Local Icons: Doc Chey's Noodle House Founders Share Their Journey to Building Their Dream Home in Morningside

Caroline Bentley Edwards

WITH THE HELP OF CATHERINE WILSON, THIS HOME IN MORNINGSIDE IS A PERFECT REFLECTION OF THE HOMEOWNER’S HERITAGE AND COMMUNITY.

The outdoor dining area also features furniture by Four Hands.

The home’s screened porch off the living room features spacious lounge seating by Four Hands. PHOTOGRAPHED BY MALI AZIMA
The home’s screened porch off the living room features spacious lounge seating by Four Hands.

THE CLIENT

If you have lived or grown up in or around the Morningside neighborhood, you’ve had the privilege of eating at neighborhood staple Doc Chey’s Noodle House at least once or twice. The restaurant founders opened their casual pan-Asian establishment in 1997, soon establishing their second establishment in Virgina- Highlands, Osteria 832. It would be an understatement to say Rich and Maura Chey are ingrained in their community. So when the pair made the decision to tear down their 1920s bungalow and build their dream home in their favorite neighborhood, they enlisted the notable Catherine Wilson of Catherine Wilson Interiors to guide them on the journey.

the kitchen features Arteriors pendant lights that hang above the waterfall marble island. PHOTOGRAPHED BY MALI AZIMA
The kitchen features Arteriors pendant lights that hang above the waterfall marble island.

THE PRIORITY

With the homeowner’s Chinese-Korean American heritage, the plan was to create an incredibly peaceful, comfy and zen environment filled with many textures and infused the couple’s collection of Asian heirloom pieces. “The homeowners are very quality-oriented as well as possess a keen focus on value,” says Wilson. “[We] went with a neutral color palette, using creamy whites and grays, greige while adding pops of color throughout with their art.” Catherine utilized the homeowner’s library of Asian art, silk screens, paintings and porcelains from Rich’s parents collection of Japanese, Korean and Chinese art. Even small details, such as the kitchen pendant lighting, are suggestive of hats worn by Asian rice farmers.

the breakfast room features chairs from Gaby Home and a chandelier from Arteriors; PHOTOGRAPHED BY MALI AZIMA
The breakfast room features chairs from Gaby Home and a chandelier from Arteriors.

THE CHALLENGE

The main challenge of this project was the discovery of the land the home was to be built on. Due to the previous home’s age, it settled considerably into the land’s topography. Thus, they found that they needed a lot more foundational work than previously anticipated. “They actually needed 45 more helical piers and experienced a few elevated Covid-related construction costs. Those cost overruns created more than a momentary threat to the furnishing budget,” says Wilson.

The foyer of the Chey’s home features a rug from Loloi Rugs and art from the homeowners’ personal collection. PHOTOGRAPHED BY MALI AZIMA
The foyer of the Chey’s home features a rug from Loloi Rugs and art from the homeowners’ personal collection.

The primary bedroom features bedside lighting by Beth Webb for Arteriors and a nightstand by Gabby Home.

The primary bathroom features statement-making mirrors by Uttermost. PHOTOGRAPHED BY MALI AZIMA

The primary bathroom features statement-making mirrors by Uttermost.

THE DETAILS

“I loved designing a home from the ground up in my own Atlanta neighborhood of Morningside! My home is within walking distance of The Chey’s home, and the walking path peppered with lots of mutual friends and neighbors,” says Wilson. While part of the same community, it was gratifying for the designer to interpret, visualize, design and bring to fruition The Chey’s dream home. The home reflects the homeowner’s lifestyle and that of the neighborhood—the large and inviting front porch is perfect for this walkable in-town burrow. Inside the gourmet kitchen, oversized black hardware punctuates every drawer and door. Off the kitchen, two utilitarian rooms, a pantry and an office, both sunny and hidden by black iron doors. A well-appointed living room opens up to a screened porch, an extension of the living spaces. “This area can comfortably house and entertain 50+ people for a party while also feeling cozy enough for a family of 4 too,” says Wilson.