By Anna Grace Moore
Photos by Blair Ramsey
Backing the orange and blue, George Robert and Deidre Booker both attended Auburn University, but their paths never crossed until they were each living in Birmingham. Deidre, an elementary school teacher, and George Robert, in his third year of medical school, met at a Super Bowl party and quickly fell head-over-heels for each other.
After tying the knot, they moved to Jackson, Mississippi, briefly for George Robert’s residency before returning to Homewood to settle down and raise their family. There’s no place quite like Homewood, Deidre believes, making it the perfect community for families.
In fact, when the corner house next door to theirs became available, the Bookers decided to sell their own home and move into the house for sale. Partnering with Joe Ellis of DWELLing Architecture, Colt Byrom of Byrom Building and project manager Doug Drennan, the Bookers opted to tear down and rebuild from the ground-up.
Deidre jokes she wanted her house to resemble the home from Father of the Bride, and thanks to the talents of Joe, Colt and Doug, she got exactly what she wanted. Fitting for a modern-Americana home, the colonial-style facing is accented with grand, open windows and stately front entrance.
Strolling inside, the house–although built in 2018–feels like a step back in time as the rustic cedar floors, ceilings and vintage furniture add an alluring beauty, uplifting the presence of the home. The Bookers pride themselves on blessing others as they believe they have been blessed, which is why in December 2023, their home was featured on the Samford University Legacy League’s Christmas Home Tour.
This tour’s proceeds fundraise for life-changing scholarships for Samford students with challenging circumstances and significant financial needs. Because of these financial blessings, many students, who would not be able to afford higher education, are able to pursue their collegiate dreams.
Not only is the Booker’s home an architectural marvel, it is also now a part of something greater–giving back to those in need. George Robert and Deidre believe as wonderful as their house is, it is the love they share for one another and the Homewood community that makes living here worthwhile.
Face of the Home
A nod to colonial architecture, the Bookers’ home is a modern take on the 18th-century style, compliments of architect Joe Ellis and Byrom Building.
Entryway
The entryway’s shiplap walls sport an elegant, eggshell hue, which contrasts nicely with the antique pine floors and exposed pecky cypress paneling on the ceiling.
Hidden in Plain Sight
Hidden storage closets were drawn into the build, ensuring the doors were flush with the entryway’s walls.
Sitting Room
This gorgeous Christmas tree is one of six in the Booker home.
Dining Room
This seven-foot mahogany dining room set is decorated with vintage china for the Christmas season.
A Husband’s Love
George Robert, having grown up working in his father’s construction business, designed and built the wainscoting along the dining room’s walls for Deidre.
The Butler’s Pantry
The marble-clad tabletop is accented with festive nutcrackers.
Kitchen
The kitchen’s old-world yet upscale nature is accentuated by the rustic chandelier and hand-drawn archways, which add such a simple sincerity to the chic design.
Kitchen Window
This picturesque window scape yields a beautiful view of the Bookers’ neighborhood.
Backsplash
The Bookers opted for Alabama White Marble for both the countertops and backsplash.
Living Room
The umber-stained, antique pine floors and reclaimed wood ceiling beams’ hues pair beautifully with the rouge and navy tones in the ornamental rug.
English Country Accents
Sporting Benjamin Moore’s Knoxville Gray, the floor-to-ceiling bookshelves hold rich history reminiscent of vintage Americana. Circa 1800s, the terracotta chairs were gifted to Deidre by George Robert during their first Christmas together in Homewood.
Fireplace
Traditional crimson stockings hang above the fireplace filled with holiday cheer.
Master Bedroom
Deidre decorated her bedroom suite, utilizing fabrics and linens from some of her favorite interior designers.
Master Bathroom
Tying into the vintage, old-world feel, this standing tub and wooden floors remind one of a simpler time.
The Samford University Legacy League Christmas Home Tour
Back for the 14th year, the Christmas Home Tour returns on Thursday, Dec. 12. Five uniquely appointed homes will be showcased throughout Mountain Brook, Homewood and Vestavia Hills, concluding with the annual tour of and pop-up shoppes at the Samford President’s Home. To learn more information or purchase tickets, click here.
