This month, come with us through two quintessential Buckhead homes - a charming Buckhead bungalow and a gorgeous spec home in Randall Mill. Though distinct in style, both homes reflect a shared philosophy: thoughtful design rooted in authenticity, function and respect for place.
Jenny Brockman, Principal Interior Designer and Owner of The Funky Debutante, takes pride in creating interiors that are both beautiful and livable. Guided by her motto, “beauty with purpose,” Jenny approaches each project as a deeply personal collaboration. “I met my clients through the referral of another client. They also followed my work on social media prior to reaching out,” she says. “Their goals for the project were to update their beautiful, historic bungalow in ways that grow with their lifestyle without losing the original character and charm of the home.”
For Jenny, home design goes far beyond selecting beautiful pieces; it’s about intentional curation. “I start with a detailed questionnaire to learn their likes, dislikes, goals and lifestyle,” she explains. “I also pay close attention to the existing pieces that they own. This helps me know how to find the correct balance between what needs to stay and what we can edit.” Equally important is honoring the home itself. “My goal is always to beautifully transform spaces that function well while honoring the original design of the structure. This is especially critical in historic homes.”
Working alongside General Contractor Allison Bible, Jenny brought several standout moments to life. One favorite is a custom built-in bench seat in the homeowners’ daughter’s bedroom. Rather than disguising an awkwardly off-center window, Jenny embraced its asymmetry, designing a window seat and book nook that enhances its charm. “The end result is a charming nook that feels like it has always been a part of this historic Bungalow.”
Another highlight emerged unexpectedly during demolition. When walls were removed in the formal living room, the original brick was uncovered in the fireplace. Jenny reshaped the firebox opening to echo the curve of the home’s original front door and kept the mantel simple. “The end result feels like it was original to the home.”
Allison shares a similar appreciation for timeless materials. “I have a particular passion for countertops and natural materials — especially wood and stone in all their varied forms,” she says, noting their warmth, texture and enduring beauty.
Just down the road, another Buckhead home tells a different but equally intentional design story. Tinsley Cohen, NCIDQ, Founder of The Tinsley Studio, believes great design begins with listening. “I start by listening, whether that’s to a client’s words, lifestyle, or, in the case of a spec home, the architecture itself,” she says. For her Randall Mill project, scale, light and proportion guided a palette of nuanced neutrals and natural textures. “I’m always asking, ‘How should this space feel?’”
As spring arrives, these homes remind us that sometimes what we need isn’t a new address, but a thoughtful reset. “My goal is always to create homes that feel authentic to their setting and elevated but not intimidating,” Tinsley says. The result, in both cases, is a design that feels timeless, personal and deeply grounded in place.
“Their goals for the project were to update their beautiful, historic bungalow in ways that grow with their lifestyle without losing the original character and charm of the home.”