Mary says. African, Mediterranean, and Oceanic influences come through in various spaces, such as the porch with its ceramics, woven wicker shades, and geometric throw pillows. This area is breezy and serene, perfect for any brunch or soiree.
From the living room, the windows reveal a thick canopy of foliage – “it almost feels like you’re part of the trees,” Mary adds. The open concept living and dining spaces flow seamlessly together, blending contemporary and traditional design. Natural elements shine in this space, such as the sleek concrete fireplace and various wooden furnishings, all of which are softened by neutral, plush textiles.
In the dining room, split windows illuminate this area and frame a favorite painting of Mary’s: “This painting in the dining room – everyone has their own interpretation of it. It looks like a figure – could be a man or a woman – but it just flows.” This dynamic, abstract portrait was a gift from Mary’s mother, who purchased it from a family friend’s Atlanta gallery years ago.
Another favorite artwork hangs in the entryway. These two portraits were procured during a trip to Papua New Guinea in the ‘80s. This style of art called “sand painting” evolved in the Enga province, where colored sand is skillfully glued onto a backdrop depicting vibrant images of Engan life. It was a labor of love to transport the art back to the States without obscuring the sandy image, but the result was well worth the effort as the dynamic pieces are now featured in the forefront of the home.
Rounding out the home is a modern primary suite, featuring gentle, warm-toned neutrals and contemporary comforts. A tray ceiling heightens the space, and the walls are soon to be filled with memorabilia from future travel. This versatile approach allows for the home to constantly evolve as the Westbrooks explore more corners of the world and bring home new design influences and stories to share.
Since moving to Chattanooga, the Westbrooks have loved the opportunity to share their home with out-of-town friends as well as connect with their neighbors. “This neighborhood is kind of in a place of change, and it’s so fascinating to hear residents speak about the history of the area,” Mary reflects.
“That makes us really feel more at home in this awesome neighborhood. We’re glad to be a part of the amazing history that’s here.”
