Merridian Home Nashville: A Go-To for Classic-Meets-Contemporary Decor

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

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 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

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 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

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

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 details the comprehensive renovation and interior design of a 1970s ranch home in Brentwood, TN, undertaken by its second owner, Tyler Pennington. Having admired the house since childhood, Tyler purchased it from the original owners and embarked on a transformation project to update it for his family of five while preserving its original architectural charm, which he describes as reminiscent of the New England coast. The renovation involved reconfiguring the internal space, adding a second story, and selecting finishes and furnishings to suit a modern lifestyle with young children, without sacrificing its classic aesthetic. Tyler, who owns White Pines Building Group, managed much of the construction work himself. He collaborated with architect Champ Webb of C.W. Design and Andrew King of AK Designs for the second-story addition and exterior elements. For the interior design, he enlisted Sara Ray Interior Design, aiming for a contemporary look that avoided excessive modernity or trendiness. Sara Ray focused on creating a design that blended classic, traditional elements with clean lines and modern touches, prioritizing durable fabrics for furnishings and incorporating vintage rugs to withstand daily wear and tear from three young children. The design also balanced masculine and feminine touches, with a deliberate emphasis on timeless pieces that would retain their appeal over decades. Throughout the renovation, Tyler made efforts to integrate natural and historically relevant materials. While the interior was largely gutted, original materials were reused, and aspects of the original design were recreated. For instance, new poplar molding was installed in the entryway and dining room, hardwood floors were milled locally in Leiper’s Fork, and windows were designed to replicate the original grid pattern. A significant part of the project involved relocating the original fireplace, with its salvaged limestone being repurposed to create a new, two-story focal point in the central living area. The main floor features an open layout with a living area, dining area, and kitchen. The living space, characterized by a wall of doors and a double-story ceiling, displays a masculine-meets-modern aesthetic with warm accent colors against a white backdrop. The renovated kitchen prioritizes brightness, featuring a large center island, a tile backsplash, a polished limestone hood, and light fixtures with brass shades. The dining room, located off the main entry, showcases a reclaimed wood table with an industrial base, brass-foot chairs, and upholstered end chairs, all illuminated by a modern light fixture. Other rooms, such as the powder room, continue the theme of simple design with character. The children's bedrooms were designed with personalized touches. The oldest daughter's room is colorful, while the youngest daughter's features pinks and frills. The middle child's room incorporates antelope wallpaper and a vintage brass deer head, reflecting his interest in hunting. Bathrooms feature muted color schemes, penny tile flooring, and unique fixtures. The second floor accommodates a guest bedroom, children's bedrooms, a playroom, and a study area, while the third floor includes a sleeping nook with bunk-style beds and another playroom with a slide connecting to the second floor. The exterior of the house largely maintains its original appearance, with subtle updates such as a cedar roof, copper gas lanterns, updated stonework, and custom corbels. The transformation successfully merges the home's historic essence with modern family living, ensuring its continued admiration. #HomeRenovation #RanchHome #InteriorDesign #ClassicModern #FamilyHome #ArchitecturalPreservation #SustainableDesign #SaraRayInteriors #NashvilleHomes

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 highlights the collaboration between interior designer Elizabeth Riggs of Elizabeth Ashley Interiors, builder Steve Rogai of Steven Anthony Luxury Homes, and architect Monroe Design Group to create a modern transitional lakefront home for Greg and Nicole “Nikki” Zolkos. The Zolkos, a couple with a blended family of five teenage daughters, sought a serene retreat from their busy lives. Their new 7,500-square-foot, five-bedroom, five-bathroom home, situated on a half-acre lakefront property on Lake Carroll, was designed to be warm and inviting for their large family and frequent guests. Riggs adopted a modern transitional style, building upon a timeless, traditional foundation. A key design element is the extensive use of custom millwork, including detailed trim and molding, which adds texture, depth, and an enduring sense of elegance throughout the home. The color palette primarily consists of earthy neutrals, complemented by strategic accents of black and moody blues. This scheme was chosen to harmonize with the natural beauty of the surrounding lake and backyard, which are visible from various parts of the house, including the living room, primary bedroom, pool lounge, and gym. To infuse the Zolkos’ personal style and modern preferences, Riggs incorporated contemporary elements through distinctive lighting fixtures, bespoke art pieces, and carefully selected decor. For instance, the dining room features a striking Arteriors chandelier, serving as a focal point. Given the presence of five children, practical considerations were also integrated, such as investing in high-quality performance fabric for the oversized sectional in the living room. Other special pieces for entertaining include a dining table that accommodates twelve and a coffee table with four pull-out stools for additional seating. Riggs emphasized visual cohesion and seamless transitions between rooms to create a harmonious environment. Her approach is informed by a background in psychology, which she utilizes to understand and align with her clients' design preferences. The article mentions the personal connection between Riggs and Nicole Zolkos, as Nicole was Riggs's first client, making the design of their 'forever home' a particularly meaningful project for the designer. The exterior features a modern minimalist backyard, designed by Hollywood Pools, with a pool overlooking Lake Carroll, providing an open and airy space for family time and entertaining. This comprehensive design strategy aimed to balance timeless elegance with modern functionality and personal touches, resulting in a unique and welcoming family residence.

Designer Mary Kathryn Wells, known for her maximalist approach to color and pattern, shares her philosophy on holiday decorating that emphasizes joy and personal touch over excessive, storage-heavy seasonal decor. Despite having 15 different wallpapers in her Nashville home, including a custom design featuring her children's doodles, Wells considers herself a minimalist in the sense that she avoids unnecessary items. For Christmas, she focuses on a simple recipe: funky stockings, retro lights, ribbon, handmade ornaments, and fresh greenery acquired after Thanksgiving. This approach aims to reduce holiday stress, making the decorating process enjoyable and personal. Wells's decorating strategy begins with her dining room, where her only criterion for holiday decor is that it brings her joy. She opts for a sunny yellow and blue squiggly tablecloth from Lisa Corti, demonstrating that festive doesn't necessarily mean traditional Christmas colors. She also uses her everyday floral china rather than specialized holiday dishware. Her holiday tablescape heavily features taper candles, with Wells recommending lighting around two dozen pink candles to create an instant magical ambiance that can be enjoyed year-round. To fill any remaining spaces, she uses inexpensive mini floral arrangements and clementines with stems and leaves, adding natural elements to the display. Instead of elaborate garlands, Wells prefers to use basic live wreaths, costing around $6 each, which she scatters throughout her home. She hangs them from windows, curtain rods, and even backsplashes using suction cup hooks. Simple ribbons are used to dress them up, making the process of decorating with wreaths effortless and effective. The Christmas tree serves as a canvas for memory and family involvement. Old-school C7 bulbs create a retro backdrop, and her children are encouraged to decorate it freely, resulting in a charmingly uneven distribution of ornaments. The tree proudly displays both traditional and homemade ornaments, including pipe-cleaner creations from her kids. The tree's topper is a treasured, handmade item: a paper towel roll craft made by her eldest child, combined with a tin foil star. In a departure from tradition, Wells hangs her family's stockings in the kitchen rather than the living room mantel. This decision was made to alleviate clutter in the living area and to spread holiday cheer throughout the home. Each stocking is unique, reflecting the individual personality of a family member, aligning with Wells's overarching design philosophy that a home should be a reflection of its inhabitants. Her approach to holiday decor ultimately prioritizes personalization, simplicity, and the creation of a joyful atmosphere over adhering to conventional decorating norms, emphasizing that the true spirit of the holidays lies in togetherness and personal expression, not in achieving perfection. #HolidayDecor #ChristmasDecor #NashvilleHome #InteriorDesign #MaximalistStyle #MinimalistApproach #DIYDecor #FamilyTraditions #HomeTour

The article explores the art of creating design vignettes, which are thoughtful arrangements of objects that add warmth, depth, and a personal touch to a space. Five Nashville interior designers share their expertise, tips, and examples of their favorite vignettes to inspire readers to create their own. Marcelle Guilbeau of Marcelle Guilbeau Interior Design emphasizes that a vignette completes and personalizes a room, giving it meaning and place. She demonstrated this concept in an Airbnb by combining music memorabilia, vintage books, greenery, and a record player to offer a unique 'Nashville experience.' Her advice includes incorporating purposeful objects that can be enjoyed by guests and balancing vertical and horizontal arrangements. Debbie Mathews focuses on achieving earthy elegance through color and textured elements, particularly in a Belle Meade living room with high ceilings. Her vignette, featuring colorful floral touches, sheet moss, tulip bulbs, antique candlesticks, coffee table books, and a bone inlay box on an iron coffee table, illustrates how layers of interest can be built around a common theme. She also highlights the importance of incorporating vintage or antique pieces for richness and depth. Jessica Davis of JL Design highlights casual creativity by pairing a vintage viewfinder with hardback books on a library shelf. She explains that mixing and balancing objects can create a less formal and more inviting display. Her key advice is to be mindful of spacing to prevent clutter and to ensure that selected personal treasures make an effective statement without overpowering the space. Jonathan Savage of SAVAGE Interior Design presents a nuanced, mystical, and elegant vignette in a moody music room. His design features a collection of rock crystal obelisks and upholstered boxes of varying heights, alongside a metal serpentine piece. These items, sourced from around the world, represent the client's love for adventure and travel. Jonathan's core tip for an impactful vignette is to create a 'skyline' by mixing and matching items of different heights. Stephanie Wallace of Stephanie Wallace and Associates underscores the importance of incorporating beautiful things that reflect one's unique style. Her dining room composition, which includes an Italian dog painting, a horse sculpture, antique books, and figurines, is placed on a century-old chest of drawers to define the entry foyer. Stephanie notes that books are essential for adding height, depth, and color to a vignette. She also cautions against overusing vignettes to maintain their visual impact. #HomeDesign #InteriorDesign #DesignVignettes #NashvilleDesigners #DecorTips #PersonalizedSpaces #VintageDecor #StylingIdeas

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 comprehensive renovation of a historic Cherokee Park home in Nashville, transformed from a state of severe disrepair into a functional and aesthetically pleasing family residence. The homeowners, Tufik and Kristen Assad, who practice medicine, initially purchased a smaller home in the neighborhood but sought more space as their family grew. They acquired a dilapidated 1920s bungalow across the street, which suffered from extensive roof and water damage, including a collapsed subfloor in one area. The renovation project was undertaken with the expertise of Van Pond Architect and Owen Builders. The original 1,000-square-foot home, featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom, was expanded to approximately 2,800 square feet, incorporating two additional bedrooms and three-and-a-half bathrooms. A key challenge was preserving the historical integrity of the existing structure while seamlessly integrating the large addition, particularly given the area's historic zoning overlay. Architect Van Pond focused on maintaining the classic bungalow style, ensuring the new sections complemented the original architecture without overwhelming it. The house, despite its age, boasted impressive 10-foot ceilings, which provided a strong foundation for the expansion. Kristen Assad played a significant role in the interior design, infusing the home with vibrant colors and unique aesthetic choices. Her design philosophy favored a mix of bold colors and asymmetric patterns, serving as a backdrop for the couple's extensive art collection, which includes pieces from local Nashville artists and items acquired during their travels. Notable features include an Ed Nash painting in the front sitting area and a piece by local artist Lisa Zager in the living room. Specific areas of the home highlight the thoughtful design and functionality. The front sitting area retained its original windows and firebox, with new elements designed to match the historic style. A new staircase was strategically integrated into the existing footprint to access the expanded second floor, which was previously an attic. The dining room is a lively space, featuring animal-print chairs, a Jonathan Adler fixture, and a Diptyque by graffiti artist Troy Duff. A former galley kitchen was converted into a butler's pantry, showcasing the couple's collection of glassware, antique ice buckets, and heirloom crystal. This pantry, with its navy paint and gold accents, serves as both a beautiful display area and a practical space for daily use and entertaining. Kristen's office, dubbed “Emerald City,” features emerald cabinets and malachite wallpaper, reflecting her love for green. The great room, painted in Sherwin-Williams' Oak Moss, offers a cozy, monochromatic atmosphere with a wall of windows overlooking a screened-in porch and backyard. The kitchen is designed for functionality and storage, featuring a six-burner stove, Calacatta Vagli marble countertops, and ample wall space for art. Children's bedrooms incorporate playful elements like a Schumacher “forest” wallpaper in the son’s room and tranquil floral wallpaper in the daughter’s room. The master bedroom is designed for calm, with a mural from Anthropologie and lamps from Jonathan Adler and GasLamp Antiques. The master bath provides a spa-like retreat with a freestanding French tub, a double-doored shower, and gold fixtures. Separate his-and-hers closets reflect individual styles, with Tufik's closet featuring cityscape wallpaper from Cole and Son, inspired by his Palestinian heritage. The outdoor spaces were also significantly improved, particularly the backyard, which offered more accessibility compared to their previous home. The screened-in porch is highlighted as a key feature, beautiful from both the interior and exterior. The project successfully transformed a severely damaged historic property into a modern, functional, and personalized family home while respecting its architectural heritage. #HomeRenovation #HistoricHome #CherokeePark #NashvilleHomes #BeforeAndAfter #ArchitecturalDesign #InteriorDesign #FamilyHome #CustomDesign

Designer Heather Peterson utilized her South Minneapolis family home as a creative laboratory to explore design concepts not yet ready for client projects. What began as a plan for a quick refresh during the pandemic evolved into a comprehensive overhaul involving her entire firm, fostering ideation and innovation among the team. Peterson aimed to showcase a more eclectic, spirited, and modern aesthetic compared to her typical client work, transforming her home into both a personal living space and a design portfolio piece. The main challenge involved designing for her own idiosyncratic tastes and integrating existing high-quality fixtures that she chose not to remove. The home, originally built in 2007, featured a 'modern Scandi' and 'contemporary A-frame' style, providing a strong foundation that Peterson and her team enhanced with rich colors, graphic shapes, and numerous vintage finds to infuse personality. The project also emphasized collaboration with local Minneapolis vendors, highlighting a 'love affair' with the city's talented and unique suppliers. The home spans 2,100 square feet, featuring 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The living room's layout presented a challenge due to multiple entry points and architectural quirks, including an off-center window and an odd structural element. Peterson addressed this by employing symmetry, leveraging vintage furniture, including a redwood burl coffee table inherited from her parents, to balance the space and add character. Adjacent to the living room is the versatile "Room of Requirement," named after the Harry Potter concept, which has served various functions such as a home office, Lego room, music room, and library. This space is currently a cozy flex area used for work, art, and family game nights. Peterson reinforced its cocoon-like ambiance with a custom brown paint, contrasting white elements, and ample storage to accommodate books, trinkets, and art. The dining room, central to the house with sightlines to several other areas, was designed to anchor the home’s aesthetic through a mix of colors, textures, and silhouettes. To add volume and prevent it from feeling like a mere pass-through, Peterson incorporated a large pendant light, an armoire, and artwork, complemented by cork wallcovering and an embroidered rug. In the kitchen, Peterson opted for a cosmetic facelift rather than an extensive renovation, satisfied with its existing layout and functionality. She transformed the space into a focal point of the first floor by applying a bold, 1970s-inspired green paint to the cabinetry and adding oversized ceramic knobs for a whimsical touch. A countertop lamp contributed to the ambiance, emphasizing Peterson's preference for varied lighting. The powder room was revitalized within its original structure, featuring a fresh coat of Farrow and Ball's Preference Red paint on the washstand-style sink and Sandberg's Raphael wallpaper, a long-loved choice that adds a magical feel to the small space. Theo’s room, for her eldest child, combines bold prints with a sophisticated navy and oxblood palette, using faux-wainscoting and a tall bed system to optimize the room's proportions. The primary bedroom, visible from multiple public areas, was designed for coziness and visual appeal, with paper-backed William Morris fabric on the walls, blending historical and modern elements. The room incorporates three florals and two patchworks, maintaining a dynamic yet cohesive look with a tight color palette. Eleri's room, for her daughter, despite its small size and upholstered goods, achieves visual interest and a calm atmosphere through subtle prints and a palette of dusty blues, greens, and mustard. The primary bathroom retains many original finishes, with strategic updates like Fireclay's rosemary tile, which, with its varied glaze, integrates seamlessly with the marble floor. Wicker accents add warmth, while red faucets introduce a lively element, with textiles completing the cohesive design. Heather Peterson Design is based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, and focuses on translating client tastes into personal, functional, and stylish homes, embracing diverse design styles and blending client preferences into cohesive designs. This home tour serves as a testament to Peterson’s design philosophy and her firm’s creative capabilities. #InteriorDesign #HomeRenovation #EclecticStyle #MinneapolisDesign #HeatherPetersonDesign #VintageDecor #ColorPalette #RoomDecorating #HomeTour