When designer Jessica Kain Barton’s parents moved back to Kentucky from California and purchased a historic Tudor in Louisville’s Douglass Highlands neighborhood, they knew the perfect person to decorate their new home. The project was a labor of love for Jessica, founder and principal of J. Kathryn Interiors, whose passion for design began in childhood as she pored over her mother’s home magazines. Today, this historic home stands as a testament to Jessica’s attention to detail and a seamless blend of heritage and modern living.

This Tudor’s charm was unmistakable, with its leaded glass windows, rich mahogany woodwork, lush green surroundings, and deep Mahogany woodwork throughout. Yet, years of unsympathetic remodels had stripped it of much of its original splendor. Jessica approached the project with a clear vision to restore the home’s architectural integrity while reimagining it as a functional and inviting space.

The journey to rehabilitate started by bringing in material from the time period it was built such as reclaimed terracotta tiles which bring a sense of warmth and patina. Restoring the original plaster walls which added a subtle texture to each space and selecting the perfect white paint to complement the original millwork made all the difference. Selecting textiles and furnishings that were a slightly modern take on the traditional interiors brought everything full circle.

Avid readers and collectors of Shaker furniture, Jessica’s parents dreamed of spaces for lounging, entertaining guests, and spending time with their grown children. The solution was an array inviting nooks and thoughtfully designed spaces, each tailored to their needs. Among the home’s treasures is a hidden jewel-box china closet, inspired by the couple’s wedding china, a sentimental detail that speaks to Jessica’s commitment to crafting spaces that tell a story.

Furnishings and textiles were curated to strike a balance between the traditional and the contemporary, allowing the past and present to exist in perfect harmony. This deliberate approach brought the home’s interiors full circle, restoring its character while making it livable for today.

More than a residence, this Tudor is a revival of history, a blend of charm and function that encapsulates the ethos of J. Kathryn Interiors. This home has reclaimed its rightful place as a true gem of the Douglass Highlands.

Photographed by Lang Thomas Interiors and styled by Frances Bailey.

To learn more, please visit J. Kathryn Interiors and follow @jkathryninteriors on Instagram. Click here to see the exquisite lounge Jessica created for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles’ 2023 Southeastern Designer Showhouse and Gardens.

Written by Natalie Aldridge.