5 minute read
Experts in Artful Design
Photos by Joe Loehle
When Jonathan and Leesa Stoner first met with Gail Butler, the owner of Taylor House Interiors, to discuss the renovations to their new home, “The Blue Heron,” it created a spark that turned their vision into something amazing.
The couple had purchased the house about a year before and were eager to get started on a redesign which would create the additional sleeping and social spaces they need to fit their lifestyle. As parents of three young children, the Stoners wanted the kids to have their own personal space and they made sure to give themselves some room to relax too.
The initial step to get the ball rolling was putting together the team. Gail says, “Jonathan and I chose Steve D’Amico for the drawings for the renovations, Brett Flanagan of Flanagan Development, and Stephani Coley with Coley Electric & Plumbing Supply.” She explains that she and her designers have previously worked with these companies and have always trusted their work. Any other vendors that were contracted came under the Flanagan umbrella. Artwork for the home was done by Bethany Travis, who was commissioned to paint a 5' x 8' canvas with a marsh scene that included Leesa’s favorite dog, Trigger. Two paintings by Jonathan’s mother also adorn the walls.
As the project’s Home Improvement Consultant, Gail was responsible for coordinating meetings, material selections, and checking on the renovation progress. She was also responsible for ordering and timing delivery of furniture, staying within budget, and making sure deadlines were met. Gail and Jonathan were in constant communication via email.
The foundation for the design was laid with the family’s signature color: blue. In choosing colors for the exterior, consideration was given to the existing neighborhood and the rhythm of the island. White trim provides a nice contrast against both the blue and the silver of the metal roof. Using a slightly darker shade on the outside allowed the interior design to incorporate different variations of that blue on cabinets, tile, and rugs, carrying the color throughout the home while keeping everything light and fresh. Leesa stated,“We absolutely love what we and our design team created. It is
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Jonathan and Leesa Stoner with children Easton, Emma Sue, and Eli.
absolutely worth the time and effort the project took.”
Texture, shine, layers—details that draw a person in for a second look or touch—were very important to Jonathan and Leesa. These design elements bring excitement to the home, to keep you coming back and seeing something new you didn’t notice before. The vision bought to the renovation resulted in timeless style. If Gail wasn’t sure of a piece, she emailed Jonathan to decide. 98% of the time, they were on the same page, so working together was a breeze.
Gail says,“The Stoner Cottage is upscale island living at its very best. You can walk into their home now and completely relax. The soft colors, comfortable furniture, and mixture of styles all make this a house anyone would want to come home to!”
When asked to describe his home after the renovation, Jonathan told EIL, “On nights after a long day at the beach, we curl up in the office on the sofas and chairs, or sometimes we pull out the bed for the kids and put on the movie. As they laugh and fall into sleep, there is no better moment in my life. This scale of this project is not for the faint of heart, but with the right team you can reach your goals. Making a comforting home for my family was mine.” He adds, “I like to think the home has an identity now. By color, name, and feel, it embraces the beauty of the island and its waters.”
Gail and the Taylor House designers handle both residential and commercial projects and can do a single room or a wholehouse renovation. Taylor House Interiors has been staple on St. Simons Island for 21 years, providing both design services and house staging. The showroom has an extensive inventory of furniture, lamps, unique décor, bedding and accessories. Its artfully staged rooms will spark your inspiration so, like the Stoners, you too can start creating your own perfect space.
Jonathan summed everything up with a ringing endorsement that we simply had to share: “We interviewed several companies, but there were very few that had the excellent staff, showroom capabilities, design sense, and logistical abilities as Ms. Butler’s group. I have done many of these projects in different states for myself and others and, without hesitation, can say anyone who reads this should be interviewing Taylor House for their next project.” He explains, “They understand how to balance your personal vision with their fine level of execution. There was no question that went unanswered, the communications were always truthful and complete. The question to be asked is not ‘Why would you choose Taylor House?’ It’s ‘Why wouldn’t you?’”
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