By Anna Grace Moore
Photos by Blair Ramsey
At the heart of Blackridge is fellowship–neighbors coming together for the sake of building community. Ben and Whitney Kelley, and their three children, Cade, Eliana and Malachi, love living in this close-knit neighborhood, believing their move across state lines was well worth the labor of love.
Ben and Whitney, both Pelham High School and University of Alabama at Birmingham graduates, ironically never interacted at school despite sharing the same alma maters. As fate would have it, they met at Church of the Highlands several years after having graduated from college and quickly fell in love.
They tied the knot in April 2019 and moved to Atlanta to set up their roots. After welcoming Eliana in 2020 and Malachi in 2021, they longed to be closer to family and moved back to Birmingham, eventually deciding to build their own home in the Blackridge community in Hoover.
Instantly, they knew they made the right choice. One of their neighbors and coincidentally old family friends Donna Washington sent them pictures and kept them updated on their house’s progress as they were making trips back and forth across the Alabama-Georgia border.
While Ben and Whitney were moving in, two neighbors passing by–Matt and Nicole Moley–stopped their golf cart and actually helped move the Kelleys’ washer and dryer into their house. Two other neighbors, Leah and Clint Waggoner, also made efforts to meet Ben and Whitney’s family, later inviting them to go kayaking on their lakefront property.
The Kelley family officially moved into their gorgeous, French provincial home in 2022. Now, they’re eager to repay some of that good, ‘ole Southern hospitality forward. Together with her cherished friends and neighbors Megan Roberts and Jordan Hosey, Whitney helps host Sunday supper clubs, neighborhood Easter egg hunts, Christmas cookie-decorating parties and more.
It’s a funny thing–fate. Ben and Whitney grew up in neighboring cities and attended the same schools for years but never met until God deemed the timing right.
He also provided the perfect safe haven for which the Kelleys are raising their children, just when they needed to move back home. If anything, they believe their home is a reflection of God’s promises, and they intend to live those out, blessing all who enter their anointed home.
Office
The Kelleys homeschool their two younger children, Eliana and Malachi, utilizing this office space for a more holistic approach. The shadow boxes showcase several of the Kelleys’ childrens’ portraits.
Entryway
This ebony console from Sara Sells complements the light-washed floors and pops of silver and gold in the foyer’s decor.
Drop Station
This dove gray futon provides the perfect spot for a drop-and-plop after a long day.
Eliana’s Room
A clever blend of whimsical and practical, Eliana’s room features a handcrafted dreamcatcher canopy above her bed. The mauve, velvet curtains add a sense of warmth, tying in the comforter’s hues.
Tipi
Stories come alive during read-aloud time in this beautiful, handmade Tipi.
Malachi’s Room
Little lion cub Malachi loves his new, “big boy” room, complete with jungle animals from Melissa & Doug.
The Sky’s the Limit
This airplane is a family heirloom.
Loft
The Kelleys enjoy spending time together as a family, watching movies in this upstairs hangout spot. Although eggshell white, this Pottery Barn sofa’s performance fabric is durable and perfect for tiny, messy hands and feet.
Master Bedroom
Whitney sourced this room’s bed frame from an antique dealer in Atlanta, but she had the headboard reupholstered for a mix of modern and traditional, elemental design.
Elevated Design
The nightstands, too, blend well as their marble-clad tops contrast nicely against their oak wood bodies.
Master Bathroom
This Turkish rug, vintage candlesticks and heirloom vase add a bit of flair to this upscale yet unpretentious bathroom.
A Few of My Favorite Things
Whitney incorporated this ceiling medallion around this gorgeous, crystal chandelier as a personal touch–one that makes her house feel more like “home.”
Dining Room
Custom-designed by Colin Campbell with Shutter Bug, these floor-to-ceiling pinch pleat curtains liven the dining room’s vitality. Although not pictured, this room’s three-foot-tall, Turkish olive oil vase and vintage Calacatta marble pedestal elevate the room’s presence. The stately, Venetian-style mirror and dining room chairs are from Restoration Hardware.
Sentimental Artifacts
The Kelleys enjoy Biblical artifacts and have incorporated several into their home’s interior design. This terracotta vase originated from Israel and dates back to the 1800s.
Kitchen
The kitchen’s open concept and light, airy hues make the space much more inviting. Paired with Sloan, low-back counter stools from Grandin Road and hammered brass pendants, this room has the perfect pop of gold.
Living Room
Whitney decorated this room around the hues in the living room’s Magnolia Homes rug, tying in both modern and vintage pieces for an evenly balanced aesthetic.
