The Gresham family built a stately home on Catchings Avenue in Indianola in 1920 and resided there for the next century. In 2020, Mary Clair and Noel Cumbaa purchased the traditional two-story Colonial for their growing family and began a yearlong renovation to update the spaces. However, the residence did not need too much of an uplift. The existing home featured gorgeous architectural details, including numerous fireplaces, walls of windows that allowed natural light inside, and an abundance of room for hosting. The spacious property also offers an inviting pool area and tennis court. “Being able to have all different activities at our home allows us to entertain family and friends, which is something we really enjoy doing,” Mary Clair notes.
Mary Clair, owner of the interior design firm Cumbaa Design Co. and The Olive Tree in Starkville, wanted to make the two-story home uniquely personal for her family. She used her creative talents to establish a comfortable and relaxing environment while keeping the classic features built into the original structure. Noel, a fifth-generation farmer, and Mary Clair lived on his family farm in Panther Burn in Sharkey County in the early years of their marriage. The two soon recognized that they wanted to be closer to schools and their church and happily discovered the Gresham home. Soon after the purchase, the couple discovered they were expecting their son, Thomas, who was born one week after the couple moved in.
Transitioning from the farm to their new home was seamless with Mary Clair’s careful attention to detail and a grasp on her personal design style. “I would describe the home interiors as ‘modern traditional’, which is the style on which I brand my business,” she notes. “I have a love for antiques, but I really appreciate modern design.” The home features formal and informal living spaces, which the designer currently sees more clients desire in their homes. “I can put my antiques in the formal living room and then create the comfortable environment that I am so passionate about giving to my clients in our informal living space,” she adds. The Cumbaas’ antique collection is quite remarkable, with some pieces passed down from each of their families as well as from special friends. “The china cabinet in our dining room was given to us by Kea and Ron Cassada as a wedding gift,” the designer notes. “Kea is an antiques extraordinaire and is like a second mother to Noel, so having this piece in our dining room means a lot to us.” Mary Clair also sources pieces from estate sales around the Delta.
The downstairs den is a favorite space because of its warmth and inviting nature. Being enveloped in the wood-panel walls reminds the couple of one of their favorite vacation destinations, the Grand Hotel in Point Clear, Alabama. Because the space is adjacent to the kitchen, Mary Clair pulled the same warmth and design scheme throughout to create a cohesive and hospitable flow. In the sunroom, located off the formal living space, the designer added more color and pattern to match the gorgeous natural light coming through the walls of windows.
When designing the home for the holidays, Mary Clair brought in traditional but updated and beautiful pieces using metallics and a tone-on-tone color pallet. “I wanted to also bring more cheer into the kitchen, so I decked as many areas with fresh garland as possible,” she notes. “I love bringing the outdoors in, so I cut Magnolia branches from our front yard and incorporated them throughout the home in garlands and centerpieces.” Each of the three Christmas trees in the home is designed with each room’s color scheme in mind. The library showcases a tree filled with neutral tones, reflective of the warm, tonal surroundings. The sunroom, which serves as Mary Clair’s “fun” and colorful space, incorporates her favorite Schumacher pattern, “Citrus Garden.” The print’s vibrant colors are cohesively added to that space’s tree. The largest tree holds a place of honor in the informal den and is filled with personal family ornaments. The trees in the library and sunroom can each be viewed from the busy street out front for passersby to enjoy.
Life in the retail world can allow for the first glimpse at some of the newest and most trendy holiday decorations, but the sentimental pieces passed down from family members or given to her by friends are her favorites. The glass nativity set she proudly displays on her buffet was once owned by her maternal grandmother, and her collection of owl ornaments is lovingly hung on her main tree every year. Mary Clair, her mother, and her sister were all Chi Omegas at Mississippi State, and the sorority’s symbol is a precious reminder of their sisterhood during the holiday season.
The ability to open their home to family and friends during the season is of utmost importance to the Cumbaas. From supper club dinners to gatherings of business friends, each event they host during the holidays is beautifully appointed and features delectable treats. When they venture out, the couple attends many Christmas events with family in Leland. The proximity allows them to be close to all the excitement Noel grew up with and still be home for Santa’s arrival on Christmas morning with their now three-year-old son. “Nothing will beat that first Christmas with Thomas in our home, and I spent many long hours cuddling him by our tree,” Mary Clair smiles. “That holiday was truly a gift because it was so humbling to have a small baby while reflecting on the birth of Christ. That time forced us to slow down and respect the meaning of Christmas.”
To be the stewards of such a beautiful and historic home is an honor and privilege for the family, and Mary Clair has truly enhanced its original beauty with her creative flair. The holidays in this home are even more special by inviting friends and family into the comfortable and inviting spaces she has created. “Just spending time with those we love and care about is really what we look forward to, and we are lucky enough to have a home in which we can do this,” she adds.
