A Tale of Two Styles: French Elegance Meets Nashville Cool in This Southern Home With European Soul

The Nashville Symphony Show House 2015, presented by Castle Homes, exemplifies original architecture, quality craftsmanship, and innovative design, making it a notable destination for those interested in home aesthetics. Located on Hillsboro Road, the home showcases Southern contemporary folk style, drawing inspiration from 19th-century farmhouses. This 5,500-square-foot residence features three bedrooms, four-and-a-half bathrooms, and a three-car garage, with historic detailing integrated throughout its design. The collaborative efforts of Wade Weissmann Architecture, Alan Looney of Castle Homes, Julie Couch Interiors, Mark Simmons Interiors, and Rozanne Jackson for The Iron Gate brought this house to fruition. Every element, from the four-board fencing to the exterior siding, was meticulously chosen to blend vintage appeal with modern functionality. Upon entering, a sculptural staircase, designed by Wade Weissmann, defines the ground floor, separating a small study from the den and dining area. The living room, decorated by Mark Simmons Interiors, combines contemporary and traditional elements, featuring an oriental rug with muted gold and blue tones and French doors that provide natural light. The dining room table, crafted from reclaimed floorboards of the Municipal Auditorium, pays homage to Nashville’s music history. The study, located off the foyer, is adorned with vintage etchings and museum-quality accents. The kitchen, designed by Caroline Weigel of Castle Homes, presents a striking balance of polished and unrefined aesthetics. It includes white paint, stainless steel appliances, and rich timbers. A custom island made from reclaimed white oak wood from a Wisconsin milk barn serves as a central feature, reinforcing the home’s arcadian theme. The kitchen seamlessly connects to the dining area and den, ensuring a cohesive flow throughout the main living space. A tiled backsplash adds texture to the predominantly white design. The master bedroom, designed by Julie Couch Interiors, is a tranquil space characterized by pale tones and delicate textures. It features a handblown glass chandelier, a four-poster bed with a cowhide sofa, and modern art that blends contemporary decor with traditional furniture. The adjoining master bathroom, designed to resemble a sunroom, is filled with natural light and includes a lavish bathtub and a his-and-hers vanity. The upstairs area includes a study, conceived by Rozanne Jackson of The Iron Gate, offering scenic views and a rustic ambiance with twin couches. This study leads to two bedrooms: one designed for a boy, featuring earthy grays and eclectic totems like vintage records, and another for a girl, decorated in cool whites with fine art and a plush bed. Each room is designed to maximize space and aesthetic appeal. The lounge, expertly designed by Julie Couch Interiors, provides an urbane yet rustic space. Black-and-white prints of the Nashville Symphony contrast with a contemporary desk, creating a balanced aesthetic. The back of the house is designed for entertainment, with ample seating on a covered porch and gravel patio overlooking Nashville’s wooded landscape. The exterior, clad in fiber cement siding, mimics 19th-century materials while offering low maintenance, complemented by a durable metal roof. The Nashville Symphony Show House demonstrates how new construction can evoke a sense of history while incorporating modern amenities. #HomeDesign #SouthernStyle #ContemporaryFolk #ShowHouse #InteriorDesign #NashvilleHomes #ArchitecturalDesign #HistoricDetails #LuxuryInteriors

The article details the design process and outcome of a custom-built home in Dallas for Chris and Lynsey Synek, whose personal style, particularly Lynsey's "couture" fashion, heavily influenced the interior design. Faced with a limited real estate market offering homes that were either too old or too small, the Syneks decided to purchase a lot and embark on a custom build. They engaged designer Philip Thomas Vanderford of Studio Thomas James, Janson Luter Architects, and builder Faulkner Perrin to create their ideal home. The design aesthetic for the house was directly inspired by Lynsey Synek's curated and edgy fashion sense, characterized by precise editing and a specific color palette. This influence translated into the home's selection of deep charcoals, dusty whites, spicy mustards, eggplant, and sophisticated pinks, some enhanced with high-gloss finishes. These colors were balanced with natural elements like oak beams, flooring, and cabinetry, extending even to the office ceiling. Vanderford's approach focused on holistic design, ensuring seamless transitions and optimal mobility between spaces. The couple's preference for having all main living areas on the first floor guided the layout. A central feature of the home is the living room, designed as the nexus for family and guests, and considered one of the Syneks' favorite areas. To prevent the large room from feeling either overcrowded or empty, Vanderford implemented a "rule of two," using pairs of significant furniture pieces such as 85-inch settees, midcentury modern chairs, and coffee tables. This strategy aimed to improve circulation and flow, making the room feel both inviting and functional without appearing cartoonish, a common pitfall in oversized Texas rooms. The article also provides a room-by-room breakdown, highlighting specific design choices and sourced items. The entryway features an inky, textural wallcovering from National Solutions and custom black-and-white tile, complemented by a custom Riloh chandelier and a St. James Lighting lantern. The living room includes pieces from Paul Matter and Baker-McGuire, with a Stark rug. The family room, serving as a more informal entertaining space, contains chairs by Julian Chichester, a Visual Comfort & Co lamp, and a coffee table from Theodore Alexander. The kitchen is characterized by a wall of windows, warm oak cabinetry, and Bianco Superiore quartzite, furnished with vintage stools in Élitisfabric and Riloh pendants. Further sections detail the butler's pantry with Hapny hardware, a breakfast nook featuring a custom banquette and a Riloh chandelier, and a dining room painted in high-gloss Benjamin Moore Ciao Bella, accented with Carlucci draperies and a Jonathan Browning Studios chandelier. The wet bar, located opposite the living room, is equipped with Fyrn barstools. The powder room showcases terrazzo tile from Ann Sacks, Visual Comfort & Co sconces, and Phylrich fixtures. The primary bedroom features a supersized custom headboard and a pitched ceiling, with a Visual Comfort & Co chandelier and Thibaut wallcovering. The main level owners' suite and an outdoor cabana are also mentioned, completing the comprehensive tour of this custom-tailored Dallas residence. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #LuxuryHomes #CustomBuild #DallasRealEstate #InteriorArchitecture #ColorPalette #FurnitureArrangement #PhilipThomasVanderford

This article highlights the extensive renovation of a historic 1914 home located in Nashville's Waverly neighborhood, undertaken by Sara Ray Interior Design and Allard Ward Architects. The homeowners, enthusiasts of mid-century furnishings, historic architecture, and houseplants, aimed to create a residence that seamlessly blends its historical integrity with contemporary design elements. The 3,520-square-foot home, featuring three bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms, underwent a comprehensive overhaul that included structural repairs, and updates to electrical, plumbing, and HVAC systems, ensuring both aesthetic appeal and modern functionality. The renovation involved gutting the kitchen and all bathrooms, replacing all surfaces such as flooring, tile, and cabinetry, and installing new light and plumbing fixtures. A significant two-story addition was constructed at the rear of the house, which now accommodates a primary bathroom upstairs and a screened-in porch, mudroom, and family room on the main level. One of the key structural changes was the removal of a wall on the main floor to create an open and flowing living and dining area, catering to a more contemporary lifestyle while preserving the home's original character. Externally, the home received a fresh coat of paint and an added outdoor living space complete with a fire pit, enhancing its curb appeal and providing additional areas for relaxation and entertainment. The architectural style of the home, shingle-style reminiscent of the Craftsman movement, aligns with the City Beautiful Movement that shaped the Historic Waverly neighborhood with its curved streets and lush gardens. This historical context was carefully considered during the design process. A notable discovery during the renovation was a previously hidden fireplace in the family room, which was uncovered and transformed into a striking focal point. The homeowners' desire to maintain original features was also evident in the kitchen, where exposed brick from an original fireplace was preserved and highlighted with custom brass shelving. The kitchen was completely reimagined with custom green cabinetry, a custom brass-clad range hood, and a custom butcher block island, blending historical elements with modern craftsmanship. The home's layout was reconfigured to optimize flow while respecting its historical integrity. The entry remained intact, with formal living and dining rooms on either side, though the dining room is now utilized as an office. The family room and a new dining area were opened up to create a more modern, open-concept space. The kitchen remained in its original location but was extended as part of the new addition. The main level also includes a guest bedroom, guest bathroom, powder room, and mudroom. Upstairs, there is another guest bedroom and bath, a laundry room, and the primary suite, with the primary bathroom being part of the new addition. The primary bathroom features antique-inspired tile flooring and a refinished clawfoot tub, serving as a central design element. The two-year renovation, completed in Fall 2023, successfully created a warm, inviting sanctuary that reflects the homeowners' personalities and passions, achieving a perfect fusion of past and present. #HistoricHome #NashvilleRealEstate #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #ColorfulAccents #SaraRayInteriorDesign #CraftsmanStyle #MidCenturyModern

This article highlights a vibrant renovation of a French Eclectic luxury home in Preston Hollow, challenging the contemporary trend of all-white interiors. The residence, originally built by Hawkins-Welwood, underwent a comprehensive interior makeover driven by the owner's desire to create a 'happy house' for her three daughters. Instead of conforming to minimalist color schemes, the owner embraced bold and diverse colors throughout the 6,967-square-foot property, aiming to evoke joy and happiness from the moment one enters. Compass Real Estate listing agent Julie Provenzano emphasizes that every design decision was made to spark joy. The owner remained steadfast in her vision, believing that the bold colors passionately defined the home's character, even when preparing to sell. Provenzano notes the practicality of this approach, stating that colors can be easily changed by a potential buyer, and even a dramatic hot pink kitchen backsplash is simply paint covered with an acrylic material, making it reversible. The renovation included significant structural changes, such as moving walls and dramatically vaulting the ceiling in the family area. Custom features, like a mantle with hidden storage, were incorporated to enhance functionality, especially for a mother of three. Throughout the home, spectacular light fixtures and high-end finishes complement the vibrant color palette, which is presented as the primary focal point of the design. A standout example of this fearless use of color is observed in the formal dining room, where a unique paint application is compared to a 'Razor Fade haircut,' suggesting its innovative and striking nature. The residence features six bedrooms, six bathrooms, and a powder bath, each offering unique design elements. The master bedroom, for instance, is painted in hues reminiscent of rich chocolate and a perfect latte. The master bath, while incorporating white, includes a practical, sensible bathtub, diverging from the often impractical vessel tubs. The playroom showcases a custom bookcase with a bright, almost school bus yellow interior, providing a clever pop of color against a neutral gray room with white walls. This intentional splash of color is designed to captivate children, while also being easily modifiable for future owners, though the article encourages its preservation. Provenzano describes the property as a "happy house" and a unique opportunity for buyers seeking a distinct aesthetic. Listed by Provenzano at $2.5 million, the home at 6446 Glendora Avenue is presented as a space where imaginative dreams can come to fruition. The article underscores how the renovation celebrates individuality and a joyful approach to home design, moving beyond conventional trends to create a truly personalized and uplifting living environment. #FrenchEclectic #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #BoldColors #LuxuryHome #DallasRealEstate #PrestonHollow #HappyHome

The article details the construction and design of a 13,000-square-foot home in Landenburg, Pennsylvania, approximately 20 minutes from Wilmington. The project successfully merged two distinct aesthetic preferences of the homeowners: the husband desired a traditional Pennsylvania farmhouse exterior, while the wife favored a French country interior. This blending of styles was achieved through the collaborative efforts of Period Architecture, led by Jessica Fogle, Dewson Construction with COO John McMahon, and deVignier Design, with interiors by Renée deVignier Biery. The exterior of the home features a stately yet welcoming façade created using a blend of four different stones, carefully selected to achieve significant texture and depth. This is complemented by a Vermont slate roof, traditional dormer windows, and copper roofing accents, embodying the classic Chester County farmhouse style. The design team meticulously worked through multiple stone samples to find the perfect mix, ensuring the exterior remained true to the husband's vision. Inside, the French country influence is evident in various spaces. The dining room, described as a "jewel box," features a nature-themed mural wallcovering that dictated the room's color palette, including green leather dining chairs. The reclaimed oak flooring, laid in a chevron pattern, further enhances the French country aesthetic. This room was designed for entertaining large gatherings, with an extendable table to accommodate extended family and friends. The open kitchen also successfully combines both styles, featuring a stone fireplace and a casual dining area. Another significant design element is the dramatic elliptical staircase connecting the first and second floors. This custom-made banister was specifically designed to be adorned with holiday decorations, reflecting the homeowners' Christmas decorating plans, which even included mapping out three different Christmas trees in the floor plan. The banister's finish, achieved with multiple coats of shellac and a final coat of beeswax, contributes to the French country feel. The home also features a formal sitting room with ornate moldings, built-in features, and reclaimed oak flooring in a chevron pattern. The great room includes a ceiling-high stone fireplace flanked by decorative quarter-circle clerestory windows and built-ins. A unique first-floor transitional space, initially a design challenge, was transformed into a conversation piece with a gilded, oval ceiling depicting zodiac signs, reminiscent of Grand Central Terminal, offering a playful departure from the primary design themes. This custom home exemplifies a harmonious integration of diverse architectural and interior design visions. #PennsylvaniaFarmhouse #FrenchChateauStyle #CustomHomeDesign #ArchitecturalBlending #InteriorDesign #LuxuryHomes #ChesterCounty #HomeDecor #ResidentialArchitecture

The article presents a curated list of Nashville's leading interior design firms, highlighting their unique specializations and design philosophies. These firms offer a range of services from full-scale renovations and new construction projects to smaller room makeovers, catering to diverse client needs and aesthetic preferences. The designers focus on creating spaces that are both stylish and functional, reflecting the individuality of the homeowners. Beth Haley Design, for instance, focuses on modern approaches to remodeling and renovating established homes, emphasizing architectural details, livability, light, color, and texture. Their full-service firm handles projects of various sizes, including construction documents, space planning, and the selection of furnishings, window treatments, accessories, and art. They also have extensive experience in kitchen and bath renovations, and in creating sustainable, functional contemporary and modern designs. Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design is known for incorporating clients’ personalities into their designs through a collaborative process. They aim to create breathtaking spaces by merging the client's tastes, lifestyle, and aesthetics with the design team's talent. Their approach involves implementing every layer of the design to deliver interiors that truly embody the client’s personal aesthetics, often utilizing natural materials like wool, wood, and stone to integrate sustainability into each project. Sara Ray Interior Design, led by founder Sara Ray, showcases an affinity for clean lines, soft palettes, and subtle textures. Her designs merge classic aesthetics with modern sensibilities, covering everything from full-scale remodeling to space planning, and meticulously addressing details such as paint colors, wall hangings, and accessories. Kate Figler Interiors combines traditional and contemporary elements, driven by a passion for textiles, patterns, texture, and color. They undertake projects from simple room makeovers to complete renovations and new constructions, ensuring each home reflects the client's personal taste and lifestyle with layered and timeless interiors. Of Origin Design Studios, founded in 2016, specializes in modern designs that emphasize the raw beauty of materials such as concrete, steel, leather, and wood. Their expertise in architectural elements and collaborations with local artisans result in unique, layered, and high-contrast creations, offering comprehensive services from construction documents to finishes and furnishings. Brad Ramsey Interiors, led by Brad Ramsey, is characterized by an impeccable eye for detail and a knack for creating curated and collected environments. His design work is intuitive, focusing on integrity, balance, and quality, with projects spanning residential and commercial spaces nationwide. Christopher Todd, with bases in Las Vegas and Nashville, infuses modern sophistication and relaxed elegance into his designs. His Nashville store offers luxury home furnishings and unique items, and he is also known for seasonal décor and event design, and has launched his own wallpaper line. Ashley Meier Interiors specializes in luxurious linens and textiles, offering organic sheets, block-printed bedding, linen duvets, and custom pillows. Her keen eye for fabrics and craftsmanship results in elegant interiors and unique home décor. Stephanie Wallace & Associates, with over two decades of experience, empowers clients to create beautiful, personalized spaces. They maintain the original character of a house while incorporating individual lifestyles, with projects nationwide and a particular interest in equestrian and canine-themed interiors. K Evers Interiors, led by Kathleen Evers, manages projects from planning to management, specializing in residential design. They create sophisticated yet functional environments that integrate client tastes, offering consultations on lighting, electrical planning, cabinetry, furniture, and more. Mark Simmons Interiors, with over 26 years of experience, is known for classic interior designs in Nashville, often with a European flair. The firm emphasizes personal relationships to ensure designs reflect the client's personality and lifestyle, offering a showroom with furniture, lighting, and décor. Providence Interiors, a full-service design firm, is recognized for its storefront offering gifts and home accessories. Co-owners Amber Thomas and Julie Brown merge timeless antiques, traditional pieces, and found objects to elevate design standards. Lastly, Parkes & Lamb Interiors, founded by Blair Parkes and Susan Lamb, provides full-service design, from furniture selection to new construction projects, known for transforming spaces into timeless, refined, and personal homes, including an E-Design service. JL Design, established in 2005, is a boutique firm that creates personalized spaces reflective of clients' unique lifestyles and tastes, spanning classic, urban, eclectic, and contemporary styles to transform houses into authentic homes. #NashvilleInteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #InteriorDecor #LuxuryInteriors #SustainableDesign #ModernDesign #ClassicDesign #DesignFirms #ResidentialDesign

Detail Homes, led by builder Chris Van Klei, has developed a home in St. Paul that blends Mediterranean architectural influences with modern amenities, creating a timeless aesthetic that appears to have existed for decades. This residence is the first phase of a larger development project envisioned to feature three adjacent houses, each designed to harmonize with the diverse architectural styles prevalent along the Mississippi River Boulevard, ranging from Tudor to midcentury modern. The intention is to seamlessly integrate these new constructions into the historical fabric of the area. Architectural designer Charlie Simmons of Charlie and Co. Design played a pivotal role in shaping the home's unique character. Simmons identified the corner lot as an ideal canvas for a Mediterranean design, which facilitates a front-to-back layout for the living room, dining room, and kitchen, complemented by a vertical element at the corner. This configuration strategically incorporates extensive glass elements, maximizing natural light and views. The exterior features traditional Old World details, such as an arched entry and a loggia (covered patio), reminiscent of classic Mediterranean architecture. Internally, Simmons adopted a more liberal approach, integrating a mix of traditional and contemporary design elements and materials. An example of this fusion is the open stairway, which combines a modern saw-tooth design with a classic iron railing. The kitchen showcases ebony-stained walnut cabinets and a distinctive marble-topped island, maintaining an open connection to the living and dining areas. The home, spanning 5,235 square feet, includes five bedrooms and five bathrooms, and is meticulously designed to capitalize on its scenic location. Several outdoor living spaces enhance the connection to the picturesque surroundings, including a riverside patio accessible from the living room and a loggia. The glass-walled corner den and the master bedroom, situated directly above it, offer expansive 270-degree views of the surrounding trees and the Mississippi River. Additionally, a flex space adjacent to the kitchen features floor-to-ceiling glass, and a guest suite opens onto a pergola-topped patio, further integrating the home with its side and backyards. Van Klei, who also oversaw the interior design, aimed to combine the finest aspects of both old and new. This philosophy is evident in the selection of fixtures, such as an iron chandelier evocative of a Spanish castle suspended above the dining table, juxtaposed with a contemporary gold and white asymmetrical fixture in the adjacent sunroom. The outcome is a residence that offers modern functional advantages, including well-designed bathrooms, spacious closets, and an efficient kitchen layout, all while exuding the charm and character of a century-old home. The project was supported by several sponsors, including Granite-Tops & Stone Countertop Outlet, Martha O’Hara Interiors, Marvin Windows & Doors, Scherer Bros. Lumber Co., and Southern Lights. #MediterraneanArchitecture #LuxuryHome #StPaulRealEstate #CustomHomeDesign #ModernTraditionalMix #CharlieAndCoDesign #DetailHomes #MississippiRiver #InteriorDesign

The 2025 Southern Living Idea House, located just outside Charlottesville, VA, in Keswick Estate, exemplifies a fusion of traditional Southern silhouettes with vibrant colors and unexpected details. Spearheaded by Molly Hardie, the project involved a collaborative effort with Alexander Nicholson as the builder, Rosney Co. Architects, Waterstreet Studio, and interior designer Charlotte Moss. Moss drew inspiration from a family with a love for travel and music, aiming to create a lived-in, welcoming home that celebrates Southern hospitality while embracing its serene five-acre wooded landscape. The journey through the 4,500-square-foot home begins in an octagonal foyer, featuring Thibaut’s Norfolk Stripe wallpaper on both walls and ceiling, emphasizing the room's geometry. The floor is adorned with diagonally set marble checkerboard tiles, creating a striking first impression. Adjacent to the foyer, a hidden powder room boasts Thibaut Chatelain floral wallpaper above the chair rail and Thibaut Bennett Stripe below, introducing a playful mix of patterns and classic elements, complemented by warm brass fixtures. The living room's design takes cues from its large windows, adopting a palette dominated by vibrant greens. Sherwin-Williams Chartreuse on the walls provides a bright contrast to the timeless furniture and window treatments. Schumacher Daydream in Citron drapes the windows, while a custom Century Furniture tête à tête ottoman is upholstered in a bold Schumacher Shivalik Hills Tiger Gold animal print. The space balances traditional elements with whimsical touches, such as framed song lyrics displayed on a yellow wall. The library offers a monochromatic retreat in shades of brown, from rich chocolate to lighter taupe, designed as a casual gathering space for relaxation or reading. The decor is collected and lived-in, avoiding an overly curated feel. A library bar, complete with an antique mirror backsplash, is located just outside. The kitchen, large yet cozy, features creamy Paperwhite walls, Sherwin-Williams Borscht cabinets, and a display of inherited-looking plates. A square kitchen island, designed by Scotsman Co., anchors the room, enhancing its inviting atmosphere. Functioning as an extension of the living areas, the screen porch overlooks the lake and provides three distinct seating options: comfy chairs by an outdoor fireplace, a dining table, and a chaise lounge offering picturesque views. The equestrian-inspired boot room, a Charlottesville-specific take on a mudroom, showcases Sherwin-Williams Studio Blue Green walls, Wedgewood pottery, and Hunt Country decor, demonstrating meticulous attention to detail. The primary suite, located on the first floor, serves as a serene retreat. Draped in light blues, greens, and violets, it combines classic brown wood furniture with light, airy, and feminine fabric choices, including Thibaut Holly Trellis wallpaper. The girl's room presents a charming, vintage-inspired look with layered patterns, such as Lisa Fine Textiles' Calico Floral Stripe and Augusta Ivory, subtly incorporating modern elements like Taylor Swift memorabilia. The guest suite, reflecting the family’s passion for travel, features globally inspired treasures, bohemian patterns, and eclectic antiques, with a gallery of international photographs extending the wanderlust theme. The Southern Living Idea House is open for tours through December 21, with tickets available at keswick.com, and a portion of proceeds supporting local Charlottesville organizations: the Yellow Door Foundation, Hospice of the Piedmont, and the Building Goodness Foundation. Keswick Hall offers a "Southern Living Experience" stay package for visitors wishing to extend their visit. #SouthernLivingIdeaHouse #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #CharlottesvilleHomes #KeswickEstate #CharlotteMoss #TraditionalInteriors #VibrantColors #SouthernHospitality

This Nashville home, initially a speculative build by Build Nashville, transformed into a personalized "Zen Abode" for co-owner Jamie Duncan, drawing inspiration from her experiences in Costa Rica. During the frame stage, Duncan decided to purchase the house, collaborating with interior designer Elena DeSoto while adding her own custom touches. The design prioritizes a blend of modernity and softness, achieved through the careful selection of textures, greenery, and art. Duncan's personal customizations primarily focused on the backyard, where she integrated a sunken fire pit, an outdoor shower, mondo grass, and a cabana. Inside, she introduced beams in the living room and basket lights in both the dining room and stairwell. The overarching inspiration for these elements, and indeed much of the home's aesthetic, stemmed from her profound appreciation for Costa Rica, particularly a luxury resort experience. She sought to replicate the finishes and textures observed there, incorporating details like polycarbonate panels with bamboo reeds in the cabana's skylights and the outdoor shower's design, echoing the resort's architectural features. The home's design philosophy emphasizes a minimal color scheme, which is then enriched by diverse textures to create a welcoming and serene atmosphere. Duncan views texture as a key element, allowing for a modern house to feel soft and organic rather than harsh or cold. This is evident in the juxtaposition of materials such as concrete for showers and floors with solid wood beams in the living room, showcasing a thoughtful layering of different elements. Beyond its architectural and textural considerations, the residence functions as a personal art gallery. Duncan highlights the 27-foot wall in the dining room, specifically designed to showcase a custom piece by local Nashville artist Cory Basil. She maintains a commitment to featuring art exclusively from local Nashville artists or those with whom she has a personal connection, or pieces acquired during her travels. This curated collection further enhances the home's unique character and personal significance. Ultimately, the home serves as Build Nashville's model house, demonstrating to potential clients the possibilities for creating their ideal living spaces. It exemplifies how thoughtful design, personal inspiration, and a focus on texture and natural elements can converge to produce a breathtaking and inviting environment that feels both contemporary and deeply personal. #homeDesign #interiorDesign #nashvilleHomes #costaRicanInfluence #zenLiving #modernSoftness #architecturalDesign #localArt #textureInDesign

This article highlights the transformation of a 1940s Federal-style house in Nashville’s Belle Meade, which was updated by interior designer Yancey Shearouse of Yancey Seibert Shearouse Interiors. The design drew inspiration from the client Hailey Stone's fashion sensibilities, characterized by bold patterns, bright colors, and chic silhouettes, while also incorporating her husband Bryan's preference for classic, tailored styles. The challenge was to blend these differing aesthetics into a cohesive and personalized living space. The design strategy involved integrating a variety of wallcoverings, fabrics, and rugs featuring floral, geometric, and abstract motifs, with some playful elements like feathers and cowboy boots. These elements are executed in a vibrant color palette encompassing greens, blues, pinks, purples, reds, and oranges. The visual richness of these textiles is balanced by the home's foundational elements, such as hardwood floors, classic white trim, and stately millwork. Family heirlooms and antique-inspired furnishings further ground the design, creating a blend of contemporary and timeless styles. Art plays a significant role in the home's character, reflecting the couple's shared passion for collecting contemporary pieces. Shearouse ensured that the interior design provided an ideal backdrop for these cherished artworks, which are considered central to making the house feel like a home. The article then details specific rooms, showcasing how this design philosophy was applied throughout the 4,500-square-foot residence. In the living room, brilliant blue accents, including a velvet throw pillow, sculptural lamp base, and drapery trim, punctuate green expanses. A diamond-design rug in spicy pinks, oranges, and ambers introduces warmth, complementing Andy Warhol licensed prints. The kitchen features an all-white scheme with a riveted lap seam range hood as a focal point, softened by circular pendants and cane barrel-backed counter stools. Café curtains in the kitchen match the full-length drapes in the adjacent family room, ensuring design continuity. The dining room embraces fun with feathery wallcovering and sumptuous pink drapes, adding a celebratory and whimsical touch to the formal space. Louis Phillipe-style mirrors and Directoire-inspired commodes are updated with crisp white paint, gold leaf accents, and brass hardware. Vintage dining chairs from a Palm Beach estate sale are paired with Bryan’s grandmother’s antique dining table, with the original 1940s crystal chandelier maintained. The entryway introduces the home's color palette through a green and white Anna French wallcovering, a jewel-toned vintage runner, and an electric blue Schumacher ottoman. Federalist architectural details, like fanciful door transoms, were preserved, and art by Angela Chruschiaki Blehm is displayed alongside mixed media pieces. The family room presents a classic arrangement with a contemporary twist, featuring oversized lamps, an abstract painting by AK Hardeman, and a sleek waterfall-profile wood coffee table. High-voltage pinks and blues provide pops of color against a more muted palette. The primary bedroom utilizes ethereal blues for a quietly colorful atmosphere. A Modern History poster bed’s strong silhouette is softened by white linens, floral pillows, and a scallop-framed settee. A gilt-framed abstract by Alexis Walter and Visual Comfort lamps complement the bed’s delicate gold leaf details. Finally, the primary bathroom showcases pattern play with marble mosaic tile flooring and subway tile shower walls. Brass fixtures and vibrant art by Emyo bring warmth against the marble and blue Lee Jofa wallcovering. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #NashvilleHome #FashionInspiredDecor #BoldColors #EclecticStyle #ArtCollection #YanceyShearouse

This article details the transformation of a 1950s ranch home in Nashville, owned by painter Elizabeth Stern, into a vibrant and personalized living space. The renovation, led by local architecture firm Pfeffer Torode with lead architect Erin Cypress and interior designer Liz Bonesio, focused on enhancing natural light and integrating a distinctive color palette inspired by the homeowner's artistic vision. Initially, the ranch lacked sufficient light and color, presenting a blank canvas for the design team. A primary objective was to open up the internal structure to allow more natural light to penetrate. Cypress achieved this by designing a series of cased openings that connect the private sleeping quarters with the public entertaining areas. These public spaces were conceived to be free-flowing, suitable for parties, pool, and mah-jongg. A significant addition was a sunroom extension off the kitchen, living, and dining rooms, designed with numerous windows and high ceilings to create a seamless connection with the garden and patio, making the outdoors feel like an integral part of the interior. Stern also expressed a preference for minimal recessed lighting. Bonesio addressed this by sourcing various flush-mount fixtures throughout the house, ensuring an even distribution of light without relying heavily on overhead recessed lights, except for a few essential ones in the kitchen. The color scheme played a crucial role in reflecting Stern's artistic sensibility. A recurring earthy, pink-toned terra-cotta, found in the plaster walls of the dining room and reclaimed French _parefeuille_ floors of the sunroom, became a central theme. This warm hue was harmoniously paired with blues, primarily Farrow & Ball Skylight, a pale blue-gray, which served to highlight the warmth of the terra-cotta tones. This deliberate choice of colors created a harmonious and personal atmosphere, aligning with Stern's artistic preferences. The renovation extended to various rooms, each featuring carefully selected details and materials. The living room showcases built-ins painted in a combination of mineral paint and fine paints, flanking an original marble mantel. Custom elements like a Remains Lighting Company flush mount, a Materia's Forchette 24 Chandelier, custom Lee Jofa fabric curtains, and an Erden custom rug contribute to its unique character. The kitchen features an oak island designed without plumbing, along with cabinets painted in Domingue Architectural Finishes' Chapel and Cristallo Azul quartzite countertops. Barber Wilsons & Co. faucets and Balsamo pendants complete the look. The butler's pantry, converted from a storage room, includes a deep Kohler sink for flower arranging, complemented by pendants from Remains Lighting Company and London Silk quartzite countertops. Its cabinets are painted in Benjamin Moore Sandblast and Sherwin-Williams Blustery Sky, with Zak + Fox wallpaper backing Stern’s ceramic collection. The sunroom, referred to as the “catbird seat,” is an idyllic dining area with a Soane pendant, Zak + Fox fabric shades with Bruder trim, and a custom banquette. The dining room, intended for parties, features paneling painted in Farrow & Ball Skylight, allowing for art salon-style displays, and includes a dining table that doubles as a pool table, alongside a piano. The mudroom incorporates a vintage Facebook Marketplace sink with de-plated Chicago Faucets, and walls painted in Benjamin Moore's Seapearl, Pilgrim Haze, and Blue Note, with Currey & Company pendants. The primary bedroom features a Dennis Miller bed upholstered in Rose Tarlow fabric, a Brett Design nightstand, a Soane sconce, and Libeco Home bedding. The guest room uses Peter Fasano wallpaper to inspire a natural palette, with custom beds lacquered in Fine Paints of Europe GC603, Made Goods nightstands, and custom Osborne & Little fabric coverlets. Bathrooms are equally detailed; the primary bathroom includes a gilded papier-mâché Fisher Weisman chandelier, a Victoria + Albert bathtub with Barber Wilsons & Co. tub filler, custom Etamine fabric café curtains, and an Eliko Rugs rug. The guest bathroom, a jack-and-jill style, features a Lacava trough sink, Farrow & Ball De Nimes paint, Tabarka Studio wall tile, a Remains Lighting Company ceiling light, and a Circa Lighting sconce. Lastly, a Hartley Botanic Victorian plant house serves as a greenhouse and potting shed for garden herbs, reflecting Stern's personal touch throughout the entire property. #HomeRenovation #InteriorDesign #NashvilleHomes #ColorPalette #SunroomDesign #KitchenDesign #ArtistHome #HistoricRanch #PfefferTorode

This article details the transformation of a nearly 9,000-square-foot Twin Cities estate, initially characterized by a Western-style aesthetic, into an authentic, European-inspired countryside manse. The project, spearheaded by interior designer Bruce Kading of Bruce Kading Interior Design, involved a comprehensive remodel rather than a complete teardown of the existing structure. Kading's design process is highlighted, emphasizing his reliance on hand-drawn sketches to visualize and communicate intricate design details, a method he believes conveys more integrity and emotion than computer renderings. The renovation began with shedding the original home's "gutsy, masculine aesthetic," which featured dark woodwork, outdated glazes, and chamois-colored textured walls and ceilings. Key modifications included painting the woodwork, adding French-inspired trim to plinth blocks, replacing all wood floors with aged-looking alternatives, and swapping out the stair railing for a more elaborate design. Walls were treated with a subtle glaze to emulate hand-patted plaster seen in Europe, and ceiling beams were refurbished by Jennifer Raskob Kranz to mimic vintage European timbers, demonstrating meticulous attention to aging and texturing to achieve a natural appearance. The great room, located to the right of the entryway, serves as an introduction to the home's European interiors. It features one of six custom fireplaces, patterned pillows, decorative furnishings, and velvety, tufted furniture with red accents, incorporated at the homeowner's request. This space seamlessly transitions into the open dining and kitchen area, where a revamped cooking center immediately draws attention. The kitchen boasts new flooring, cabinetry, a pewter-topped island, an inky black La Cornue range, an antique fire back, and a hand-carved French Rococo-style fireplace mantel, crafted by expert woodcarver Erik Wyckoff. Wyckoff also created a significant "trophy carving" on the wooden refrigerator door, which, in classic 18th-century French style, incorporates emblems reflecting the owners' interests rather than traditional hunting, royalty, or military themes. The upper level of the home features a British pub and a temperature-controlled wine attic. The wine attic's floor is made of Jerusalem-sourced stone, complemented by a worn wood countertop slab, a leaded glass window, traditional lath, commissioned metalwork, and custom shelving for the wine collection. The pub includes a replica London pub sign, whimsical tiled elements, and ample seating for guests. Downstairs, two guest rooms and a romantic primary suite await. The primary suite includes a sitting room with artisan-made bronze fireplace doors, a spacious bath with mosaic floor tiles and a pewter- and porcelain-crafted tub, and a large walk-in closet featuring mirror-paneled doors, a washer and dryer, a safe room, and a Carrara marble-topped island. The design in the primary suite and other areas is guided by the scenic outdoor views, utilizing a material palette of subdued tones to reflect the peaceful environment. The library, a favorite room of Kading's, features custom embroidered draperies, black walnut-stained paneling and bookshelves, a rolling ladder, antique lighting, and a nickel fireplace, creating an updated yet historically relevant ambiance. The overall project culminates in a globally influenced home that exhibits a high degree of provenance, pedigree, and patina, all traceable back to Kading’s initial hand-drawn concept sketches. #EuropeanInspired #HomeMakeover #InteriorDesign #BruceKading #LuxuryRenovation #CustomWoodwork #ArchitecturalRemodeling #CountrysideEstate #TraditionalInteriors

This article details the transformation of a 100-year-old American Craftsman home in the foothills of Colorado’s Rocky Mountains by the design firm Salvesen Graham. The project was initiated when a young couple, one American and one British, relocated from California and sought a home that blended their cultural traditions, offering both relaxation and elegance without being overly formal. The designers, Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, aimed to create a comfortable yet sophisticated living space. The house, part of a community of heritage homes dating back to the early 20th century, presented a unique opportunity for Salvesen Graham, a firm more accustomed to working with buildings over 100 years old in the UK. The designers meticulously preserved and enhanced the home's period features, such as its brick and shiplap exterior and expansive veranda. Their approach balanced respect for the original architecture with a desire to update it for modern living, rather than creating a "living museum" of a 1900s mining town house. In the entryway, a small-scale patterned wallpaper contributes to a Victorian aesthetic, complemented by an Arts and Crafts lantern. The designers made a conscious decision to paint some of the original pine woodwork a sage green to neutralize its overwhelming orange tones, allowing the unpainted sections of craftsmanship to be appreciated more easily. This thoughtful intervention highlights the delicate balance between preservation and contemporary adaptation. The drawing room was designed as a sophisticated space for entertaining, with the clients actively participating in sourcing art, including an abstract floral piece. The living room, in contrast, serves as a more casual gathering area. The project was significantly impacted by the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to initial client-designer interactions via Zoom. This period also amplified the British client's desire to infuse English design elements into the American architectural style. A central pass-through space in the house was transformed into a hallway-cum-library, offering an intentional quiet zone that connects different rooms. The kitchen, designed in a Shaker style, bridges functional utilitarianism with English charm. Its formal layout was maintained, rejecting the trend of open-plan spaces, and features fitted units and a large island painted in various shades of blue. The dining room, referred to as the "hearth room," provides an informal dining experience with windows on three sides, creating a sense of dining among treetops. The space incorporates a striped floral fabric for curtains and Roman shades, aligning with painted tongue-and-groove paneling on the ceiling. Upholstered dining chairs, vintage rattan chairs, and a vibrant green built-in window seat contribute to a layered aesthetic. The bedrooms, particularly the master suite, are characterized by a rich interplay of color and pattern, featuring florals, stripes, paisleys, and soft geometrics in a cheerful palette of pinks and greens. Salvesen Graham, founded in London in 2013 by Mary Graham and Nicole Salvesen, is known for its layered aesthetic and timeless approach, aiming to create warm and soft interiors inspired by Georgian England and 18th- and 19th-century Indian textiles, while bringing an edge to quintessential British charm. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #AmericanCraftsman #BritishCharm #SalvesenGraham #ColoradoHomes #HistoricRenovation #TraditionalModern #LayeredAesthetic

The article delves into the eclectic and cozy design of Melany and Drew Robinson's Spanish Mission-style home in Birmingham, Alabama. Built in 1935, the four-bedroom, four-bathroom residence, spanning 3,306 square feet, was designed by interior designer Fran Keenan of Fran Keenan Design Studio. The Robinsons, co-owners of Sprouthouse Agency, purchased the home in late 2020, drawn to its historical character, location in the Hollywood neighborhood of Homewood, and the fact that it required only cosmetic updates rather than a major overhaul. Keenan's design philosophy for the home emphasized a "no-rules mentality" in collecting and gathering pieces that hold personal value and cherished memories for the family, blending old and new, antiques and mid-century items. The exterior of the home features southern plantings by Father Nature Landscapes, including Boxwood, Autumn Fern, and Dwarf Mondo, chosen to complement the Spanish Mission-style architecture with clean lines and low plantings. Hanging ferns provide shade to the front loggia. Inside, the living room is highlighted by Melany as her favorite space due to its coziness and the cherished pieces it contains. Keenan created a vibrant and cozy atmosphere using multiple layers of patterns, notably Schumacher drapes with the Chiang Mai Dragon design. An Oly Studios glass "bubble" chandelier serves as a focal point, and the yellowish-green ceiling color was chosen to reflect the window treatments. The living room also features a rust-colored cotton velvet sofa, midcentury Italian chairs in powder blue chenille, a large diamond-patterned sisal rug, and layered antique rugs for added texture and color. A hand-sewn American flag quilt by Natalie Chanin hangs above a rustic wooden table, showcasing the Robinsons' art collection. The kitchen and den are combined into a single, spacious area with high ceilings, large windows, and ample natural light. The kitchen primarily features a white color palette with stainless steel appliances. Keenan softened the space by skirting the butcher-block island with gray linen fabric, which also conceals kitchen equipment. A custom wood shelf with brass brackets was installed above the sink for practical and aesthetic purposes. The den, flowing from the kitchen, offers a cozy space with a white slip-covered sofa and double French doors leading to the backyard. Artwork, including a large painting by Butch Anthony, and a striking installation of magnolia tree branches by floral artist Zachary Westall adorning the stair railing, add to the den's character. The dining room, located between the kitchen and living room, features a narrow Belgian oak table, midcentury dining chairs upholstered in Kelly Wearstler fabric, and blue-striped table lamp shades that provide a strong graphic element. A family heirloom hutch and wall-to-wall bookshelves filled with cookbooks complete the space. The primary bedroom offers a moody retreat with chocolate brown paint, a custom wood canopy bed by Michael Morrow of MDM Design Studio, neutral linens, and jewel-toned teal patterned pillows. Traditional screen art above the headboard and midcentury chairs by the windows contribute to the room's unique aesthetic. The primary bathroom features soothing blue walls, a black-and-neutral tiled floor, and a vibrantly patterned antique rug. The hallway is adorned with family photos, many taken by Melany Robinson herself. The daughter's bedroom combines whimsy and sophistication with pale green walls and trim, accented with gold and amber. A rattan light fixture, a boucle fabric bed, a multi-colored, checkered blanket, and Anthropologie curtain panels with botanical designs create a playful yet mature space. The backyard, a central and inspiring area, is used for morning coffee and entertaining, featuring a fire pit and grill. Landscaping by Father Nature Landscapes includes terracotta containers, topiary Olive trees, and Rio Grande Orange Purslane, designed to evoke a Southern Spanish kitchen garden, complementing the home's Spanish styling. The article emphasizes how the collaboration between the Robinsons and Fran Keenan resulted in a home that truly reflects the family's personality and style through its thoughtful blend of various design elements. #HomeDesign #EclecticStyle #SpanishMissionStyle #InteriorDesign #FranKeenanDesign #HistoricHomes #BirminghamHomes #HomeDecor #SouthernCharm

The author, Hebe Hatton, Head of Interiors at Homes & Gardens, discusses her long-standing fascination with French fashion and its effortless, chic, and relaxed aesthetic, which she describes as “quiet luxury.” While acknowledging the difficulty of replicating this inherent 'je ne sais quoi' in personal style without being French, she expresses a strong desire to infuse her home with this coveted look. Currently immersed in French culture, interiors, and architecture during a fall trip to France, Hatton is identifying key principles that define French interior design to translate them into her own living space. She notes that French style balances laid-back relaxation with sophistication and elegance, a combination that, despite seeming simple, requires careful execution. To achieve this aesthetic, Hatton outlines several rules and insights gathered from her observations and discussions with design experts. The first rule emphasizes the mixing of old and new elements, which creates depth and interest in French interiors. Dorothée Meilichzon, founder of CHZON, highlights the French ability to blend classic influences with 20th-century styles, incorporating graphic elements and modern colors. Design consultant Eleanor Taylor-Roberts further elaborates that the French aesthetic involves a strategic juxtaposition of decor from various eras and sources, such as pairing Western antiques with mid-century modern pieces or street art with contemporary decor. Practical suggestions include choosing chandeliers over modern pendants and integrating distressed pieces, gilded mirrors, and vintage rugs without concern for pattern clashes. The second principle focuses on drawing inspiration from historical details. French interiors prioritize charm and character, respecting and highlighting original architectural features. The architecture often serves as the foundation, with layers of different styles and eras added over time. Designer Betsy Kasha explains that French interior architecture shows respect for a building's history and aesthetic, allowing contemporary elements to complement rather than dominate original or restored features. Dorothée Meilichzon reiterates that good design begins with the building's inherent characteristics, period, and shape, integrating modern colors, shapes, and textures. Eleanor Taylor-Roberts advises embracing original features to cultivate a Parisian flair, while interior designer Benji Lewis notes the prevalence of historical architectural details like wood paneling, double doors, beamed ceilings, ornate chimneys, and period floors in French interiors. The third rule encourages shopping second-hand for original pieces. Hatton observes the abundance of affordable statement items in French markets and brocantes. Benji Lewis points out the pervasive nature of preloved items in French home decor, from 18th-century fauteuils to mid-century lamps. He suggests exploring flea markets for unique finds like mid-century dinner services or distressed furniture for a rustic vibe, or commodes with ormulu trim and Aubusson hangings for a grander feel. He also highlights the French appreciation for antique linens, recommending embroidered sheets and patterned padded quilts for a rustic bedroom, and incorporating blue and white stripes or checks with plain ivory hemp textiles. Fourth, the article advises ignoring trends. Hatton notes a distinct lack of visible trends in most French interiors, contrasting with the often-homogenized look of trend-following homes on social media. She finds that French interiors, while effortlessly stylish and classic, are also quirky and full of character. The suggestion is to decorate reflectively of one's personal style, adopting a natural, laid-back approach where nothing feels forced or overly curated. The idea is to trust that if a piece is liked, it will likely integrate well with other chosen items. Finally, the fifth rule emphasizes embracing imperfection. Hatton admires the French approach to life and interiors, which finds beauty in imperfection and a charming sloppiness. Despite feeling elegant and elevated, many French homes possess a lived-in quality. This contrasts with the pursuit of immaculate, often characterless rooms seen elsewhere. Hatton shares her intent to incorporate imperfect French country decor pieces and even change her bed-making routine to a more relaxed, layered style with slubby linens, anticipating this 'almost unmade but still chic' look as a future bedroom trend. #FrenchInteriorDesign #HomeDecor #InteriorStyle #MixingOldAndNew #HistoricalDetails #SecondHandDecor #TimelessDesign #EmbracingImperfection #QuietLuxury