By Anna Grace Moore
Photos by Natan Shar
Celebrating 57 years of joyful union this year, George and Elizabeth Simpson pride family above all else. The sweet couple met nearly 60 years ago at a Dogs ‘N Suds car rally, when George was competing and needed a navigator.
The rally’s organizers announced that teams with female navigators would earn extra points, so George, through mutual friends, asked Elizabeth to co-pilot their soon-to-be adventure. The two proved to be a dynamic duo and took home the gold!
The pair began dating soon after and eventually tied the knot during Elizabeth’s senior year of college. They then moved to Mountain Brook, where they raised their three daughters.
After designing and building several homes throughout Birmingham, George and Elizabeth settled in Homewood because of their love for the community and its strong ties of fellowship. When renovating their lovely, Edgewood dwelling, they focused on creating a family-centered atmosphere whose purpose was elevated through intentional design.
Their New England-style home has a rich, Southern flair. The home’s steep gable roofs are pitched for definition and accentuate the front patio’s ivy terrace, which is a beautiful nod to the Simpsons’ al fresco lifestyle.
The home’s historical charm is cleverly balanced with modern elements for both formality and comfort. The dining room’s mahogany suite commands attention as the focal point of the room, a beautiful, hand-painted portrait of dancing cherubs, adorns the starboard wall. The central fireplace–hand crafted of Alabama limestone–connects the dining room to the living room.
One feels at ease strolling through the home as the interior decor–compliments of Wendy Henry–was selected from an Earth-toned color palette, in order to create a calm atmosphere. Pops of color were sprinkled throughout the home for some livelihood–such as the kitchen’s hand-painted mosaic, which was created in Italy and imported to Homewood.
No matter how architecturally beautiful their home may be, the Simpsons say the real beauty is the space the home provides for all the love inside.
The Kitchen
The kitchen’s open concept allows ample room for cooking, which is great for Elizabeth as she loves to entertain. The island’s countertops are wood, and the kitchen’s countertops are white marble.
An Artisan’s Hand
Elizabeth customized her backsplash with a hand-painted mosaic that was imported from Italy.
The Study
Adjacent to the kitchen is the study, which is unique with its floor-to-ceiling leathered cabinets that are great for extra storage space. Not pictured are the overhanging library lights that add a subtle warmth to the quaint space.
Musical Fluidity
Elizabeth fell in love with this painting because it reminded her of her and George’s three daughters.
The Living Room
Elizabeth and George credit their interior designer, Wendy Henry (So So Spiffy), for her eye in bringing their desire to mix antiques with modern pieces to fruition.
The Fireplace
Elizabeth and George renovated their once wood-burning fireplace into a gas fireplace, decorating the pit with stone spheres.
The Dining Room
Elizabeth was drawn to the sophisticated wood detailing and cherry hues in the mahogany dining room suite, whose style elevates the presence of the room.
Dancing Cherubs
This painting Elizabeth hand-selected from an antique gallery in Atlanta, Georgia.
The Master Bedroom
The master bedroom’s furniture suite is from So So Spiffy.
The Backyard
Elizabeth and George built a ramp connecting the car port to the back patio for easier access. The ramp separates the raised garden and ample green space, where Elizabeth and George love to watch their grandchildren play.
The Guest House
The guest house rests on the back of the Simpsons’ property and is complete with a bedroom, bathroom and kitchenette.
So So Spiffy
Wendy Henry is a staging representative with So So Spiffy. Her expertise includes uplifting a home’s presence through intentional interior design and décor. To work with Wendy, visit sosospiffy.com or contact spiffydesign@sosospiffy.com.
