DESIGN IDEAS: Borrowed from the Past

Decorator Fran Keenan fills a new build in Homewood, Alabama, with her favorite old-house moves

- GRACE HAYNES

"MY VISION wasn't complicated. I wanted mid-century-inspired, eclectic interiors with a place by the fire for everyone-a look that wasn't cold, stuffy, or uninviting," says homeowner Fran Chaiprakob. Choosing the location for her family's new build was easy: a lot down the street from their old house in a tight-knit Homewood neighborhood.

Selecting the team was even simpler. "Twin Construction is a longtime local establishment, and they work to keep the charm of our community intact," says Chaiprakob. "Fran Keenan was the only designer I considered. She is a friend who knows my aesthetic and is also the person who will push me to something even more beautiful and exciting." With a dream team intact, Chaiprakob and her husband, Jeff, turned to the pros to bring their vision to life. "We wanted warm colors that would invite someone to settle in and tell their story," says Chaiprakob. Keenan called on her favorite historic-house precedents (think antiques, vintage rugs, and window seats) to infuse this brand-new home with age-old appeal.

Gather Together