Friday

05-23-2025 Vol 1969

Inside Grant Henry’s Family-Oriented Oasis Amidst Eclectic Maximalism

Grant Henry, renowned for his eclectic maximalism at Sister Louisa’s Church of the Living Room and Ping Pong Emporium, often referred to as Church, embraces a different aesthetic at home in Chosewood Park. Here, he favors a modern vibe with furniture complemented by a backyard oasis, diverging from his signature style.

In 2019, Henry seized an opportunity when he bought a house adjacent to the one his daughter had bought. The purchase turned out to be a strategic decision, allowing for frequent visits from his grandkids. However, safety concerns surrounding the pool necessitated creating a secure passage. To facilitate this, Henry commissioned a metalworker to create a gate that, despite its prison-like appearance, is softened by a vine he immediately planted upon installation.

Henry transformed what was once a screened-in porch into a stunning glass solarium last year. He sought to enhance visibility into the exquisite garden designed by landscape designer Brendan Butler, which sprawls invitingly around the pool. The solarium evokes a terrarium ambiance, making it a central haven in the house.

In combining aesthetics, Henry chose to stain the heart pine floors black, providing balance against the walnut pieces of Knoll furniture scattered throughout the interior. This juxtaposition allows him to pay respect to the traditional vibe of the early 1900s bungalow while forging a modern sensibility inside.

The essence of Henry’s home is his dedication to uncovering treasures from unconventional places. A staggering 90 percent of his furnishings come from Facebook Marketplace, antique shops, and thrift stores. For instance, he discovered a cream leather Eames chair online, while the second was a drive to Tampa well worth the distance. However, as his collection grows, he periodically sells off items to maintain balance within his space. This habit resonates with his experience at Church, where his extensive collection of religious artifacts sought a home before the bar was born.

Henry’s taste extends to unique architectural elements as well. He collaborates with a young artisan who sources mantles and doorways from historic homes in Grant Park. The mantlepieces adorning his home are cherished finds, and Henry resisted modernizing them further, opting instead to showcase more collections on the shelves.

Among his diverse possessions, Henry takes pride in his collection of tragedy-comedy masks from the Frankoma Pottery Company. He accumulated these whimsical pieces starting in 2010 after divesting himself of prior belongings before launching Church, indicating a passion for both art and nostalgia.

Another highlight of his collection includes intricately whittled wooden busts sourced from a seller in the Midwest. Each piece carries a story from its maker, enriching Henry’s inventory with layers of narrative and personality. The whimsical descriptions that accompany each bust add an amusing complexity to their craftsmanship, much to Henry’s delight, who finds joy in the thoughtful packaging and presentation of these unique pieces arriving at his doorstep.

Through his home and collections, Grant Henry continues to express an artistic vision deeply rooted in family values and personal history, transforming his space into a true reflection of his journey.

image source from:https://www.atlantamagazine.com/homeandgarden/room-envy-grant-henrys-home-away-from-sister-louisas-church/

Benjamin Clarke