This Gracious Columbus, Georgia Home Marries Historic Charm and Modern Comfort

The homeowners’ new 8,000-square-foot dwelling nestles into a neighborhood developed in the 1920s, where some of the original homes still stand today as monuments of architectural beauty from a bygone era. “We wanted this house to reflect the aesthetic of an older home that may have been built during those early days,” says interior designer Will Huff of Huff-Dewberry, an Atlanta firm he co-owns with Heather Dewberry. “We opted for a more traditional brick and stone construction rather than something painted, as we felt it would deliver a more established look for this neighborhood,” he says.

Having collaborated with the homeowners on their previous residence, Huff guided them in carefully acquiring a collection of exquisite antiques and artwork, many of which they sought to incorporate into their new home. While the architecture, designed by Jack Jenkins of Jack Jenkins Architecture in Columbus, Georgia, takes on a distinct classic character, their goal was to maintain an overall aesthetic that embodies a refined yet welcoming Southern charm. “The homeowners’ passion for gracious living is reflected in every detail, from the layered textiles to the bespoke millwork and thoughtfully curated artwork,” notes Huff.

“In the living room, elegance and sophistication balance seamlessly with comfort and approachability, ensuring the space feels as inviting as it is beautiful.” Brimming with traditional architectural details, the home still lends itself to modern living. Inside, light-filled interiors take advantage of the sweeping lake views, and a neutral palette infused with pops of soft blues and greens defines the color scheme. “We wanted the architecture and outdoor surroundings to speak as much as the furnishings,” says Huff. “One of our first big design decisions was choosing a hand-painted de Gournay wallpaper for the dining room walls. We loved how the pattern enveloped the room in foliage and birds without feeling too busy. The subtle coloration felt in keeping with the palette we had in mind and helped set the tone for the rest of the house.”

In place of a separate living room and family room, one elegant space allows for formal entertaining and everyday living. Although the living area opens to the breakfast room and kitchen, not every room in the home features an open-concept floor plan. Instead, Huff and the owners opted for main and upper-level hallways rather than connecting all rooms only by cased openings. “We felt this gave the home more of a sense of history,” says the designer.

“Luxurious trim details with casings almost six inches deep made the drapery hardware a challenge. The projection on many of the drapery rods extends nine inches.” To balance the living room’s grand proportions and 13-foot ceiling, Huff suggested having custom consoles designed to flank the fireplace. He worked with the manufacturer to tailor the dimensions, ensuring they were wide enough and finished at a 40-inch height, befitting the room’s scale. To add a distinctive touch, he incorporated a circular motif into the iron detailing on the back of each piece.

An expansive wall of accordion doors leading to the covered terrace generates a key architectural feature in this public space. “The terrace itself has a retractable screen system, allowing for an open-air experience without the threat of letting bugs in,” he explains. “On a pretty day, the doors can be fully opened with screens lowered, creating a breezy, uninterrupted flow between the interior and the serene lakefront setting.”

Comfort and endurance were also part of the design directive. Fabrics with a soft hand were a must for the clients, and durability was also a priority for the owners, who wanted to live in a house without the constant worry of wear and tear. “The home was designed to be as effortlessly beautiful as it is comfortably livable,” Huff adds. “We wanted guests to feel just as at ease sipping a cocktail as they would kicking back with their feet propped up.”

Now a go-to for birthday celebrations, wedding parties, and intimate dinners, the finished home lends itself to entertaining, with the stage always set for taking in gorgeous lake views. “The young adult grandchildren love bringing their friends to the lake,” notes Huff. “My client laughed and said she feels like such a popular grandmother now that they’ve moved into this new home.”