09/09/2026
The Chighizola House project is officially a wrap! The SWA design team is honored to be a part of this once in a lifetime Historic restoration project in downtown Mobile, AL. We loved working with the Rogers & Willard team and Cay MacClary Rogers Special thanks to Mobile Bay Magazine for choosing this worthwhile project to be the 2026 Inspiration Home. Now that the tours are officially over, we are sharing more photos.
Countless hours were spent sourcing period antiques, art, and accessories for this room, right down to the period drapery hardware! (see photo 5)
Lead Designer, Suzanne Winston, traveled far and wide in her search. She spotted the Victorian Half Tester bed in a barn in rural Wilcox County, Alabama.
The standout 19th Century glass chandelier was sourced on a buying trip to Parma, Italy.
The “Lady in Blue” portrait, which we like to refer to as “Mrs. Chighizola,” was found long after the room palette was already chosen. She seems right at home above the mantle, keeping an ever watchful eye.
Several special pieces are repurposed from another Historic home of the same period. The porcelain hand-painted lamps, crystal candelabra, and drop front side table are from the Seven Gables home in Montrose, AL (circa 1855) which recently changed hands.
The custom velvet bench and draperies feature Samuel & Sons trimmings. They were designed by our own in-house drapery expert, Mary Ellen LaPlace. melleyellen They add another layer of depth to the color drenched room, painted in a vibrant Farrow & Ball blue. A special collection of antique Chinese Export porcelain, adorned with ships and flowers, is a nod to “Old Mobile” and it’s early history as one of the busiest foreign trade ports in the United States. The flowers are reminiscent of the Azaleas that line the streets of Mobile each Spring. The hand knotted rug, custom lampshade by Fermoie of London and all other art and accessories are available through our shop towne + beech in downtown Fairhope, AL. Towne and Beech is a proud stockist of
