Kenya Brantley, the visionary founder of Greenhouse Mercantile in Newnan, GA, has embarked on a heartfelt journey of restoring a historic home alongside her husband, a project that beautifully encapsulates her passion for preserving the past. Her love for old homes is deeply rooted in the stories they hold and the timeless charm they exude, inspiring her to breathe new life into these architectural treasures. Growing up surrounded by the rich history and character of her community, Kenya developed an appreciation for the craftsmanship and nostalgia that old homes represent.
Georgia Tastemaker Tells Us What Inspires Her to Restore Historic Home
Kenya Brantley, Owner, Greenhouse Mercantile
1) Why do you love old houses?
Growing up, some of my favorite memories were of going to my grandparents’ historic home in Darlington, South Carolina. I just loved the simplicity of it and always felt like no matter where I went in the world, that little cottage would always feel like a home for me.
Old houses also have this sense of history that you are simply not able to get anywhere else. It makes you wonder about the peoples’ stories who lived in those homes. What were their lives like? What occupations did they have?
2) What inspires you to design?
Design is in literally every part of nature that God created. You can find it in the leaves, seashells, or even the trunk of a tree. I think that’s why I love being out in nature so much. It just inspires me to create something new and authentic.
3) What are your top considerations when working on a big home design project that save time and money?
I always love to mix high end and low end items. So you may have a simple pedestal sink in the powder room, but you can always pair that with a more eccentric and higher end wallpaper. That really gives the space a feel that is like none other.
And as far as saving time… Try to limit the number of changes that you make towards the end of the project.
4) What are some of your favorite memories of country living in Georgia?
Just the fact of everything being so fresh! It was nothing for us to go to the Cordele Farmers Market and pick amazing fruits and vegetables. My parents also had a garden that we ate from almost every day. I remember going to my neighbor’s house and picking warm pears off the tree, or folks coming back from picking peaches and them being so succulent that the juice would just run down your chin. That sort of freshness is so hard to find today and it’s one of those circumstances where you really don’t appreciate what you have until it’s gone.
5) What are some items in your shop that you know will be a part of this home?
Without a shadow of a doubt, our vintage finds! From Turkish rugs to brass fixtures to simple vintage handkerchiefs that can be framed on the wall. Anything vintage is definitely a yes for me! And our candles are a must as well!
6) Who inspired you to grow a love of home design and decor?
I would absolutely have to say my mother. She was an educator in the Dooly County school system for almost 35 years. During that time, I remember her taking me to antique and vintage stores, but the thing that really had an impact on me was visiting her other educator friends’ homes. You would walk in and see beautiful art and gorgeous figurines. Those objects told everyone who entered “This is my home and I take pride in it.”
7) Do you incorporate your kids into the home and design projects?
Absolutely! I would say that my 19-year-old daughter is absolutely my biggest cheerleader. No matter what kind of off the wall scheme or idea I bring to her, she is always so supportive in every project that I am completing. And her seven-year-old sister is so much like her as well.
8) First projects you plan on tackling?
I would love to say something on the interior plane, but I really just want to start our garden. I want my children to see what it’s like to be able to go out to your backyard and pick your own food just like I had the opportunity to do. I feel that teaching them this sort of sustainability is absolutely priceless and something that I hope they will pass on to their children.
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