By Megan Wang
Photography by Laurey Glenn
Elegant yet youthful, this house in Tulsa, Oklahoma, is home to the family of Noah and Emily. Built in 1929, this Tudor-style house carries stunning historic beauty and irreplaceable personal memories. Noah grew up here, and in a way, Emily did too: The couple fell in love here during their formative years and even had their first kiss in the sunroom. Bits and pieces of Noah’s childhood still abound—this is why they chose to purchase it from Noah’s parents to house their growing family.
To continue adding to this treasure trove of unforgettable memories, Noah and Emily invited interior designer Mel Bean of Mel Bean Interiors to reimagine the house. They hoped to create a space where their kids could “live and be kids,” Mel said during an interview.
Radiating a delightful southern charm, the living room is a bright, hospitable place where the family can share with guests the favorite details of their family life: family photos, colorful artworks, as well as their guitars within easy reach.
A Hospitable and Family-Oriented Space
Exuding warmth and comfort, the redesigned living room lets in abundant sunlight through the classy wooden window frames. The elegant neutral-tone couch sets up a welcoming palette while the pillows provide for pops of color that add playfulness to the atmosphere. Lively elements, such as the vibrant artworks and guitars hanging on the walls, showcase the family’s fun-loving nature.
Just a few steps outside of the living room, the family room likewise delivers “a sense of a home cultivated over time,” as the designer puts it, with each element reflecting the family’s cherished memories. Surrounding the room are French windows that welcome natural light. On a day spent inside, the family can relax on the cozy window sofa to enjoy a good read. In the evening, they can gather around the center fireplace for a night of storytelling.
A perfect space for relaxation, brimming with sunshine and warmth, the combination of the family room and the living room epitomizes southern charm. From a guest’s perspective, this sweet home invites you in, unfolds the life of the family in front of you, and makes sure that every second of your stay is well-spent.
Though Noah and Emily lead a busy life outside, their home provides a haven in which to unwind and enjoy the company of their children. From the meticulously selected ornaments to the overall structure of the space, every inch of the home radiates a delight characterized by southern living—slow, relaxed, and family-centered.
In the kitchen, new lighting and cabinet hardware have been installed. The elegance of the space is heightened by the new marble countertop, which complements the brass hardware while contrasting with the sapphire-blue bar stools.
The boot room on the back porch was redesigned as a convenient storage space for coats, shoes, purses, and backpacks.
Maximizing Functionality
Mel Bean and her interior design team turned this 90-year-old house into a more functional space than it had ever been before. In the kitchen, though the original cabinets were preserved, new countertops, backsplash, and cabinet hardware were installed. New lighting with brass accents was added as a contrast to the white cabinetry.
Not too far from the kitchen is the boot room, redesigned from a back porch as a convenient “drop zone” for coats, shoes, purses, and backpacks.
Another highly effective design came out of the former utility room in the attic. It was turned into a play station with abundant toys, some lovely signs, and a hanging swing chair for the children and the teddy bear.
The hallway leads you into a refined home full of class and personality.
Preservation of the Past
Because the history of the house has such special meaning to the new family, the designer sought to preserve the prominent elements in a way that is cohesive with the rest of the design. In the living room, the gorgeous arched Tudor doors and the center fireplace were preserved, heightening the aesthetics and adding to the historical texture of the home.
Though not necessarily preserved from the past, some antique-looking elements, such as the patterned vintage-style rugs, were juxtaposed with modern elements to pay homage to the home’s history.
Continuity of Design
Every space in this home seems to have a personality of its own. From the bright, cozy family room to the dark-toned dining area, from the neutral-palette master bedroom to the daughter’s vibrant duo-toned room, each space showcases its unique beauty while complementing the other spaces. A sense of tranquility, warmth, and harmony special to the southern lifestyle illuminates the entire space.
