CHEEK

It’s soccer games and recitals. A fire burning on the patio. It’s a library of antique leather books and cobalt blue. Oil portraits hanging on the wall, and crayons spread out on the coffee table. It’s the symmetry of classic and modern.

There are types of people who naturally fit into your lives. You share too many mutual friends and life experiences, and you find too much common ground with both your artistic lens and sense of humor to just not get along. Virginia is exactly that type of person for me. Once upon a time, we worked alongside one another in Los Angeles, starting our days at a posh office on Robertson Blvd and ending them on a walk around the Silverlake Reservoir or in some obscure wine bar. Fast forward ten years, we’re enveloped in a new phase of life, but (as kindred spirits typically do) we pick up right where we’ve left off.

Tucked at the end of an idyllic North Buckhead street, the Cheek’s house calls to you with its impeccably balanced charm. The exterior is sophisticated and so gorgeous that you instantly want to get a detailed list of the architectural decisions made during their building process, but it is also warm in such a way that sets you at ease and makes you forget to take notes. The lush green landscaping against the lime washed brick is as inviting as it gets, not to mention the toddler in the window playing peekaboo from behind the drapes. Before stepping foot into this house, we sense this is the kind of portrait of family we covet for our community. One that understands how deeply our homes act as an extension of all that we are, and all that we want to be.

Inside, one’s jaw cannot help but drop as you appreciate all of the interior inspiration. It is immediately evident Virginia was involved from conception of this house and has mastered the details of blending function with beauty. All around, there are hints that point to her established and elevated style, but even stronger is something that transcends aesthetic: there are very obvious statements of love. In the way of family photos scattered (/perfectly placed) in every sight line. Heirlooms situated next to backpacks. A child’s piano in the front window with nostalgic music books propped up. With her ability to make editorial-worthy vignettes coexist with backyard bouncy houses and monster trucks, it’s no wonder why Virginia Cheek is (and has always been) our people.

Tell us the story of finding your home.

After a 2 year stint in LA, we returned to Atlanta, my husband’s hometown. But it felt like a totally different city than 2 years prior! So we decided to rent first before buying a home, and a pretty brick ranch house popped up on our radar. We immediately fell in love with the neighborhood. It’s a quiet road in the heart of the city, and it felt right. After living there for a few years – 1.5 babies in – we knew we needed more space. We attempted to renovate but ultimately concluded we needed to start over. Rodolfo Castro drew our plans, and we were sold on the idea of a “new old house.”

What's one ritual you do that makes it feel like your space?

I am one of those moms who wakes up before the kids. I need some time to get myself together before the house wakes up. I live for our Miele coffee maker and use it every single morning! We have all our coffee mugs in the cabinet above – the ones we registered for (now all chipped) and the lone ones we’ve had since the beginning. It’s not perfect, but it feels like home! Also, lamp light and everything on dimmers ;)

What's one item around the house that you hold especially sacred?

We have a french demilune in my foyer that my mom gave me as well as a dining table and chairs that were handed down. I feel like these items are usually the most special! We have repurposed them to work in a more streamlined home, and I believe they add so much character.

How do you pull your interiors together?

California indoor/outdoor living brought to Atlanta
Traditional architecture of my hometown in Alabama
Favorite shopping resources: BD Jeffries, had items made with Westside Custom Upholstery as well as Michael Moore in Birmingham Alabama. hand-me-downs from my parents, CLI Group for vinylizing, Foxglove Antiques, A Tyner Antiques.