Breaking Bread

By Anna Grace Moore

Photos by Evelyn Adams

Walking into Murphy and Jade Maddox’s stunning lakefront abode, one pauses to admire the cool hues of the statement, abstract pieces adorning the open concept’s walls. Even the Christmas tree, decked in fluorescent splendor, exudes a merry, joyful calling that welcomes each person into a home that’s second to none.

While everything in the home is simply splendid, what’s even more lovely is the passion this precious pair shares for furthering God’s kingdom, using the house they’ve curated into a pleasing paradise.

“We wanted it to be like a lakeside retreat,” Murphy says. “We wrote scripture all over the boards when we were building the house.” Reflecting on the house’s purpose, Murphy is quick to share that his and Jade’s identities are not found in their careers or the splendor of their home, but in their Savior, Jesus.

“This house has been a combination of the two of us. What you see is a balance of his art and design. We really put it together slowly,” Jade adds.

One way the couple lives out their purpose is by “breaking bread” at the table; the metaphor they share about furthering the kingdom by being open and inviting.

“You learn so much about people around the table, especially in the context of one’s home. Hospitality is a lost art. We try to do that in spite of being so busy,” Murphy explains.

Murphy and Jade have curated a home filled with art and meaningful pieces, but Murphy spoke on the challenge of “marrying that with Christ’s kingdom and serving others.” The duo’s solution, they say, is to center their home’s values on fostering fellowship.

Jade works as “in house counsel” for a local insurance company. She also feels privileged to use her career in law to help children find their forever families through adoption.

“Being able to finalize adoption has been really neat,” Jade says. “This is one thing I can do…to show believers and nonbelievers alike that adoption is an earthly picture of the gospel. I believe that many of us are called to adoption and foster care.”

While the couple plans to foster one day, they’re focusing on bringing their second-born, a baby boy, into the world in February 2023. For now, they are taking things one step at a time, crafting their home as a place for the love of Jesus to flourish in the hearts of every person who walks through their door.

Thank you, Murphy and Jade, for creating not just a home worthy of artistic praise, but of love for each one of God’s children, too.

Face of the Home

Murphy built the house before he and Jade tied the knot. He jokes that she “feminized” everything, creating a beautiful melody of color and design. The house was originally navy, but Jade opted to paint the house white, creating a more “soft and subtle” mood.

Corridor

One common theme throughout the home is beautiful art. This abstract pictured is an original by Murphy himself.

Grand Foyer

Funny enough, this room is the only room in the entire house with warm hues. The piano pictured is actually passed down from Jade’s aunt. The couple utilized a candle-lit chandelier to complement the “musically-pleasing” atmosphere.

Musical Family

Both Murphy and Jade play the piano. Murphy actually graduated as a vocal performance major at Samford University, but he later changed career paths to become a dentist. Aside from his dental career, Murphy has served as Worship Pastor at Riverchase Baptist Church for the past 13 years and loves it. He encourages everyone to attend and become a part of the family.

Piano Room Details

Kitchen

One unique change is how the couple raised the ceilings throughout the house to 10 feet tall, so the home could have a more “elevated” presence.

All About the Angles

This herringbone backsplash adds a pop of texture, which dignifies the cooking space.

Modern China

The couple opted for an open China cabinet, utilizing a circular-shelving design.

Woodworking

Dining Room Table

One’s eyes are easily held captive by the allure of the 11-foot glass dining room table. The table underneath is hand-cut and forged to model a tree trunk and roots.

Living Room

The couple utilized light colors with pops of blue and gray for a “cool” mood.

Antiques

Christmas Decor

The couple added pine cones to their garland, which paired with blue and silver ornaments makes for a festive, elegant design.

Murphy’s God-Given Talent

Murphy is an artist by passion. Pictured here are two of his favorite abstracts that he painted. Those interested in viewing or purchasing his art can visit @murphymaddoxart on Instagram.

Backyard Views

The home has the longest waterfront view of the lake in Brock Point.

Nursery

Murphy and Jade’s adorable daughter, Genevieve, has a nursery that’s “fit for a princess.” The draping canopy over her Victorian-bronze crib creates a stately aesthetic.

Nursery Details

Adorable Necessities

Genevieve’s rocker is one of her favorite toys.

Pretty in Pink

Accentuating with Art

Art, Murphy explains, is still in his everyday life even as a dentist because “dentistry is so artistic. It’s a chance to serve others.” Murphy’s practice, Southern Dental, is located in Inverness and can be reached at southerndentalbirmingham.com.