Blending Tradition and Comfort in a Stylish Birmingham Home

After living in Atlanta for more than three decades, she and her husband, Jerry, made the decision to move back to her hometown of Birmingham to be near their two sons and daughters-in-law along with their soon-to-be seven grandchildren. Having built what they thought would be their forever home in Georgia, they opted to downsize in the process and were fortunate to find a lot in a recently developed neighborhood that holds just over a dozen homes. “We call our cul-de-sac Central Park because all of the neighbors like to gather there and visit,” she says of the welcoming setting.

The developer provided both an architect and landscape designer who the Jansens could direct in terms of their needs and style. “I gave the architect pictures of houses that I liked but also used a lot of the same features from our house in Atlanta because it worked well for us,” Jansen says, noting they did opt for taller ceilings, larger closets, and more than one bedroom on the ground level. She also selected classic, wide-plank wood floors and one white paint color (Benjamin Moore’s Simply White) to flow throughout the home, acting as a canvas for their antique furniture and light fixtures as well as the numerous collections. “I wanted this to be a house where I would never have to do a major renovation again,” Jansen says.

In terms of curating the interiors, Jansen took the reins. “My hobby is decorating, so I did all of that myself,” she says, adding that she’s always had a passion for interior design but never pursued the field professionally. “I love shopping—everybody knows that about me. My friends say I have the gift of shopping,” she says with a laugh. While she notes her style is formal, it was important that this house feel comfortable for everyday living and for all members of the family. The couple’s living room—one of Jansen’s favorite spaces and, perhaps, the one that is most reflective of her style—is proof of this blend. Here, an inviting sofa pairs with a trumeau mirror, glass-top coffee table, and numerous blue-and-white collectibles. “I have always decorated like this, and our boys grew up in it,” she says, adding that she is taking the same approach with her grandchildren. “I don’t want to sacrifice my style for young children. I embrace the happy medium between comfort and formality,” she says.

In particular, Jansen is drawn to animal prints and chinoiserie pieces. Among her favorites is the Coromandel screen in the primary bedroom. “It was previously behind the sofa in our living room. When we moved, the new buyer wanted to purchase it, but I couldn’t part with it,” she says of the find she had watched for two years at an Atlanta consignment shop before it made its way to their home. “Some people have a bucket list of things to do, but I have a list of decorative items and furnishings I would love to own,” she says.

Playing to her talent of mixing a range of pieces, she paired a striking screen with their vintage Baker bed and a fine Oushak rug. “I think rugs are a place to spend your money,” she says. The primary bath is outfitted with functional, neutral selections and accessorized with her favorite vintage and antique finds.