Sweet Home Tuscaloosa: Game Day House by Libby Greene and Jason Robb

This renovated home is crafted for effortless entertaining and lively Crimson Tide celebrations, embodying decades of cherished pride and tradition.

By
Cathy Still McGowin
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The living room offers all the comforts of everyday living plus plenty of Bama-inspired décor. Libby commissioned the Dirk Walker painting of Bryant Denny Stadium to hang above the sofa. A pair of crimson lamps rests atop side tables. Elephant statuary is scatterd across tabletops and in bookshelves. Grasscloth is Philip Jeffries. // Photography by Jean Allsopp

Most Bama fans wouldn’t even think of hiring a couple of Auburn graduates to design their Tuscaloosa game-day house. And most Auburn fans wouldn’t consider touching anything crimson. But when it comes to longtime friends and loyal clients, both sides hung up their respective jerseys and focused on creating a winning home.

Exterior of the Chadwick home

Outfitted for hosting guests and entertaining, the home is a crowd-pleaser both in locale and design. “The house was completely renovated,” says Jason. “We kept the original front facade to maintain historical integrity, but we added a second floor, rear addition, and large screened porch.” 

Longtime Alabama fans, the Chadwicks are well-practiced in the art of tailgating and entertaining in Tuscalsoosa. This is the second house they have renovated on University Circle—a historic neighborhood with 50-yard-line views of Bryant Denny Stadium. David’s sister took over the previous house, so it was time for the Chadwicks to kick off again.

Jason Robb and Libby Greene
A custom-mixed, crimson-colored paint on the Chadwick’s front door signals a big Roll Tide to game-day guests and partygoers.

Inside, rooms are dressed in antiques, comfortable uphlostery (all in shades of crimson, white, and gray), custom artwork, rugs from Paige Albright Orientals, and plenty of Alabama memorabilia. Among the Chadwicks’ collection: a football locker purchased at a fundraiser when the athletic facilities were being renovated, signed jerseys and footballs, a goal post pad, a golf bag, and an oar from Alabama’s rowing team. Mixing in vintage finds, Libby has managed to score pendants, tickets, and commemorative magazine covers. “I am constantly on the search for fun mementos,” she says. 

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This game-day house mixes high style and sports memorabilia. The chest is from Henhouse Antiques.
In the foyer, a bronze Bear Bryant statue and signed football are right at home alongside sophisticated antiques.
A new kitchen allows plenty of room to serve guests and entertain. 
A Yeti cooler and to-go cups stand ready for a walk to the Quad
Framed football gloves bring a sporty, personalized touch to the kitchen decor, turning memorabilia into a unique design feature.
Every game-day house needs a full-service bar. Jason and Libby carved out a pass-through, situating it between the living room and kitchen for ease of flow. Here and throughout the house, Libby pushed and pulled tonalities of gray and crimson to maintain interest and dimension in the two-hue palette. 
Twin red velvet beds and bold “ROLL” and “TIDE” pillows create a game-day ready guest room, styled with Alabama spirit and elevated by collegiate accents and a sleek, gray palette.
For a more subtle approach, a palette of gray patterns highlights the sunroom, accented by a touch of crimson for Roll Tide spirit.
An upstairs den with built-in bookcases displays a treasure trove of memorabilia.
A vintage Alabama ribbon becomes a piece of art when custom framed.

Game-Day Essentials


Julie and David Chadwick are seasoned fans and even better hosts when it comes to game-day fun. Here are a few must-haves for stocking the house and having everything in order:

  • Order ahead. Julie and David always have their parties catered. Most times, they order from Southern Ale House in Tuscaloosa.
  • Stock up on supplies. To-go cups, serving platters, coolers, and paper goods are essential for hosting game-day parties.
  • Provide multiple TVs. The screened porch is viewing central. There also are two TVs in the kitchen and more in the upstairs den.
  • Keep the fridge, bar, and cupboards full. Refrigerators boast extra drink compartments while the pantry stays stocked with popcorn, chips, dips, and all of the makings for good old-fashioned Rotel dip.
  • Don’t forget the ice. The Chadwicks have an ice maker in the bar area, but it’s never a bad idea to keep some extra bags in the freezer. 
  • Share your spirit. The chest of drawers in the foyer is filled with pom-poms, spirit buttons, and clear purses—all handy and ready to go!

RESOURCES


Interior Design: Libby Greene Interiors; Architect: Jason Robb Archtiecture; Kitchen Cabinets and range hood: Cantley & Company, Inc. Stone and Tile: Cottage Supply Company; Cabinet and door hardware: Brandino Brass; Appliances: Ferguson; Rugs: Paige Albright Orientals; Bound rugs: Hiltz-Lauber

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