Page 178 - South Mississippi Living - September, 2020

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The home we are featuring this month is very unique; modern yet familiar. Tell us how the design evolved.
Andrea:
My background is in engineering, so I relate to Leah’s experience working in a male dominated eld. In fact, I was so intent on setting some arbitrary bar for women’s achievement in my industry that I neglected my need for a creative outlet for most of my professional life. As children came along and I struggled to nd balance, a door opened for me to take over management of a major home renovation. For the rst time, I saw the intersection of my technical abilities and my creative desires. After a lot of prayer, The Bright Peacock Design Studio was born! I keep learning that God’s plans are always better than our plans.
Leah:
The homeowners came to us because their home wasn’t working for them as family life evolved
and they were considering a renovation. Our rst question is always, “What do you love about your home?” The list was not long, and so began the planning for a home that would feel like a family retreat. Little did we know that their rst six months in the home would be spent retreating from the world, and from each other at times too!
The rst visit to the site was lled with overgrown grass and smattering of trees of little value. But gliding above the ravine at the bottom of the property was an osprey. The grace and purpose
of the osprey opened my eyes to the primary axis of views on the property and helped me see how I would orient the home.
Andrea:
Leah and I have an amazing creative chemistry and have fun challenging each other’s visions. I tend to get involved early in the design process so that the interior design is well integrated and echoes
the exterior styling of the home. The builder for this project, Hunter Desporte of Buildhaus, is also
a creative force and we had great synergy on this project between the three of us.
The clients were drawn to a warmer interpretation of modern design with simple clean lines. Leah captured this beautifully in the crisp lines and
black and white color scheme of the exterior. We continued this inside the home with a primarily black and white palette warmed with white
oak oors, beams, and cabinetry. Pops of color, primarily evergreen and sunny yellow, add interest and provide continuity through the main living spaces.
178 | September 2020
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