Now I know I'm not the only one who didn't get enough of my friend Kerry Howard on Top Design. If you ask me, his farewell came far too early for his great talent to be appreciated. Fortunately, Jaithan and I had the tremendous pleasure of catching up with Kerry down in Atlanta. In fact, we were even lucky enough to stay with him at his gorgeous place in Cumming! The style of the house is a sophisticated take on casual. It's clean and eclectic with a fantastic mix of traditional and modern elements. Here's the view looking back into the bright, sunlit foyer.
Leaning on the wall are three antique church windows Kerry found years ago in Wilmington, North Carolina. He swapped out the stained glass for mirror, then aged it with acid. How great is that for adding instant architectural detail, not to mention all that great reflected light?
Check out the kitchen! It's light, bright, and full of charm. Kerry has always been so good at layering textures to give a room depth, and this kitchen certainly shows it. The whole feel of the room—the flow, the workspace, the functionality—is so well done.
Here's the view from the den looking back into the dining area. I love how Kerry played with just a splash of blue in an otherwise neutral palette. While the house feels modern, the floors add the perfect amount of warmth. They're actually wide-plank pine that Kerry had aged with chains and a mix of stains, so they'd appear as though they've been there for years. And they do!
I love the graceful lines of the staircase and how it opens so naturally to the floor below.
Here's a peek into the master bedroom. Like the pop of blue in the living room below, Kerry adds color sparingly, this time in the pretty sea green of the curtains. What a soothing palette for a bedroom, wouldn't you agree?
And I love the plates above the headboard, a modern take on a traditional wall hanging.
Photography by Chris Little
No Top Design reunion in Atlanta would have been complete without a surprise appearance from Miss Natalie Williams! She kept me laughing all through the show, and it was fantastic catching up, especially over yummy hors d'oeuvres like smoked ham and honey mustard baked brie, together with prosciutto and parmesan encrusted asparagus.
To be honest, of all the good that's come of Top Design, the best is, by far, the fun, talented, lifelong friends I've made. Designer DIY month resumes full-swing tomorrow, everyone, with a post all about finding inspiration in the least likely of places!
what a great home-speaks atlanta.
Posted by: thomas | January 17, 2009 at 01:35 PM
Kerry's home is stunning. I was also surprised to see him leave so soon and am thrilled to have this opportunity to have a peak into his home. The mirrors....brilliant. The lamp....perfection. The kitchen....gorgeous. I could go on and on....
Posted by: jae | January 16, 2009 at 12:42 PM
This is kind of off topic, but I had the MOST delicious appetiz the other day and thought you might enjoy...spizy chorizo stuffed dates wrapped in bacon and crisped in the broiler. At a recent dinner party we could not stop fawning over these little babies, which we dubbed "meat candy". Have a nice weekend!
Posted by: lauren in the tundra | January 16, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Yea! Thanks Eddie for giving my buddy, Big Daddy, the praise he so deserves. His abode is as lovely as ever! Tell him "Angelina" says hello and we must do another hellacious install sometime soon! It isn't a "black panther party" without Kerry!!
Posted by: Laurie | January 15, 2009 at 08:59 PM
Hi Eddie, Kerry's home is so gorgeous. It looks so relaxing and peaceful. How nice that you have made friends from the show. You, Kerry and Natalie were my favorites!! You were all so fun to watch.
Posted by: Anne S | January 15, 2009 at 07:47 PM
Those window/mirrors are ridiculously pretty! I think my mouth dropped open when I saw them.
I also imagine Kerry slinging a chain on those hardwoods himself, hehe.
Posted by: Jennifer | January 15, 2009 at 05:13 PM
Kerry's house is beautiful! Love the mirrors and his kitchen is fantastic!
Posted by: decorpad | January 15, 2009 at 05:08 PM
Hi, Kerry! Waving from Birmingham. WOW, is your home gorgeous, I just love it all! You've got fantastic taste & it really looks like a magazine spread. You guys just have so much talent, it's amazing. I really enjoyed meeting you at the shopping excursion too, what fun you are!
Posted by: Rhoda | January 15, 2009 at 04:29 PM
I could quite happily move into that house WOW!
We in Canada are just 3 shows into the series so - can hardly wait to see more of you all!!! XO a major design fan!
Posted by: Kandace | January 15, 2009 at 03:13 PM
Wow - his house is beautiful!! Love the staircase!
Posted by: Tabitha (From Single to Married) | January 15, 2009 at 02:36 PM
I just wanted to say thanks to everyone for their wonderful comments! I had a blast with you guys during your stay in Atlanta. I look forward to more adventures in the future. Please feel free to email me with any questions regarding my home at kerry.howard@howardhouseinc.com
Posted by: Kerry aka Big Daddy | January 15, 2009 at 01:38 PM
how much fun! thanks for sharing kerry's digs! he did a fabulous job...love those mirrors!!
Posted by: Pink Wallpaper | January 15, 2009 at 01:04 PM
I love them both!!! Kerry has a beautiful home, I am going to keep my eyes open for windows to do the same!!
Posted by: hanako66 | January 15, 2009 at 12:30 PM
Wow, those mirrors/windows are AMAZING!
Posted by: M.A. | January 15, 2009 at 12:16 PM
Eddie - you are adorable, charming, sophisticated and my new design guru extraordinaire!!!! I "met" you on Martha, checked out your blog... led me to "all the best" and "simply seleta" My iphone is amazing for checking you out whenever I have free time... did I mention that I think you are fabulous!!!
I dabble in design and antiquing, restoring, and painting on a serious budget.... thanks for making me feel rich when I "copy" your ideas....
Your new friend in Jersey,
Chloe
Posted by: Chloe West | January 15, 2009 at 11:58 AM
loved you and loved Big Daddy...was shocked and so disappointed to see him leave....great home...thanks for sharing!
Posted by: carol | January 15, 2009 at 11:47 AM
Kerr's house is AMAZING!!! I absolutely love his style.
xoxo,
Lauren Liess
Posted by: Lauren | January 15, 2009 at 11:12 AM
Oh,my gosh. Thanks for sharing that lovely home. I specially love the church windows. I was searching on line on how to antique a new mirror and it was so funny that I found the technique on youtube. The technique seems pretty easy. Know, I'm on the look out for some church windows. I have an empty dinning room wall. I am so glad I found your website, and thanks a bunch for sharing with us.
Posted by: Elsa | January 15, 2009 at 11:00 AM
Love those church windows! Just a friendly FYI, I've seen this on loads of blogs lately and it is a misuse of the work "peak". A p-e-a-k is the pointed top of a mountain or ridge. To p-e-e-k is to look or glance quickly or furtively. Common error - I can't help it my mother was an editor!!! I enjoy your blog every day. Thanks loads!
Posted by: Sharmyn | January 15, 2009 at 10:15 AM
Hello my Sweet Eddie, It just wouldnt be right if I did not comment on this wonderful blog of yours. Thank You for the wonderful time spent. I have missed you tons and it was wonderful to finally meet your better half. It is a must that we do this often. Kerrys home looks so beautiful. He is so so so amazing and it was a shame to see him leave so soon. Just a note to all of our fans, Thank You for the wonderful comments. Your support means more than you know.... I love all of you and especially my.... EDDIE ROSS.....
Posted by: Natalie, Tratalie, Williams | January 15, 2009 at 10:04 AM
How beautiful! Just the look I'm wanting to achieve in my home. Is there any way that we could know what color he painted on the walls? Especially in the foyer. I've been looking for a color just like that. Thanks, I love your blog!
Posted by: Marcie | January 15, 2009 at 09:58 AM
swoon worthy.
Posted by: paula | January 15, 2009 at 08:57 AM
I never leave comments but I have to tell you that you three were by far my favorites on Top Design!! I am so envious of Kerry's home (I'm a Georgia girl myself, so maybe I need to hire him!) and of the fabulous get together I'm sure y'all had. Love your blog, Eddie!! Keep up the great (inspiring) work!
Posted by: Cynthia | January 15, 2009 at 08:37 AM
Wow! I loved it and thanks for letting us all see something so warm on such a cold day.
Posted by: Tom Mahaney | January 15, 2009 at 08:02 AM
I agree with you, his departure was far too soon from the show. I love his house. Nat is such a little cutie. The happiness just swells out of her little body! A great time must have been had by all. Friends make everything better, don't they?
Posted by: Lucien | January 15, 2009 at 07:55 AM
What a comfortable looking home! Thank you for sharing this and many of the ideas as well!
Posted by: Kathryn | January 15, 2009 at 06:43 AM
What a great home...and good photos too :)
Posted by: michelle | January 15, 2009 at 12:05 AM
Thanks for sharing your fun time at Kerry's home in Cumming. I live just down the road from Kerry. Love his taste! Makes me want to strike a match and start the heck over in my home. LOL In the meantime, pass that asparagus please.
Penny and the poodle girls in Dunwoody, GA
Posted by: penny | January 15, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Love, love, love that kitchen. The church windows are great too.
Mike D.
Posted by: Michael D. | January 14, 2009 at 11:59 PM
Oh that home makes me just want to move in immediately. May I?! Simply beautiful.
Posted by: kate harrison | January 14, 2009 at 11:46 PM
Beautiful house.I love the small things like the wall hangings. Thanks for posting.
And thanks Eddie for stopping by to look at my glam/offie space. You stamp of approval means ALOT!
Posted by: Tamstyles | January 14, 2009 at 11:33 PM
Kerry has fabulous style. It's too bad he left so soon and we didn't get to see more of his talent on Top Design. :) His home is beautiful.
Posted by: Paloma of La Dolce Vita | January 14, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Love the lamp. What a beautiful color!
Posted by: Kate@ Kids and Cocktails | January 14, 2009 at 11:30 PM
Bring on the Big Daddy! He's a true Southern gentleman and a great designer.
So glad to see his lovely home, but I still haven't forgiven Top Design for letting him go that early. Tisk, tisk, judges.
Posted by: seleta | January 14, 2009 at 10:55 PM
Love that house!
Posted by: dianne | January 14, 2009 at 10:54 PM
Wow, I'm surprised! We really didn't get to find out what he can do!!! Love his style, and I love those mirrors and wood floors.
So great to hear you have kept the friendships you made on the show, Everyone comments on how nice you are in person, but on the show, I'm sure that was for the camera's. :-)
xoxo,
Cathleen
Posted by: Cathleen | January 14, 2009 at 10:47 PM
I love how airy it is for a southern home. It looks very comfortable but not at all stuffy.
Posted by: Naomi | January 14, 2009 at 10:39 PM
What a gorgeous house Kerry has! Looks like a Hedgewood Properties home. Very classic, but modern. Nice!
Posted by: Phillips Phamily Mama | January 14, 2009 at 10:35 PM
The church windows are breathtaking. Wow.
Posted by: sophie | January 14, 2009 at 10:33 PM
what a tastefully decorated home, beautiful. thank you for sharing it with us.
Posted by: karlene | January 14, 2009 at 10:32 PM
Eddie~thanks for the peek into this lovely home. Love, love his style...very simple, very classic. A breath of fresh air to look at.
Ciao
Colleen
Posted by: Colleen | January 14, 2009 at 10:29 PM
Love the peek into Kerry's home. Natalie looks fantastic - different than when she was on the show, perhaps?
Posted by: Things That Inspire | January 14, 2009 at 10:09 PM
What a beautiful home he has. A great reunion. Thanks so much for sharing.
Posted by: Kwana | January 14, 2009 at 10:02 PM
how fun to see Kerry and Natalie!! They both look great and I ADORE that kitchen, and those mirrors. Fab, fab.
Posted by: jerusalem | January 14, 2009 at 09:52 PM
I just loved Kerry as much as you guys and seeing his home makes me see how wonderfully talented he is. I hope to catch up with him at another time...would love to see that house "in person."
Love ya'll darlin'
Judy
Posted by: Judy | January 14, 2009 at 09:49 PM
Eddie, you're right. Kerry's TD exit came way too early. I love his home. Totally magazine-worthy. Thanks for sharing. And that brie looks yummy!
Posted by: sandra/tx | January 14, 2009 at 09:45 PM
Kerry's home is gorgeous! Totally my style. Thanks for letting us take a peek. (I want to know how to age mirrors with acid!)
Posted by: Kari | January 14, 2009 at 09:37 PM
Wow, love the pics of Kerry's place! I didn't know he was in Cumming--that's just up the road from me.
He and Natalie were two more of my favorites from Top Design. I keep hoping to run into them out shopping!
Posted by: Becky | January 14, 2009 at 09:32 PM
I think this is my dream house! Wow. I love the white with touches of color...
I am so sad I missed you guys this weekend -- I was hoping to come to atlanta (I live 2 hours away), but just didn't make it. Please come back soon!!
Posted by: Katie | January 14, 2009 at 09:15 PM