Eco Chic

Kelli & Matt Campbell’s ‘green’ home in Cherokee Gardens

Written by Bridget Williams / Photography by Eric Williams

The crux of a study published on CNN.com earlier this year was that being a nice person puts a damper on your career. I would be willing to bet that Kelli Campbell, the charismatic owner of Joseph’s Spa and Salon, would disagree. This sunny disposition must undoubtedly start at home, where Kelli and husband Matt and their two adorable children present a picture-perfect postcard of the modern American family. Their painted brick center hall colonial, located in the scenic Cherokee Gardens neighborhood, exudes a young and fresh vibe both inside and out.

Kelli and Matt were drawn to the house because of its enviable location, good bones, and tidy proportions. “The scale of it had a very quaint, European appeal,” said Kelli. When it came time to personalize the interiors, the homeowners called on interior designer Amy Cimba of Bittners, tasking her with incorporating sentimental pieces and items purchased for a previous residence into a cohesive but eclectic design scheme.

“Kelli had the good fortune of inheriting some amazing pieces from her father, who had incredible taste,” said Cimba.

Just as Kelli eschews harsh chemicals whenever possible at Joseph’s, from the onset, the implementation of “green” design principles was paramount. So, Cimba chose low VOC paints, purchased local where possible, and used organic woods, linens, and silk fabrics, as well as reclaimed timbers. Cimba set the tone beginning in the entryway, where a sprightly Osborne & Little wall covering leads up the stair hall. A commanding Asian-influenced chest is a favorite among the many pieces that belonged to Kelli’s father.

The living room is a perfect expression of the homeowner’s eclectic style. The main seating area is anchored by an oriental carpet over a bound sisal rug. A “green” sofa with organic upholstery is centered within a frame of antique mirrored squares. A petite brass trunk that belonged to Kelli’s father serves as a side table. The coffee table, which also belonged to Kelli’s father, was given a facelift by Bittners’ woodworking and refinishing artisans. Upholstery with a contemporary print enlivens a pair of Deco-style armchairs. One of Kelli’s favorite pieces is a Japanese painting on silk in a floating frame that hangs above a black lacquered console table. Flanking the window dressed with silk strié drapery at the other end of the room is a pair of console tables of painted wood with bases that appear to be a tangle of tree roots. Above each is a large and lively watercolor depiction of colorful birds.

A former sun porch accessed through the living room has been repurposed as a highly functional home office. With cabinetry constructed by Peyton Hoge of Birdsquare Carpentry, it is a picture of organizational excellence, where everything has its place. The writing surfaces and desktops are made from recycled barn wood. Cimba added modern flair with oversized pendant drum shades and Herman Miller “Aeron” office chairs. As is the case elsewhere throughout the home, lovely reminders of family are everywhere, including photographs and children’s art framed with the same attention given to gallery pieces.

In the cozy family room, an L-shaped sectional allows the family to pile on for movies or board games. On either side of an Asian horse print purchased from Trace Mayer Antiques are chinoiserie wall sconces. The room culminates in a bay with a door leading to the brick terrace.

The dining room has been a study in evolution for the homeowners. “The room’s proportions are small, and we wanted to seize on that and emulate the ‘coveish’ feeling of Jack Fry’s,” said Kelli. Nathan Morgan constructed display cabinets and a box beam ceiling to add additional architectural emphasis to the room. The walls are upholstered in linen with additional trim work added on top. A bronze chandelier hangs over the table, which is surrounded by chairs with crewelwork upholstery. Within the cabinets are displayed a high/low collection of glass art purchased locally from Scout and fine Imari porcelain from Bittners.

As an active family, organization is paramount. The homeowners took full advantage of a breezeway between the garage and the kitchen by adding cabinetry (also built by Birdsquare Carpentry) with bench seating to organize the children’s outerwear, backpacks, etc. A bench seat constructed underneath one window has openings for recycling. Nearby, a built-in cabinet displays a collection of stoneware made by Kelli’s cousin.

Outside, a spacious terrace uses bricks recycled from old downtown buildings.

“We wanted the terrace to look original to the home and these bricks have an authentic patina that none of the newer examples we looked at could replicate,” said Kelli.

Lest one think that this picture of domestic nirvana is void of the chaos that plagues all families at one time or another, Kelli recounts the time when soon after the wallpaper in the foyer had been hung, her young son found the swirls of circles just too tempting and traced an outline before being discovered. Fortunately, they had additional yardage for such mishaps and an expert paperhanger replaced the spot almost indiscernibly. Just like the moments captured in the smiling faces looking out from nearby photographs, it takes memories like that to make a house a home.