Focusing on a spacious French chateau situated in a private, picturesque spot in Hammock Bay near Alabama’s gulf coast, interior designer Melanie Martin has scored a home run for her latest client. Martin, along with her self-described ‘dream team’ of Chad Loper, of Loper Construction, and Sted McCullough, of McCullough Architecture, both located in Orange Beach, AL, involved herself in every detail of the home’s planning, construction, and interior design. She worked closely with the homeowner throughout the process, making sure the home came together smoothly and met every expectation, from the stone used for the exterior to the aqua blue marble kitchen counters to the olive trees in the courtyard. “I loved working with this client,” says Martin. “She is an amazing woman and has impeccable taste.”
One of Martin’s favorite things about her profession is traveling the world, sourcing beautiful pieces for her clients. “I love the thrill of the hunt, gathering objects from all over the world, and passing them on to my clients. This is my passion!”
Martin certainly brought things from all over for this home – the chandeliers in the main living areas originally hung in a grand hotel in Paris. The old wooden beams and antique wood floors are from a Louisiana plantation, and the custom millwork, while new, is crafted to fit in with the elegant French country house feel.
The cabinets in the spacious kitchen build on the blue of the marble counters, resembling antique furniture. The dramatic hood over the cooktop provides a visual focal point, and contrasts beautifully with the antique chandeliers hovering above the marble-topped island workspace and the expansive matching bar. The dining room features 18th century antique French chairs upholstered in an eye-catching teal, with floral backs, and an enormous 17th century open shelving piece that Martin purchased in Venice. “I actually bought three of them, all alike, from a building that was being demolished,” she says. “The homeowner has filled it with some of her most treasured collections.”
Behold the stunning master bedroom and bath, done in shades of the softest pink tempered with taupe and cream, convey a sense of tranquility and opulence. High ceilings, dramatic lighting pieces, and a freestanding tub sheathed in pewter give the open bathroom a feeling of quiet luxury. The mosaic covering the wall behind the tub was crafted of laser-cut Calcutta marble, designed and installed by Atlanta’s Renaissance Tile. The hallways connecting the public spaces and the bedroom areas feature a series of wall-mounted Demilune tables topped with mirrors. “I was inspired by a similar design in a hotel in Paris,” says Martin. “When I saw it I knew it would be perfect for these spaces.”
Flowing seamlessly to the covered indoor-outdoor screened porch, the living room area generates spaces for dining, conversation, quiet contemplation and reflection. Beyond the porch is the pool, with hot tub, infinity edge, and a waterfall feature, overlooking the green lawn and the placid water of Hammock Bay. The landscape design for the entire property was done by Chad Watkins of WAS Design Landscape Architects of Foley AL, and includes native flora as well as multiple olive trees.
ACCOLADES
Designer MELANIE MARTIN Interiors
Builder, J.L. LOPER CONSTRUCTION Co.
Architecture by STED McCOLLOUGH
Kitchen Designer LAURIE LEHRICH of CARDEA HOME LLC
Faux Walls by Jennifer Pagel of WALLS WITH ATTITUDE
DRAPERIES BY CHERYL’S DESIGN
POOL BY COX POOLS
