5 min readWhile every design project or home renovation hinges on a successful relationship between designer and homeowner, few pairings go on to rewrite each other’s stories quite like Monica Stewart and her client (and friend) Hollis McFadden did. For the pair of creatives—Stewart helms design firm The Misfit House and founded Evolve Lighting Co., and Hollis is an artist and founder of Sun House Children’s, a clothing line—their project in the Five Points neighborhood of Athens, Georgia, was not just an aesthetic overhaul, but a full-blown creative reckoning.
The home in question was McFadden’s 1960s ranch, replete with angular walls, contemporary finishings, and a carport that felt like a time warp. It had good bones, but the layout didn’t support the rhythms of modern family life—which is where Stewart stepped in.
What began as a conversation about floor plans quickly evolved into the launch of an entirely new creative venture. "We had discussed starting a textile company together for years," the designer recalls, "and ended up finally developing the patterns throughout this project, weaving them into the design of every room." By the time the last piece of furniture was placed, Tassel House Textiles had been born, its original patterns appearing as fabric or wallpaper in every single room of the house.
Like launching a new brand, the renovation itself was no small undertaking. A 2,000-square-foot addition reshaped the home's entire footprint: the carport became a private primary suite, a new kitchen and family room were added to the back, and the original kitchen was converted into a proper mudroom.
Throughout it all, Stewart stayed true to the home's mid-century spirit without turning it into a period piece. Instead, it feels like a conversation between eras: terrazzo floors, solid walnut cabinetry, teal paint, unlacquered brass hardware, Tassel House Textiles botanical prints, and custom circular motifs that echo through windows, millwork, and even the front door—a shape chosen as homage to what the Stewart describes as the era's optimism and fascination with the atomic age.
The resulting aesthetic threads through every room of the home, and every one of Tassel House’s 100-plus prints, patterns, and colorways. “This was our first mid- century project as a design firm, and we stretched ourselves creatively to craft a home with a style unlike any project before,” says Stewart. “It’s contemporary yet cozy and full of personality, but with enough traditional elements to stand the test of time. It’s a true reflection of the artistic, active, family breathing life into it every day.”
FAST FACTS
Designer: Monica Stewart, The Misfit House
Location: Athens, Georgia
The Space: A five-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom ranch across 5,000 square feet
KITCHEN
A textural wallcovering brings an unexpectedly cozy feel.
In an unexpected move, Stewart moved the kitchen from the front of the house to the back to give it more prominence and a fully functional layout, with the family room just steps away. Custom circular windows above the sink nod to mid-century motifs and create a more inviting atmosphere. “On a beautiful day, they can open everything up and let the breeze flow through,” adds Stewart.
Stewart prioritized layered lighting in every project, noting that it’s an essential component to creating a dynamic and welcoming environment. “This kitchen is a perfect representation of how we like to mix textures and lighting styles, shown here through wicker, brass, fabric, and glass,” she adds. “Each lighting piece should bring something unique to the mix! We avoid recessed lighting whenever possible, instead using petite fixtures to functionally support the more decorative pieces.”
BUTLER’S PANTRY
Teal cabinetry nods to a classic mid-century palette.
Connecting the dining room and the kitchen, this butler’s breezeway is what Stewart calls “the perfect setup for entertaining.” Within, there’s an ice maker, beverage fridge, hot and cold water dispenser, and a brass sink that “makes a great ice bath for champagne.”
LIVING ROOM
The duo’s new textiles cover nearly every inch of this family-friendly retreat.
A variety of mid-century nods infuse the living room with charm, from the built-ins that repeat the circle motif to the checkerboard tile that covers the fireplace. “The room is an odd shape with angled walls, so all of the upholstery had to float and didn’t have a wall to anchor to,” explains Stewart of the quirky spot. “We went with a circular arrangement of chairs that can stand alone and creates symmetry with the fireplace wall.”
Nearby, a stylish console acts as a bridge between the living room and the nearby butler’s pantry. “It functions as a server when entertaining,” adds Stewart.
FAMILY ROOM
Durable finishes ensure the room remains functional and beautiful.
“The room is large, and the ceilings are low, so we paneled the ceiling to make it more purposeful looking and covered the walls in grasscloth to add coziness,” Stewart says of the room, a favorite spot of the family’s three young boys. “It just wouldn’t be the same if it were just sheetrock all over.”
POWDER ROOM
A custom sink brings presence to the petite space.
“This was a truly welcomed addition to the house, as the previous powder bath was also the boys’ and, as anyone knows, impossible to keep consistently tidy,” says Stewart. “I had this idea of a marble hutch with an integrated mirror like those that pair with an antique dresser, but I wanted to design a more contemporary version. The waterfall edge is clean, as well as the shelving; the small scoop on each side provides the decorative detail.”
PRIMARY BEDROOM
Layers of texture and plushness cultivate a relaxing atmosphere.
Previously a carport, the primary suite got the biggest upgrade of the bunch, with a retreat that is now a private escape from the rest of the home. “We wrapped it in a linen wall covering to create a cozy but sunny vibe,” Stewart says of the layered space, which incorporates a nuanced mix of antiques and contemporary pieces.
PRIMARY BATHROOM
A sunny yellow tub brings retro charm.
With an expansive footprint to work with, Stewart tried to “check all the boxes” in the primary en suite, opting for a spacious shower, separate tub, double vanity, and a stunning custom hutch that acts as freestanding linen storage. “I advised on paint colors, and Hollis designed the pattern and hand-painted the cabinet,” Stewart adds.
ENTRYWAY
A vintage-inspired wallpaper instantly sets the mood.
To cultivate a more formal first impression, Stewart chose a Tassel House Textiles print, Darby, in a verdant moss colorway to act as a jumping-off point for the palette throughout the rest of the home. “We designed a custom front door to mimic the circle pattern in the custom windows in the kitchen,” she adds.
LAUNDRY ROOM
Floor-to-ceiling subway tile offers practicality.
Originally the kitchen, the spacious laundry room is designed to make chores an easy—and beautiful—process. “This room is really hardworking, with busy terrazzo flooring, fully tiled walls, lockers for each of the boys, a sink for washing hands and soaking stains, and even a pullout cabinet for dog food,” says Stewart. “The room is on the front of the house, so we chose sheer cafe curtains to allow all the necessary light to flood in but maintain a level of privacy.”
About the Designer
Monica Stewart is the founder and lead designer of The Misfit House, as well as the founder of Evolve Lighting Co. and Tassel House Textiles. Growing up in “misfit” houses inspired her to pursue helping others enjoy their homes. Together with her team, she approaches every project by beginning with a source of sentiment and inspiration, and believes that meaningful, authentic homes are timeless.
