The Vollberg Home
Triumphantly Transitional
By Katie Faulkner
“That’s one of my favorites,” Deb shares in reference to the painting. The Vollbergs’ home is full of art, and they are avid collectors of local artists as well. After moving in to the home five years ago, Deb and Carlton spent time selecting pieces to fit the house. “This is a great house for artwork,” Deb shares. “Most of the pieces we selected were Carylon Killebrew’s. She’s one of our favorites!”
To the left of the foyer is the formal living room, which opens to the formal dining room. A serene robin’s egg blue washes over the walls in these adjoined rooms. A spacious setting for entertaining, these rooms are also a fantastic example of the Vollbergs’ transitional style. Traditional elements, like the large off-white trim, the striped sofa, and the large geometrically printed area rug pair perfectly with French accents and light touches of mid-century modern. Black tufted-velvet accent chairs and a gilded demilune next to a gilded klismos chair highlight the French elements. Meanwhile, golden starbursts, a glass-top coffee table, and two modish mint swivel chairs pull out the modern style.
Walking through to the adjoining dining room, the transitional style is echoed by seamlessly blending a traditional dining room suite with a mid-century modern light fixture and a bold, colorful trout painting. Geometric white and gold urns on the mantle and turquoise lamps on the nearby antique buffet continue to balance mid-century pieces delicately around the room. Meanwhile, an ornate golden floral-framed mirror topped by a scenic painting and a grand curved bench weave in the French accents. “That mirror is a reproduction of an early French piece that we saw at a gallery in New Orleans. It’s one of the only things we brought from the old house,” Deb says. Silk draperies pool on the floor, ensconcing windows that showcase some of the home’s beautiful views. Two cast stone fireplaces bookend this space.
Stepping through to the kitchen, a Chelsea gray shade covers the walls. The kitchen combines understated elegance with smart functionality. A spacious island in light gray is topped by white Calacatta marble and accentuated by ornate, twisted millwork. Dark greenish-black granite counters pop against the backdrop of a white honeycomb tile backsplash and the creamy cabinet color. A smart mixture of French farmhouse dining chairs, a trestle table, stainless steel, traditional cabinetry, and geometric pendant lights over the island keeps this space stylistically balanced. An extra-large Viking cooktop has provided years of assistance in the Vollbergs’ entertaining. “Over the years we’ve had church groups over for Bible study. Carlton and I used to host monthly prayer groups, and the kids have had tons of birthday parties and school parties. This is the perfect hangout place,” says Deb. With access to the adjoining great room, tons of seating, and wraparound views of the pond and outdoor living spaces, it is naturally the center of the home.
The connected great room boasts a traditional floor to ceiling stacked stone fireplace composed of local field stone. Geometric and bold striped patterns on the accent chairs and sofa carry the blue hues through this space. They also highlight the modern style in conjunction with a silver spherical floor lamp, a cross-sectioned gold quatrefoil table lamp, and metallic accents on the tufted coffee table ottoman. Featuring a vaulted ceiling with wooden beams, the grand scale of this room is grounded by soft-colored seating placed in an inviting circular arrangement.
Headed up the stairs, there is a cozy seating nook at the top landing which leads through to the master bedroom. A vaulted and pale blue ceiling casts a soothing ambiance over the sunny retreat. Bronze and gold metallics are balanced by weathered wood furniture and natural fabrics. “The bed was something we kept from our previous house. It’s a replica of Princess Diana’s bed, and I’ve just always loved it,” Deb says. Oatmeal-colored fabrics blend with cream and blue accents in throw pillows, furniture, and artwork. A weathered, natural chandelier shines down on the elegant bed as well as the inviting seating nook by the window. A large window, complete with a window seat, frames a beautiful view out the front of the house. “That’s one of my favorite things about this house,” Deb says. “Every room has a wonderful view.” Deb, a survivor of breast cancer thanks to early detection, says she now appreciates even the simplest pleasures that her home and life provide. “I’ve spent many a morning enjoying the view out of this window,” she says.
In the adjoining master bathroom, a stunning blue wallpaper features intertwining silver and gold circles with a luminescent luster. The posh patina is mimicked in the gold-patched cow hide rug, while nearby a private raised nook houses their nostalgic soaking tub. An enormous tiled walk-in shower provides additional room for relaxation, and close by is the dual vanity enveloped in ample storage.
Downstairs, the terrace level of the home is dramatically decked out in fun contrasting black and white photos, artwork, and furniture. The punch of personality identifies the space as recreational and excellent for entertaining. This level features a relaxing den to watch television, a billiards table, and a spacious and stylish family theater. A black and white damasked sectional is the seat of choice, according to the Vollbergs; however, there is plenty of room for company in the back row of leather theater seating.
“This house has been so fun to raise children in. There is always space for them and their friends, as well as for our friends, and any entertaining or holiday hosting that we want to do,” Deb shares.