In downtown Oxford, merely walking distance from the Square, sounds of the University of Mississippi marching band’s practice drift into the screened-in back porch of this classic Southern home. The picturesque street is filled with decades-old trees, friendly neighbors, and historical houses. It quickly became the ideal setting for Corrie and David Reed to fashion the home of their dreams with their four young children. Built in 2005, the original house was indicative of a traditional Southern residence, reminiscent of Corrie’s childhood home in New Albany. “It has such welcoming charm and looks like an older home but with modern finishes we enjoy,” she notes. “The intentional character such as antique doors, stained-glass windows, and beautiful floors that the previous owners spent time building into the home makes it so unique.” When they discovered and purchased the house in 2022, Corrie and David wanted to add their classically modern spin to the design while preserving the warm and hospitable feel.
The couple and their respective families have utilized the talents of Staggs Interiors of Tupelo for years, and co-owner Mary Stewart was a sorority sister of Corrie’s. The Reeds met with Mary and her business partner, Kelly Holcomb, to express their desire to transform the house into spaces that epitomize their style. “The goal was to overhaul the home into a more transitional interior design style while honoring the historical features,” Mary notes. “They wanted it to have a fresh feel with a mix of modern and antique pieces that were personal to them.” Since the couple began collecting classic pieces from Staggs Interiors for their previous home, they began with an incredible base to build their style.
The use of color and pattern is a significant aspect of this project. Upon entry, a custom-scaled wallcovering created by Susan Harter fills the foyer and serves as the origin for all color choices established throughout the home. The timeless mural looks as though it could have been part of a centuries-old home’s design. To the right of the foyer, the bold hue of David’s office creates a definite vibe. “David wanted a ‘speakeasy feeling’ in the space, and it was so fun to use a moody paint along with textures such as chocolate velvet draperies and mohair pillows on the leather sofa,” Mary adds. The deep blue accentuates the original mantel, flanked by stained-glass windows. Custom bookcases by Pettigrew Cabinets surround the sofa, adding storage and display space. The formal living area to the left of the foyer is a daring design featuring deep oranges and blues. Textural layers from accessories and light fixtures create a personality in this room that flows effortlessly into the adjacent dining room. Continuing through the home, the beautiful blue cabinetry in the butler’s pantry sparkles in the natural light that shines through the antique windows. Mary also installed a natural wood island and contemporary light fixtures in the modernized kitchen to add warmth to the otherwise white space. Classic brass finishes mix with modern Lucite accessories throughout. This space opens into the family’s more casual living area filled with traditional furnishings where the family loves to relax. A trio of French doors open to a screened back porch that spans the length of the spaces.
The second level of the home accommodates the family’s bedrooms. Each child’s suite is located off a shared play space that offers a durable lounge area and cushioned reading nook stretching along the window. “The kids love to use the upstairs hangout area to play and read before going to their bedrooms at night,” Corrie notes. Each of the children’s spaces is uniquely personal and features lively wallpapers and tiles. “One request Corrie had was wallpaper throughout the home, and we delivered nine unique ones!” states Mary. The level also features an energetic and spacious laundry room. One of the most used rooms in the house, the blue hue of the trim and cabinetry was pulled directly from the stunning wallpaper. Down the hall, the primary bedroom is flooded with natural light from windows overlooking the gorgeous backyard. Antique double doors open into the bathroom, where custom cabinetry and tilework add to the luxuriousness of the space. “We wanted this space to feel like a luxury hotel bathroom, and it certainly does with the large-scale heated floor tiles and freestanding tub.
The couple’s art collection brings a bold statement throughout the home, along with the confident color and pattern choices. “We purchased our first painting, Laughter by Lisa Paris, for our previous home,” Corrie notes. “We loved the modern, playful feel and the colorfulness. We know Lisa now, and it is fun to have that connection with the painting.” This piece now hangs proudly in the formal living room, while works by Shelly Bolton and Peyton Hutchinson were explicitly selected for David’s office. “We have followed Peyton Hutchinson’s artwork on social media and during her trips to Double Decker,” Corrie adds. “We requested Mary help us find one of her paintings over the office sofa.” All three artists are natives of the state and attended the University of Mississippi. “Another fabulous piece of art we chose is by Jill Pumpelly and is hung in the primary bedroom over the dresser,” notes Mary. “This was a beautiful piece we had on display in the store, and it worked seamlessly with the black poster bed.”
The backyard and pool area were designed perfectly by the previous owners and required no renovations by the Reeds. Robert Kubler from Homestead Farms landscaped the area to feel classic and timeless. Steps from the screened porch, a comfortable seating area on the patio is perfect for entertaining, while the pool house and gazebo offer shelter from the sun or rain. “The pool house has easily become one of our favorite spaces to watch football by the fireplace and enjoy the hot tub,” Corrie adds. “Entertaining in this house has been a breeze. There is a great flow, and it can hold lots of people without feeling cramped.”
With such welcoming Southern charm and classic finishes, it is surprising to find that this stunning home is less than two decades old. With the design talents of Mary and Staggs Interiors, accentuating the historical features while enhancing the modern influences and upgrades make these spaces ideal for the Reeds. “The home feels comfortable for family life but elevated enough for entertaining and hosting,” notes Mary. Adds Corrie, “We hope anyone who visits will feel like they can relax and be themselves in our home.”
