an antique cupboard is accented with a contemporary lamp, modern artwork, and Chippendale chairs. “It was important to us to put old items with new for juxtaposition. It makes for a greater design impact,” Rowland says of the eclectic mix. The downstairs, which is the space most-seen by visitors and alumnae, is filled with blues and creams. “For the upstairs, we didn’t stick to a specific palette. We wanted to make it a little more hip and modern for the girls,” Rowland notes. Along with the historical challenges faced during construction, the designers had a hurdle of their own. “We had to use commercial materials like you would in any other commercial project—like a dentist’s or doctor’s office.” Rowland says. “They wanted it to look residential. They wanted a big Southern home—warm and welcoming. We found commercial furnishings in neutral hues, but dressed it up with beautiful residential silk pillows.” The design team also blended new furniture and accessories with pieces original to the residence, including the chandeliers, an oriental rug, and a comfy sectional. Perhaps the most nostalgic repurpose comes in the form of the original dining room chairs. “We reupholstered all of the dining chairs to transform them into desk chairs for the built-ins in each girl’s room. We had the exact number to fill every desk,” Rawlings says. In what the duo refers to as a “meant-to-be” moment, each girl has a little piece of the old house in her individual room.
A SPECIAL SHOWCASE The grace and prestige of the Chi Omega sorority take center stage in the Founder’s Library. “Being the founding chapter of Chi Omega (affectionately referred to as ‘The Mother Ship’) posed unique opportunities,” Griffin says. “One request we received from many people was to showcase our relics and tell everyone our story.” With this in mind, the designers created a colorful space that showcases the history of the house with memorabilia-filled bookshelves and portraits of its founding members. “They wanted this room to be the showstopper,” Rowland says.
Design Resources Architect WER Architects/Planners Contractor Baldwin & Shell Construction Company Interior design Tracy Rawlings and Gail Rowland, R&R Interior Design Accessories and mirrors French Metro Antiques and R&R Interior Design Art French Metro Antiques, R&R Interior Design, and Scott Frame and Art
Carpet, fabrics, lighting, outdoor furnishings, rugs, tile, wallpaper, and window coverings R&R Interior Design Furniture French Metro Antiques, Long Ago Antiques and Refinishing, and R&R Interior Design Paint Benjamin Moore Upholstery Belton’s Custom Upholstery and Sprouse Upholstery Wallpaper—installation Perpetual Vision Wallpaper Installation
A LASTING LEGACY As sorority girls themselves, Rowland and Rawlings note their passion for this project. “We felt such a connection with them because we’ve been there and we lived it.” And as Griffin describes, this especially hit home for her, too. “I am a Chi Omega, and I am very proud to be one! Being an architect and a Chi O, it was a natural fit for me to work on this project,” she says. “I know that many people years ago paved the way for me and others like me to have a house to live in. It is gratifying to know I’ve played a part in seeing that future generations will have the same (even better!) opportunities that I had,” Griffin says. The finished 38,000-square-foot home is sure to provide countless memories within its walls.
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