Designer Cristi Holcombe Modernizes A Georgian Colonial

’Tis the season for entertaining! Designer Cristi Holcombe appeases both guest and host alike with a transformation from closed off and clunky to fluid functionality—and it’s gorgeous. Working with Jeff Durham of DMC Home Improvement & Designs, Holcombe took a traditional Georgian Colonial layout and made it—quite literally—work for a busy young family of five. Now, whether unpacking backpacks or mixing fancy cocktails, when friends and family gather, it’s effortless and full of life—each space beautifully connected, albeit its own distinctive personality. Here, Holcombe offers insight into every room’s design secret, from budget to beauty and everything in between.

A Decadent Dining Room

“Using color intentionally is one of the easiest ways to make a home feel connected,” Holcombe said. “The eye naturally looks for repetition, so when colors echo from one space to another, it feels calm and unified. That doesn’t mean everything has to match. I always think about balance and repetition. That might mean carrying the same metal finish from the kitchen into a nearby bath, using consistent trim or cabinet detailing or weaving in similar textures across rooms. It’s about layering familiar elements in fresh ways so the home feels collected rather than overly matched.”

Pro Tip: “Using a prefinished engineered flooring product for a ceiling installation like this eliminates the need for sanding and finishing, so the process is seamless and smooth.”

Source It

Paint: Foggy Day by Sherwin-Williams
Pendant: Currey & Co.
Sconces: Hudson Valley Lighting Group
Dining Table, Chairs and Bench: Four Hands
Rug: Surya
Accessories: CH HOME

A Cohesive Kitchen

“I think of the home as one continuous story. Even though every space plays a different role—some for working, some for gathering—they should all speak the same design language,” Holcombe explained. “That consistency creates comfort. It allows each room to feel connected to the rest of the home, which is what ultimately makes it feel cohesive and complete.”

Pro Tip: “When spaces connect visually, focus on creating a sense of continuity through materials, color and light. Using a consistent palette, like the same flooring, trim color or complementary finishes helps the eye move effortlessly from one space to the next.”

Source It

Counter Stools: Essentials for Living
Lighting: Hudson Valley Lighting
Island Butcher Block: White Oak, Paddy Collins
Countertop – Island: Lumina, Viatera Quartz
Backsplash: Zia Tile
Range, Fridge: Thermador
Faucet: Brizo
Hardware: Top Knobs
Paint: White Dove by Benjamin Moore

Purposeful Powder Room

“Even when spaces are separate, I like them to feel like they’re part of the same story,” said Holcombe. “In smaller rooms, I maintain continuity through the repetition of subtle details—a consistent paint color, a shared hardware finish or a similar texture. Those consistencies connect the spaces visually, even when you can’t see one from the other. It’s less about matching everything and more about creating a rhythm that naturally flows throughout the home.”

Pro Tip: “I always tell clients to think of the guest bathroom as a little retreat for their visitors. It doesn’t have to be large, but it should feel intentional. Great lighting, a perfectly sized mirror and easy-to-access storage go a long way in a guest bath. Then I like to layer in a few thoughtful details like a beautiful hand towel or a special scent. It’s those small moments that make guests feel at home.”

Source It

Paint Color: Revere Pewter by Benjamin Moore
Flooring: Zoudia Encaustic, MSI
Faucet: Kohler
Cabinetry: Custom White Oak
Hardware: Top Knobs
Lighting: Visual Comfort
Mirror: Uttermost
Accessories: CH HOME

The Do-It-All Drop Zone

“The mudroom musts included purposeful storage, a primary laundry area and an extended pantry and drink station, so there was a lot to squeeze into one small space. Behind every door, Holcombe installed a charging station, and included plenty of space for easy-to-grab snacks after school. The result is a space that’s functional and beautiful.”

Pro Tip: “Space planning so many different elements into the layout was tricky. We decided to use GE’s One-and-Done Ultrafast Combo in order to save space so we could max out storage. This was huge in gaining a larger footprint for the cabinetry.”

Source It

Paint: Hale Navy by Benjamin Moore
Hardware: Etsy, Top Knobs
Mesh Screen: Coverscreens UK
Coat Hooks: CB2
Countertops: Bianco Opus by Pure Surfaces
Wallcovering: Phillip Jeffries
Lighting: Regina Andrew 

Worth the Investment

Before any remodel project, Holcombe advises her clients to first ask themselves if they have the overall budget for a large-scale renovation and if they’re prepared for the level of time and decision-making required. Her advice: Carefully consider what functionalities you need to improve in your home. A remodel that only updates finishes may look beautiful, but if it doesn’t address core functionality issues—like flow, storage or how your family lives in the space—it will feel disappointing in the long run. Holcombe adds that it’s critical to partner with experienced designers, architects and builders who have completed projects of similar scale. The right team will anticipate challenges, bring creative solutions and guide you through the process to avoid costly mistakes. A home renovation win!

Cristi Holcombe is the principal designer at Cristi Holcombe Interiors and owner of brick-and-mortar retail store, CH Home. Her work has been recognized across multiple publications, including a nod for Best Interior Design in My Alpharetta’s Best of 2020. cristiholcombe.com