PERSONAL BEST
By Kristen Brown • Photos by R. Caligaris
When Ryan and Isa Meeks spotted the land where they would build their first home, it was an empty three-acre lot surrounded by woods and views of a neighboring horse farm. They knew the prospective site in LaGrange, Georgia could be built to perfectly suit their growing family with the professional design experience of Ryan and his team at R. L. Meeks Custom Homes, LLC.
The Mason’s Landings home with 5 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 2 car garage was built in 2009, and features a floor plan to accommodate any increase in size for the current family of three and their four-legged family member, a German Shorthaired Pointer named Boone. It is particularly special for the Meeks to reside in the home that Ryan designed and built and a Bible placed in the foundation of the home will always remind them of their true Christian values.
For the interior, Isa, a native of Columbus, Georgia, called on designer Leslie Wolfe of Benton Parker Design to create a home that would fit their lifestyle and stand the test of time. The traditional and rustic southern décor is accented by the natural light streaming in through the windows and surrounding wooded scenery. The extensive collection of art displayed throughout the home features many local favorites, including; Olivia Blanchard (Isa’s older sister), Helen Brooks, Katherine Waddell, Erin Gregory, Brooke Douglas, Jill Chancey Philips and Barbara Marks.
The team drew inspiration from the beautiful surroundings to build a timeless residence to create memorable moments. Their most precious memory to date is the moment they brought their baby girl Josephine home from the hospital, this is the home in which the Meeks really became a family.
Tall ceilings and dark wood accentuate the rustic colors in the fabrics and antique furniture from Scott’s Antiques. Hardwood flooring by Jenkins Brick & Tile of Columbus.
An elegant breakfast table blends a mix of casual sophistication and southern charm. A Helen Brooks original painting adds a contemporary flair while the table is set with gorgeous wedding china Isa and Ryan picked to match Ryan’s rustic style.
The series of botanical prints above the couch are were a gift and pick of the rustic colors in the lush fabrics. An antique secretary desk in the corner was a gift from Isa’s grandmother and the small paintings above the desk were Christmas gifts from sister, Avery Wolff and mother, Bettye Cheves.
Uniquely patterned wedding china is displayed throughout the home and accentuates the southern rustic approach the Meeks desired with their décor.
Perfect for large dinner parties or intimate gatherings, this dining room is designed for sophisticated entertaining. The beautiful wood china cabinet, sideboard and table and chairs are all antiques from Isa’s grandmother. The large painting above the china cabinet is from Augusta, Georgia. Mirror and painting in the back wall were gifts from Isa’s sister Olivia and her mother.
Uniquely patterned wedding china is displayed throughout the home and accentuates the southern rustic approach the Meeks desired with their décor.
A gourmet style kitchen features light cabinetry custom designed by Duquette & Wolfe Cabinetry and Millwork of LaGrange. All stainless steel appliances, decorated with family photographs and memorabilia, are by Electrolux Icon Appliances. The granite countertops are by Mike Jenkins of Took 4 Granite.
The dark walls provide a dramatic backdrop for the crisp white linens in the master bedroom. A striking, handmade bed frame from Old Biscayne of Americus, Georgia provides a gorgeous focal point in the room. The plush carpet is by Jenkins Brick & Tile of Columbus and the beautiful antique furniture throughout the room was a gift from Isa’s grandmother.
A custom armoire from Duquette & Wolfe Cabinetry and Millwork of LaGrange, Georgia was specially designed for this room by Leslie Wolfe.
This serene bathroom provides an escape from everyday life with large windows and natural light. The granite countertops are by Mike Jenkins of Took 4 Granite and the beautiful cabinetry is by Duquette & Wolfe Cabinetry and Millwork of LaGrange. The painting above the bathtub is a Katherine Waddell original and the smaller frame above the towel rack is an Olivia Blanchard original.
This one-of-a-kind piece is a hand-crafted rocking chair that Isa’s father, Cecil Cheves, made with the assistance of Chuck Brock. He made five Sam Maloof style rocking chairs, one for he and Mrs. Cheves, and one for each of his three daughters.
Located at Mason’s Landings in LaGrange, Georgia, the Meeks’ home was built to reflect their personal style. Architect Craig G. Peel of Southern Home Designers, LTD and landscaper Jacob Humphries of Garden Solutions in LaGrange combined talents to create a visually appealing first impression.
The custom white armoire adorned with mementos was made by Duquette & Wolfe Cabinetry and Millwork of LaGrange. Picking up the pink and green pattern throughout the room, the posh pink chair and ottoman are from That’s Our Baby.
A cheerful punch of colorful fabrics from Fine & Funky brightens Josephine’s nursery. The painting above the crib is by Olivia Blanchard and expresses the deeply sown family ties.
