Interior designer and owner of New South Home, Melissa Lee, operates under the ethos that each home should feel deeply personal. She brings that to life in each of her projects, and this Myers Park home was no different.
Her clients, a professional couple, purchased the approximately 3,000-square-foot residence Nolen Townes, and brought New South in shortly after. Melissa and her team consulted on foundational selections before leading the home through full furnishings, custom treatments, wallpaper, and styling.
“It all starts with a conversation and a lot of listening,” Melissa explains. Understanding how the clients live, entertain, travel, and unwind helps her establish an aesthetic direction that feels tailored rather than trendy.
From the outset, the goal for this project was clear: transform standard builder finishes into a refined, gracious environment that could support full-time work-from-home life by day and effortless entertaining by night. Since the couple frequently host friends and colleagues, functionality was just as important as beauty.
The result is a home that blends tailored transitional design with moments of moody contrast and soft modern layering. Rich paint tones like deep navy and earthy greens anchor the palette, offset by natural wood finishes, textured wallpapers, and timeless upholstery silhouettes. Collected artwork, both inherited and new, is thoughtfully integrated throughout.
New South Home Designs in the Details
New South used performance fabrics throughout the home to support daily living without sacrificing sophistication. Velvet barstools, wool-blend rugs, tailored leather seating, and custom drapery create an atmosphere that feels elevated yet welcoming. The open first-floor living, dining, and kitchen area encourages gathering, while a basement-level living space—with access to a small outdoor patio—offers a more relaxed retreat. Upstairs, a fourth-floor living area provides additional flexibility for entertaining or quiet downtime.
The primary suite is a boutique hotel–worthy escape. There’s an upholstered headboard wall, a rust velvet bench, and layered neutral bedding. Wallpaper adds softness and dimension in spaces like the entry and primary bath. Meanwhile, custom paneling and a floating desk crafted by a local artisan bring bespoke detail to the home office.
Art by Charlottean Marcy Gregg, a personal connection of the clients, is showcased throughout. Additionally, Graves Refinishing refreshed an inherited console with a new finish and updated hardware. Ultimately, the home reflects exactly what the clients hoped for. It’s a curated space that supports work, entertaining, and everyday life—it’s gracious, inviting, and unmistakably their own.
newsouthhome.com
@newsouthhome
