When Emily and her daughter, Caroline, envisioned their Huntsville home, they weren't chasing trends or a single design moment. They were drawing inspiration from years of international travel, meaningful family heirlooms, and a clear sense of functionality for their lifestyle. The Village of Providence was the perfect community with its European village feel, perfectly blended with historic Southern charm and modern, walkable amenities. Built By Bryan, whose style and expertise, along with a philosophy of accountability and timeless craftsmanship, aligned seamlessly with Emily and Caroline’s goals.
The basis of their design was the1800's Italianate architectural style, made recognizable by features like flat or low-pitched rooflines, asymmetry, and tall, narrow windows. "Built By Bryan gave us full freedom to create the design we envisioned, but they were able to help us fine tune its features for practicality based on their experience," explains Emily. Built By Bryan brings over three decades of expertise to the table, and owner, Sam Bryan, prides himself on transparency throughout the entire process. He says, "It is important to choose a builder that resonates with you and your goals before you choose a plan. Nobody wants to fall in love with an idea and the find out it's out of reach."
From the moment guests step inside, the home announces itself with confidence. A striking black-and-white marble foyer creates a grand, timeless introduction, with the contrasting wood and iron elements making it feel both classic and worldly. “We love to travel internationally,” Emily says with a gleam in her eye. “A lot of our inspiration came from homes, hotels, and restaurants we’ve seen globally. We didn’t want a standard all-white house. We wanted to mix styles and colors to create something more eclectic.” Marble plays a defining role throughout the home, anchoring spaces with elegance and continuity. The foyer’s black-and-white marble reappears in the laundry room and powder bath, reinforcing a clean, cohesive design. In the kitchen, marble countertops were a non-negotiable. “We looked at so many slabs across Alabama and Tennessee to get just the right look,” Emily says. “It was important that it felt classic but still had movement and personality.”
Design Theory Interiors is integrated into every Built By Bryan project. Co-owned by Sam Bryan, Faeh Reese, and Jamie Freeman, they provide a guidance for the homeowner to make unique and reasonable choices on the interior of the home from paint colors to furniture and accents. "Design Theory helped us with a lot of the finishes," says Emily. "One thing we really loved about working with Sam was how many women-owned businesses he works with." From Herrington Plumbing Supply to Door Decor, to Wolde Flooring we were so impressed with all of the connections that were made and the elements that came together because of them," she continues.
Inset cabinetry is frequently incorporated in Built By Bryan projects, and for Emily and Caroline it was a focal point of their design plan. Art and decor are deeply personal to them, one of the most meaningful elements of the home being Emily's inherited collection of Ohio-based Rookwood pottery. "My parents were avid collectors, leaving me with over 200 pieces," she explains. "We didn't want to keep the collection behind glass in one place. We wanted it to be displayed throughout the house as artwork so it could really be enjoyed." The vibrant hues and ornate shapes stand out amongst the timeless backdrop and surrounding elements of the living space.
Outside of Emily's pottery, other artwork comes from their international travels. "We try to buy a print in each place we visit as a memento that doesn't take up too much space," says Emily. She also highlights that they sourced art locally from Hartlex Antiques and Home Re-Decor in Guntersville. Another key design staple throughout the main living space is MacKenzie Childs. Pops of bold patterns can be seen in vases, trays, dishes and even lighting, with a notable standout being the bird fixture over the breakfast nook and checkered lamp chandeliers in the walkthrough pantry and office. Fun, yet classic textiles, such as the leopard print ottoman in Caroline's upstairs suite strategically blended throughout the home to create a warm, layered feel. "We traveled all over to look at furniture," Emily recalls."We looked in stores in Nashville, Atlanta, Boston, and New York, and when we found something we liked Design Theory would guide us in the process of decision making and ordering," she says.
It isn't just the interior of this home that makes a jaw-dropping statement. Outdoor living is a top priority for Emily and Caroline, and no detail was spared on their back yard oasis. The interior living space flows seamlessly onto a cozy covered patio that spills onto an area of large grid pavers and immaculate landscaping. The space is thoughtfully curated with a grilling area, seating for gathering with company, and of course, a pool with a tanning ledge complete with sleek, modern lounge chairs. It’s every bit an extension of the home’s functional beauty.
At its core, Emily and Caroline’s home is a reflection of intention. Where architecture, craftsmanship, and personal history are intertwined. Every detail, from the Italianate bones to the layered interiors and thoughtfully designed outdoor spaces, highlights the beauty and creativity that make home building and design so delightful. Built By Bryan’s expertise and commitment to transparency, collaboration, and quality brought a vision to life, resulting in a home that feels both elevated and livable. With its timeless features and worldly design elements, this home is a space designed not just to be admired, but to be lived in, gathered in, and enjoyed for years to come.