Rooted in Nature: A Southern Farmhouse with European Flair
This newly built family home outside the city blends countryside calm and Old-World charm with thoughtful and warm design and room to grow.
Just outside the city in the southern countryside, nestled on what was once an old farm, a new build manages to feel like it’s been there for generations. Designed by Anisa Darnell of Truth & Co. Interior Design, this Southern European-inspired modern farmhouse was created for an active family of six who wanted a home that was both beautiful and functional.
“To make it beautiful but very functional for the busy family,” Anisa says of the project goals. “We wanted to bring natural elements of the landscape where the home sits and did this with wood beams, oak floors, and fieldstone fireplaces.”
Rooted in the Landscape
Built by Bynum Homes and designed by architect Mitch Ginn, the home sits on land formerly used as a farm. Surrounded by trees and open space, it called for a design that echoed its natural setting. That inspiration shows up in the home’s honest materials—reclaimed beams, French oak floors, and hand-chiseled stone fireplaces.
“The beams are reclaimed and were hand selected from a local wood yard,” Anisa says. “For the stone, we wanted to look like it was found on the property, so we chose a hand chiseled look with mortar that blends with the color of the stone.”
A Neutral Palette with Depth
Though the home is primarily white and neutral, it never feels flat or spare. Instead, the design builds visual interest through layering and texture. “Texture!” Anisa says when asked how she keeps a neutral palette interesting. “I think our placement of beams to separate the keeping and living room, zellige tile on the whole wall of the kitchen backsplash, and stone that goes from floor to ceiling on the fireplaces, as well as color in areas like the kitchen cabinets and powder bath.”
The kitchen features honed quartzite countertops, a wall of zellige tile, and a custom range hood. “The flooring is a reclaimed French white oak that has loads of character,” Anisa says. “Tiles are a mix of anything from marble to zellige. We love the combination of sophistication of the marble in the primary bath to the casual texture of zellige and honed quartzite countertops in the kitchen.”
Outdoor Living at Its Best
A major highlight of the home is the generous outdoor living space—including a pool with an expansive view of the surrounding woods. “The family moved closer to extended family so they wanted somewhere they could host family gatherings as well as other gatherings,” Anisa explains. “They like to entertain. The pool overlooks a clearing in the trees that surround the lot. They also have young kids who are active and wanted to provide a fun environment for them to grow up in.”
“We love to make our spaces inviting with texture, comfortable furnishings, classic lines, add pattern with rugs, laying fabrics and worn wood furniture pieces that are kid friendly.”
In the living room, beams and a floor-to-ceiling fieldstone fireplace add depth and rustic character, while layered textures keep the neutral palette feeling warm and lived-in.
Personal Favorites
“It’s hard to pick a favorite because this is an all-time favorite of ours!” Anisa says. “We loved working with these clients, our build team and love so many elements about the home.” A few design features that stand out for her: “Some favorite design elements are the double-sided fireplace that connects the keeping and dining room, the blue kitchen, scissor beams on the living room ceiling, and playful kid’s rooms.” This floor plan is so custom and conducive to the family’s life style with a separate primary wing and opposing side is 2 guest rooms, gym and media room.”
As for challenges? “Making the home feel approachable from the front elevation but able to accommodate a large family.”
“The house is all about the views, everywhere you look is rolling hills and beautiful tree lines. We even staked out the lot with the homeowner and builder to know what the kitchen sink views would be like before it was built.”
The Garage
Designed with the same charm and attention to detail as the rest of the house—the garage is connected to the home via a mudroom and leads into the primary wing that is tucked behind it.
A Home with Heart
With its thoughtful layout, tactile materials, and timeless design choices, this Georgia farmhouse checks every box for modern family living—with a deep sense of place. This home is a true reflection of its owners—thoughtful, timeless, and built to bring family and friends together for years to come.
“They like to entertain. The pool overlooks a clearing in the trees that surround the lot. They also have young kids who are active and wanted to provide a fun environment for them to grow up in.”
The Art of a Neutral Home
Designer Anisa Darnell shares how she keeps a white and neutral home visually engaging:
The bedroom is a serene retreat where subtle textures and neutral tones create a tranquil atmosphere, perfect for rest and relaxation.
Texture: From reclaimed beams to tile and stone, tactile finishes do the work of color.
Layered materials: Using Zellige tile on the whole wall of the kitchen backsplash and stone that goes from floor to ceiling adds rich layers of interest and practicality.
Strategic color: Using color in specific areas like the kitchen cabinets and powder bath add interest and character.
Architectural separation: We used the placement of beams to separate areas instead of constructing walls.
