Mallory Mathison Glenn and her potential clients had a serendipitous meeting at the 2009 Southern Living Idea House in Dahlonega, Georgia. Mallory, the interior designer of the home, caught the eye of Katy Lyall, who took Mallory’s card and later hired her to decorate their family’s residence in Atlanta. Eight years down the line, when Katy, her husband Andrew Hunt, and their two children decided to relocate closer to relatives in Albany, they once again sought Mallory’s expertise, this time for the design of the Southern Living Cedar River Farmhouse (SL-1954) by architect Brandon Ingram.
Brandon saw the design of the farmhouse as an opportunity to celebrate the traditional Southern farmhouse elements such as the metal roof, board-and-batten siding, and cupola. The architecture focused on simplicity and a lack of ostentation, which resonated well with the homeowners. The interior design aimed to create a warm and inviting atmosphere while incorporating some playful elements to add character to the space. Mallory used a color palette inspired by the natural surroundings, including shades of blue and green, and even added a vibrant peacock hue to the interior doors.
Staying true to the architect’s vision, the homeowners made minimal modifications to the original plan, with the exception of closing off a breezeway to accommodate an in-law suite. Mallory curated cozy corners within the house, incorporating custom pieces like a banquette and antiques to create inviting spaces. To maintain a sense of familiarity, Mallory integrated some of Katy’s existing furniture pieces, including a limestone-top coffee table, and added versatile seating options like ottomans and stools throughout the home.
While Mallory typically incorporates colorful touches in her designs, she adapted to Katy’s preference for a neutral kitchen palette by using creamy Sherwin-Williams’ Alabaster for the cabinets. Despite the neutral tones, Mallory infused the kitchen with lively elements to prevent it from feeling stark and monotonous.
With a light celadon tile backsplash, teal range, and cerused oak island, the kitchen exudes a modern yet cozy vibe. The artwork above the range is a creation by artist Monteigne Ray Mathison, who happens to be Mallory’s mother. Adding to the charm are brass bistro shelves from Palmer Industries.
The scullery surprises with jewel-toned cabinets painted in Farrow & Ball’s Sloe Blue (No. 87) and Soane’s Scrolling Fern Frond adorning the walls.
Designed with gatherings in mind, the dining room features a spacious 10-seat table, expandable with a leaf to accommodate four more. The chairs are upholstered in a durable cut velvet by Cowtan & Tout, ensuring they can withstand the rigors of family dinners and get-togethers. Mallory notes, “It’s a really heavy-wearing fabric.” A custom beaded chandelier from Sullivan & Phenix adds a touch of elegance to the room.
Ensuring a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, the living room opens fully to the back porch. Mallory aimed for a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere, furnishing the space with a wicker table from Mainly Baskets Home and teak seating from Wesley Hall. Embracing the Southern tradition of “haint blue” porch ceilings, the designer chose Farrow & Ball’s Light Blue (No. 22) for a serene and visually pleasing effect.
In a unique twist, Katy requested that nearly every room feature a piece of furniture from IKEA. Reflecting on her roots, she explains, “I don’t want to get too far from my roots.” In the primary bedroom, Mallory transformed a pair of IKEA nightstands with a coat of Farrow & Ball’s Pigeon (No. 25) paint and custom hardware for a personalized touch.
For the daughter’s bedroom, Mallory curated a space inspired by the young occupant’s love for pastel colors and a vintage aesthetic. Farrow & Ball’s Borrowed Light (No. 235) envelops the room, complemented by patterns like the Lucy fabric from Columbus, Georgia-based artist Lulie Wallace and a Boone Blue duvet from Biscuit Home.
The daughter’s adjoining bath exudes a nostalgic charm, featuring milk glass hardware on the vanity and Cole & Son’s Hummingbirds print gracing the walls.
This text is originally featured in Southern Living magazine.
