Inside a Designer's Custom Tuscaloosa Home
Tour Jay and Mary Harmon Young's Beautiful Waterfall Neighborhood Home
Have you ever wondered what the home of an award-winning kitchen and bath designer looks like? At Toulmin Kitchen & Bath, we design beautiful, functional homes for clients throughout Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and surrounding Alabama communities—and this custom home offers a glimpse into the design philosophy behind our work.
Designed by Toulmin Kitchen & Bath owner Jay Young and his wife, REALTOR® Mary Harmon Young, this custom home in Tuscaloosa's Waterfall neighborhood showcases timeless craftsmanship, thoughtful details, and luxurious finishes that blend beauty with everyday functionality.
Building a Home Designed for Family
This 4,500-square-foot custom home was truly a collaborative effort.
Jay partnered with:
Builder Michael Young
Architect Clem Burch
Interior designer Randall Bobo of Randall Dress & Design
Many of Toulmin Kitchen & Bath's trusted vendors
Together, they created a home that reflects the same level of craftsmanship and attention to detail that Toulmin clients experience during every kitchen and bathroom remodeling project.
English Tudor Meets French Country
The home's exterior combines classic English Tudor architecture with warm French Country influences.
Highlights include:
White painted brick exterior
Mahogany front door
Bluestone entry
Copper Bevolo lighting
Half-round gutters
Stepped brick detailing
Inside, visitors are welcomed by warm engineered hardwood flooring, limestone accents, and abundant natural light.
Hallmark Flooring's Novella Collection was selected throughout the main living spaces, providing the timeless appearance of hardwood while offering exceptional durability for everyday living.
Large Sierra Pacific windows flood the home with natural light, while Benjamin Moore Midnight Oil-painted window mullions create beautiful contrast throughout the interior.
The Heart of the Home: A Custom Kitchen
As with every Toulmin Kitchen & Bath project, the kitchen became the centerpiece of the home.
Designed for both everyday family life and entertaining, this luxury kitchen combines timeless design with exceptional functionality.
Kitchen Features
Large 5' x 8' marble island
Montclair Danby marble countertops
Extra-thick 6 cm countertop edges
Custom cabinetry with shallow-depth storage
Built-in refrigerator for a seamless appearance
Kohler Vault sink
Delta faucet
JennAir® appliances, including a gas range and steam oven
Custom vent hood
Under-cabinet task lighting
Decorative lighting from Visual Comfort
The oversized island provides ample prep space while serving as a natural gathering place for family and guests.
A Butler's Pantry Designed for Entertaining
Just off the kitchen is a fully equipped butler's pantry featuring:
Matching Montclair Danby marble countertops
Beverage refrigerator
Ice maker
Hammered steel sink
Ample storage
The pantry keeps entertaining effortless by providing additional prep space while allowing the kitchen to remain organized during gatherings.
Comfortable Spaces for Everyday Living
While the kitchen serves as the home's centerpiece, the upstairs family room has become one of the Young family's favorite gathering places.
Designed with comfort in mind, the room features:
Linen, leather, and velvet furnishings
Comfortable seating
Locally sourced furniture
Warm textures and timeless finishes
It's the perfect place for family movie nights, sporting events, and relaxing together.
Blending New Design with Family History
One of the home's most meaningful design elements is the thoughtful mix of new furnishings and treasured family heirlooms.
Throughout the home, you'll find:
Sadie Grace's antique bedroom furniture dating to the 1920s
An 1805 family clock passed down through generations
An antique Empire butler's chest
Original artwork by Tuscaloosa artist Kristin Blakeney
Paintings by Mary Harmon's father, Dan Rountree
These personal touches create a home that feels timeless while celebrating the family's history.
Timeless Design That Feels Like Home
Every design decision in this custom Tuscaloosa home reflects the values that guide every Toulmin Kitchen & Bath project:
Timeless architecture
Functional layouts
High-quality craftsmanship
Beautiful custom cabinetry
Thoughtful lighting
Premium materials
Spaces designed for gathering and making memories
The result is more than a beautiful house—it's a home designed around the people who live there.
Project Partners
This custom home was made possible through the collaboration of talented builders, designers, craftsmen, and trusted vendor partners who helped bring Jay and Mary Harmon's vision to life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Toulmin Kitchen & Bath design custom homes?
Yes. In addition to kitchen and bathroom remodeling, our experienced design team provides custom kitchen and bath design services for new home construction throughout Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and surrounding Alabama communities.
Can Toulmin Kitchen & Bath help with cabinetry selections?
Absolutely. We offer a wide variety of custom cabinetry styles, finishes, and storage solutions designed to fit your home and lifestyle.
What countertop materials do you recommend?
We help homeowners choose from premium materials, including quartz, quartzite, marble, granite, and other natural stone options, based on style, durability, and maintenance preferences.
Where is Toulmin Kitchen & Bath located?
Our showroom is located in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, and we proudly serve homeowners throughout Birmingham, Northport, and surrounding communities.
Bring Your Dream Home to Life
Whether you're building a custom home, remodeling your kitchen, or updating your bathroom, Toulmin Kitchen & Bath can help you create spaces that are both beautiful and functional. Our experienced design team works with homeowners throughout Tuscaloosa, Birmingham, and West Alabama to deliver custom cabinetry, premium materials, and exceptional craftsmanship tailored to your lifestyle.
Call us at (205) 579-8392 or schedule an appointment online.
If you're planning a kitchen or bath remodel in the West Alabama area, give the designers at Toulmin Kitchen and Bath a call at (205) 579-9906. Let us help you design and deliver your dream kitchen.
