Property of Mr. and Mrs. Moreland Griffits Smith | Montgomery, Alabama| Architects Sherlock, Smith & Adams | Photos F. S. Lincoln

Moreland Griffith Smith built his home all at one time. He had plenty of land and so, a more expansive, rambling plan seemed a proper choice. All rooms are on one floor; all rooms have been arranged for maximum privacy. This has been accomplished by a series of small interior hallways which cut circulation into certain set patterns. For instance, access from the master bedroom to kitchen can be accomplished without disturbing the occupants of the living room. The adults may use the den and master bedroom without interfering with the youngsters entertaining in the living room. The den, too, may be drafted into service as an extra guest room, since it has been placed conveniently near a private bath. It is a large house, one designed for hospitality and expansive family living. In addition to a well-proportioned dining room, we find a breakfast room which may also serve as pantry, since it is located right next to the kitchen. A clever innovation is the hobby storage room off the den, where games and card tables may be neatly stacked out of sight. This is always a problem, especially in a home where there are children. Toys are usually bulky, cumbersome affairs at best, and are not provided for in house plans.

The exterior of this charming, low-eaved house is of siding, painted white and accented by a brilliant red door. The roof is of metal shingles. Because a porch can be used the year round in this part of the country, we find an ample, L-shaped screened one forming an important part of the front elevation. Its roof, lower than that of the main building, does much to settle the house low into its level plot. In fact, horizontal lines have been stressed everywhere on the exterior. A two-car garage, connected with the main portion of the house by a heater room and service porch, adds to the sprawly effect.

Entrance to the house is directly into the living room, where, looking straight ahead, one sees a graceful fireplace surmounted by a large mirror which reaches to the ceiling. Cactus green is the predominating color in this room, with accents of walnut brown. The color, plus furniture arrangement, creates an atmosphere at once modern and homelike. Floors of main living rooms are oak.

The den, with its built-in bookcases and distinctive fireplace arrangement, has natural cypress-paneled walls. Here's a room for quiet study or for enjoying the companionship of a few intimate friends. It is not large, and it is convenient to porch, living room, and master bedroom. In the dining room we find an unusual, yet exciting use of color. As contrast to the clear white wall, the ceiling has been painted red. A blond wood table and black Hitchcock chairs add further to the unconventional, colorful effect. A built-in cabinet under the window stores silver and linens.