Text by Hannah Nance
From the first glance you get at the Gentrys’ Alabama home, you’re sure to be captivated. Its large chimney with an ivy-laden trellis brings attention to all the gorgeous windows of the home, but it’s the stunning front entrance that beckons you closer.
Large double-flame glass lanterns flank the doorway, and a French mansard roof sits overhead. Architect Richard Long designed a stylish entry that narrows into the arched Tudor-style front door, making it a focal point of the exterior.
Once inside, the interior envelops you in hospitality with a warm color palette, wood accents, and soft linen furnishings. In the living room, the eye is immediately drawn to the ornate French-style chandelier above, while a lightly colored leather ottoman with nailhead trim and dark wood legs acts as a coffee table for the space. The limestone fireplace with detailed trim is also a prominent feature. Highlighting the French influence she wanted in the home, homeowner Rachel Gentry added a distressed wood china cabinet filled with antiques and family treasures.
The open-concept kitchen is sophisticated but cozy with light wood cabinetry acting as a grounding element in contrast to the light and airy marble countertops and backsplash. A favorite feature of the kitchen is the wall of windows with linen Roman shades that let in plenty of natural light.
For an elegant accent, Rachel hung gold sconces in between the windows. In addition to the French-country style of the space, aged elements like terra-cotta pots, rubbed brass hardware, and a farmhouse sink give the interior an Old-World feel that Rachel hadn’t originally planned for, but ended up falling in love with.
Elegance is exemplified in the dining room, particularly by the crystal-laden gold chandelier that hangs right above the farmhouse-style table, creating a beautiful blend of Parisian chic and French country. On one side of the room, Rachel displays her collection of silver next to antique oyster plates, which she admits she doesn’t currently collect but hopes to one day. Below, a dark wood buffet with detailed etching provides storage for the family’s china.
The master suite is a tranquil retreat for the couple. Their black iron bed with linen-upholstered headboard is a beautiful blend of contemporary lines and classic style. The couple’s interior designer, Meredith Sherrill, had the unique idea of highlighting the lines of the canopy bed with two rattan-shaded lamps with gold arms that are installed above the headboard. The warmth of the rattan shades echoes the vintage-style wood and wicker bench under the large window in the space. In the master bath, the mix of contemporary and classic styles continues with a sleek, modern tub; a gilded French-style stool; and hexagonal tiles, which provide a pop of visual interest.
From floor to ceiling, the Gentrys’ home is exactly what they had hoped for when they first started building in 2017. Timeless and classic, the house might be a new build, but the warmth and coziness that fill it provide a comforting welcome to all who enter, even from the first impression.
