Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
The classic white façade is the perfect backdrop for elegant red and green Christmas décor.
Annie Goldberg and Ginny Maguire of AG Designs love to include antiques and vintage pieces in their interiors to keep a home from feeling like a showroom where everything was purchased at once. When working on Mallie and Jay Whatley’s home in Mountain Brook, Alabama, the issue was not finding those special pieces—it was editing the immense collection of fine antiques, rugs, art, and décor that the couple brought to the project. “Mallie grew up with beautiful things, and she was ready for a grownup home that showcased her special pieces,” say the designers. “However, the Whatleys are a young family, so we didn’t want the house to be too serious.” In that regard, the duo focused on highlighting and respecting the beautiful antiques while introducing some welcome surprises and a dash or two of edge. Part of the process involved selecting exceptional wall coverings for the mix.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
The dining room shines with a glitter-like wall covering from Scalamandré, a glamorous crystal chandelier, and a French antique gold mirror. Ceiling wall covering by Osborne & Little.
The dining room is wrapped in a glittering green paper that looks like mica crystals while the ceiling features a complementary paper that gives the impression of Moroccan tiles with gilded accents. Both impart an inviting moodiness paired with the refinement of a crystal chandelier, gold patinaed curvy French mirror, and classic antique dining table, all grounded by a lighter patterned rug.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
The well-appointed living room features hand painted de Gournay wall covering, which envelops like an embrace and shows off the collection of antique furnishings and décor. Lee Industries sofas in a Baker velvet
The designers tracked down a hand-painted de Gournay scenic landscape wall covering that Mallie had seen in a shelter magazine. It provides an ideal backdrop for the living room furnishings such as green velvet sofas, an ornate carved antique mirror, and a gleaming French oak cabinet. “While Mallie’s tastes lean more traditional, she was definitely up for pushing the envelope at times when it felt right,” says Annie. “She has strong opinions and lets you know what she thinks right away, which makes the process smoother.” When Annie asked her client how she felt about birds, she responded favorably, so the decorating scheme for one powder bath took flight with a Japanese-inspired paper with soaring birds and a light fixture comprised of teal blue feathers. The bedrooms for the Whatleys’ three daughters were the only spaces where Mallie was less involved, allowing each girl to choose the palette and overall look for her bedroom. One went with a vibrant purple geometric wall covering that paved the way for a lovely riot of layered and color-filled prints.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Bright blue cabinets, red print roman shades, and brass lanterns from Urban Electric join hands for a cheerful kitchen experience.
Annie and Ginny were also laser focused on light fixtures for every space as another means to keep the house young and fresh. Sculptural brass lanterns top the kitchen island, while a more classic brass chandelier hangs over the adjoining breakfast table.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
The designers plucked a pretty pink Gracie wall covering and used it for a custom upholstered headboard; an antique floral rug from the client’s grandmother pulls every element together in the primary bedroom. Ralph Lauren bedding and drapery fabric.
The designers also incorporated lighting from Mallie’s collection when appropriate, such as the glamourous crystal chandelier in the primary bedroom, which also features a treasured floral rug from her grandmother. “When we were installing it, Mallie’s mother was there and she started to tear up,” says Annie. “She realized just how perfect it was in the room.” The space also includes a gleaming floral, hand-painted Gracie wall covering that envelops the space in a luxurious embrace. The designers plucked a soft pink from the paper’s design and used it for a custom tufted-velvet bed. In the corner sits an heirloom French armchair upholstered in a soft gold shade where one of the Whatleys’ daughters had her portrait made. The portrait now has pride of place on a nearby wall.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Home for the holidays; the welcoming entry includes a Ralph Lauren lantern and antique rug.
“So many of the pieces in this home tell a story,” says Annie. “It was a wonderful and rewarding experience for Ginny and I to find fresh places for them so that new stories can evolve for generations to come.”
MORE FROM THE WHATLEYS’ HOME
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Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
White hydrangea and peonies fill a crystal vase along with seasonal greenery in an arrangement for the primary bedroom.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
The super chic powder bathroom shows off tones of blues including the cabinetry, the Japanese style Phillip Jeffries wall covering, and a fabulous feather light fixture from Jamie Dietrich.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
An elegant shimmering holiday tablescape includes a cut crystal bowl of red roses set on a mirrored surface.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
A curved custom banquette sits in the bay window to create a breakfast niche and is joined by stylish brushed gold chairs upholstered in a leopard print. Chandelier by Urban Electric.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
Candy-themed china, topiaries in gold pots, poinsettias, and roses bring the holiday spirit to the kitchen island.
Photo by Laurey W. Glenn
A built-in mirrored bar in the living room opens to reveal bright blue doors that pop against the scenic wall covering.
By Alice Welsh Doyle | Photography by Laurey W. Glenn
Interior Design by Annie Goldberg & Ginny Maguire of AG Designs. See more from AG Designs on their website and Instagram.
Florals and holiday decorating by Michael Dyer and Uncut Flowers
