16 | April 2019
O
L I V I N G
An Artful Home
BY COURTNEY PHILLIPS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY MATTHEW WONDERLY
O
n a dreary, misty January aernoon, Jesse
Byrd sank slowly onto an oversized creamy
white sofa in his den and told the tale of
his and Irene's move to Vanstory Hills, the
construction of their new home and what
it takes to keep it in great shape, 45 years later.
Just the cure for the winter doldrums, the interior of
Jesse's classic brick colonial home is adorned in florals in
arrangements, objects and striking art. A cheerful palette
greets guests as soon as they enter the foyer, including
flower-bedecked wallpaper, a garden-themed mirror topped
by two birds and an assortment of charming figurines on a
chest. It sets the tone for the whimsical and surprising pops
of color that await in each of the other rooms.
at includes the adjacent powder room, where the sink,
painted with vibrant flowers, always delights guests.
Peering over his stylish round spectacles and revealing a
twinkle in his eye, Jesse stated the obvious: "We like a little
fun around here."
He and Irene loved the same style – "traditional" – so
building and furnishing a home together was a pleasure.
ey chose a plan and built the home before they got
married.
Few changes have been made since construction. e
brick exterior has never needed repainting. Its rich, milky
white color has, for years, prompted phone calls from
friends intent on mimicking it. When asked, Jesse would
playfully – and truthfully – respond, "I haven't a clue!"
Just recently, he learned the painter's secret – adding a
tablespoon of black paint to the white paint to tone it down.
