This one was all about honoring the Jennings family’s story. Matt and Farrah wanted to stay in this house (one in a long line of many military-based moves) and turn it into a peaceful home as they navigate life after the loss of their beloved daughter, Hannah. This home is now a refuge for them—where they can breathe and heal—while continuing to honor beautiful Hannah and their family heritage for generations before them.

I always say that a home is more than four walls and a roof. The memories created here have been both wonderful and devastating. It was an honor to physically lighten this home (layers and layers of heaviness with brick and trim) and feel the exhale in the air. I pray Matt and Farrah have many joyful years here as they hold their daughter’s memory close and step forward with hope. 🤍

BEFORE

We brightened everything for the exterior by covering the dark brick with a charming German schmear. The garage door and the front entrance were updated with a muted sage green color. This soft, natural tone complements the brickwork for the coastal feel Farrah hoped for. Adding new metal light fixtures balances the exterior to keep it looking modern.  

We wanted to find subtle ways to honor the memory of their daughter, Hannah. One of those ways is at the entrance, near the front door. New landscaping was added to the entire front of the house, but tucked away closest to the home is a butterfly garden with a water feature surrounded by a cluster of Larkspur plants that bloom Hannah’s birth flower. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Flag | Allegiance Flag Supply

Exterior Light | Pottery Barn

Front Door & Garage Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Pigeon

BEFORE

One of the first things we knew had to go was the “ankle-breaking” living room floor. We raised it to match the rest of the house, making the space more functional. We also widened the entrance to the room by removing the brick arch and adding drywall for a cleaner look. The brick fireplace in the corner was bulky and dated, so we gave it a smooth new surround and painted it to blend seamlessly with the walls.

Now, the living room is much bigger and has clean, modern lines. The coastal theme really comes together here with the warmth of the LVP flooring, cream tones and natural wooden ceiling beams. By taking away all the clutter and heaviness of the brick, we’re able to draw the eye to Buddy’s butterfly painting, another tangible reminder of Hannah. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Furniture | Howse

Art | Buddy Whitlock

Flooring | Tarkett

Fireplace | Dream Cast Design

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

BEFORE

The kitchen needed a complete remodel and reconfiguration. We removed the living room divider wall, archways, angled wall at the breakfast nook, and several ledges. We also leveled the varying ceiling heights for a consistent flow. This allowed us to reduce noise and enhance some of the home’s charming details. It also enabled us to start fresh with a floor plan that could accommodate Farrah’s request for a large walk-in pantry.

The dark chestnut cabinetry and heavy brown surfaces in the kitchen were replaced with clean, classic shaker cabinets painted in Drop Cloth and topped with white countertops. The light, neutral tones brighten the kitchen while complementing the existing natural arch features. We added all new stainless steel appliances (including a large range and a built-in coffee maker) and mixed metal finishes with brushed brass hardware for a nice contrast and sophisticated look.

Concealed behind the tall cabinet door is a spacious walk-in pantry with ample shelving and storage options. Adjacent to the hidden pantry is the hutch that Dave assembled to display Matt’s mother’s china. We found the bottom half at an antique store, and Dave added the hutch on top; we painted the entire piece to give it the appearance of a French antique. 

AFTER

SOURCES

Furniture | Howse 

Pendants | Crate & Barrel 

Countertops | Santa Margherita

Faucet | Delta

Sink | Bed Bath & Beyond

Pot Filler | Delta 

Cabinet Knobs | Top Knobs 

Cabinet Pulls | Top Knobs 

Flooring | Tarkett

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Dining Room Chandelier | Capital Lighting

Cabinet Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Drop Cloth

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

BEFORE

AFTER

 The dining room reflects a deep respect for the generations of Matt and Farrah’s families. The beautiful tribute to their family history greets guests as they enter their home. 

SOURCES

Furniture | Howse

Chandelier | Capital Lighting

Dinnerware | Marrs Mercantile 

Flooring | Tarkett

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

AFTER

Like the rest of the house, the bedroom felt overcrowded. The combination of the multi-height ceiling, extravagant crown molding, and ornate fireplace contributed to a sense of chaos. The goal for this room was to make it simpler and cozier. We began by removing the awkward angle to improve flow and privacy. We also eliminated the outside access and lowered the ceiling to create a clean line. Next, we replaced the crown molding and updated the fireplace with a new surround and marble hearth, giving it a more modern touch. Additionally, we provided the Jennings with an extra-large walk-in closet, complete with built-in cabinets and shelving. 

Since Matt loves collecting books, we included a modern floor-to-ceiling bookshelf with a library ladder. The room’s dark paint, metal accents, and simple lines create the cozy, moody vibe we envisioned. Just outside the bedroom, we added one of Buddy’s paintings – a beautiful piece depicting Hannah, with butterflies fluttering among larkspur.

SOURCES

Furniture | Howse

Rolling Ladder | Putnam

Fireplace | Dream Cast Design

Flooring | Tarkett

Bedroom Wall Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Pigeon

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Closet Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore White Dove

Closet Cabinet Paint Color | Farrow & Ball Pigeon

Art | Buddy Whitlock

Like the rest of the house, the existing bathroom was narrow and filled with awkward angles and overly ornate trim. We demolished it and started fresh with an entirely new floor plan that included outdoor access to the pool area. 

The new bathroom is a spa-like dream featuring heated floors, a cedar sauna, a rain showerhead, and a freestanding bathtub.  Checkered floor tile, marbled wall tile, and antique brass hardware add a touch of Hollywood hotel glamor, while Chris’s unique wooden vanity brings warmth to the space. We completed the look with new lighting, gold handles, and a beautiful Calcutta countertop.

SOURCES

Sconces | Pottery Barn

Mirror | Amazon

Countertops | Santa Margherita

Shower Floor Tile | Home Depot

Shower Wall Tile | Bedrosians

Shower Kit | Delta

Tub | Delta

Tub Filler | Delta

Floor Tile | Bedrosians

Floor Tile | Bedrosians

Towel Hook | Delta

Runner | Turkish Trunk

Sauna | SaunaFin

Cabinet Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal

Wall Paint Color | Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal