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Leigh Misso’s Guide to Creating Drama and Contrast

Master the art of intentional drama with Leigh Misso’s guide to balancing bold architectural gestures with quiet, sophisticated refinement.

Paige Townley

January 27, 2026

Leigh Misso | River Brook Design + Build

Leigh Misso is the co-owner and lead designer of River Brook, a Birmingham-based design-build firm she runs alongside her husband, Kevin Misso. With a foundation in building science, she brings an architecturally grounded, detail-driven approach to interiors that balance bold, unexpected moments with quiet refinement. Known for layered compositions and purposeful drama, her work feels timeless and effortlessly intentional. In this exclusive follow-up to our River Brook feature, Misso shares five ways to master texture, light, and proportion.

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Tip #1

Play with Proportion

“I love creating tension by mixing bold architectural gestures with quieter details.”

A high ceiling paired with low, intimate furniture, or an oversized pendant in a tailored space, instantly creates drama.

Drama Nook River Brook — Tucked just off the primary suite, this sitting nook is outfitted for daily quiet moments. A plush chaise from River Brook Interiors invites lingering with a book or morning coffee, while custom drapery softens the light and lends a cocooning feel to the corner. // *Photography by* Laurey Glenn

Tip #2

Layer Finishes Thoughtfully

Contrast isn’t only about color—it can come from a finish. Matte limewash walls next to lacquered cabinets or polished stone alongside aged wood give the eye something to discover.

Drama Kitchen by River Brook — Unlacquered brass-and-glass shelving provides storage while visually balancing the off-center elevation. Schumacher shades, a sculptural task light, and an unlacquered brass faucet from Fixtures & Finishes layer warmth, while soapstone countertops from Surface One and a picture-lit Joe Turner artwork create a refined, centered moment beneath the vaulted ceiling.

Drama Kitchen River Brook — Custom cabinetry from Refinery grounds the room, while the island’s vertical kerf detailing adds a refined modern edge. Topped with Danby marble from Surface One and accented with Brandino Brass hardware, the island serves as both a functional workspace and a sculptural anchor. Panel-ready appliances from AllSouth integrate seamlessly, maintaining the kitchen’s balanced, polished look.

Tip #3

Use Lighting as Punctuation

“Lighting is one of the easiest ways to bring contrast.”

A sculptural fixture can modernize a room and add energy to a classic foundation.

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Positioned along the only workable wall, the bed sets the tone for the room’s updated, masculine look. A metal frame wrapped in boucle and a River Brook Interiors headboard give the space a tailored presence, accented by a Visual Comfort lamp and a bedside table also from River Brook Interiors. Artwork by Joe Adams adds subtle graphic weight without overwhelming the small footprint, while walls in White Dove keep the room fresh and serene.

Tip #4

Balance Masculine and Feminine Elements

Mixing strength with softness is key. A grounded, moody palette offset by tactile or romantic details—like velvet or plaster—brings harmony to a space.

Drama Living Room River Brook — A nearly wall-to-wall custom rug from Billy Brown Rug visually expands the footprint of the living room. “A large rug makes the room feel larger,” Leigh shares. Black and iron accents, from the Currey & Co. chandelier to the Visual Comfort wall sconces, introduce a strong, contemporary edge, while artwork by Joe Turner echoes the room’s black-and-neutral palette, tying the layered, sophisticated space together.

Tip #5

Let Restraint be Part of the Story

True contrast comes as much from editing as from adding. Allowing the eye to rest makes the dramatic moments even more powerful.

Drama fireplace River Brook — The home’s original fireplace anchors the downstairs living area. Leigh refreshed it with contemporary touches, such as a sculptural mirror from River Brook Interiors, Joe Turner artwork, and modern gas fireballs that lend a clean, updated edge. Just behind the hearth, the stairs leading upstairs peek into view, dressed in the custom antelope runner that echoes the master bedroom’s pattern—subtly connecting the upstairs and downstairs spaces.

Resources

Designer: Leigh Misso Firm: River Brook Design + Build (Birmingham-based) BEDROOM NOOK: Window Treatments: Custom drapery Furniture: River Brook Interiors KITCHEN: Countertops: Soapstone from Surface One Countertops: Danby Marble from Surface One Cabinetry: Custom-built units by Refinery Hardware: Brandino Brass Appliances: AllSouth Plumbing: Fixtures & Finishes Lighting: A sculptural task light and Schumacher shades Art: Joe Turner BEDROOM: Headboard & Nightstand: River Brook Interiors Lighting: Visual Comfort Art: Joe Adams Paint: Benjamin Moore White Dove LIVING ROOM: Rug: Billy Brown Rug Lighting: A Currey & Co. chandelier paired with Visual Comfort wall sconces FIREPLACE: Mirror: River Brook Interiors Art: Joe Turner

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Leigh Misso’s Guide to Creating Drama and Contrast