upon entering the cool mysterious expanse of the hallway, i immediately feel compelled to greet the spirits that dwell in the darkness. this place is inhabited not only by all who’ve made it their home, but also by those who’ve spent any meaningful time here. the creative energy of april’s strong circle has seeped into the carpets, settled into the cracks between the floorboards; it dances in the air particles, is filtered through diffused light.
the house’s history is literally written on the walls. the late-nineteenth-century stenciling and frescoes that were a dominant decorative element long before april arrived — astoundingly — been concealed by layers of paint. when april’s family unearthed the artwork, it was literally a revelation. this graceful, evocative decoration provides an exquisite backdrop to what goes way beyond collection: this is sheer creation. mercury glass reflects, mirrored orbs glow, satin pillows shimmer, and moroccan rugs weave their spell and tell the story of just some of the places april’s seen.
like the beautiful amber that washed up on her father’s land long ago, amazingly beautiful things seem to make their way to april. she burnishes them, cherishes them, gives them new meaning through context. the business cards on her desk aptly identify her calling: they read, simply, “april chapman, keeper”.
the center hall- medieval, romantic, mysterious….
a wall of worn mirrors affords glimpses deep into the corners and doorways.
the iron bed on the very southern sleeping porch is dressed in north african bedclothes.
april’s nighttime retreat is lush and layered – just like her rich life.
a closer look at the patterns, colors and textures that inspired april’s decor.
the plaster walls in april’s office provide a strong backdrop for her collection.
amazing light transforms a tattered but dignified armchair into a painterly still-life.
the more formal sitting room maintains a comfortable connection with the earthiness that pervades the house.
humble beaded-board makes a strong statement in the bathroom.
the finials of the “throne” and the mercury-glass decanter perfectly reflect each other.
stately symmetry.
everything in this corner wears a warm patina — oil paingings, walls, wood.
the scene on the porch spells athens: comfortable, green, and lyrical.
I visited April’s home many years ago to purchase a beautiful opaque egg that I considered special enough to give to a few of my treasured friends. I was so blown away by her house then that I think I walked around the house with my mouth open in complete awe. I cannot believe that all these years kristen has included me in the same space. My little shotgun wall of mirrors was inspired by hers and i still treasure my friends and my egg…thankyou April
My sister’s home is simply a reflection of her love of beauty.Each gorgeous photo contains a memory for me and for those who have entered those doors before.
One,hopefully,admires her persistence in making this home the lovely place it has become because she has worked on it for years -scraping away all paint to find the original hand-painted borders left by the original artists. I have great admiration for her ability to make all things beautiful and interesting.
She has been so her entire life…..
WOW.
Just W-O-W
All I can say:-)
not enough to say it´s BEAUTIFUL
April is not just a keeper of beauty — she finds beauty, blesses it, enhances it, shares it agelessly.
Beautiful! It is almost impossible to peruse all the treasures April has collected!
This place is mysterious Gothic a true gem.
I agree totally with fortequese. This place when you walk thru those doors you step into a time that is Gothic, mysterious,aged with grace.
The photographs are beautiful. They captured the essence of this home.
The photos are good but don’t do April’s place justice. How could they? There is so much that quite takes your breath away: the giant organ pipe in a corner, deer antlers in a cut glass punch bowl, the “secret dragon” drawings, silver milagros, camel harnesses from Egypt, carpets from Morocco, and old metal objects from the golden age of industry that would take you a thousand guesses to identify the uses of. And with all due respect to Ms Beyer there really is nothing here that’s decrepit. Things rather have the hightly suggestive patina that any fascinating antique possesses. April’s house manifests the true meaning of elegance. One which is informed by the resonance of history and by the integrity of craftsmen who cared about their work. In our era of gaudy MacManisions and shoddy newness we could all take a lesson in good taste and lively, inventive collecting from April.
Wow! That is STUNNING. It looks like you are literally stepping back in the past when you walk into that home. I love the beauty that comes from the fine line between decrepit and aged – like if she went on vacation for a month she might come home to a ruin. I don’t mean to imply that it isn’t cared for as well as possible, but it just appears to be on the edge, like human habitation is the only thing preventing time from claiming the place. I don’t mean to go on, but it is so dramatic and so very special. Thanks for sharing.
this is my dream home…so absolutely beautiful and perfect in it’s layers rich with patina and whispers of times past.