Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
When Anne and Daniel Arwood moved from their Druid Hills home to a new build in Ansley Park, they had two big items on their wish list. They wanted their new home to accommodate their busy lifestyle, and they wanted it to reflect their love of nature and the outdoors. Anne is the founder of subscription-based children’s shoe service Fitted Family and a professor of public health management at Emory University’s Rollins School of Public Health; Daniel is chief operating officer of Ace Industries. The family also includes two active children and a menagerie of pets—a dog, two cats, and two birds.
The couple called on interior designer Perry Walter of Walter Studio to get the job done on the 6,400- square-foot home, which was designed and built by Rick Blanchard of CleverHouse by Watershed. “Perry understood that the house needed to feel restorative and connected to nature,” says Anne, noting that he achieved those goals through the use of nature-themed wallcoverings, layers of texture and color, and a liberal use of plants.
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Perry also honored his clients’ more traditional pieces from their previous home while updating the interior to fit the more modern exterior. “They wanted to blend some modern furnishings with their traditional artwork and heirloom textiles.” The family’s existing art collection, rich in personal history, is now used alongside newer pieces, which Anne appreciates. “It doesn’t feel overdone, just beautifully considered,” she says.
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
In the dining room, a traditional forest-inspired Schumacher wallpaper mixes with contemporary furniture and lighting. The juxtaposition “feels magical while still being streamlined,” Perry says. In the powder room, bird-themed wallpaper brings a touch of nature and whimsy into the space.
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
While blues and greens are usually soothing, they can become vibrant when paired with warm neutrals. To wit: the primary bedroom has a subtle blue grass cloth wallcovering with mint green and black accents, while the mostly neutral living room gets a jolt of crispness from blue accent chairs. “It’s colorful, but peaceful,” he says.
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
The family also wanted to experience year-round indoor-outdoor living, including easy access to the saltwater pool, so the designer extended the interior palette of blues, greens, and neutrals to the outside so that everything looks cohesive. The outdoor space features comfortable conversation and dining areas, a kitchen, and a large fireplace.
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Perry was brought in at the early stages of the building process to advise on cabinetry, finishes, flooring, and more before he moved on to the furnishings. The project took about a year to complete. One of his favorite spaces is the game room in the basement, where he injected color—and fun—via a custom mural by Kristina Bailey Art & Design. Another is the arched library bar. “It’s a stunning architectural feature that seamlessly blends form and function.”
Photograph by by Rustic White, Robert Peterson
Anne calls the home her “treehouse,” a place where she, a breast cancer survivor, can feel peace, healing, and calm. “I was craving light, both literally and emotionally, and this home gives me that.”
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