From hidden doors and stain-grade paneling to custom furnishings and more, Urbanology gives this Greenway Parks abode a whimsical and well-deserved makeover.
Playful patterns from the foliage wallpaper and plaid seating complement the office’s dark walls.
Our design for the craftsman-Tudor home in Greenway Parks really embodies Urbanology’s motto to defy the status quo,” shares Urbanology Design’s founder and CEO Ginger Curtis, who took the reigns on this family of four’s recent home reno—which included a total remodel of the upstairs entry hall, study and kids’ living areas. “Their vision was to infuse these spaces with a sense of moody sophistication, creating a more personalized and upscale atmosphere. It was also very important to provide designs that would act as a seamless backdrop for the homeowners’ original artworks and introduction to newly commissioned pieces.” Having already worked together on Phase I of the house a few years prior (think the entryway, living room and study), it was a natural decision for clients Seth and Lynsey Eaton to call back Curtis—who was ready to take on the challenge.
A cozy seating corner showcases the family’s exquisite artwork
“Having worked with Lynsey and Seth during Phase I, we were already familiar with their fun, spunky and electric style, as well as their larger-than-life passion for art,” she explains. “Phase II took us upstairs to their kids’ spaces, where we faced the exciting challenge of creating a perfect environment for their growth while maintaining harmony with the rest of the home.” She adds, “Fantastic artwork was an absolute must. If our clients could live in an art gallery, she would! The search began with both playful and sophisticated art... The mix was fantastic!”
At first glance, the wooden bookshelf blends into its surroundings, but in reality, this hidden door cleverly conceals the couple’s exercise room.
When it came down to the design aesthetic, the Eatons’ had one very specific request: make them a perfect whiskey lounge... but for kids. “These spaces were designed with the enchanting goal of merging a touch of English charm with playful whimsy. We wanted the upstairs to feel storied and lived-in instead of brand-new,” says Curtis. In the study, the team leaned into warm and whimsical hues of deep greens, golds and browns to ground the space, while unique furnishings and textured decor elevated the tone while staying relaxed and approachable. “The white-oak desk adds unexpected flair, and the vibrant yellow-green chair pops against the dark wall color. Because they love art, we also mixed in some modern art pieces. I will say, though, that one of my favorite pieces in the space is something the clients already owned—a leather settee with a perfect buttery color.”
A mélange of artwork draws the eye in the study.
But, of course, no project comes without its challenges. “Perfecting the millwork details was no small feat,” she admits. “We were meticulous about achieving the ideal pattern scale and selecting the perfect, rich stain that would bring depth and warmth to the space. Countless samples were reviewed, each one scrutinized, until we captured that exact harmony of design and material. It’s these nuanced details that ultimately bring a space to life.”
Moody paints and dark wood accents seamlessly flow from room to room. “The Eatons are bold with their color pallet and design choices; they prefer to live on the wild side and push the envelope just enough,” says Curtis. “They wanted a space that felt warm, rich, and evocative.”
When I ask Curtis about her favorite design details, she bounces around from the media room’s stain-grade paneling and a stunning custom curved sofa to the two (yes, two!) hidden doors in both the living room and study. “In designing the kids’ space, we knew we needed ample storage for all their toys and essentials, but, at the same time, we wanted to ensure the space could be easily tidied up for guests and provide a relaxing atmosphere for movie nights after the kids go to bed,” she explains. “To maintain cohesion with the rest of the house and preserve the integrity of the paneled wall, we seamlessly incorporated a discreet hidden door into the design, leading to a concealed toy storage area.” The idea is similar for the study’s door as well. “The homeowner’s exercise room is cleverly concealed behind a stunning secret bookcase door. This unique feature is adorned with vintage-inspired wallpaper, elegant stained wood, and intricate brass details, adding a touch of charm and mystery to the space.”
After nearly 10 months, the design work was done. “Our strategy for approaching this project was always rooted in maintaining a seamless and transparent dialogue with our clients at every stage, ensuring they felt truly integrated into the creative journey. We were deliberate in curating thoughtful details and personalized touches that reflected their interests, passions and personalities, transforming each space into something profoundly meaningful,” Curtis reflects. “The final reveal was filled with moments of delightful surprise—one of the most memorable being when Lynsey exclaimed, ‘How on earth did you know these are my favorite authors?’ as she admired the carefully selected books adorning the shelves. These intimate gestures turned the design into more than just a space—it became a reflection of their story.”
