GREEN ISLAND JEWEL
By Caroline Kostuch Photos by Sammie Saxon
Looking to downsize after Phil retired from his many years at TSYS, Phil and Anita Tomlinson were ready for a change but wanted to remain in the Green Island neighborhood. With the help of their realtor Mary Varner, the Tomlinson’s were able to find their home in 2017. When the couple first found the home, it was not yet listed on the market, but with the help of the listing agent, Linda Worthington, Phil and Anita were able to purchase the home they wished for from the original homeowner.
Wanting to make the home their own and fit it to their needs, the Tomlinson’s did a complete renovation on the original home with the help of architect Jack Jenkins and builder Tray Brinegar from Ray Brinegar Builder. One of the largest projects they faced during this renovation was relocating the staircase in order to make room for an elevator. In addition to this, they completely transformed a large screened porch into a classic breakfast room and sitting area. In total, the home has four bedrooms, four full baths, and two half baths.
On top of this, the Tomlinson’s finished the already partially completed basement to accommodate two bedrooms, a sitting room, game room and playroom. With family members in schools all over the SEC and ACC, the Tomlinson’s love their college football, so including a television in each room was a must. Also on this ground floor, Anita’s most favorite room, the game room was specifically built to accommodate Anita’s card-playing group that has been together for many years. The card group is made up of 16 people who have known each other and remained close friends for over 30 years, so having a special space dedicated to their card-playing was absolutely key. Built to accommodate Phil’s career memorabilia and keepsakes he has been given throughout the years, the Tomlinson’s added a study to the floorplan. Phil’s possession that he is most proud of, a Bo Barlett painting gifted to him upon his retirement, hangs pridefully on the wall by the study.
The Tominson's living room expresses their personal design style. This room accommodates the couple’s large family and friend gatherings perfectly. Two 102” Century sofas face each other with Hancock & Moore leather recliners facing the flatscreen TV which sits over the charming fireplace. Two Sherrill Furniture upholstered chairs in Schumacher fabric also provide additional seating by the fireplace. The family and friend photos that line the walls of the living room and other parts of the home bring a personal touch and sentimental value to the spaces.
Other pieces in the room are by Henredon, Jonathan Charles, Windsor Court, Hickory White, CTH and John Richard, all from Hinson Galleries. With an open concept like this living room, everyone in the room can feel together and included.
Columbus always stays close to the Tomlinson’s hearts as Phil and Anita have both been in Columbus for almost their entire lives, with Phil having been born here. The couple moved briefly to Macon and Atlanta previous to Phil being offered employment with CB&T and then TSYS which brought him and Anita back to their roots in Columbus. The Tomlinson’s always appreciate the quietness and privacy of their new homestead in Columbus and especially appreciate the beautifully landscaped backyard done by Pete Page Landscape Company, creating a perfect space for her children and grandchildren to enjoy. Other local companies also worked to make their outdoor space exactly what the Tomlinson’s imagined. With lawn service done by Commercial Lawn Care and tree maintenance done by Avery tree service, the yard is always in top shape. Also helping create full safety and entertainment for the home, Alexander Electric Company did all electrics including cameras, alarm system, computerized music and other special features. Without the work of these companies, the outdoor atmosphere would not be complete for the Tomlinson home.
This custom-built study by James Brown Cabinetry is the perfect place for all of Mr. Tomlinson’s awards and memorabilia from TSYS. With photos and other memorabilia from charity and sporting events, it is a walk down memory lane when the Tomlinson’s spend time in this space.
In this space hanging outside of Mr. Tomlinson’s Study, is the Bo Bartlett painting (Director’s Chair) admired by everyone. This piece was a gift to Mr. Tomlinson upon his retirement as TSYS CEO and fits just right in this room. The game room area is a fun place to play cards and games. Anita and her friends have been playing for years, and this space is just right for accommodating the late-night gatherings. A poster with Phil Tomlinson and Rick Ussery as The Blues Brothers is a great piece for the game room. The game tables are by Jonathan Charles from Hinson Galleries, and they are able to rotate and become square. The beautiful hardwood floor was installed by Valley Fir & Redwood Company and adds warmth and character to the home.
When the Tomlinson’s renovated the home, the solarium/piano room off the living room was enclosed for more seating. This was originally a screened porch that received a makeover with all new walls and windows. Adding a classic accent to the room is the baby grand piano that came from their previous home. The Oushak rug with custom fabrics on the upholstery complements the fabrics in the living room. Also, giving the grand and great-grandchildren something to play with upstairs, the game table, with chess pieces, along with the hourglass lamp add fun and active features to the space. The shutters in this room and aorund the house were done by The Blind Factory.
When Anita and Phil decided to renovate and decorate their new home, they called on an old friend, interior decorator Jeanie Hinson Bross. Between them they created the perfect touches for a home that is filled with personal connections. The kitchen is the hub of the house. Anita wanted the kitchen to have some of the same features as their home at the beach, and the concrete island countertop was one of those must-haves. Although it was a challenge to get the countertop just right, George Trussell did it perfectly. It is one of Anita’s favorite things about the house. Lighting over the island is by Regina Andrew and the barstools by Woodbridge bring a bright and welcoming light to the area. All other furniture in the kitchen is from Hinson Galleries. Shutters by The Blind Factory and all pluming fixtures from Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery.
With the master bedroom furniture all done by Henredon, custom bedding and window treatments with Schumacher fabrics by Hinson Galleries’ workroom, and the coverlet by Eastern Accents, this master bedroom gives off an appealing yet relaxing look. To top it off, the chandelier by Currey and Co. finishes off the room.
One of the largest projects in the home renovation was to expand the dining room. With the help of architect Jack Jenkins, the dining room was made large enough to accommodate their large round dining table. Currently in the center of the room is a new custom-designed Jonathan Charles table, designed by Interior Designer Jeanie Bross of Hinson Galleries. Fit to the size of the room, the Oushak rug lays nicely under the table. Also adding some color to the room, hanging on the wall is the Riverin Artwork which was given to Mrs. Tomlinson as an anniversary gift years ago. With local help to bring the room together, many pieces from Jonathan Charles and Century furniture fill the dining room, and the John Richard chandelier helps balance the size of the room. Custom window treatments throughout this room and the entire house were done by Hinson Galleries’ local workroom, bringing just the right natural light into all of the Tomlinson’s spaces.
Anita wanted to use in the guest bedroom the existing furniture and rugs from their other house. After moving some walls and making it larger to accommodate the sitting area, she added a Century Furniture king bed with a Habersham dresser and nightstands. Wendover art and Regina Andrew lighting fixture made of non-glazed porcelain flowers beautifully completes this space.
“ We wanted a family-friendly home with an open feel and enough space for everyone to spread out. “ -Anita Tomlinson
The Tomlinson's house is all about open, easy transitions and an inside-out kind of living. With the help of architect Jack Jenkins and builder Tray Brinegar from Ray Brinegar Builder they did a complete renovation on the original home, located on Hilltop Court in Green Island. The beautiful landscaping was designed by Pete Page Landscaping, creating enchanting escapes for outdoor grilling, family dining, or time alone. With lawn service done by Commercial Lawn Care and tree maintenance by Avery Tree Service, the yard is always in top shape. The fence around the house was installed by Creative Fence.
Phil's favorite spot in the house is the grilling porch with his SABER grill by WC Bradley and outdoor seating by Lexington Home Brands from Hinson Galleries The unique accent table is an authentic petrified wood top with a metal base by Lexington, which adds character to this outdoor space. In addition to these features, the countertops were created by Market Surfaces. The garage doors were installed by Pro Doors & Shelving.