Rock Hill designer Rebecca Bridges helps a young family blend styles and embrace a bolder palette.

by Andrea Nordstrom Caughey | photographs by Christina Hussey

Sometimes a single element — a rug, pillow, accessory or, in this case, a piece of art — drives inspiration for an entire home. Such was the spark for a new build in Rock Hill, S.C., where a painting the homeowners had purchased for the fireplace, along with green kitchen cabinetry, “ignited the entire palette,” explains interior designer Rebecca Bridges, founder of House of Drennan. 

While Amanda and Seth Hanford initially hired Bridges to help review blueprints, make initial selections and provide elevations for their new home, the couple later tasked her with decorating the interiors, too. “This home is essentially a modern twist on a typical farmhouse, but accented with a graceful Caribbean-inspired arched entryway,” says Bridges, prompting lively splashes of teal and orange throughout. 

“Amanda and Seth have differing design tastes. Amanda likes traditional styles, floral patterns, soft touches. Seth leans toward modern, sleek, minimalist design. In melding these differing aesthetics, we incorporated heirlooms from both families,” Bridges says. 

“Sentimental pieces make spaces sing,” Bridges adds. “The quirkier, especially with great backstories, the better. People often take decorating and ‘matching’ too seriously. Have fun with it all — art, textiles, decorative objects. Embrace unique pieces that speak to you personally. ‘Forever’ pieces stand the test of time.” 

Pivoting was a big part of the Hanfords’ design experience, especially as the home was built during the pandemic and they encountered various supply-chain issues. “Also, the Hanfords found out midway through that they were expecting another child, so we ensured that the shared children’s bathroom was gender-neutral and family-room rugs were conducive to crawling,” says Bridges. 

“While any house can be a home, for us this entire process was deeply rooted in our community, too, a neighborhood we had fallen in love with for over a decade,” Amanda says. “Our front yard and porch were targeted as gathering places for friends and neighbors. Folding glass walls, multipurpose seating and visual separations allow privacy or togetherness.” 

The couple also sought a design that was functional as well as artistic. “As parents of two spanning 14 and 3 years, we had to suit every stage,” Amanda adds. “The open plan accommodates our family’s passion for cooking, versatile dining options for family or groups, and socializing over a breakfast nook, game table and expandable living room.” The folding-glass wall transitions to the sunroom and creates an open entertaining space. 

His and her workspaces were also key. A full-time remote worker, Seth needed both functional and relaxation space. Amanda sought a retreat flooded with natural light for painting, where supplies could be left undisturbed. Their primary suite was designed for seclusion, with an elegant bathroom plus a second-floor balcony sitting area. The girls’ playroom was designed for multitasking — a space for homework, art, music, reading or entertaining friends. 

The rug in the family room is a performance broadloom carpet cut to size and bound from Britton Flooring in Rock Hill. Soft goods were custom made by a local workroom, Martha & Ash. Hand-painted lampshades by artist Katie MacGregor brighten a console table.

Throughout, the “mix” is what makes this home fun, comfortable and even playful. “I chose a blend of pieces from hip retailers like West Elm and local vintage shops, as well as great art and unusual lighting from Visual Comfort,” Bridges says. 

Amanda agrees. “Rebecca helped us to explore local artists, commissioning a painter to create hand painted lampshades, and an artist in Charleston who had painted a pair of girls on the beach that could have easily been our own kids. She also found creative ways to blend our styles and nudge us into color palettes and design choices that seemed alien to us. It was freeing and inspiring to hear, ‘If you love it and will enjoy it, then it works!’”  SP

SOURCES:

Interior Designer: House of Drennan

Architect: Vinyet Architecture

Builder: Southern Builders of York County