It’s Football Time in Tennessee

One of the benefits of living in the south is that the outdoor season goes beyond the summer months. While the heat and humidity does seem to overstay its welcome some years, everything from backyard BBQs to pool days and porch sipping can stick around well into the fall. This means that creating an outdoor oasis fit for any season is a staple around here, and we love helping our clients create transitional spaces that not only blend seamlessly from the inside out, but also perfectly shift from season to season. 

Check out this recent renovation we space planned & designed – with an extra exciting announcement at the end!  

Sports Bar

We’re not biased, but this is one of the coolest projects we’ve worked on to date. We helped completely transition the existing garage, which was used exclusively for storage beforehand, to a stunning lounge and bar space that carries through to the outdoors. Inside, we converted the concrete space to a lounge area complete with a wood-paneled wall from Good Wood Nashville covered in sports memorabilia near and dear to our clients’ hearts, a dedicated bar space with seating for five, and a separate lounge area with a TV, fireplace, shelving, and a sectional for added seating. 

BEFORE:

AFTER:

But what did we do with the garage doors, you ask? We gave them a facelift all their own. We swapped the metal lift doors for stunning accordion-style windows that open into the backyard from LaCantina Doors, allowing the beautiful rolling hills to be seen from the inside in chillier weather or opened into the back deck on nice days. We added a mesh screen to keep the bugs at bay. 

Pool Deck

The outdoor pool deck is a stunning oasis thanks to both the existing landscape and the design, serving as an extension to take the party from the inside out. The doors open to reveal a covered patio that cascades into a concrete pool deck, complete with loungers, a separate gathering area, and a covered space for grilling.

The sloped backyard offers stunning views of the surrounding area, which is perfectly rural and embodies the beauty of Tennessee in a stunning way. 

Fall-Friendly Outdoor Spaces

Creating a space fit for fall can be achieved in ways both big and small. Especially in the south, days can heat up when the sun is shining and cool off significantly once it sets, so consider adding an outdoor fireplace or a firepit surrounded by adirondack chairs for cozy evenings with a s’more in-hand. 

Of course, you can’t forget about football season! Adding an outdoor TV area with seating for a crowd, plus space for a grill, is the perfect way to host a tailgate right at home. 

Although… if you want an indoor/outdoor entertainment space as perfect as this one, we have some good news! This home is currently on the market, available to view HERE. If you want to help spruce up your current home, our door is open! 

Behind the Scenes: The Farmhouse in the Woods

The farmhouse trend has continued to grow in popularity in the south and beyond when it comes to home design, but we helped our Nashville-based clients go beyond decor to bring their stunning ranch-style home dreams to life in a recent renovation. From an expansive living and dining area to a jaw-dropping outdoor entertainment space, this farmhouse in the woods has it all to be a haven for entertainment and memories yet to be made. 

Let’s go behind the scenes of this project, from planning through the big reveal. 

The Design

We were involved with this build during the floor planning sessions all the way to completion in order to assist with all of the obstacles the construction process brings. 

The Details

There are a plethora of details throughout the Farmhouse in the Woods project, from curated art to custom wood pieces and more. In partnership with Kelly Maxwell of Little Branch Farm, we incorporated reclaimed wood throughout the home: as floating shelves utilizing wood from our client’s family farm, as fireplace mantles both inside and out and as custom statement furniture pieces. 

The outdoor entertainment space is a focal point in and of itself, made even more stunning through the addition of custom pieces from Karla Deal and Copper Is My Canvas. We added four pieces atop the mantle above the fireplace with a matching coffee table. Copper is an excellent material for outdoor projects as it’s conducive to changing weather. We added additional pieces of curated art throughout the home from artists Catron Wallace, Heidi Schwartz and Revi Ferrar. 

The Results

Through thoughtful touches and enhancements to our client’s build, we were able to help create a space that checks all of the family’s boxes. Entertainment was always a primary goal, which we achieved in multiple areas of the home from a prep sink in the kitchen to a cozy outdoor haven. 

The overall design expertly merges modern stylings with rustic touches, with sleek colorways and modern fixtures balanced by plenty of wood detailing. 

Do you need help executing your big ideas? We’re here for you!

How To: Add Entertainment Spaces Throughout Your Home

So you want to be the host with the most, but you don’t know where to begin? We’ve certainly been there with our clients, and we’re here to help. There are plenty of ways to add up the ante on entertainment in your home, from open-concept spaces to seating for a crowd and built-in amenities to make hosting a breeze. 

In a recent Nashville new construction project, we helped create multiple spaces perfectly suited for entertaining. While this home may be the ultimate gathering spot, incorporating just one of these ideas will have you well on your way to a perfect party in no time. 

Wine Pantry

When creating a pantry poised to hold everything our client’s would need to support not only their family, but also guests, we knew we needed a space for their impressive wine collection. During the building process, our clients added a hidden wine wall inside their pantry to both store and showcase their bottles, while also keeping it separate from the rest of the home. 

Whether you’re a wine, coffee, beer, or cocktail connoisseur, it’s important to be mindful of how storing bulky bottles may impact design. In this case, we were able to create a space that’s both functional and beautiful – and now they’re ready to pop the bubbly as soon as guests arrive!  

Outdoor Gathering

This particular build was tucked in a stunning wooded area, which was a natural focal point for outdoor entertainment. The back porch is elevated to offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and there’s plenty of seating to accommodate larger gatherings. Plus, we added a small breakfast table facing so our clients and their guests can start every day with a spectacular view. With a fireplace at its center, the space can be used in any season. 

When creating outdoor entertainment space, seating is key. Consider adding a sectional and leaving room to add additional seating when needed. 

Prep Sink

We all know the woes of party prep and, even worse, party clean-up. When designing the kitchen layout, we incorporated a dedicated prep area with a separate sink to make the pre-party work a breeze. With a separate prep area, our clients can leave the primary kitchen space in mint condition while preparing for guests, or choose to use the prep area as a bar space to serve coffee or cocktails as guests arrive.

Dining Room

From dinner parties to grazing tables, the dining room is a key part of any entertainment set up. In this build, we added a six-person dining table directly off the kitchen that also offers stunning views of the surrounding woods. With beautiful details like a linear rod iron light fixture and locally-curated art, the dining area is ready to be adapted for a wide variety of gatherings.

Are you interested in incorporating dedicated entertainment spaces into your home? Give us a call today.

Client Spotlight: Laura Chapman

One thing our team loves more than transforming homes is getting to know the owners behind them. Trusting a designer to bring your personality and vision to life is no small decision, and we take pride in getting to know our clients on a personal level to be sure they shine through every detail. We’re thrilled to introduce a client who’s project was as special as she is. 

Meet Laura Chapman. Laura has been on staff at Rolling Hills Community Church for 17 years, currently serving as the Care and Connections Pastor. With a passion for community service and volunteerism, Laura is also part of Justice and Mercy International, a nonprofit organization devoted to human trafficking prevention, crisis and family care, pastoral training and equipping, caring for vulnerable children and teens and mobilizing churches in the Amazon and Moldova, which is the poorest country in Eastern Europe with a shockingly high rate of sex trafficking. 

We were humbled to be trusted with Laura’s home transformation, one where her passions and personality shined through every detail. The project was a whirlwind, with phase one beginning in early 2021 when supply chain challenges were still at the forefront – so much so that we waited 11 months to receive her kitchen stools! The challenges of the pandemic bonded us through adversity, and we ultimately kicked off phase two of the renovation in May 2022. 

We were able to make upgrades and changes without a major overhaul, but rather through thoughtfully rearranging Laura’s existing furniture and incorporating a handful of upgrades. In her guestrooms, we refreshed each space with new bedding and drapery that blended beautifully with her existing heirloom pieces. Throughout her home, we added decorative details like displaying her China collection on the walls and framing a weathered family recipe to display. Laura was thrilled to see antique pieces passed down from her family incorporated into each room in a fresh new way. 

In addition to rearranging and redecorating Laura’s home, we also transformed the kitchen and dining room into timeless spaces bathed in light blue, one that merged seamlessly into her beautifully southern living room marked by a light blue fireplace. It’s the perfect space for entertaining friends and family. 

Before

We partnered with our painter, Arturo Calderon, owner of Peacock Painting, who touched nearly every surface of Laura’s home, and once completed, he commented that her personality shines in every room now. We couldn’t agree more! 

If you feel called to learn more about Justice and Mercy International or to learn how you can provide support, visit justiceandmercy.org. To keep up with Laura and her mission, follow along at instagram.com/thelaurachap.  

Don’t Wait to Renovate (or Redecorate!)

We may be celebrating summer’s finale and the excitement of back-to-school, but as fall looms, so does the holiday season. Porches will soon be covered in pumpkins and mums, dining tables will soon be set for a gratitude-filled feast, and evergreen trees will soon be trimmed in red and green. 

If you’re hosting for the holidays this year and you’re hoping to refresh your space before the guests arrive, it’s time to start the process! But, did you know? When you work with a designer, it doesn’t always mean a major renovation. We specialize in refreshing spaces based on our clients’ individual wants and needs, whether that’s knocking down walls or simply reworking furniture in a thoughtful way. 

From refreshing guest rooms to rearranging decor, here are a few ways you can refresh your space now before the holiday hustle and bustle begins. 

Guest Bedroom Refresh

Treat your visiting guests to luxurious accommodations with a refresh of your guest bedroom. We recently helped a client revamp three rooms with simple-yet-elevated touches like new curtains, bedding and decor that created a cohesive look and feel. Adding elegant curtains and blinds are simple enhancements to elevate a room, made even more luxurious with oversized throw pillows and plush bedding in a complementary style. These permanent touches go a long way with impressing your guests – just add a vase of fresh flowers before their arrival and you’re holiday ready!  

Rearranging is Redecorating

While it can be exciting to hit the store or go antiquing to find new accessories to decorate with, sometimes all it takes is some thoughtful rearranging. In this home, we utilized our client’s existing pieces like family heirlooms, curated art, and even fine china to revamp the space. We paid extra attention to detail, adding a gallery wall of beautiful dishes above a seating area, and even framing timeworn family recipes for a meaningful piece of wall art. 

Create an Entertainment Space 

If you’re hoping to go all out on in-home entertainment, we love helping our clients reimagine their existing spaces to become havens for hosting. We’ve built a bar on the back of a fireplace, a stunning scullery devoted to coffee and storage, and even a bespoke entertainment space inside a client’s original dining room. 

We’re here to help you get guest-ready in time for the holidays. But don’t wait! Book your consultation today.