Big Move in Birmingham

I've said a lot of great things about William Rankin McLure IV over the last couple of years. The breakout artist had been an interior designer in the architecture firm of Bill Ingram, until he followed his heart and his head and ventured out on his own to centralize his focus on his paintings. In his own words: "Four years ago I was working for an architect firm living paycheck to paycheck and had to figure out some better way to survive/move forward. I took a leap of faith and quit my job to do art full-time. While it was scary ... it was probably the best decision I've ever made in my life."

I first came across William when he was living in his second floor apartment in a historic home turned apartments in Birmingham. I found him through instagram, and immediately fell in love with his apartment there, watching him transform the space - ripping up the dated old carpet and painting the hardwoods underneath white. The result was nothing short of beautiful. In fact, publish worthy, featured just before his move by One Kings Lane.

Shortly after it was featured, McLure had the opportunity to move to a bigger place. A loft, with more light and floor space for him to work on his paintings. I think that the space allowed William to be more "free" in his ideas. He no longer had walls and existing architecture holding him back. He could have rooms float and move and change and grow ... and they did. He had the loft photographed professionally by Hector Sanchez.

The lofts were sold to a developer who opted to non-renew leases on those who were renting. They are using William's ideas to revamp the large lofts and sell them. When his lease was non-renewed, he moved to a few places before temporarily settling in a historic home. It was featured on The Maryn.

Now, the immensely talented and creative McLure has purchased his first home, a midcentury rambler in Birmingham's tony Mountain Brook neighborhood. Set deep back on the wooded lot, the house is a little over 3,000 square feet on one level, with a center atrium and fountain, and large open layout that hearkens back to the days of the loft. He's given us a little sneak peeks on his instagram here and there ... take a look:

The large photograph of Santorini, Greece is by his friend Emmie Arendall. He moved in on April 1, and has already painted all of the floors white, decorated and redecorated, painted the bookcases and kitchen cabinets!

As this house starts to take shape, I'm sure that we are all going to be gobsmacked. Great bones, and a great decorator - I'm waiting to see who publishes it first. Follow him as he puts his stamp on this gorgeous home here.