5 Home Design Vignettes by Nashville Interior Designers

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

This blog post explores a unique home in Nashville, Tennessee, that beautifully blends French elegance with Nashville's cool aesthetic. The article highlights the collaborative effort of designer Leigh Misso from River Brook, who reimagined the interiors of this French-style new build by Ray Kash of Montgomery Classic Construction. The project's core challenge was to infuse humanizing intimacy into the grand spaces for a family with four children, ranging from six to twelve years old. The architectural style, known as 'French eclectic,' draws inspiration from 17th-century Gallic vernacular, characterized by steep roofs, tall windows, and external shutters. This style reportedly arrived in the area after American servicemen returned from World War I. Despite Nashville's reputation for country music and diverse architectural styles, the French influence stands out. The interior design focused on creating a warm and inviting atmosphere, rather than merely accentuating the home's size. Leigh Misso and her team achieved this by introducing depth and texture through elements such as plaster fireplaces, a custom kitchen hood, a papered ceiling, and a color-drenched study. The goal was to give each room a distinct identity while maintaining a relaxed yet elegant feel. The design philosophy embraced the tension between old and new European architecture, incorporating vintage pieces alongside clean, modern lines. The homeowner's preference for a largely neutral palette with contemporary art was a starting point. Energy was injected through the use of natural wood, like oak floors and burlwood credenzas in the sitting room, and warm brass accents in lighting and hardware. Tactility was achieved with fabrics such as mustard velvets and airy linen drapes. The dining room features a ten-foot burlwood table, a significant piece that required careful transportation. This room is further enhanced by a contemporary chandelier, deep green walls, and a cloud-patterned ceiling wallpaper by Schumacher, a motif subtly continued into the adjacent scullery. This meticulous attention to detail extends to the children's bedrooms, which were designed to reflect their individual personalities. One son's room includes a daybed suspended by chains, catering to his adventurous spirit, while a daughter's room offers a serene powder blue, curtain-enclosed reading nook and an elegant fabric-wrapped four-poster bed, symbolizing her transition into teenage years. These personal touches underscore the designer's belief that a home functions best when it integrates the needs and characters of all its inhabitants. The overall color scheme utilizes warm tones, including various greens, camel, copper, and off-whites, providing a grounding effect. Graphic architectural details are softened by curves and spheres, seen in conical lampshades and a rounded blue upholstered bench. A final, serendipitous touch came from an 18th-century tapestry found in Paris, hung in the foyer, which harmonized with the home’s muted gold, ebony, and caramel palette, perfectly uniting the French style with Nashville’s cool vibe. #FrenchElegance #NashvilleStyle #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #ArchitecturalStyle #LuxuryHomes #FamilyLiving #DesignInspiration

The Nashville Design Collective serves as a comprehensive hub for home decor enthusiasts and design professionals, bringing together a curated selection of industry-leading vendors under one roof. Located at 510 Merritt Ave., this collective showcases a diverse range of products and services, spanning from tiles and textiles to custom cabinetry and smart home technology, each presented within stunning showrooms designed to inspire. Artistic Tile, a notable vendor within the collective, is recognized for its innovation and quality in the tile industry. Its Nashville showroom uniquely combines a tile display area with a slab gallery, offering a 5,200-square-foot space filled with natural stone, glass, ceramic, and porcelain tiles, alongside a carefully chosen assortment of natural stone slabs. Bennett, originating from Knoxville as a custom frame shop, has evolved into a prominent 40,000-square-foot, two-story showroom. It is celebrated across the Southeast as a leading home furnishings retailer that also provides full-service residential and commercial interior design. Bennett's mission focuses on sourcing and curating high-quality furniture, gifts, fine art, jewelry, and accessories to meet clients' needs. Christopher Peacock specializes in luxury cabinetry, offering handcrafted British cabinetry that is made to order in the U.S. Established in Connecticut in 1992, Christopher Peacock maintains showrooms globally, with the Nashville location standing out as a key destination for high-end custom cabinetry. Design Galleria Kitchen and Bath Studio, in operation since 1979, is acclaimed for its timeless designs, exceptional craftsmanship, and outstanding client service, consistently enhancing homes and fostering long-term relationships with its clientele. Francois & Co., headquartered in Atlanta, contributes its expertise in transforming raw materials into exquisite finished products. As a leading manufacturer of Scagliola Stone mantels, kitchen hoods, and architectural elements in the United States, it is also a distinguished supplier of prefinished French Oak and French Limestone. Kravet, an industry leader established in 1918, is an exclusive resource for trade professionals, offering an extensive range of home furnishings. This all-encompassing showroom provides fabrics, furniture, wallcoverings, trimmings, carpets, and accessories, assisting designers in fulfilling their clients' interior design objectives. Prodigy integrates technology with luxury, providing solutions for smart homes, including automated lighting and motorized shades, to create sophisticated and convenient living environments. Renaissance Tile & Bath, founded in 1991, is a premier design resource for elevating bathrooms. It offers artisan tiles, natural stone, high-end plumbing fixtures, luxury faucets, and custom vanities, catering to clients who value both exquisite design and superior quality. Robin Rains Interior Design & Antiques, led by designer Robin Rains, showcases a studio filled with luxurious and comfortable pieces. Rains draws inspiration from nature's colors and textures, complemented by her passion for antique hunting in European countries like France, Belgium, and Spain. Her collection features globally sourced antiques intended to enhance any living space. Textures Nashville specializes in flooring, rugs, and interior design, offering a diverse selection for various clients. Its commitment to extraordinary designs, renowned craftsmanship, and collaborative approach has made it a preferred partner for interior designers, architects, and custom home builders. The studio's craft-made, small-batch products allow for complete customization, ensuring unique flooring solutions that leave a lasting impression in clients' homes. Visual Comfort & Co. serves as a primary source for decorative and architectural lighting collections and fan assortments from esteemed designers worldwide. The company leverages the transformative power of light to craft stunning and functional spaces for its clients. Overall, the Nashville Design Collective provides an invaluable resource for anyone interested in home decor and interior design, offering a centralized location to explore a wide array of high-quality products and expert services from leading names in the industry. #NashvilleDesignCollective #HomeDecor #InteriorDesign #LuxuryFurnishings #DesignShowrooms #ArchitecturalElements #SmartHomeTechnology #ArtisanTile #CustomCabinetry

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

Merridian Home Furnishings, with locations in Louisville and Nashville, distinguishes itself by offering handcrafted furniture, unique finds, and durable designs. The Nashville showroom, situated on Sidco Drive, has garnered a strong local following due to its emphasis on an intimate, in-person shopping experience, a contrast to prevalent online retail. The store's layout is designed to mimic a residential setting, with displays arranged as fully furnished rooms rather than departmentalized sections. This approach allows customers to visualize how pieces would appear in their own homes, a strategy guided by owner Merry Dougherty's background in painting and her focus on compositional harmony within each display. The inventory, selling directly from the floor, results in a constantly evolving showroom as pieces are purchased and new shipments arrive. The "Merridian Style" integrates traditional and contemporary influences, creating a curated yet accessible aesthetic. Merry Dougherty emphasizes a harmonious blend of old and new, characterized by a balance of textures, finishes, and eras that project sophistication without rigidity. The store prioritizes classic, long-lasting pieces that resist fleeting trends, combining elements such as hand-knotted rugs, traditional art, modern sofas, and clean-lined case goods. Diverse materials like burl wood, brass, reclaimed pine, and marble are expertly mixed to create cohesive and visually appealing environments. A significant aspect of Merridian's offerings is its collection of one-of-a-kind and refurbished pieces. Merry Dougherty personally sources antiques and handcrafted items globally, providing Nashville residents with access to unique furnishings. These acquisitions sometimes involve salvaged architectural elements, which are then repurposed into new creations. For instance, some cabinets incorporate 200-year-old hand-carved doors, whose aged appearance is considered part of their beauty. The uniqueness of these items means they sell quickly, contributing to the dynamic nature of the showroom and ensuring a fresh selection for returning customers. Functionality and durability are central to Merridian's design philosophy. Merry, a mother of four, designs many proprietary pieces with the demands of everyday living in mind, focusing on furniture that is practical, aesthetically pleasing, and built to last. Solid wood construction is typical for many Merridian designs, with select veneered pieces chosen for their distinctive grain. While custom commissions are generally not offered, many items can be specially ordered or customized from existing vendor lines. Beyond furniture, Merridian curates a selection of art and accessories, including pillows, lighting, and whimsical accents. The store also champions local artists, featuring aluminum prints of Nashville by Knoxville native Phil Savage, and offers advice on how small updates, such as new accessories or prints, can refresh a living space. To facilitate the purchasing process, Merridian provides efficient shopping and delivery options. Customers can inquire about items seen online, and if a piece is available at either the Louisville or Nashville store, it can be transferred between locations within a few weeks via a regular shuttle service. For delivery, Merridian collaborates with local services for a nominal fee. Approaching its 30th anniversary, Merridian reflects a legacy of local service, with customers often sharing stories of furniture enduring through generations. The company fosters long-term employee relationships and maintains its success against online competitors by emphasizing the tactile, in-person shopping experience, quality products, and trusted customer service, which cultivates a loyal repeat clientele. #HomeFurnishings #InteriorDesign #NashvilleDecor #ClassicContemporary #HandcraftedFurniture #UniqueFinds #LocalBusiness #HomeDecorTrends

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 offers seven expert-approved design strategies to address and transform awkwardly placed or unusually shaped windows into intentional and aesthetically pleasing features within a home. The guidance is suitable for both renters seeking budget-friendly solutions and homeowners considering more permanent changes. One primary technique involves creative curtain placement. Interior designers suggest using window treatments to "cheat" the window's perceived location by mounting curtains significantly wider than the window itself. This optical illusion can effectively adjust the window's appearance without requiring structural modifications. Another strategy focuses on strategic furniture positioning. By thoughtfully placing items like a cozy reading nook or a floating shelf, attention can be drawn away from unusual window placements and directed toward functional and inviting elements. An example provided illustrates how a window integrated into a dining nook can appear more intentionally placed with the addition of a built-in L-shaped bench. Consistency in window treatments across a room is also highlighted as crucial. Even if some windows are inherently better positioned than others, maintaining the same type of curtains or blinds throughout the space helps to blend the awkwardly placed window with its surroundings, reducing its perceived oddity and contributing to a cohesive room design. Leveraging lighting to one's advantage is another effective approach. Uneven lighting, a common consequence of peculiar window placement, can be remedied by installing layered lighting options, such as sconces and pendants. This ensures the room remains well-lit and balanced, irrespective of the window's position. Alternatively, designers recommend designating the window as a focal point rather than attempting to conceal it. This involves celebrating the unique design feature by installing attractive window treatments. An example includes embracing an oversized, arch-like window by designing a cozy cove around it, transforming it into a functional and inviting workspace. Incorporating built-ins offers a more permanent solution for homeowners. Surrounding an awkwardly placed window with custom built-in elements can create a cozy nook. One case study details the transformation of a kitchen window with a radiator below it into a reading area with a window seat and shelves, cleverly integrating book storage and a comfortable spot to unwind while providing an outdoor view. Another instance describes installing a shelf beneath windows of abnormal height, flanked by built-ins, to create balance, ground the wall, and enhance storage capacity in a primary bedroom. Finally, for situations where a window's presence is entirely undesirable from the interior, covering it fully with drywall can be an option. This method allows for maximum use of interior space for storage solutions while maintaining the window's visibility and aesthetic from the exterior. These diverse strategies demonstrate that awkward window placements can be successfully managed and even transformed into unique design assets. #HomeDesign #InteriorDecorating #WindowTreatments #FurniturePlacement #BuiltIns #RoomDesign #LightingDesign #HomeRenovation

This comprehensive guide highlights some of Nashville's premier home decor establishments, catering to a diverse range of styles and needs, from artistic pieces and framing services to unique gifts and furniture. It features six distinct businesses, each offering specialized products and services that contribute to enriching a living space. Bennett Galleries, established in 1978 in Green Hills, specializes in custom archival framing and features a curated collection of fine art from both established and emerging artists. They are recognized for their expertise in providing framing solutions for various art types and settings, from formal to modern. The gallery also offers an exceptional selection of art available for viewing on their website, serving interior designers and homeowners seeking unique artistic additions. COLOR, located in the White Bridge neighborhood and operating since 2005, is presented as a distinctive home decor and gift destination. This store emphasizes a personalized shopping experience, assisting customers with hostess gifts, bridal registry setups, and designing elaborate tablescapes. COLOR's inventory is dynamic, continually changing to include various home accessories, lighting fixtures, dinnerware, and other items, with a price range of $10-$400, offering options to refresh living spaces and find meaningful gifts. Epergne, situated in Belle Meade, offers an exquisite selection of tabletop items, ceramics, china, and fine table and bed linens. The store's collection is inspired by the extensive travels of its owners, Laura Chadwick and Susan Dyke. Epergne stocks prominent brands such as William Yeoward Crystal, Matouk, Juliska, John Derian, Gien, Agraria, and Mz Wallace, making it a go-to spot for unique gifts and elegant home essentials that are not commonly found elsewhere in the city. Ed Nash Studio, based in East Nashville, showcases the work of London-native artist Ed Nash. Nash, an alumnus of Reading University with a background in Fine Art and Psychology, creates large acrylic paintings characterized by vivid color transitions that evoke landscapes and deeper emotions. His abstract yet approachable pieces are suitable for various environments, from corporate installations to residential dining rooms. As an art appraiser, Nash also assists clients in finding the perfect placement for their art, highlighting his dual role as an artist and a consultant. GasLamp Antiques & GasLamp Too, located in the Design District/100 Oaks, is renowned as one of Tennessee's largest antique malls. It is a favored destination for designers, artists, and home decor enthusiasts seeking unique and salvaged items. The stores maintain a constantly updated inventory that includes furniture, art, and jewelry, ensuring a fresh array of discoveries for those looking to add distinctive touches to their homes or wardrobes. Margi’s Furniture & Design in Green Hills provides a blend of elegant and modern furniture with eclectic and timeless decor. The store offers a carefully curated selection of home furnishings alongside personalized interior design services. Whether customers are searching for a specific piece of furniture, decor, or guidance on fabric choices, Margi’s aims to fulfill diverse home design needs, further enhanced by convenient parking facilities. #NashvilleHomeDecor #InteriorDesign #ArtGalleriesNashville #AntiqueStores #FurnitureStores #TabletopDecor #LocalArtistsNashville

Shane Stratton, owner of Stratton Exteriors and Urban Properties in Nashville, undertook the renovation of a 1930s bungalow-style duplex, transforming it into a 3,100-square-foot single-family home. The project began in late 2013 with the intention for Shane and his fiancée, Paige, to live there after their wedding. Collaborating with architect David Baird of Building Ideas, they developed an open floor plan suitable for entertaining, which involved significantly altering the internal architecture while preserving the front exterior and stone siding. The original 1,800-square-foot duplex was expanded, reflecting a meticulous and unhurried approach to design and construction. A key element of the renovation is the kitchen, which features an island painted in Stratton Blue by Benjamin Moore, a color originally considered for the exterior. This vivid blue island serves as a focal point, complemented by rustic wooden beams salvaged from an old warehouse. The design seamlessly blends a cook's kitchen aesthetic with an open and relaxing atmosphere, offering a view of the fireplace. The couple's collaboration involved Paige directing the floor plan post-marriage, while Shane focused on integrating details that honored the home's history, such as salvaging much of the original flooring. This approach successfully fused traditional elements with modern features like wainscoting and a contemporary fireplace design, keeping the home fresh and updated. After completing the renovation, Shane and Paige decided to sell the home, despite their emotional connection to the project. Shortly after listing, Michael Lohmann, director of photography for ABC’s "Nashville," discovered the property. He was immediately drawn to its exterior, open-living floor plan, large windows, and the kitchen's rustic beams. Lohmann recognized that these features created a unique look that aligned with the personality of the show and its character, Gunnar Scott, a young, successful musician. The home's suitability for filming was further enhanced by its "great depth in every direction," ample spaces, and the newly added garage, which was converted into a recording studio for the show. The renovated home now serves as Gunnar Scott's residence in the third season of "Nashville." Lohmann emphasized that the home's aesthetic fit the character by presenting a realistic aspiration for a successful musician, noting its unique look. The article highlights how the renovation successfully balanced contemporary design with traditional elements, integrating reclaimed materials like original flooring and wooden beams to add rustic charm, while modern features ensured functionality and style. The interior spaces are characterized by natural light, open layouts, and a harmonious blend of textures and colors. Additional details of the renovation include an updated farmhouse look in the bathroom, featuring six-foot tile pieces mimicking barn wood and granite countertops. The first-floor master bedroom is spacious with rich hardwood floors and abundant natural light. The second floor also benefits from an open layout, maximizing living and entertaining areas. The exterior additions increased the home to over 3,000 square feet, offering four bedrooms, two and a half baths, and an outdoor patio space. Resources for mimicking the home's style are provided, including specific brands and paint colors, alongside design tips from Shane Stratton emphasizing the blending of old and new elements, and the strategic placement of architectural details like accent walls, beams, or posts to create eclectic appeal. #HomeRenovation #BungalowStyle #NashvilleRealEstate #InteriorDesign #OpenFloorPlan #KitchenDesign #RusticModern #ArchitecturalSalvage #TelevisionSetDesign

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

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 art of styling surfaces within a home serves as a crucial finishing touch, imbuing spaces with character and a lived-in feel that furniture alone cannot provide. Intentional arrangement of objects and books distinguishes decor from mere clutter. To aid in this, five members of the AD PRO Directory offer their insights for creating designer-worthy vignettes across various surfaces. Casey Howard of Casey Howard Interior Design emphasizes telling a cohesive color story. This involves grouping objects of similar colors together and considering how these palettes transition across different shelves or surfaces. Each vignette, therefore, presents a curated color scheme that harmonizes with others in the space. Garance Rousseau of Maison Garance highlights the importance of playing with scale and height to create visually engaging compositions. This technique involves juxtaposing tall and short items, large and small pieces, and varying thicknesses to introduce dynamic movement that guides the eye. Rousseau also advises utilizing odd-numbered groupings, which tend to appear more modern and visually interesting than even arrangements. Molly Torres Portnof of Date Interiors advocates for embracing negative space, asserting its significance alongside the decorative items themselves. Negative space, or 'blank space,' provides room for decor, books, vases, and artwork to breathe, preventing a cramped or over-decorated appearance. Valerie Grant of Valerie Grant Interiors suggests incorporating a mirror, especially on entry tables, which often provide the first impression of a home's aesthetic. A mirror not only offers a reflective element but also draws the eye into and around the room, enhancing spatial perception. Both Grant and Rousseau recommend integrating art into surface styling to personalize the space and add dimension. Grant notes that artwork enhances the overall look, while Rousseau sees it as an opportunity to discover and support new artists and makers, incorporating living, working artists into the styling process. Natural touches are considered essential by Howard and Grant. Floral arrangements, potted plants, or vases with branches are vital for bringing life into a space. Grant specifically suggests using vases of various sizes and shapes to display fresh greenery or flowers that can be updated seasonally. Brittney Ferguson of Brittney Ferguson Interiors advises a minimalist approach, particularly for entry tables, drawing a parallel to Coco Chanel's advice to simplify. She suggests combining stacked books, a short bowl or candle, a tall item like a picture frame, and a fresh flower arrangement for maximum impact with minimal elements. Finally, Rousseau stresses the importance of collecting items over time rather than acquiring them all at once. This patient approach to curating a collection ensures that vignettes are composed of special, meaningful objects, contributing to a home's longevity and building future heirlooms. A well-executed design, she concludes, relies heavily on its supporting cast of objects, accents, and trinkets. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #StylingTips #DesignVignettes #ColorStory #NegativeSpace #ArtIntegration #NaturalElements #CuratedCollections

The article details the design process and outcome of a new build home in Minneapolis, Minnesota, which was specifically crafted to possess a timeless, lived-in feel, rather than appearing brand new. Interior designer Victoria Sass spearheaded this project for a family of five, collaborating with architecture firm Murphy & Co. The core challenge was to infuse character and an aged aesthetic into a modern construction, a task Sass describes as surprisingly difficult. The design philosophy aimed to avoid the 'too perfect' trap often associated with new builds by incorporating elements that mimic the natural irregularities and evolved nature of older homes, such as slightly unconventional floor plans and asymmetrical shapes. The initial design brief from the homeowners favored an understated, classic American white brick house, reflecting a 'casual but tailored' sensibility. This led to plans emphasizing wooden balconies, large windows, screened verandas, and a traditional porch, all situated to capitalize on the tranquil waterside setting near Minnehaha Creek. The interior adopted a traditional color palette of off-whites, rusts, and caramels, complemented by oak flooring and timber windows, establishing a grounding backdrop across the home's three main living levels. A significant shift occurred in the design direction when the family spent time in Barcelona during a pause in construction. This experience broadened their perspective, prompting a desire for more color and 'joie de vivre' upon their return. Victoria Sass adapted the design to incorporate these new influences, focusing on furniture, fabrics, hardware, and lighting to introduce unexpected and vibrant elements. This strategic re-evaluation led to the inclusion of unique pieces such as a mosaic table made from corn husks, sourced from a Spanish artist, and a sculptural 'Moon light' art installation in the entryway. Further examples of this evolved design approach include a powder room vanity adorned with distinctively mismatched tiles, deliberately chosen to evoke Mediterranean design aesthetics, and a dining room featuring a bespoke wall mural by Ginny Sims. This mural intricately weaves in the family's personal story, adding a deeply customized and playful touch. The snug area boasts a chimney breast finished with hand-fired tiles, which Sass notes might subtly reference Scandinavian coziness, reflecting her husband's Danish heritage. Across the home, there's a strong emphasis on varied textures—from large-scale photographic prints and custom wall sculptures to marbleized wallpaper in the study—contributing to a rich, almost three-dimensional feel. Victoria Sass highlights the delicate balance required to integrate diverse decorative influences while maintaining a cohesive overall aesthetic. She explains that a consistent color palette and careful consideration of scale are crucial for harmonizing these elements. The designer emphasizes that if one design 'dial' is turned up, another must be adjusted to ensure equilibrium. The final result is a home that seamlessly combines classic and experimental features, juxtaposing graphic silhouettes with undulating forms. This blend achieves what Sass terms a 'perfectly imperfect' outcome, effectively transforming a new construction into a residence that embodies the charm and character of an older, well-established home. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #NewBuild #TimelessArchitecture #MinneapolisHome #VictoriaSass #HomeTours #DesignPhilosophy #ArchitecturalRenovation

Amy Mitchell, a New Hampshire-based interior designer and owner of Home Glow Design, discusses her unconventional path into the design industry and her unique business approach centered around the concept of a 'forever home.' Initially pursuing a career as an opera singer, Mitchell transitioned through PR and marketing before discovering her passion for interior design, inspired by her childhood home's emphasis on quality and lasting design. Her parents, despite a blue-collar budget, invested in well-made furniture, instilling in her a belief that one's environment significantly impacts emotional well-being and that thoughtful purchases should endure. Mitchell's personal journey of decorating her own 'forever home' in New Hampshire highlighted a gap in the market: clients who desire quality and character in their interiors but aren't looking to spend exorbitant amounts or engage in frequent, trendy makeovers. She observed that many homeowners, particularly those in their 30s and 40s in her region, become disillusioned with disposable furniture as their families grow. These clients are ready to invest wisely but often lack the guidance to create cohesive, high-quality spaces. This realization led her to establish Home Glow Design, catering to this mid-priced market segment. Her services are designed to help clients make informed, long-term decisions about their homes. One notable offering is the 'Forever Home Road Map,' an online consultation service. This program helps clients align their personal style with their home's architectural style, especially when the two might seem disparate. It also addresses budget constraints by assisting clients in prioritizing spaces and creating a multi-year spending plan to achieve their design goals without feeling overwhelmed. This approach reflects Mitchell's own experience of renovating her home room by room over several years, guided by a clear vision. The Road Map aims to provide clients with a solid foundation and initial ideas for their priority spaces, enabling them to confidently tackle subsequent rooms. Mitchell also offers 'Forever Room Design Master Plans,' which she describes as a more personalized version of e-design, moving beyond the 'cookie-cutter' aesthetic often associated with such services. She emphasizes sourcing from a diverse range of suppliers, including trade brands and online resources, and provides detailed presentations and source lists. For clients who prefer hands-on project management, this service offers comprehensive guidance. For those seeking a fully managed experience, her 'Full-Service Design' option handles all aspects of a project. Operating in a rural New Hampshire setting presents unique challenges, such as limited access to design centers and manufacturer representatives. Mitchell compensates for this by relying on self-education, networking with metropolitan designers, and her blog, 'The Saturday Blog.' The blog, which she consistently updated for four years, has been instrumental in establishing her authority, sharing tips on investing in quality, and fostering a 'forever mentality' among readers. She uses it to address common homeowner dilemmas, such as updating knotty pine paneling without erasing a home's history, encouraging readers to balance personal style with architectural integrity. Mitchell also navigates the local 'Yankee frugality' mindset, where people often prioritize cost-saving over quality or aesthetic appeal. She combats this by emphasizing the long-term value of investing in durable, well-designed pieces and the positive impact a thoughtfully curated home has on emotional well-being. She advises clients to overcome 'money guilt' associated with discarding old, unloved items, viewing such decisions as sunk costs that free them to create a home they truly enjoy. Her pricing model, involving an hourly rate and a markup on products, is explained as a way to provide clients with high-quality results within their budget, while also covering the inherent risks and administrative efforts involved in sourcing and managing design elements. She reflects on her personal growth, prioritizing her family life and client satisfaction over an endless pursuit of more credentials or industry accolades, finding contentment in helping clients create homes they love. #InteriorDesign #HomeGlowDesign #ForeverHome #NewHampshireDesign #DesignBusiness #Edesign #HomeRenovation #YankeeFrugality

This article presents the winners of the first annual Hudson Valley Home Design Awards in 2025, showcasing innovative and inspiring projects from regional interior design professionals across several categories. Each featured project highlights specific design challenges, homeowner visions, and creative solutions implemented by the respective firms. The 'Kitchen' award goes to Jennifer Lynn Interiors in Kingston for a Hyde Park project. The homeowners desired an open, inviting, and functional space for daily living and entertaining. The transformation involved taking the space down to the studs, extending the island to accommodate four chairs, adding an entertainment buffet, improving ventilation, and incorporating thoughtful storage solutions like open shelving and reconfigured cabinetry. The design drew inspiration from the clients' existing butcher block island, which was integrated into floating shelves and a unique floating round table at the island's end. The overall aesthetic blends farmhouse charm with a California-cool style, resulting in a timeless and personalized kitchen. For 'Outdoor Living Space,' Jacobschang Architecture in New York won for a Hastings-on-Hudson property. This project maximized broad views of the Hudson River and the New Jersey Palisades. Due to the sloped terrain, the pool and pool cabana were strategically placed alongside the house, creating a direct connection between indoor and outdoor living areas oriented towards the river views. The design integrated the foundations of an original 1920s house, using these existing walls to support the cabana roof and provide privacy from the street. The contrast between the historic stone walls and the new wood cladding created a unique material presence. Nancy Mah Design in Pawling received the 'Great Room' award for a Pawling residence. The homeowners sought a minimalist, nature-inspired retreat for relaxation and entertaining, emphasizing natural light and showcasing the surrounding scenery. The design focused on creating a calm and restorative environment through sustainable practices, Scandinavian minimalism, and passive solar heating and cooling principles. The use of natural materials, expansive windows, and architectural details established a harmonious balance, with warm lighting and pops of color in furniture and art enhancing the elegance and connection to nature. The 'Primary Bath' award went to DW Design & Décor in Croton-on-Hudson for an Ossining project. The goal was to transform a dark, outdated primary bathroom into a bright, airy, and tranquil space. The design incorporated a larger shower area and a standalone soaking tub, which was angled to optimize space and functionality. A sophisticated black, white, and gray palette formed the foundation, complemented by a custom vanity with hidden storage and tailored top-down/bottom-up fabric shades for privacy and views. Subtle hues from window treatments and artwork added warmth to the monochromatic scheme. Finally, Garrison Foundry in Garrison received two awards: 'Child’s Bedroom' and 'Mudroom.' For the child's bedroom in Cold Spring, the design focused on functionality and personal expression. A window seat with storage was built to utilize existing architectural features, and the child's personality was incorporated through a vibrant magenta paint and bow-inspired drawer pulls. The project demonstrated how simple choices like wallpaper and paint can reflect individuality. The 'Mudroom' project, also in Cold Spring, was a collaboration aiming to infuse character into a home with good bones but lacking personal touches. Inspired by Scandinavian and Shaker design, the mudroom was made open and functional, featuring a soft green hue and tumbled limestone floor to provide warmth and classic charm, setting the aesthetic tone for the rest of the home. #HomeDesignAwards #HudsonValleyDesign #InteriorDesign #KitchenDesign #OutdoorLiving #GreatRoom #BathroomRenovation #ChildrensBedroom #MudroomDesign

This article discusses popular home design trends that are often impractical or short-lived, offering stylish and functional alternatives based on insights from top Dallas-based interior designers. The piece highlights seven specific trends that designers advise against, emphasizing the importance of balancing aesthetics with functionality for long-term satisfaction in a living space. The first trend critiqued is large, open showers. Designer Callie Windle points out that while aesthetically pleasing, these can be uncomfortably drafty, especially when shaving. She advocates for enclosed showers, which retain steam and warmth, providing a more comfortable and luxurious experience. The alternative focuses on practicality and personal comfort over a purely visual appeal. Open shelving in kitchens is another trend deemed impractical by Carolina Gentry of Pulp Design Studios. She explains that open shelves require constant cleaning and meticulous organization to avoid a cluttered appearance. The recommended alternative is smart storage solutions behind closed cabinet doors, which maintain a clean and pristine look while offering efficient organization. The third trend to reconsider is all-neutral spaces. Noel Pittman of Noel Pittman Design suggests that completely neutral rooms can often feel generic and lack warmth and personality. She prefers incorporating more vibrant colors and prints to create distinct and inviting spaces, arguing that it's harder to introduce character into an exclusively neutral palette. Open-concept layouts, though widely popular, are challenged by Kara Adam of Kara Adam Interiors. Adam notes that these layouts can prevent true relaxation, as visual clutter from one area, such as a messy kitchen, can intrude on a living space. She suggests a return to more traditional, separated rooms, including galley kitchens and defined seating areas, to foster coziness and intimacy, especially for entertaining and post-pandemic living. Cool gray paint is identified as a trend that can make rooms feel institutional and unwelcoming. Adam advises against it, stating that cool grays lack warmth and can be unflattering to skin tones and fabrics. She recommends warmer neutrals combined with accent colors like blues and greens to create inviting and balanced environments where colors can truly stand out. White-and-black design combinations are criticized by Kim Armstrong of Kim Armstrong Interior Design for being overdone and lacking originality. She believes this recognizable trend will quickly become dated, making homes appear to belong to a specific, passing design era. Armstrong advocates for warmer shades and colorful accents to infuse personality and create a timeless appeal. Finally, plantation shutters are highlighted as a significant pet peeve. Armstrong explains that these shutters restrict natural light, even when open, by up to 30%. To achieve full natural light, the shutters must be opened like cabinet doors, which can be bulky and impractical. Furthermore, their rigid horizontal slats fail to add softness or movement to a room, often competing with other design elements. A more functional and aesthetically pleasing alternative proposed is woven shades layered with drapery panels, offering versatility and visual appeal.