MAXIMUM IMPACT
By Brandy Woods Snow; Photography by Anna Routh Barzin; Styling by Kendra Surface
This article appeared in the May/June 2024 issue of Home Design & Decor’s Triangle edition.
A penchant for Parisienne flair and a command of color creates maximum design impact.
Off Grant Avenue, on a dynamic corner lot in a walkable neighborhood, sits a home that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a Parisienne magazine.
Aptly nicknamed “The Frenchie” by designers Robert MacNeill and Brittany Roux of Roux MacNeill Studio, this home’s elegant French-inspired exterior unfolds into a bold interior that beautifully layers elements of saturated color, impactful wallpaper, touches of glam, and French finesse. Working in conjunction with architect Tony Frazier, Tripp Loyd of Loyd Builders, and Realtor Van Fletcher, Roux MacNeill created the perfect home for Off Grant Avenue, on a dynamic corner lot in a walkable neighborhood, sits a home that looks like it’s been plucked from the pages of a Parisienne magazine. Sammy and Andra Kinlaw’s fun-loving family who wanted a place to gather with family and friends.
The Kinlaws, who had worked with Roux MacNeill on a prior home, started their design journey with them in mind. “Their knowledge of design pushed our boundaries, and with the rest of the team, they made the entire process of building and designing our home a joy,” Sammy Kinlaw says.
“We were onboarded before the digging even began on this home, so we had a lot of influence and participation in all elements of the design,” says MacNeill. “We collaborated closely with the architect on the exterior selections, from the shutter paint color to the doors and knobs to the light fixtures, to achieve that French-inspired vibe.”
MacNeill found the oversized antique doorknob, featured on the custom front door, in a Paris flea market and had it shipped back for the project. Blue-gray shutters, a gas lantern with mustache detail, and a custom-designed wrought-iron gate with light are unique features that echo the theme. A brick chimney topper, designed by Frazier, adds to the curb appeal.
The French influence doesn’t stop there but weaves throughout the home’s interior, imparting flourishes of a sophisticated bistro, seen in the recurring black-and- white motif of the laundry room’s hex-patterned flooring, the scullery’s checkerboard tile, and the patio furniture. The repetitious use of X-shapes, circles, and arches— evident in the guest house cabinetry, the home’s front door, the custom staircase, and multiple arched doorways throughout—pull on the influence of French garden design. The breakfast nook features a wrought-iron table flanked by bistro chairs procured at the Paris Flea Market.
In addition to sophisticated glam elements, the comprehensive design also centers around the use of a saturated color palette and statement-making wallpapers to truly create a wow factor. From the Gucci Heron print in the dining room to the Jim Thompson Wedding Parade in the owner’s bedroom’s vestibule to the Cole & Son Flamingo in the pool-house bath, the wallpapers featured in the home offer maximum impact with a colorful, energetic statement. Vivid paints, such as Sherwin-Williams Blue Peacock in the office and breakfast nook and the high-gloss navy lacquer in the son’s bathroom, impart a richness that complements the plethora of wallpapers. Brass fixtures and finishes along with unique elements, such as custom fabricated metal-and-glass shelves and an arched marble shower surround, make the home truly special. “The family eagerly embraced impactful wallpaper moments and bold colors,” Roux says. “They were not afraid to be daring. For them, it was truly the bolder, the better.
The Kinlaws are thrilled with their classic home, brought to life with a bold use of bright paints, unique wallpapers, and statement accessories, and believe it will stand the test of time. “We were not looking for subtle; we are literally living in color every day,” Kinlaw says. “The house is curated, striking, and comfortable. Every time I walk in the door to our home, I feel thankful.”