A Work of Art

Design by Murphy Maude Interiors | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Annabella Charles

“It was important to us to show that design can be accessible; it's not just for the very rich or very few.” These words were Leslie Murphy’s guiding principle as she furnished the Art Haus in the recent Vesta Home Show. 

The house represented a departure from those in previous shows; the John Duke Homes entry came in at just over 3,600 square feet. The size of all five houses built for this year’s installment of the annual Vesta Home Show was more modest than in the past, when floor plans often doubled that number.

Murphy, the owner and creative director of Murphy Maude Interiors, says the name Art Haus came about at the start of the design process as she made a commitment to include a creative work in each room. She says, “There’s something either from a collaborative artist who we work with or a piece from our new textiles line that is based on original and local art; there’s a little bit of art or something through the lens of art in every room.”

Built around collaborating with partners in the Memphis art community, Mable Originals is named for her grandmother, Murphy says. “Mable taught me that everything should have a heart and a soul. Don't just throw a picture on the wall, allow it to have some meaning and give the layers to the space that give it a personality and show some history.”

Simple, unadorned lines and a black-and-white palette with natural wood accents set the mood on the home’s exterior, creating a clean and bright backdrop for artistic design. The gallery-like feel surrounds visitors from the first step inside the iron-and-glass front door, where a marble tile floor inlay dresses up the scene. Murphy says the contemporary take on a classic design element adds a bit of elegance. “The house has a more casual, open plan, but we wanted to give this entryway something special and a unique little pop.” 

Drama comes from the ceiling, lined with a custom wallpaper in atmospheric white, gray and black shades. The mural began as a watercolor created by one of Murphy Maude’s in-house artists. The firm’s art department enlarged the painting and turned it into a repeat, giving birth to a product that can now be recreated for other clients in custom colors. The pattern, along with other wall coverings, murals and giclee prints of some of the original paintings found in Art Haus are available through Mable Originals, the newly launched sister company to Murphy Maude.

The entryway blends into the dining room, where more interest comes from an arched alcove on the far wall. The niche is painted in Iron Ore by Sherwin Williams, one of a group of saturated colors that reappears throughout the decor. “We worked to pull the deep, dark blues and grays across the whole home,” says Murphy, pointing out that the blues in this palette are not the same ones that have been used time and again in recent design. “We’ve seen blue cabinets for a while, but not this dark, almost gray navy tone. It feels a little bit more warm— deeper and richer. It was important for us to show how it pairs really well with natural hues, organic elements like the raw woods, and the grays.”

The dining room opens into the home’s main living area. While the space isn’t huge in size, it has an airy feel thanks to a vaulted ceiling and a mostly white palette. A contemporary limestone fireplace leaves plenty of room above for a striking piece of original art by Lisa Mack. On either side, recessed natural wood shelves pop against an almost black background, punctuated by modern three-light sconces.

Project manager Caroline Harris, with help from members of the MMI design team, outfitted the room with pieces from the Owl’s Nest, Murphy Maude’s new express furniture program. Both budget friendly and quickly accessible, the line also remains true to the firm’s design aesthetic. A pair of white sofas face one another, supported by wooden legs with a hint of mid-century panache. The low-slung marble coffee table between them plays off the whites of the sofa upholstery as well as the dark grays of the rug beneath it. Side-by-side white boucle S chairs add to the artistic flair.

Rich, dark color reappears in a big way in the kitchen, where the cabinets are bathed in a tone that appears sometimes blue/sometimes gray. Offset by white Cambria quartz countertops and a waterfall island, as well as an abundance of natural light from the double window over the sink, the dark cabinets bring just the right degree of bold color to the space. Brushed brass blends beautifully in the hardware as well as the over-island vent hood. “Since we were going to have a hood in the middle of the room we thought why not make it such a beautiful focal point that it deserves to be there? That's how this concept was born,” Murphy recalls.

Black, white and natural wood marry perfectly in the adjoining breakfast area. A chic oval dining table is surrounded by an L-shaped white leather banquette. A pair of mod black-on-black chairs completes the seating. The nook’s one solid wall is the perfect home for an oversized equine photograph by Georgia artist Brandon Luther.

Murphy extended the concept of design into the laundry room, where large black hex tiles accentuated with white grout set a stylish mood. Plain white cabinet door faces are zhuzhed up with handsome wallpaper. Even the most utilitarian space in the house has art. A group of Wall Play mini sculptures brings to mind a beehive on the laundry room wall—perhaps a reminder to be busy bees while doing housework?

The home office may be small in scale, but it is huge on design. The star of the show is the Mable Originals wall mural. Says Murphy, “It shows that regardless of the size of a wall you can use a framed mural. It’s a great way to add interesting drama. If you don’t have the budget to do a full gallery wall of art, put up a mural and frame it. Approachable and attainable.”

A global vibe permeates the downstairs guest room. “We like to incorporate texture and a feeling that maybe you’re not in Memphis, you’re somewhere on vacation,” Murphy explains. Stylized birds take wing on the accent wall, proving that a small amount of wallpaper can make a big impact. Art appears not only in the form of a painting opposite the striking black platform bed, but also through the craftsmanship of the set of shell and rope necklaces grouped above the headboard. Ceiling mounted pendant lights illuminate the bedside, as do lamps that bring to mind the look of tribal drums set on side tables.  

The attached guest bath is a study in the use of classic, reasonably priced elements to achieve a custom, high-design effect. On the floating vanity Murphy added metal fretwork on the standard shaker-style door fronts to create a modern focal point. Combined with penny tile, one of the designer’s favorite products to maximize bang for the buck, and tumbled stone in a herringbone pattern, the space makes a statement without breaking the bank. 

The primary suite is part museum piece/part relaxing retreat. Here, Murphy once again turned to a supersaturated paint color, Benjamin Moore’s Raccoon Fur. It sets off the custom piece of art by Memphian Kyle Taylor that serves as the headboard. “It really is about making art into everyday things that you can live with—not just something that you look at but something you experience. This was a great example of that,” says Murphy. Simple furnishings allow the piece to take center stage, rivaled only by the overhead light fixture. A grouping of three sets of brass rods at random lengths accentuated by lighted crystals is a work of art in its own right. Set against the backdrop of the dark gray ceiling, the lights produce a stunning effect.

More oohs and aahs are in order in the primary bath, where natural elements appear in a luxurious environment. Black stone and unstained maple pair with gold accents and, of course, original art. “It’s a great way to bring the outdoors in and make nature a part of your everyday experience so that you feel calm and soothed,” Murphy says.  

The entire house has the feel of a work of art, but its real beauty lies in the fact that its design and furnishings are not out-of-reach show house concepts to which most homeowners can only aspire. “This whole project was about design being approachable and attainable, yet in a really elegant way,” Murphy says. “You don’t have to have a mansion and an unlimited design budget to have a look that’s cohesive and beautiful.” 

A Home Transformed

Design by Selena McAdams of Spruce | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Stefanie Rawlinson

The term “home renovation” can be relative. It can cover a spectrum of projects, from freshening paint to adding new furniture to reworking the floor plan. The job designer Selena McAdams took on recently, however, reached much farther. Her clients tasked McAdams with transforming a 1980s-era Germantown house to give it the cool minimalist ambience they love.

It wasn’t just that the couple liked the idea of mid-century design. They wanted to replicate the feel of the home they’d moved from—a mid-century-style house in Eads with a wall of windows and a streamlined design that suited their aesthetic to a tee.

They loved everything about it, except the rural location. With two elementary-age children, the family sought to simplify their lifestyle by moving a little farther “in,” closer to activities and extended family. They landed in a quiet cove in Germantown where the kids now walk or ride bikes to school, accompanied by a group of neighborhood friends.

Shortly before moving in, the homeowners decided to update the small primary bathroom. It wasn’t long before the plan had grown to include a kitchen renovation. Once the scope of the project had grown that large it made sense to go ahead and rework the entire downstairs of the 1.5-story house at once. That plan gave McAdams, who had also collaborated with the couple on their previous home, the ideal opportunity to create a design that flows effortlessly throughout the entire space. 

She came on board early in the process, along with architect David Anderson, who transformed the downstairs floor plan, opening up walls here and adding walls there to better suit the family’s lifestyle. 

One of the homeowners’ favorite features of the house’s layout was that the front door didn’t open directly to a stairway, as is the style of many suburban houses from the same era. Anderson took the idea a step further, adding a textured wall to the entryway that blocks the line of sight into the rest of the home and provides an element of privacy. McAdams styled the space with a striking contemporary portrait by local artist Leslie Barron hanging over a sleek and simple black lucite console. An ottoman upholstered in green geometric velvet adds texture and verve.

Just alongside, the home’s original living room is now a convenient homework/reading spot for the children. Well lit thanks to a full-length window as well as the striking Suzanne Kasler light fixture, the space holds the essentials: a round pedestal table and a pair of curved leather armchairs with a mod silhouette. 

McAdams continued the curved lines in her choices for the adjacent dining room, where she paired an oval table with a set of Danish modern Panton-style chairs in vibrant orange. She credits her long-standing relationship with the clients for helping them agree to her bold seating idea. “I had to ask them, ‘Will you trust me on this?’ And they did.” Completing the dining room design is a striking deer painting by Oxford, MS, artist Bradley Gordon.

The juxtaposition of styles is a design concept McAdams says she loves to incorporate in her work. “That’s where I like to have the most fun: playing with traditional versus contemporary and masculine versus feminine elements in a space. That intentional play can really pull a room together and make it a space that everyone loves”.

The kitchen’s sleek nature proves that modern elegance doesn’t preclude practicality. Anderson provided a roomy, open footprint as the blank slate for McAdams to work. High-gloss white IKEA base cabinets line one wall, topped with simple white quartz countertops. The designer encouraged the client to forgo upper cabinets and the result is stunning. Brass sconces illuminate the wall, highlighting framed art. A nearby wall of floor-to-ceiling cabinets provides plenty of storage. The large island is a show stopper with its waterfall-edge in leathered fantasy brown marble. To keep the look streamlined, the homeowner opted for a smooth induction cooktop and a pair of single ovens nestled in the island.

The kitchen opens to the family room, another area where Anderson worked renovation magic to transform the look and feel. Says the homeowner, “When you’re looking at what you see now, if there was a wall, there’s not a wall. If there’s not a wall, there used to be one.” While Anderson’s plan opened substantially the flow into the room, it also added a wall over the formerly exposed staircase. The alteration served two purposes, according to McAdams: to hide the stairs, creating a cleaner design, and to establish a media wall. The family brought the root-and-glass coffee table and the pair of woven chairs from their previous home, while the rest of the furnishings were sourced from spruce, McAdams’s East Memphis shop.

A sliding door can close to allow the solarium behind the living room to become a cozy and private haven. The comfy sectional decked out in plaid wool and the padded leather ottoman give the space a manly aesthetic, punched up by the mid-century influenced wooden floor lamp and chair. The designer added her signature contrast in an understated antelope print rug and an olive upholstered chair that gives a stylistic nod to the iconic mid-century Eames lounger.

The owners’ suite, a guest bedroom and a hall bath complete the downstairs, and McAdams says she was thrilled to design all those areas in addition to the public spaces of the home. “They did everything at once which was so fantastic from a design standpoint. We were able to layer all the rooms’ design concepts in relation to each other and make the design connect in one moment versus over years. Ultimately, the finish line was extremely rewarding.”

In the interest of design continuity and simplicity, both bathrooms are fairly similar, with custom walnut vanities, classic white tile and unlacquered brass hardware. The primary bedroom exudes the glamor of old Hollywood. “It all started with the bed,” says McAdams, and while its style is pure sophistication, the process of acquiring it was anything but smooth. The company that manufactured the upholstered frame was bought out. “I think this was the last order they took,” she recalls with a laugh. When the bed arrived, there were the headboard and footboard, but the matching side rails were missing. “We had to go back to a company that had been bought out and ask them to find the rails in their warehouse. They had been produced, they just hadn’t shipped them.” The stray pieces finally came, and the finished product now forms the base for the room’s luxe vibe. Classic symmetry makes an appearance in the matching bedside chests, crystal lamps and round mirrors. A low sofa in dusty pink completes the design and gives the couple a soft and stylish spot to watch TV, read or relax.

“We just wanted to have fun with the guest room,” says McAdams. She and her client were able to finalize the choices for the room in a single, quick meeting, thanks to their great working relationship. “Besides the wall covering in the dining room we hadn’t done wallpaper anywhere. This Kelly Wearstler pattern was a perfect starting point. And I knew we had to do this large lumbar pillow as an accent. I love how it feels organic, a little edgy and still retains a mid century feel.”

Now that the transformation is complete, McAdams says the relationship she and these clients have developed over time made all the difference. “Having worked with them before, they’ve trusted the whole process. I’m very lucky to have clients who trust me with a vision and allow me the flexibility of taking them down that design path.” 

A Southern Classic

Design by M. Steffens Interiors | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Stefanie Rawlinson Photography

“Lale always wanted to live in this neighborhood, so we bought the house on the corner at the end of the street by the railroad tracks.” So begins the story Oscar Adams tells about the East Memphis home he and his wife, Dr. Lale Adams, purchased in 2005.

Oscar also had a goal in mind—to instill in their children an appreciation for their surroundings and for tradition, beauty and Southern culture. He recalls of his childhood in Mississippi, “In some parts of the Delta, it didn’t matter whether people were wealthy or not, their home would be so pretty. Done in such good taste. I wanted my children to grow up in a house that they could learn to appreciate and one day pass that love down. I think most people have an appreciation for what we like in homes that begins further into our youth than we realize, and I didn’t want that fact to be overlooked.”

Despite having been told they would be crazy to renovate the house and hearing suggestions that they should just move instead, the Adamses loved the location and the acre lot. So they stayed, remodeled and added on. The finished product is an homage to classic Southern architecture and design.

A family member in Greenville, MS, owned a home designed by A. Hays Town, the famed 20th century Louisiana architect. Oscar says he was always drawn to the classic elements embodied in Town’s work, like Bevolo lamps, heart pine flooring and reclaimed brick. He and Lale shared their vision with Memphis architect Wilson Hunt, who understood immediately. Hunt’s family history included a home in the historic Gamwyn Park neighborhood, an early 20th century planned community in Greenville, MS, known for charming homes, so he was on board when Oscar requested features like board and batten walls and natural brick. 

Designer Missy Steffens collaborated from the start, working in tandem with Hunt. Builder Rick Collins came on board to handle the construction and round out the “dream team” Oscar says he trusted implicitly. “When you’re building a house, there’s a decision around every corner. Hire the right people and then let them do their job.”

Hunt’s plan included changing the front of the home from south- to east-facing, removing the garage, and adding a large, two-story section. The architect reimagined the exterior of the remaining original structure, revamping the former front porch with brick and wooden beams. The reclaimed brick chimney rising above it gives the outside of the original part of the house the feel of an old Southern smokehouse, a look intentionally worked into the plan, says Oscar.

Selecting paint colors for a home’s exterior can be a daunting task—one which, in this case, led the homeowners and the designer down an unexpected path, but one with a perfect ending. Oscar recalls that as the brick in the new section of the home was being prepped, the painters had applied a primer. “We painted swaths of all these different shades of white and out of all of them, we liked the primer the best, so we just went with that.” As it turns out, primer white made the ideal base to show off the home’s creamy trim, green shutters and garage doors, and the antique front door sourced from Front Street Antiques in Downtown Memphis.

As construction progressed, Steffens turned her efforts toward design-related decisions, guided by the clients’ preferences. “Lale likes brighter colors, but she also wanted a clean backdrop,” she explains. The juxtaposition of white and bright begins in the home’s front entry, where Quadrille climbing hydrangea wallpaper in salmon shades dresses up the white-trimmed walls. The pattern is a time-honored Southern favorite—a similar style appears in the home of Scarlett and Rhett in Gone with the Wind. Antique brick floors provide the quintessential Delta home feel the couple sought. 

Steffens carried the bright white of the entry millwork on the walls through most of the house, interspersing color sparingly, but effectively. In the kitchen, it comes in the mellow blue-gray shade on the cabinetry. “It made for a great mix of soft and clear colors,” she explains. 

Those custom cabinets extend to the ceiling for maximum storage. A handsome brass and wood rolling ladder system from Putnam Ladders facilitates access to the upper cabinets and adds extra sophistication to the space. Steffens chose unlacquered brass in the cabinet hardware, and says she is pleased with the way its finish has aged to a soft patina over time. She is particularly fond of the Perrin and Rowe faucet on the kitchen sink. “I love seeing it there. Especially when it’s on an island, I like to think of the faucet like a piece of jewelry,” she says. Beadboard walls, inset cabinet doors and drawers, white quartz countertops and simple, shaded pendant lights selected by Steffens complete the kitchen’s elegant ambiance.

One of the benefits of building a custom home is the ability to make changes during the construction process, notes Oscar as he points to the kitchen door. Although the blueprints called for a window in the spot, an on-the-fly decision substituted a door. The homeowner couldn’t be happier with the alteration; he says it’s now the most-used door in the house.

The remodel afforded a generous amount of space for a bar and it has become a favorite gathering spot when the Adamses host friends and family. Glass-front cabinets show off a sizable collection of barware. Steffens chose a saturated green for the walls, trim and cabinets. The stained wood countertop was another adjustment made during construction. Says Oscar, “We were going to put quartz countertops in here, but we ran out of time and so they took the same wood as the flooring and put it there. It has held up great.” The room’s decidedly masculine vibe makes the perfect backdrop for the many family photos and documents that grace the walls.

The gentlemanly feel carries into Oscar’s home office, a space he and Steffens designed collaboratively and one that he says is the perfect spot for working from home. The room is filled with built-ins, including a desk area, well lit thanks to a large window above it. An oval window on an adjacent wall brings more light into the green/gray painted room, along with an element of architectural interest. A simple wooden desk doubles the amount of workspace in the room, while plenty of cabinets and shelves accommodate the homeowner’s collection of books and mementos.

The oval window motif is reprised in the laundry room. Although it’s one of the smaller rooms in the house, the laundry is jam packed with appeal, starting with its door. The charming half door allows the window all the visibility it deserves. Steffens repeated the same cabinetry and counters as in the kitchen here, highlighted by a porcelain farm sink that blends form and function. White shiplap walls and the reclaimed brick floor in a herringbone pattern complete the classic Southern setting.

The home’s primary bedroom and bath remain in the original portion of the structure. While the bedroom and closet had been modernized in a previous renovation, Steffens set out to bring the bathroom up to date and make the most of every square inch of the area’s somewhat narrow footprint. Using her expertise and a few tricks of the trade like slightly decreasing the depth of the double vanity, she created a space that is tidy, practical and beautiful.

While the majority of the renovation is finished, Steffens is still collaborating with the Adamses on small details and additions to help complete the home’s metamorphosis.

What started as a post-war, three-bedroom, single-bath, starter house with a small living room and kitchen has transformed into a shining example of Deep South style, one that has given the family that lives there a place to cherish and to pass down the love for its beauty for generations to come.

Built for Comfort

Design by GCD Interiors | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Selavie Photography

There’s nothing better than a long-standing relationship with clients, says local designer Glennys Cowles Bryant. The Pickwick Lake house she recently completed for Memphians Kay and Gary Stavrum, her fourth project with the couple, proves her point. “It is a great experience to work multiple times with one family. You learn what they like and you really get to fine tune each one as you move forward,” she says.

Having previously done a beach house for the couple that more reflected Kay’s taste, the design team at Bryant’s GCD Interiors set out to give the lake place a feel that spoke to Gary’s love of the outdoors. Family, comfort and relaxation were the other guiding principles behind the design. Bryant recalls, “Our inspiration was nature and the home’s surroundings. We wanted the house to blend in with the lake and feel a part of the landscape. This place is their retreat from the business of life, work and the city; a place to go hang out with friends and family. The interior is comfortable but elevated, homey and very outdoorsy.”

Bryant modified the structure’s floor plan to maximize its prime location on a pristine, secluded Pickwick cove. “I wanted to open the house up to give it unobstructed lake views from every vantage point,” she explains. The layout also accommodates the family’s needs, both present and future. The Stavrums have children in their 20s, so they wanted a lake home that would grow with them as their girls marry and the number of family members increases. An upstairs/downstairs setup with two living spaces, plenty of bedrooms and a massive deck ensures there will be room for all ages.

“When you think about a lake house, the family has to be away from it for so long that when they come in they just want it to be a respite. Easy.”

—Designer Glennys Cowles Bryant

Another of the designer’s alterations to the original house plan had to do with the exterior color. Bryant wanted to stain the siding black, a bold move that might not have happened had she not had a rock-solid relationship with her clients. “It was kind of a big ask, but they trust us and that’s amazing,” she recalls. “We’ve earned that trust through all the past projects and they’re so glad they did it.” 

Although the home is freshly built and the furnishings are new, it feels as though it’s been around forever. Bryant achieved this goal by utilizing surface treatments that provide instant character and by incorporating custom millwork and furniture. The entryway brings to mind a long-established hunting lodge, with a substantial front door, a classic lantern light fixture and an antique-style bench. Fieldstone walls with a heavy slurry treatment feel time-weathered and welcoming.

The stone wall continues through the home, appearing in the primary and upstairs guest bedrooms, providing what Bryant calls “instant age”. Shiplap walls, some painted and some pine washed with a subtle gray stain, continue the effect.

In the living room, soaring ceilings accented with stout wooden beams rise above, while a stacked stone fireplace anchors the space. Light floods in through a wall of lake-facing windows creating beautiful contrast to the darker tones of the wood floors, leather sofa and custom-made accent tables. The room opens into the kitchen, where Bryant repeated on the cabinets the soft blue color from the front door. For the countertops and backsplash she chose marble with a flowing pattern to mimic water ripples in the lake. White leather barstools from Hickory Chair surround the island, adding a touch of sophistication.

Also on the main floor, the study is a showcase for Gary’s trophies. An avid conservationist and hunter, he loves to give respect to the animals he hunts. Bryant incorporated his large collection of taxidermy animals and artifacts into the home’s design, especially here and in the downstairs living area. Artistically placed above the stairwell, a stunning kudu head creates a dramatic focal point.

The framed butterflies, created by Memphis artist Stacey Argroves’ shop Insectsy, are the only pieces the homeowners kept from their previous vacation home to place in their new Pickwick house.

The owners’ bedroom design is a study in contrasts. Crisp white walls play off the dark stained floors. The straight lines and traditional style of the canopy bed marry perfectly with the modern curves of the lamps and the fabric pattern of the window treatments—roman shades in Schumacher Darya Ikat, part of the Martyn Lawrence Bullard Collection. The adjoining bathroom exudes rustic charm with its warm wood walls, copper bathtub and dimensional wall art that reprises the feel of the home’s stonework.

The spacious downstairs is a comfortable retreat for family or guests. With a living area, a kitchenette, three bedrooms and three baths, the space offers privacy with plenty of room to spread out. Bryant kept the mood light here with white walls, cool-toned accents and mostly neutral furnishings. More of Gary’s big game trophies, a zebra rug and a teak root coffee table amp up the natural element quota in the living area.

A favorite gathering place for the Stavrums and the guests they often entertain is the home’s outdoor room and deck. The room was originally planned as a screen porch, but the couple decided to enclose its cypress walls and installed fully operational windows that open to welcome a spring breeze and close to keep winter chill at bay, allowing them to enjoy the space year round. Bryant covered the floor in antique stamped Chicago brick to add warmth, texture and age. The room leads out onto the giant deck that surrounds the waterfront side of the house. Large enough to hold multiple conversation areas, the deck features covered and open sections with enough comfortable seating for a large group. If anyone happens to be lulled by gentle lake breezes, the outdoor bed swing would be the perfect spot for a leisurely afternoon nap.

Bryant raves about the al fresco part of the home. “Not every house has that kind of view. You see hardly anything besides the lake from that porch; it kind of feels like you’re alone there. And the view is just breathtaking. All the conversational areas are designed to make people just want to stay out there and enjoy it.” 

Again, comfort as the driving force. The designer reiterates, “That’s the whole premise behind this house—comfort and making sure that the family feels they want to stay there. Everything is comfortable, inside and out. You can lie on the furniture, you can lounge around outside and you can connect with everybody.”

Completed just before the lockdown in spring 2020, this project was a refuge for the clients during the Covid pandemic and a place to spend quality time with family in a changing world, says Bryant. “Reconnecting with nature, comfortable living and beauty for your eyes to behold daily are all important, even more so now.”

Modern Meets Farmhouse at Horseshoe Lake

Design by Jennifer Estes Interior Design | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Annabella Charles

“I wanted to build a house that felt like I’d inherited my grandparents’ Victorian farmhouse, but I’d updated it.” That was the homeowner’s vision for the weekend place she and her husband were planning at Horseshoe Lake in northeast Arkansas.

She shared the idea with her good friend Jennifer Estes, owner of Jennifer Estes Interior Design, who couldn’t resist the chance to work with her pal on a home style not often seen in the Mid South. “The two of us are alike in a lot of ways, but we’re also very different and very good friends. We travel together and do a lot together, but when she told me what she wanted I didn’t really see it at first,” recalls Estes. “I loved the idea of a modern farmhouse, but the ‘Victorian’ part took me a few days to process. The more we talked about it, though, the more excited we both got. I love a challenge and the chance to work outside the box!” 

The two women talked and planned together until they had a clear vision of the home’s look and layout, then Estes brought in architectural designer Kelly Kirk of FIVE ONE to translate that concept into reality. He put onto paper a home that has the nostalgia of a century-old farmhouse from an L-shaped gable roof design, dual chimneys, metal roof, whitewashed exterior and wrap-around rear screen porch. The floor plan, however, is a perfect fit for the way families live today. The open living room, kitchen and dining area form a large, comfortable space with views of the lake from an expanse of windows across the rear wall. Each of the four bedrooms has an attached bath, a feature not commonly found in older homes but popular in new construction.

The front door itself is a testament to the house’s classic-meets-modern story. After a long search for just the right antique door came up empty, Estes and her client designed a perfect substitute from a current fabricator. The same goes for the stick and ball trim that brings Victorian charm to the kitchen and living room doorways. 

Wherever possible, though, the designer and homeowner collectively sourced true vintage pieces, from the fireplace found at Palladio, with its penciled-in measurements left intact from long ago, to the assortment of antique interior door knobs throughout the house. “We had so much fun finding those! Sometimes they match, sometimes they don’t. And some of them are a little wonky, like they would be in your grandmother’s house,” the designer says.

The treasure hunt that yielded most of the decor came during a week-long trip Estes made to Atlanta with the homeowner along. She explains, “That’s one way I work with clients now, if they prefer and it’s a good fit for their project. It’s a little more transparent.”

From fabric vendors to Scott’s Antique Market to quirky little “treasures and finds” places, the two friends scoured the city, bringing home textiles, furniture and accent pieces. Perhaps their most memorable purchase was an Appalachian memory jug. Originally crafted in the mountains to memorialize a lost loved one, this vessel encrusted with everything from ceramic shards to coins to a pocket knife now sports a round wooden top and serves as a side table in the living room. The piece is emblematic of the entire home’s design, curated rather than coordinated and with a touch of the unexpected. The look is the product of the collaboration of two people who know each other well, trust one another and sometimes nudge each other creatively. 

A small butler’s pantry off the dining area is a shining example of the way Estes delivered the homeowner’s request to mix elements from different design periods in an understated way. White painted built-in cabinets with glass doors on the uppers look as though they could have been there for generations. Estes played up the vintage appeal with jewelry-style drawer pulls embellished with mother-of-pearl accents, then added contemporary panache with a sophisticated marble and gold parquet backsplash. “They marry so well and the tile updates the old-fashioned look. They’re fun together!” says the homeowner. The wall covering, a Phillip Jeffries wood veneer pattern, adds another bit of modern flair, echoing the geometric design of the living room ceiling. 

The couple wanted their lake house kitchen to mimic the layout of the one in their Memphis home, but its aesthetic had to blend the eclectic style of retro-meets-today. Estes achieved that goal by adding corbels to the wall cabinets and the island and lining the walls with white shiplap. An antique leaded-glass window found by the client looks right at home over the sink. Light gray quartz countertops and traditional fixtures keep the look timeless, while a trio of wall shelves hold the owner’s collection of vintage milk glass. Says Estes of the vignette, “Those are all [the owner’s] pieces that she’s collected and bought. I think the collection says a lot about her—elegant, interesting, understated, lots of good taste.”

A large bay window fills the primary bedroom with light, playing up the interesting melange of furnishings in the room. Dark and terra cotta accents bring a well-traveled feel to the space, but blend easily with the heirloom style headboard, night stands and chairs. Estes even chose the rug with nostalgia in mind; it looks as though it could have been made by hand, maybe by Grandma on the back porch, in days gone by. Estes sourced the rug, along with all the others for this project, from Kiser’s Floor Fashions.

The attached bathroom takes heritage chic to an elevated level with time-honored elements like hex and subway tiles. Elegantly patterned marble mosaic in the shower stall punches the style up, while the vanity, fashioned from a pair of antique chests of drawers, roots the room firmly in vintage.

The owner’s study is the ultimate in masculine sophistication. More of the Phillip Jeffries wood veneer wallpaper appears here; a herringbone pattern on the walls and a 3D coffered effect on the ceiling. Inviting leather furniture exudes comfort and a bar area holds a varied and interesting collection of glassware and decanters. Estes’s goal for the room was to accurately reflect the personality of the man of the house, an aviator and an avid hunter. “This gentleman’s study could be for a man like that from today, from 1960, or even from 1880,” she says.

The three upstairs bedrooms have uniquely different styles. The first is a feminine dream with a pair of graceful twin beds covered in colorful antique quilts. A huge window seat makes the perfect spot to sit with a good book. Again, the team of designer and owner covered every little detail in the room. The rose-colored drapes have the prettiest felted trim and the throw pillows covered in Christian LaCroix for Designers Guild fabric raise the color palette to a vibrant peak. The room’s art ranges from original drawings done by the family’s children to period butterfly prints. Even the doorknobs are girly, vintage porcelain and painted with sweet rosebuds. The wallpaper in the adjoining bath is a show-stopper; oversized cabbage roses with green foliage. Designed by New York artist John Derian for Designers Guild, the pattern is a throwback to the decoupage technique popular in Victorian times, yet perfect for this modern farmhouse. “We wanted this room to look kind of grandma hodge-podge. Colorful,” says Estes. Mission accomplished in a cheerful and whimsical way.

Upstairs bedroom number two has a more masculine vibe. White shiplap meets with rich blue on the walls for a dramatic, yet not too serious look. Twin poster beds chalk painted dark navy and decked out in bedding with blue and grass green hues continue the mood, as do denim drapes and a blue area rug from Kaiser’s Floor Fashions. The floors in this room and throughout the upstairs are painted in Benjamin Moore Classic Gray, a light shade that reads more soft white. Says the homeowner, “I love painted floors, and we thought they would be in keeping with the period.”

Estes reprised the wood veneer wallpaper in the attached bath, this time in a stylized hexagon pattern. Its geometry and scale are a perfect companion for the classically updated hex tiles on the floor. Another repurposed antique chest serves as the vanity in this bath, topped by a simple wood-framed mirror and a pair of shaded wall sconces with handsome vintage flair.

The upstairs guest room is a comfortable retreat for weekend guests. Estes kept the furnishings and textiles to a tranquil palette here, with shades ranging from clean white to peaceful grays. A custom beaded chandelier adds a fun focal point in ombre blues.

As inviting as the house is, the main attraction at a lake house is, of course, the lake. This home was designed to take full advantage of its shoreside setting. A classic screen porch stretches almost the full length of the house in the back, facing Horseshoe Lake, and wraps around the side, affording panoramic views of the backyard, dock and lake. Anchored by a hexagonal, gazebo-style conversation and tv area in the corner, the porch also includes a large built-in grill and a slew of farmhouse-back-porch essentials: wicker rocking chairs, a porch swing, and a screen door. 

More than a design project, this house is the product of a great friendship between Estes and her client. The home was under construction during the height of the COVID pandemic, providing the women a respite from lockdown. “It gave us a chance to get out of the city, to come out to the country and work on it,” Estes recalls. 

The homeowner agrees that taking this home from idea to completion with Estes at her side has been like living out a childhood dream. She says, “We’ve joked that it’s been like a grown-up version of doing the backyard playhouse with your best friend!”

A Place in Oxford

Story by Terri Glazer | Design by Jennifer Russell Interiors | Photography by Lindsey Meisenheimer Photography

A lifelong connection to a place can be a powerful thing. Powerful enough to draw a person back after years away and a career that has included travels far and wide. It was that type of connection that brought artist Ariel Baron-Robbins home to Oxford, Mississippi, and prompted the renovation of a house there into the perfect backdrop for her work.

Baron-Robbins grew up outside Oxford, the daughter of Paula Temple, an art professor at Ole Miss and a renowned Mid South artist, and Adrian Baron-Robbins, an architect and musician. When her parents moved away several years ago she and her husband, Isaac Lapciuc, bought the house where Ariel grew up, looking forward to having it as a second home in addition to their primary residence in Miami. The home’s seven-acre setting eventually proved to be more than they wanted to keep up, and its rural location was far from the amenities for which the quaint college town is known. She recalls, “We really wanted a weekend house we could drive to from the Memphis airport, and then walk around the square and do all Oxford has to do.”

They soon sold the childhood home and went on the hunt for a weekend place that would better suit their needs. “So we set out to buy another house in town and walking distance from the square. We wanted something that we didn't have to do a ton of maintenance on since we weren't going to spend a majority of our time there. But we also wanted something that had a little bit of that country feel that we really enjoyed about my parents’ house. And so this property was just perfect. We fell completely in love with it.”

At that point in the conversation Ariel pauses, then admits, “We fell more in love with the backyard than we did the actual house.” The location was exactly what they wanted; squarely in town yet with a secluded feel in the back thanks to its location adjacent to the wooded grounds of the L. Q. C. Lamar House Museum. 

“We always kind of felt like the house really didn’t suit us, so right at the start of the pandemic we took on a project to completely gut the house and renovate it,” she says. Citing what she calls her “bohemian” background as the child of an artist/art professor and an architect/musician, Baron-Robbins admits that her criteria for finding a team to steer the project may have been different than most potential clients. “I wanted to find people who would try to give us something that was fresh and contemporary while also not being so fresh and contemporary that it wouldn’t fit or it would be uncomfortable or just too out there. We wanted something that was going to push the boundary, but not not go beyond it.”

She signed on with Oxford-based designer Jennifer Russell, who brought contractor Bruce Massey on board to oversee the ambitious construction project..

Russell can attest to her clients’ outside-the-box aesthetic. “One of the things that Ariel and I discussed was not using the color palette of blues, gold and white, which is such a popular design trend in our area. As a designer my main goal is to listen to my clients’ needs within their home and learn their style.

The project encompassed almost every part of the house, starting with a complete redo of the downstairs. One of the main reasons the couple wanted a place in Oxford was so they could host Baron-Robbins’ many lifelong friends who still live in the area, so an open entertaining space was a must. To achieve that goal, the new floor plan includes two sitting rooms; one in front of and one behind an enormous open kitchen. Another important objective of the renovation was to showcase works created by the mother and daughter artists in the family. Along with many of her own creations, Baron-Robbins specifically selected pieces from Temple’s large body of work to match the renovated design and had them shipped from France to her Oxford home.

Russell kept the new color palette light and neutral to give the family’s art a place to shine. Neutral, but with plenty of interest. Just inside the front door, the living room is a bold, geometrical statement. The vaulted ceiling soars, punctuated by a light fixture with an imaginative design well suited to an artist’s home. Russell spotted the Hubbardton Forge chandelier in a High Point, North Carolina, showroom and knew it would be perfect. The fixture’s grouping of orbs balances the straight lines and right angles of the dramatic black stone fireplace and the contemporary furnishings in the room.

The kitchen blends form and function seamlessly. Anchoring the space is a pair of twin islands: one has seating for six in handsome black barstools by Holly Hunt, and the other houses storage, a sink, dishwasher and microwave. Both are topped with spectacular quartzite in a waterfall treatment that extends from the floor, across the top and all the way down the other side. The same stone is repeated on the backsplashes behind the cooktop and in the beverage area. White custom cabinetry keeps the mood light and airy, while dark wood ceiling beams bring an element of warmth.

Those beams extend into the second seating area in the rear of the home, a comfortable spot for the couple to sit and watch TV. Designed in keeping with the rest of the house, this is no ordinary media room. Because the owners didn’t want the TV to be visible when not in use, Russell had to come up with a creative way for it to be there without being there. She engaged Allen Jones, owner of The Wood Shed by JJ in Oxford, who crafted a custom cabinet that raises and lowers the TV via remote control. 

At the rear of the sitting room a wall of glass doors can slide completely open. They allow access to the home’s newly enlarged back porch and facilitate the kind of indoor/outdoor gatherings the couple is unable to host in Miami due to year-round hot temperatures. “They enjoy being outside here when the weather is nice—really experiencing the seasons you don’t get in south Florida,” says Russell. 

Baron-Robbins loves the secluded feel of the porch. “When you’re out there, it's like you're in the country. It's not like you're in the middle of downtown Oxford. And you are! It's just glorious.”

To accommodate the revised layout of the downstairs, the primary bedroom, bath and closets were relocated to the second floor. Formerly a bonus room with a vaulted ceiling and an Ole Miss mural, the new suite exudes calm elegance, in keeping with the couple’s minimalist lifestyle. A wall of windows opposite the bed offers a stunning view of the mature trees behind the property. 

An artistic home calls for artistic surroundings and this is no exception. The redesigned pool and landscaping were inspired by Lapciuc’s travels to Lake Como, Italy. Bluestone squares with green borders give the area a luxury feel; water features in the revamped pool maximize the wow factor.

The allure of a charming and beloved town may be what initially drew this couple to have a weekend place in Oxford, but a house that is completely renovated to reflect their life and to be a home for the family’s art will keep them returning there for years to come.

A Perfect Blend

Interior Design by Cindy McCord Design | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Ross Group Creative

Cindy McCord gives an East Memphis home a look that is fresh and new—but not entirely new. McCord’s vision resulted in a design plan that kept many of the homeowners’ most loved pieces, some left as is and some rethought, mixed with new finishes and pieces.

When they built their family’s dream home in East Memphis 19 years ago, this couple loved everything in the house. Fast forward to early 2020, and the same family, a married couple with three now-grown children, still lived in the home and still loved a lot about the brick Tudor. However, they were ready to refresh the decor. 

Enter designer Cindy McCord, owner of Cindy McCord Design in Collierville, who gave the home a look that is fresh and new—but not entirely new. McCord’s vision resulted in a design plan that kept many of the homeowners’ most loved pieces, some left as is and some rethought, mixed with new finishes and pieces.

Thanks to the original architecture conceived by Charles Shipp, the renovation was almost entirely cosmetic. “It was just a facelift, because the bones were so good,” says McCord.

Ditto with the design elements. Rather than reimagining the decor from floor to ceiling, McCord’s work highlighted many of the original features. 

Color was the main focus for the homeowner. She says, “The whole house was kind of a creamy yellow, and I’d had yellow in my previous home too, so it had been around much longer than 19 years. I was tired of yellow! I wanted to lighten things up a lot and I told Cindy I like blues.” McCord brought the new palette to life by bathing the walls in a coat of white that is fresh yet not stark, the perfect counterpart to the home’s original dark khaki painted trim, which she opted to leave intact in many rooms.

Once the lighter backdrop was established, the designer turned to the business of making everything else feel new—without necessarily having to be new. The family room is a perfect example. New drapes, sofa, chairs and tables blend seamlessly with the original fireplace and hardwood floors, as well as the homeowner’s treasured pieces, including an antique armoire. A favorite chair from her former office as a buyer for Helen of Memphis, now restuffed and reupholstered, holds place of pride.

The living room is decidedly newer, but still anchored by the family’s much-loved grand piano. McCord added a new sofa and easy chair plus accent tables in metal, glass and marble, to bring an “of-the-moment” touch to beautiful Martha Washington chairs and dark wood pieces from the previous decor. A portrait of the couple’s three children gives the room the most personal feel.

Shipp’s traditional plan still shines in the kitchen. The natural brown tones of original stone floors that the homeowner has always loved blend perfectly with the stained wood exposed beams and trim around the eye-catching plaster vent hood. The existing layout, appliances, tile backsplash, even the cabinet hardware, are still in place, proving that a kitchen refresh doesn’t always have to involve a to-the-studs gutting. Newly painted white cabinets, topped with gracefully patterned quartz countertops, give the space an all-new feel.

The adjacent breakfast room is still home to the family’s original table, chairs and plate rack. Also remaining in place is the light fixture sourced from the now-closed Frankum Antiques in Germantown. When the home was under construction the couple purchased the piece, along with the dining room chandelier, from Linda Frankum, who imported antiques from Europe. A watercolor and graphite pencil work by local artist Hailey Roaten reflects both the black of the iron chandelier and the blue tones of the home’s new color palette. Bold wallpaper gives the adjacent butler’s pantry a punch of excitement, the perfect marriage of the existing khaki trim color, newly painted cabinets and countertops in the same stone as in the kitchen.

In the formal dining room, McCord’s work retained the timeless elegance while continuing the keep/replace/repurpose theme she carried throughout the home. Gone are the dark, heavy drapes with elaborate valances. The designer instead opted for lighter panels that are still functional, but allow more light in through the full-length windows. The furniture is the same, perked up with new upholstery on the dining chairs. The salmon-toned oriental rug remains, as well, and looks as though it were always meant to be in the newly imagined room. The same can be said for a painting formerly hung elsewhere in the home. It now sets off the dining room decor thanks to its new placement and a new frame made by Chris Garner of Garner Framing Co.

A pair of lamps once in the dining room now provide light in the primary bedroom. Reshading them created a new look style for the freshened space. “It’s amazing how different they look with new shades,” says the homeowner. “We reshaded several lamps and it was fun to use them again.” Those renewed lamps sit atop new nightstands that flank the owners’ bed, a holdover from the previous decor. New bedding, drapes and rug give the room a fresh feel. McCord continued the spruce up into the attached bath, where botanical wallpaper, light fixtures and goldtone hardware lend a warm, modern touch to the original cabinets, counters and flooring.

In the formal dining room, McCord’s work retained the timeless elegance while continuing the keep/replace/repurpose theme she carried throughout the home. Gone are the dark, heavy drapes with elaborate valances. The designer instead opted for lighter panels that are still functional, but allow more light in through the full-length windows. The furniture is the same, perked up with new upholstery on the dining chairs. The salmon-toned oriental rug remains, as well, and looks as though it were always meant to be in the newly imagined room. The same can be said for a painting formerly hung elsewhere in the home. It now sets off the dining room decor thanks to its new placement and a new frame made by Chris Garner of Garner Framing Co.

A pair of lamps once in the dining room now provide light in the primary bedroom. Reshading them created a new look style for the freshened space. “It’s amazing how different they look with new shades,” says the homeowner. “We reshaded several lamps and it was fun to use them again.” Those renewed lamps sit atop new nightstands that flank the owners’ bed, a holdover from the previous decor. New bedding, drapes and rug give the room a fresh feel. McCord continued the spruce up into the attached bath, where botanical wallpaper, light fixtures and goldtone hardware lend a warm, modern touch to the original cabinets, counters and flooring.

Good Bones

Design by First Fruit Collection | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Sélavie Photography

A house with good bones, enthusiastic owners, and designers with vision added up to produce a stunning renovation in this 90s-era home in Germantown. Stunning, but approachable, says designer Patty Michaelis, and that’s just the way it’s supposed to be.

“What I love about this house is that it absolutely feels like somebody lives here. It feels so comfortable versus a show house. We always want our clients to feel like their home is totally livable,” says Michaelis, store manager and designer at First Fruit Collection in Collierville. She spearheaded the project along with Ashley Toney, First Fruit’s owner.

The pair of designers and the homeowners, Angela and Jon Straub, have developed a longstanding relationship; this is the third house Toney and Michaelis have outfitted for the family that includes the couple and their two teenage children. This project had a decidedly different slant than the others, however. Says the homeowner, “The other homes we had weren’t like this one. They were more rustic, but I like the term Ashley uses for this house and the design—dressy.”

Toney says the description fits perfectly. Nothing about the home is formal or stuffy. The design is fresh yet timeless with a gracious, inviting appeal.

Though the home’s colors and decor needed a fresh look, the classic architecture had stood the test of time and was well suited to the casual elegance Toney envisioned for the decor. “The builders of this house constructed a very traditional plantation-style house. I feel like when you create something more traditional it’s timeless. Yes, the colors and the cabinets were dated, but the layout and the flow weren’t because they are traditional and that never goes out of style,” says Toney.

The owner agrees, adding that the fact that the home needed cosmetic work rather than a total redo played heavily into the decision to purchase it in 2019. After a couple of months while the entire house was painted and the floors were redone, the family settled into the five-bedroom home set on a picturesque two-acre lot.

“I like light, bright and happy—welcoming,” says the homeowner. The design team delivered with a clean white wall paint throughout the house, a perfect palette to show off new lighting in dressed-up gold tones, as well as pops of color provided by furnishings and rugs. 

The more dramatic elements weren’t always an easy sell, says Michaelis, recalling the decision to place two leather and cowhide chairs in the homeowner’s office, directly off the front entryway. Although the designer describes the pair as her “most favorite chairs of all time,” she recalls that the client might not have shared her vision at first. “We really had to talk her into them, but she loves them now. They’re fun to see when you walk in the front door.”

Michaelis credits years of successful collaboration on multiple projects for the fact that this homeowner is a “perfect” design client. “She listens to us. She knows what she likes, but she’s always willing to listen to our vision.”

One design element that Toney and Michaelis helped ease the homeowner into was wallpaper. Michaelis remembers, “We started with just putting wallpaper inside the built-in shelves in the living room. After we did that she liked it so much that we’re about to add it in the dining room and she wants it all over now!” 

The beautiful Turkish rugs that grace the home also took a bit of convincing on the designers’ part. The family owns Flooring Solutions of Memphis, so carpet, tile and hard wood are in their realm of expertise. They were a bit reluctant, however, to invest in oriental rugs. According to Michaelis, “A lot of people hesitate on rugs, so I say, ‘Just let me bring a few rugs over…’ Once she saw these she had to have them.” Heavenly Rugs in Germantown provided all the rugs in the home, including the one the designers say is “the rock star of the room” in the entryway.

Just as jewelry adds interest to an outfit, the homeowner has found, after living in the house for two years, that a few perfectly placed, bold-colored pieces make all the difference in decor that’s otherwise mostly neutral. Toney likes to bring in the accents in the form of art, accessories, draperies and throw pillows, items that are easily altered as time passes and styles evolve. “We try to steer our clients toward traditional. They might get tired of grasscloth in time, they might not, but wallpaper is something that’s fairly easy to take down. We’re not saying don’t ever have anything trendy in your home, because you always want the newest and the best, but if the bones are traditional and timeless, then it’s easier to change and flow with what’s popular,” says the designer.

Many of the accents throughout the home are in cool blues, ranging from peaceful light hues in the primary bedroom to beachy blue glass tile in the daughter’s bathroom to bold batik-look wallpaper in the son’s bath. 

The kitchen island boasts an ethereal blue green, Oyster Bay by Sherwin Williams. Previously dark stained wood, as was the rest of the kitchen cabinetry and trim, the lightened up wood, along with new countertops, lighting and fixtures, brought the kitchen beautifully up to date without a complete remodel. The large kitchen features a generous eating area that the homeowner loves as it offers plenty of overflow seating from the nearby dining room when she hosts large family gatherings. 

The family room that overlooks the backyard received a facelift that started with help from Flooring Solutions: the addition of an eye-catching bluestone floor. A brick fireplace was limewashed to tone down the color. A new mantel completed the overhaul in the comfortable, but not too casual space.

The First Fruit team paid attention to even the smallest details during the renovation, like replacing door hardware throughout the house with crystal knobs for a timeless look, and bringing in The House of Order to assist in organizing the closets, kitchen and pantry.

Although Toney and Michaelis have helped the homeowner transform almost every area of their house, the designers still refer to the project as a work in progress. Toney says, “We’re constantly dropping by all the time. Sometimes we’ll get something in at First Fruit that I just know would be perfect here. I shoot her a picture and she says, ‘Bring it by!’” It’s clear they love working on the “house with the good bones” and enjoy their “perfect” client.

Home as a Solace

Interior Design by Alexandra Lauren Interiors | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Kristen Elizabeth Photography

For the past two years everyone has spent more time at home, leading many homeowners to renovate or redecorate. The project designer Alexandra Lauren recently undertook for a Jackson, TN, family was more than freshening up, though. Both health care providers who have experienced heightened stress from the pandemic, the couple now think of their home as a haven from the storm.

The family moved into the house in 2019 and engaged Lauren to begin the renovation shortly after settling in. The designer describes it as “a rare property.” Surrounded by forest, yet conveniently located in town, its architectural style and the lush gardens painstakingly cultivated by the previous owner exude a French country feel. The designer’s task was to update the interior to more accurately reflect her clients’ modern taste in a way that highlights the unique beauty of the home’s breathtaking natural setting.

General Contractors Larry and Ricky Cupples of Cupples Construction oversaw the renovation work. Lauren says they were the perfect choice for the job since they originally built the home. “When time came to gut and remodel it, they knew where the internal ‘bones’ of the house were.”

First on the agenda was the primary bathroom. In order to “bring the outdoors in,” Lauren enlarged a small window and situated a freestanding soaking tub under it. “We played on the concept of shinrin-yoku, which means forest bathing in Japanese,” she explains. “I am a huge fan of free sunshine. By enlarging the window we not only flooded the main bath with natural light, but also opened up beautiful views of the forest outside which weren’t previously visible.” The reworked floor plan allowed for a marble enclosed tub and shower, fulfilling the clients’ only request for their primary bathroom. 

Mirrored French doors do double duty, adding light and interest to the space and cleverly covering the entrances to the water closet and the owners’ closet. 

Next up on the renovation schedule were the son’s and daughter’s suites. The homeowners wanted to give their teenage children grown-up spaces with enough sophistication to serve as guest rooms once the kids are grown and gone. 

Lauren achieved this goal beautifully. The daughter’s bedroom is fresh and feminine without being “little girly.” Rose quartz is the overarching theme, from the wall color and bedding to the lamps and drawer pulls on the bedside chests. Contrast and interest come from the art above the bed—a framed panel of Ellie Cashman wallpaper— and a throw pillow in the corresponding fabric. The whimsical light fixture, fashioned from wire embellished with hundreds of mini bulbs, brings to mind a dandelion puff ball. The room’s furnishings, along with many of the elements used throughout the home, are available at Lauren’s Jackson design studio, Alexandra Lauren Home Collection, and on her website, alexandralauren.com.

“La vie en rose” continues in the adjoining bathroom in a subtle-yet-fun leopard wallpaper and in the cabinet hardware.

 “Wallpaper is back in a big way! But it’s not your grandma’s wallpaper. We’ve been using it a lot. It’s much easier to remove and I always go for VOC-free papers. We even have a wallpaper bar in our studio with a huge library of new wallpapers.”

—Designer Alexandra Lauren

A Phillip Jeffries wallpaper was the inspiration for the boy’s room design. The nailhead-patterned grasscloth appears on a feature wall in the bedroom, setting a handsome and decidedly masculine vibe. Lauren played up the nailhead motif in an upholstered headboard and again in the adjacent bath in an ingenious way. Flanking the brass mirror, a pair of nontraditional sconces with black metal shades filter light in a reverse dot pattern. 

For the upstairs game room Lauren opted for drama in a big way. The walls, the trim and even the ceiling are bathed in Benjamin Moore Black Pepper, a bold, saturated blue gray that makes a big statement. 

Moving back downstairs, Lauren gave the kitchen and two living areas a major facelift, removing walls and reconfiguring space. The end product is a chef’s kitchen that is at once gorgeous and useful, complete with a family dining area, with a separate chic and comfortable living room on either side.

The gleaming kitchen features white cabinetry and countertops, dressed up with brass hardware and accents. The design brought new life to the existing Sub Zero refrigerator. Formerly covered in wood panels painted with a French country scene, the two separate units now shine in stainless steel. Lauren separated them and installed a wine tower between. She also added a rolling library ladder in the kitchen to provide easy access to items stored in the upper cabinets. Punching up the glam factor are the brass ladder rail and a custom range hood that mixes stainless and brass. The real showstopper is the lighting over the grand, new kitchen island. Lauren grouped several Kelly Wearstler crackled glass pendants to achieve the effect of a massive chandelier proportionate to the island’s generous size. 

Filled with light, living room one is elegant and ultra modern, but still cozy enough for the family to gather for a TV night. The designer chose Simply White by Benjamin Moore for the walls and trim and furnished the space in whites and cool tones. She brought the fireplace style up to date with the same Cambria Britannica stone she used on the kitchen countertops, fabricated by Counter Solutions in Jackson. “I love its dramatic veining lines,” she says. “Traditional Carrara marble has finer lines, but these clients weren’t afraid to go bold.”

Lauren’s design aesthetic paid special attention to standout lighting, which she calls “the jewelry of the home.” The chandelier in living room one is a perfect example. Striking and graceful, the Hubbardton Forge piece is an artistic creation that blends form and function flawlessly. Hand forged to order in the USA, the piece is available at alexandralauren.com.

“We’re seeing a modern influence on lighting as the next big thing in design. Even more vintage or austere historical vendors have tipped their hat to modernity. Lighting is getting ultra futuristic and fun.”

—Designer Alexandra Lauren

In the second living area a completely different but equally striking light fixture takes center stage. The John Richard Hans chandelier features a cascade of 23 brass drop lights set at varying heights to form one stunning effect. 

This room’s renovation included removing a corner fireplace on the back wall and building a long, low one in the center, bordered by warm wood shelving on either side. Lauren repeated the Cambria in a low floating hearth beneath the fireplace and furnished the space in neutral and cool tones to provide continuity with the kitchen and the other living area. All three rooms have views of the backyard pool area; the designer says she especially loves the “fire and water” effect when both the fireplaces are lit.

Although Lauren’s design talent is evident in every room, she says the home is really a reflection of the family that lives there. “My approach is that life is going to take precedence over the design layer in a home. It’s my job to amplify that lifestyle for my clients. They need to be the star of the show. Your home should be as representative of you as the clothes you wear. More importantly, it’s about how you want to feel in your own private space. 

“Colors affect your senses and textures engage your moods. All these design elements combined affect your life and how you feel. My goal was to create a sanctuary for these front-line workers and their family in the midst of the stress of the pandemic.”

The Right Place for the Right Family

Design by M. Cate Interiors | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Stefanie Rawlinson

When the right family finds the right place and the right designer, everything comes together perfectly to create a true dream home. Designer Jessie Cate’s Germantown clients and their new-to-them house are proof.

The family’s previous residence was great—a brand-new build with all the latest bells and whistles. While it had all the trendiest details, it didn’t have enough bedrooms to accommodate their five children or a yard large enough for the young siblings. The couple knew they needed to move, and realized they’d probably need to buy an existing home to get the large lot they wanted, but busy schedules wouldn’t allow them to take on a total redo. 

When they found the place they now call home, it was just what they were looking for; a “unicorn” as Cate describes it. Built in 1991, the house was in great condition and had already received a major facelift from Salvaggio Group, thanks to the previous owners. In fact, it was the gorgeous backyard with outdoor living room, kitchen, lounge area and resort-style pool, as well as plenty of green space, that drew them to make the purchase.   

The couple called on Cate in May 2020 to help make this great house their home. She recalls having discussions to make sure their expectations would be realistic for a 30-year-old home, since they were coming from a tricked-out new house. When they shared that they had hardly even used some of the luxury features of their previous place, she knew they were on board. 

“There was a bit of a disconnect between the exterior and the interior of this house. It felt a little dark and heavy inside with stone accents and dark floors,” the designer recalls. “My clients love the beach; it’s their happy place. I wanted to give them that same feel of relaxed comfort so I played on blue shades and the feel of the exterior rooms and tried to keep it with the traditional fit of the architecture.”

Cate goes on to explain that for this project, as she does with all her clients at M. Cate Interiors, she adopted a save/splurge policy that involves prioritizing the areas most important to the homeowners, then saving in other aspects of the plan.

To that end, she decided that instead of replacing the existing hardwood flooring throughout the home, it would stay, stripped of its ebony finish. Now covered in clear-coat, the floors show only remnants of their former color, left intentionally to evoke a casual, coastal feel.

My goal is to give clients the best version of them in their house so that they love coming home. They love having friends over because of their house; they’re happy to invite people into their space. I want their friends to come in and say, “Oh, this feels so you” and to feel comfortable. It’s not about my look, it’s about the clients and what the clients want. 

—Designer Jessie Cate

Interior walls that were once a variety of colors including dark navy and gray now wear the same shade of white, a Sherwin Williams stock color. Cate says, “It changes with the lighting, so even though it's all the same paint color, you don't necessarily feel it. It’ll keep their touch ups easier as they need to; they won’t have to try to remember which color paint went where.” She also updated lighting throughout the house, sourcing many of them from Gabby, a line with a variety of related fixtures to provide continuity of style from room to room.

The home’s two-story entry is compact yet impressive. A striking floral arrangement by John Mark Sharpe draws the focus upward to the staircase landing, where a custom commissioned beach scene by local artist Whitney Winkler speaks to the family’s love of the ocean.

Elegant Thibaut wallpaper and custom drapes with a subtle herringbone pattern give the dining room a grand and elegant aura, while washed linen slipcovers on the dining chairs keep the mood from going too fancy. A simple gold chandelier and Greek key mirror add to the timeless feel.

The gem of a kitchen was already in place, thanks to the previous renovation. Generous proportions give the room and the light-filled breakfast area adjacent to it a gracious feel. Cate only had to paint the walls, change the lighting and update the cabinet hardware. Handsome Ashley Norton pulls and knobs were a splurge item important to the homeowner and the designer wholeheartedly agrees with the choice. “Nothing else was going to complement the flow of the rest of the house,” she says, noting that the client’s ability to come to decisions easily made her a dream collaborator. “She knew what she did and didn’t want to splurge on and she made choices quickly to keep the project rolling.”

The centerpiece of the den is a comfy sectional big enough for the whole gang. It encases an equally inviting oversized ottoman upholstered in cloud blue chenille. Nailhead trim gives a nod to formality in this family-friendly space. The room’s fireplace received a complete makeover, Once covered in dark, heavy fieldstone, it now has a fresh and  traditional look with classic marble and clean, white trim. Pairs of stately iron-and-glass doors flank the fireplace, providing full-length views of the beautiful outdoor oasis.

On the den’s rear wall a rich navy blue chest creates a smart focal point. Hanging above it, an original painting by local artist Georgia Jane of the iconic M bridge is a testament to the couple’s love of their adopted home town. 

The primary bedroom was another area Cate was able to transform while staying on the “save” side of the save/splurge mentality. She used the clients’ existing bedroom furniture, fluffed up with new linens, and filled in with a new reading chair, simple art and black-and-white photo portraits of the children. “This is a place where Mom can come and have a moment of quiet to relax or work,” says the designer.

If the bedroom is the homeowner’s retreat, the adjoining bathroom is nothing short of a resort-style spa. Wide vanities with white cabinetry topped in Onda Bianco marble line both walls. The countertops were a must-have for Cate. She explains, “I try to give my clients the best version of them and there are very few things that I say we have to have, but this countertop was one of them. When I saw it I sent the client a picture and I said, ‘We are doing this.’ She loved it too without even having seen it in person. It’s like dreamy clouds.”

The brown and gray tones in the stone reflect perfectly the colors in the dramatic marble and gold accented mosaic on the tub surround. That tile was a definite splurge, but delivers plenty of bang for the buck as it makes a big impact in a small space. Savings in the room came from keeping a traditional soaking tub with decking rather than opting for a freestanding model and from forgoing extra features such as body sprays in the shower. The homeowners felt that a spacious shower stall with one spray head and a handheld would suit their needs fine. Cate’s design also called for budget friendly marble-look tile on the bathroom floor. The large-scale porcelain blends seamlessly both with the countertops and the marble on the shower floor.

New lighting in the bathroom includes a graceful gold chandelier above the tub and matching pendants over the counters. Cate opted for the pendants in the place of cans to layer the lighting without the hassle or expense of tearing out mirrors and walls to install sconces. 

General Contractor Kenny Cook oversaw the renovations throughout the home, including the transformation of an upstairs foyer area that once led to the home’s playroom into the extra bedroom the clients needed to give each of the children his or her own space. Now, the homeowner says the family is staying for the long haul. The designer says, “She told me she feels like she can see them here longer; this was more their home than it was when they had the previous brand-new house. When you get to incorporate your own thoughts and ideas you create something more cozy and welcoming. It’s just homey.” 

Patience Pays Off

Design by Spruce | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Stefanie Rawlinson

To say that it took a while to bring this home to completion would be an understatement. Designer Selena McAdams began working with the owners shortly after they moved into the Midtown Foursquare in 2007. The fact that not one item she selected for them has been discarded in almost 15 years is a testament to her guiding philosophy. “You have to have an end game you are always working towards,” she says. “You can always be true to being classic and not have to get rid of anything along the way. I think that’s probably the biggest thing.”

The owners knew they wanted to make the 1912 classic home in the Evergreen Historic district their own, while staying true to the house’s original character. McAdams laughs when she recalls that their initial meetings, in the “pre-Pinterest era,” centered around the client's binder full of pictures cut from magazines. Those clippings inspired a series of smaller design collaborations over the years, and when the couple prepared for the home’s recent major redo, out came the binder again. Says McAdams, “Design elements that she and I liked 15 years ago were still some of the inspiration now that they were finally doing everything.”

She attributes that fact to the timelessness of the owners’ taste. “I think this is an example of how a home can feel updated and honor the true classic elements of its architecture without being trendy.” 

Classic, yes, but with bold statements that reflect the personalities of the people who live there. In the front room a baby grand piano and a large acrylic painting on panel, “Tender” by Seattle artist Anne Siems, share center stage. Overhead, the home’s original chandelier has a new life, thanks to the client, who polished a century of tarnish off it and added oversized modern bulbs to bring it into the 21st century. The room is home to two of the first pieces McAdams selected for this family in 2007: a dramatic black vase on the piano and a set of resin antlers over the fireplace worked then and continue to wow today.

The homeowners commissioned local artist Suzy Hendrix to create a pair of stained glass windows that would bring a bright, fresh approach to the design element often seen in architecture of the period. Hendrix delivered leaded glass beauties with a pop of a tomato red hue that reappears elsewhere in the home.

The family loves to entertain, and their newly completed dining room is the perfect place for a dinner party. McAdams says the homeowners wanted a wall of built-ins with a formal, fancy feel. Finished in deep green lacquered paint and topped with neutral-toned quartzite, the Bylercraft custom cabinets showcase a collection of china, silver and glassware. A Megan Hurdle painting, commissioned by the homeowners from a personal photo depicting a sunset in Rosh Hanikra, Israel, fits beautifully under a small, high window, but the “jewelry” of the room is a custom Wunderwurks chandelier. 

The dining room is a shining example of how select high-end elements can pair with more modest items to create a stunning final product. The banquet-sized dining table came from a friend of the owners, a home stager who found the piece too large to be practical in her work. Refinished, it anchors the decor perfectly. The dining chairs were early acquisitions from Pottery Barn and Pier One. McAdams worked her redo magic on them, covering them with practical yet handsome leather-look vinyl dressed up with contrasting piping.

“Working with Selena consistently was so helpful because I didn’t feel like I was throwing away money left and right on small, quick fixes and making decisions with no eye as to what would come next. With Selena’s eye on the big picture, we just kept building on what was there,” says the client.

The family room’s loungey, sunroom vibe is a product of a masterful mix of factors. The original pie rail, coupled with faux wainscoting that cleverly mimics an expected historic detail, is painted fresh white and topped with wallpaper that calls to mind the iconic Beverly Hills Hotel palms pattern in a fresh iteration. Says the client, “I had been looking at the Beverly Hills palms and a lot of different patterns,  but I felt like I’d been looking at it for 10 years. I’d seen it in so many magazines and it felt like I was about to do something I’d been waiting so long to do and that I’d get it on my walls and be tired of it already—it wouldn’t feel new to me.” 

McAdams echoes her client’s opinion. “I’m hesitant to lead people down those paths, because they are so iconic. And I think that because you see them so frequently, you tend to tire of them more quickly. I was so on board with this pattern because yes, it’s a palm, but it’s also more understated, less likely to be seen over and over. I think that the motion of this palm is energetic; it sets the mood for this family’s main living area.”

Vintage lamps and accessories provide a subtle mid-century chic mood, while a console in geometric wood parquetry and a sleek aquarium bring in natural elements. Vibrant color comes from a rust ottoman, a pair of navy velvet chairs, and family favorite pillows McAdams sourced years ago that have been used in various rooms over time.

While McAdams steered the homeowners away from a vintage wallpaper pattern in the family room, she fully embraced the idea in the nearby powder room. The client loved the Josef Frank Citrus Garden pattern from Schumacher so much that she had upholstered a bench in the fabric. Created in 1947 and recently reissued, the vibrant pattern is familiar, but not overexposed, says the designer. Tomato red trim ups the wow factor, along with a period-appropriate wall sink and an artistic light fixture.

Stepping into the kitchen is like taking a trip to a super stylish Parisian cafe, so fitting for this family, who are local restaurant owners. The Bylercraft cabinetry is painted in Benjamin Moore Atmospheric, a saturated blue green off which neutral quartzite countertops play perfectly. Marble subway tiles line the walls. Although the room has a narrow footprint, the homeowners wanted to make sure there was room for an island. The result is fabulous, complete with mini tile accents, a brass footrail and French bistro style barstools. The traditional brass and graceful curve of the island are mimicked in the reeded cabinet bar area on the opposite wall. By its side, full height, glass-front cabinets flank the swinging door that leads into the hidden pantry. 

At the kitchen’s rear a casual dining area features a banquette, an idea that came from the client’s folder of clippings. McAdams encouraged its bold yellow, faux leather upholstery to warm up the space, and despite some initial nervousness, the homeowner trusted the designer’s choice and couldn’t be happier with its look or its kid-friendly durability. A pair of cheetah king pillows from Spruce, McAdams’s Memphis design shop, and a vintage overhead light fixture give the breakfast nook an extra helping of verve.

McAdams supported her client’s ambitious ideas, and multiple affairs with paint colors, by giving her room to dream and plan, and then stepping in when the rubber met the road and significant purchases had to be made. The result is a favorite space that incorporates the client’s vision polished with the sophistication of a professional designer.

Compromise is often the name of the game in old home renovation and this house was no exception. The project, overseen by Tom Hamilton of Hamilton Builders, included demolition of an earlier kitchen addition, a large-scale expansion of the upper levels and the rear of the house. The client initially wanted to add a mudroom for her busy family, but once she realized that changing the footprint wouldn’t be practical, a compromise came. Hamilton constructed a six-foot extension at the rear of the kitchen with a bank of cubbies so each family member has a place to stow their things upon entering the house.

The dimensions of the new primary bedroom made closet design a challenge. McAdams remedied that situation by building in separate closets for husband and wife. The result looks like a smart fix to the common dilemma of old-house living and creates a space that appears original to the home, rather than a new addition popped onto the back. Covering the “hers” closet is a pair of elaborately carved wooden doors. “I found these in a shop downtown. I initially didn’t know how we’d incorporate them, but I called the homeowners and said, ‘These feel like you,’” recalls McAdams. “They were on board, though, and now they’re beautiful on her closet.”

While the design in the rest of the house went on for an extended period, the choices for the bedroom were made in a matter of a few minutes—a fact the client attributes solely to the relationship built over time with a trusted designer. “She knew where I wanted to go. She knew the colors I liked. I was tired of making decisions by that point. The bedroom was really important, but I was just getting to an overwhelmed stage.” McAdams hit the mark with a custom, locally made bed and new nightstands, as well as pillows and luxury bedding from Spruce. 

An important advantage of this long-standing designer/client relationship was the husband’s recognition and appreciation of McAdams’s taste and guidance. Her professional seal of approval on design decisions reduced the stress that a large renovation can create and allowed the clients to realize years of home design dreams.

Through many years of getting to know their style and taste, from starting small and working up to a total home renovation, McAdams says these clients absolutely love living in their home. “They’re giddy about it because they were patient and waited to fully execute their home renovation dreams, just the way they wanted it.”

A Story To Tell

Design by Warehouse 67 Design | Builder John Duke Homes | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Annabella Charles | Christmas Decor by John Mark Enterprises

That description is perfectly fitting for a classic English manor. One with timeless style, distinctive details and a sense of warmth. While it might be an unexpected characterization for a brand-new Vesta showhouse, it depicts perfectly the ambiance of this home, and it’s exactly what the designer had in mind from day one of the project.

“We always love English. It never goes out of style; it’s a classic design and architectural style that feels warm and inviting,” says Kim Loudenbeck, owner of Warehouse 67 and designer of the home. Along with builders John and Elizabeth Duke, Loudenbeck set out to create a modern English manner that would feel warm and cozy, “as if it has a personality and a heart”, traits that sometimes elude large homes. To achieve that goal she paid careful attention to detail in every design element. Her focus paid off—the result is a seamless blend of timeless beauty, updated clean lines and features for the way families live today.

With its decorative brick work, timber accents and stone chimney, the exterior is vintage British. Modern flair appears in the iron and glass front door. The designer says the departure from a more traditional wooden door allows natural light to flood the entryway and also creates a sight line all the way through the house to the stunning pool area out back.

Loudenbeck says one of her favorite aspects of the house is the way the spaces flow from grand and open to cozy and intimate. The study off the foyer is decidedly one of the more tucked up spots. The limestone fireplace and coffered ceiling set the mood, which the designer further played up by painting all the trim in an atmospheric gray/green.

Across the entry, the formal dining room is light-filled, thanks to a large window. Tall wainscoting topped by wallpaper harkens back to a different time without being fussy. As Loudenbeck explains, “The architectural elements we created are tied to the historical, but the way we’ve done it is with clean lines and the colors give it more of today’s styling.”

The family room leans to the grand and gorgeous side. Its vaulted ceiling draws the eye up to handsome wood beams, the handiwork of local craftsman Wade Burrus. “In a historical home you would have post-and-beam construction with beautiful beams and timbers,” says Loudenbeck. “And the hearth in an English home is what the whole room centers around. We did a classic limestone fireplace and added custom paneling on the wall, but we chose a color that would make it dramatic.” On the back wall three large sliding doors allow traffic to flow effortlessly onto the bluestone patio, through an inviting outdoor room, to the pool with a trio of waterfall features and landscaping that brings an orderly English garden to mind.

The adjacent kitchen is a study in understated beauty. Loudenbeck partnered with Lisa Russell of LM.Designs to create a unique and functional space in the heart of the home. “Sometimes less is more and this is one of those kitchens where the elements in it are done so well that it doesn’t need a lot of fluff,” says the Loudenbeck. Those elements include more timber accents from Burrus, paired with an of-the-moment waterfall quartzite countertop. They do not, however, include wall cabinets on the range wall. Loudenbeck instead opted for a pair of floating shelves and room to display artwork. “Negative space can be really good. It lets you focus on the areas that you want to be the focal points and highlight the pretty spots,” she says. 

Nestled behind the kitchen is the scullery, an area fast becoming a must-have in well appointed new homes. With more cabinet space, a coffee bar and a second set of appliances, the room is all about function. To that end, the design includes a built-in “hub,” a desk area from which family schedules, meal planning and more can be easily managed. 

“Half baths are fun to design because you can kind of be moody,” Loudenbeck says, and the main floor powder room in this home is a perfect example. Loaded with millwork and painted dark, the walls are topped off with a wallpaper that is historical and current at the same time. “Classic traditional, but in an updated way, is trending right now. We are seeing a lot of the high-end design companies doing throwbacks on fabrics and wallpapers. I think people like having cleaner and more modern elements but there is something comforting about remembering the past,” Loudenbeck says.

The designer’s philosophy on primary bedroom design is simple: because homeowners spend more time there than any other place in the house, it should be especially beautiful and comfortable. “When you wake up surrounded by things you love, it sets a good tone for the day,” she believes. This home’s primary suite is a beautiful example of that theory. Under a vaulted ceiling embellished with timber beams, a fabulous gold and beaded chandelier lights up the spacious bedroom. A bay window adds architectural interest and makes a perfect spot to relax with a good book.  

The window treatments in the primary bedroom and throughout the house are functional curtains that can close for privacy and open to maximize natural light. Loudenbeck says she intentionally shied away from using interior shutters or other treatments that would permanently cover the windows. “The lines of the house are so pretty that to cover up those windows would be a shame,” she says. “We wanted to accentuate them and frame them out instead of taking away from them.” 

The primary bath design hinged on the room’s centerpiece, a double cast iron tub in relaxing blue hues. A pair of freestanding vanities in natural wood tones topped with quartz countertops hold their own due to thoughtful details like high backsplashes and gold tone fixtures, while still allowing the star of the show to shine.

The home’s main staircase, illuminated by tall windows, was inspired by Thomas Jefferson’s design philosophy, which Loudenbeck learned as a college student. “Jefferson thought a grand staircase was a grand waste of space,” she recalls. “So our challenge was to create the grandeur but also make it usable.” Compact and beautiful, the space is definitely not wasted. Even the space under the staircase was put to use. It holds a 200-bottle climate-controlled wine room fit for a connoisseur.

Atop the stairs a pretty vestibule, framed by more of the molding that gives the house so much character, leads to the spacious game room. Furnished with an inviting sectional sofa, leather chairs and large ottomans, the room exudes comfort and relaxation. Loudenbeck describes the distinctive brass and glass chandelier as the room’s “jewelry,” emphasizing that even a home with the essence of English style can accommodate modern accents successfully.

Three additional bedrooms and baths, along with a charming wood paneled flex space that could serve as a nursery as easily as a home office, round out the second floor.

Building a strong team from day one, John Duke was able to masterfully execute the vision of timeless beauty. With a stunning palette as a backdrop, the team of designers at Warehouse 67 created a comfortable yet elegant space that harmonizes with the home’s architecture. Custom furnishings and designer details from Warehouse 67 were planned early in the process to enhance the home’s character and charm. And just in time for Christmas, floral designer John Mark Sharpe added the final touches to this picture-perfect holiday home. 

Loudenbeck summed up her affection for the home during a walkthrough on the eve of the Vesta Homeshow’s opening. “This is what we wanted—when you walk through the space you can connect to it and it almost speaks to you. This house already has a story to tell.”

Old Neighborhood, New Vibe

Design by Maggie Clarke Interiors | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Stefanie Rawlinson

The heart of Cooper Young, a Memphis neighborhood known for its classic cottages and bungalows, might not seem like the expected setting for a new subdivision, but this home in developer Griffin Elkington’s Cooper Station proves that old and new, traditional and contemporary can coexist beautifully.

As with all 15 homes built by Elkington on the former industrial site, architect David Anderson designed the house’s exterior elevation to include traditional features fans of quintessential Midtown architecture love—clean lines, large windows, a welcoming front entry. The inside, however, takes a much more modern tone, thanks to the work of designer Maggie Clarke, owner of Maggie Clarke Interiors.

Dr. Chenobia Webster-Hill hired Clarke to guide the decor in December 2020, while the home she shares with husband Corey Hill and their two young children was still under construction. Clarke attributes much of the finished product to ideas the homeowners brought to the table. 

“Chenobia and Corey did a wonderful job!” says Clarke. “They picked out all the paint colors, all the tile for the kitchen and bathrooms, and the woodwork in the entryway was her idea. I came in just for furnishing and styling, so that was interesting because usually on new builds I do everything. On this project the clients gave me a springboard.”

Clarke asked the couple to send her inspiration pictures. In them she found a definite trend toward contemporary spaces in neutral tones, punched up with pops of bold color. She carried that aesthetic throughout the home, starting from the first step inside the front door. Accented with custom woodwork in a stylized chevron pattern designed by the homeowners and painted a tranquil gray/green, the entry wall is the perfect home for a pair of vibrant Jean-Michel Basquiat art prints. Webster-Hill selected them, along with all the art in her home. Clarke explains that although she occasionally makes broad suggestions, it’s her policy to have clients choose their own works of art. “It’s such a personal thing. Art has to speak to you.”

That said, she is thrilled with the Basquiat pieces in the foyer. “They set the tone and foreshadow what’s to happen in the rest of the house.” In the dining room a gallery wall features the same distinctive woodwork, topped by equally striking black and white photography.

The ultra modern dining table from Four Hands is surrounded by smoky lucite side chairs. A pair of eye-catching end chairs upholstered in creamy velvet creates the perfect juxtaposition of hard and soft. 

The adjacent living room exudes modern sophistication through an eclectic blend of lush fabrics, dark wood accents and natural elements, all set against the backdrop of crisp white walls and dramatic stained concrete floors. A globe-shaped light pendant from Serena & Lily is like the cherry on top of the space, says Clarke. “I love the scale of it; it’s like a focal point. I love a capiz light fixture! The softness of capiz adds balance and a little feminine touch to the lines of the room.”

The showstopper sofa is a perfect example of the synergy between client and designer that produced such a successful end result. “She called me and said, ‘I have a sofa for you.’ And I said, ‘Oh really, because I have a sofa I want you to see. Exactly the same sofa,” recalls Webster-Hill. The CB2 piece sets the room’s cocktail lounge vibe, while the rest of the furnishings, from a pair of swanky white swivel chairs to Chairish cocktail stools, beckons guests to sit and relax.

Due to the home’s open floor plan the kitchen and the living room are technically one space, but the kitchen has a personality all its own. Vivid green paint chosen by the homeowners with Clarke’s stamp of approval, wooden light pendants, white cabinets and carrara quartz countertops play out the neutral-with-bold theme here, and Webster-Hill couldn’t be happier with the heart of her home. “This is my favorite spot in the house,” she says, standing at the kitchen island. I love to stand right here and eat. I love the view.”

And who wouldn’t love that vista? From her kitchen island vantage spot, she can look out not only at her sophisticated living room—large windows across the home’s back wall provide a view of the spot the homeowner calls her family’s outside oasis. The back courtyard proves that a small space can make a large impact. Brandon Malone of Malone Construction Enterprise built a compact yet elegant pool that packs a big punch, complete with a waterfall feature and lighting. The patio also has a cozy nook where the man of the house can enjoy a good cigar in style and comfort. 

The downstairs powder room makes a nod to the neighborhood’s classic history. Clarke recalls, “When she hired me, Chenobia said, ‘I want this to look like a speakeasy.’ So we went really dramatic, from the wallpaper to the art. There’s even a black potty!”

An accent wall bathed in bold black-and-white wallpaper makes a standout feature in the primary bedroom. The room still has a quiet feel, despite the party on the wall behind the bed, however, thanks to a clean-lined canopy bed, neutral bedding and a simple wood console. The green velvet chaise next to the window is a favorite reading spot for the children. A tall, lanky Regina Andrew lamp stands alone on each of the nightstands, providing simplicity and drama at once. 

Upstairs, Clarke’s clever design will allow the two children’s bedrooms to grow with them as they transition to teenage years. She called on local artist and personal friend Whitney Winkler to design aquatic-themed textiles for the mermaid-loving daughter’s room, while the boy’s abode is handsome in deep blue and white, completed in natural wood with red accents.

The second-floor TV lounge is a study in comfort with a cushy sofa in serene blue velvet, a pair of inviting chairs, and a button-tufted leather ottoman large enough for the whole group to prop feet up. The undisputed star of this room, though, is Corey’s prized collection of vintage album covers displayed as wall art. Grouped tightly in three rows, the vinyl jackets make a stunning visual impression and call to mind memories of the giants of soul, R&B and funk.

Although they’ve only lived in their Cooper Station home for a few months, Webster-Hill says her family has found that the new development has quickly come to have the front-yard hospitality for which older neighborhoods are known. “It’s been a great experience. The people are friendly and welcoming,” she says.

A great neighborhood and a great house, she adds, thanks to a great designer. “We built a house. She created a home.”

A Love Letter to Memphis

Design by City Hill Design | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Javen Photography

When the 2021 Vesta Home Show opens next month, Mid Southerners will have the chance to tour five spectacular new homes. In the spirit of anticipation, we’re taking a look back at Tiger Hall, one of our favorites from last year’s Vesta show. 

“Go with what you know” is always a good idea. Tiger Hall, one of the homes featured in the 2020 Vesta Home Show is proof. Sisters Amy Mobley and Katie Norrid, owners of City Hill Design, found inspiration for the project’s guiding concept from the city they know and love.

Says Mobley, “If you're from here, you love all things Memphis. I don't care if you're in Collierville, Germantown, you're proud of your city. So we decided Memphis was going to be our theme. What does Memphis entail? It's got art, music, a ton of history and classic design. And so that's where we kept everything, in those parameters.”

The team of sisters and lifelong Memphians sent David Anderson and all the collaborators who would contribute to Tiger Hall that concept and a vision packet. “We gave them color tones, the vibe that we were going for and the keywords that we were looking for,” Mobley says. Their other guiding concept was to create a show home from which guests could take bits and pieces to incorporate into their everyday life. “Kind of like fashion runway shows in New York, how it's outlandish, and just kind of over the top and fun. We wanted people to walk through and be inspired to take parts of it and go with it.”

Mobley was excited to work in tandem with Tiger Hall’s builder, City Hill Homes, owned by her husband Zach Mobley and Jonathan Draper. “People think that because our companies have the same name, we always work together,” she says, “but this was our first full crossover project. It helped that I’m married to the contractor—we could talk him into a lot more. He was a good sport.”

Norrid explains that the design team, which also included Rachel Welch, relished the chance to step outside familiar parameters. “We were like, ‘What can we do, what has Memphis not seen? Can we mix it up and shake up what you normally see at a home show—give people some things they haven’t seen before without being too wild or weird?’” 

Their concepts hit both marks. The house has innovations galore and nods to the Bluff City everywhere, starting with the exterior elevation. In an homage to Graceland, Memphis’ most iconic home, Anderson gave Tiger Hall two symmetrical rows of windows across the front. He also situated a balcony above the front door, a perfect fit for its Spring Creek neighborhood, where families often visit in front yards. Both Mobley and Norrid live in Spring Creek, so they know firsthand how neighbors spend lots of time out in the common spaces and chatting with each other. 

Tuscan Iron Entries fabricated the home’s iron and glass front door, the matching rear door and all the iron work. Light spills into the entryway, illuminating a show-stopping floor that marries wood and marble in a custom pattern that Mobley says was a study in collaboration between the home’s flooring and stone artisans. The open stairway also provided a challenge for contractors, but the result is unparalleled. Anderson designed the staircase facing the home’s rear side, and with open treads, again to maximize light.

Having a game room directly off the front entry is decidedly outside-the-box architecture, but it works beautifully in Tiger Hall. Separated from the foyer by a wall of frosted, ribbed glass, the area features a pull-down projection screen, a full bar and a comfy sectional upholstered in, of course, blue suede. City Hill designed the piece with open sections to accommodate viewing the action both on the TV screen and at the custom shuffleboard table behind it. The “Easy Tiger” neon sign above the bar was a huge hit with Vesta attendees. “We could have sold 20 of those!” laughs Norrid.

Across the entry the formal living room opens to the kitchen to the right and the dining area at the rear, where light floods in through a wall of windows. In the kitchen, handmade cabinetry from BylerCraft in Whiteville, TN, is the star of the show. Norrid calls the kitchen island a labor of love from the craftsmen. “It has reeded detail all along the sides with hidden drawers built in. It’s high-lacquer black and it looks like an antique chest. The top was almost like a table overlay and the legs are all on little brass casters.”

Adds Mobley, “One thing we found is unless you work with somebody who really custom makes everything, it's hard to create a vision—something that's not your normal or typical piece. They literally made every detail come alive.” 

Adjacent to the kitchen, a scullery and butler’s pantry make entertaining a breeze. So much prep space, as well as the home’s effortless flow from room to room and to patio areas both in front and behind create a perfect setup for entertaining. 

Two bedroom/bath suites, the primary and a guest, complete the downstairs.

On the second floor, much of the space is the domain of the homeowners’ teenage daughter. Mobley says she and Norrid had a blast designing the area and took inspiration from decor superstar Kelly Wearstler. The custom upholstered bed and funky light fixture provide a subtle 80’s vibe and the gallery wall is anything but standard. Layered over picture-frame molding, art is attached to chains suspended from the ceiling.

The homeowners requested a home gym and City Hill delivered masterfully. From the mirrored wall to the combination wood/rubberized floor, to the locker-room style closet, the space is the perfect setting for working out, topped off by a custom mural of a stylized Bluff City skyline by Sam Reeves.

That mural is just one of a gallery’s worth of local art pieces Norrid and Mobley placed in the house as a love letter to their hometown. The designers approached a long list of local artists, explaining their all-things-Memphis concept for the show home, and they were amazed by the response. “So many people painted specific pieces just for the Vesta. I was blown away!” says Norrid. 

Tiger Hall is home to art from Leslie Barron, Meghan Hurdle, David Butler, Erika Roberts, Katie Toombs, Pam McDonnell, Maggie Russell, Chelsea Fly, Candace Boatright and Drew Barham, who just happens to be the brother of Mobley and Norrid. Not just local artists, the subject matter is also pure Memphis. It spans the landscape from Skateland to Shelby Farms to downtown trolleys. And there’s a who’s who of local music legends: Elvis, Johnny Cash, BB King and Justin Timberlake. The music itself became art in a downstairs hallway where classic albums and singles line the walls in a fun geometric pattern. 

Winks to the Mid South keep coming, but in subtle ways. The built-in kegerator in the bar sports a tap from Grind City Brewing and crushed velvet on the headboard in the downstairs guest bedroom is a modern take on decor from the home of the King himself. Tigers roam on the dramatic wallpaper in the powder room. Local vendors like Elle Woven rugs and Blue Pencil home organization also put their mark on Tiger Hall to create a true showplace with the best of Memphis.

In fact, Norrid says her young daughter proclaimed City Hill’s Vesta masterpiece so recently. “We were out riding in the neighborhood in the golf cart and we went past the house. My little girl stood up and said, ‘Look, Mama, it’s the best stuffs house!’”

Truer words were never spoken.

The Best of Everything

Design by Ann Prince Interiors | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Ross Group Creative

When a designer partners with homeowners to outfit a new residence, the task is often to select all new furnishings. That wasn’t the case with this East Memphis house, however. Ann Prince, owner of Ann Prince Interiors, became a specialist in “mergers and acquisitions” for the project, crafting a stunning design aesthetic that blends newly purchased pieces, favorite items from their former house and treasured family antiques with furniture, art and more acquired from the previous owner’s estate sale. The finished product fits the home and family perfectly.

The owners, a family with three school-age children, came to own the house through circumstances so serendipitous that they knew it was meant to be. When they mentioned to a family member who is a realtor that they were planning an addition to their former house, she suggested they look at properties instead.

It wasn’t long before she showed them the house they now call home, and although they weren’t initially planning to move, the homeowner says they love their new place. 

The previous owner had raised her family there and was ready for a new chapter. She was ready to part with some of the beautiful furnishings and extensive art collection she had amassed over the years. The new residents were the fortunate recipients of several pieces of furniture and works of art she placed in an estate sale. Prince used her design expertise to incorporate them, along with the family’s existing furnishings and some new pieces, to create an elegant ambiance that is also tough enough to hold up to family life.

Case in point is the green sofa in the living room. The homeowner fell in love with its graceful curved shape when she saw it at the estate sale. Prince had it covered in the striking upholstery that’s as durable as it is beautiful. “It’s Schumacher Performance Velvet and it’s amazing,” she says. “I accidentally left the fabric sample out in the rain and it looked just as good after!”

The living room is a study in contrasts as family antiques in dark wood blend with glass and lucite tables. Prince mixed neutral prints in the rug and upholstered chairs to add interest in the background.

She continued the theme of old and new, bright, dark and neutral in the adjacent dining room, where an original painting by New Orleans artist Ashley Longshore is the focal point. The antique dining table is an heirloom from the homeowner’s grandmother, but the side chairs are all new. Although their light, neutral look is elegant, the chairs are ready for action; Prince upholstered them in faux leather she describes as “indestructible.” Nailhead detail on the end chairs mirrors the table’s oval shape. Scalamandre printed grasscloth wallpaper once again proves that neutral doesn’t mean boring.

Prince worked her blending magic again in the family room, and set it all off by painting the built-ins in Benjamin Moore’s Galapagos Green—a saturated yet sedate hue. The previous homeowner had the pair of abstracts now above the sofa in a different spot, but they look so perfect in their current placement, it seems as though they were meant to be there all along. The size and scale of comfy armchairs from the family’s former home also work well in their new setting.

Just off the family room, a casual dining area seems to bring the outdoors in, taking advantage of the home’s lush, green setting. The gallery-style area is light filled thanks to a full wall of windows that counteracts the weighty design of the rough-hewn wood ceiling. Further down the gallery hall, Prince continued to play up natural elements; she papered the friends’ entry in green Clarence House wallpaper with stylized leaves for just a touch of whimsy.

The kitchen received a facelift, as did several other areas of the home, thanks to Architect David Anderson and RKA Construction. Storage was the homeowner’s top priority and Anderson delivered in spades. From the wall of cabinets and drawers in the kitchen to the “secret” wine closet near the bar area to the mud room with a locker and drawers for each child, there’s a place for everything—even a built-in dog kennel and a Chippendale-style pocket doggie gate to corral Olive the pup. Midtown Cabinetry & Millwork crafted all the custom cabinetry.

The renovation of the master wing included reworking the laundry room and upping its design quotient. A cheerful blue palette that includes eye-catching cement floor tiles makes the thought of doing the wash downright appealing.

The mood is more serene, though, in the revamped master suite. Anderson’s plan reimagined the layout, and the current floor plan is simple and restful. Large windows in the bedroom afford full views of the parklike backyard and pool. The master bath is an elegant blend of marble, white and chrome with soft, blue-gray walls.

Part of the remodel included adding a downstairs bedroom and bath for the family’s youngest child. Her suite is roomy and comfortable, perfect to “age up” with her as she grows.

Although the beautifully blended house is the star of the show, the home’s backyard is another example of how the current residents have meshed with the former ones. The previous owner was an avid gardener and her labor of love is evident throughout the backyard. Winding paths reveal adorable fairy gardens and surprises, all conceived and created throughout the years by the past owner. The current homeowner admits she isn’t an accomplished gardener, however, her mother-in-law is an expert who often lends her talents to preserving and improving the scenery.

The family enjoys the pool, firepit and back house constructed by the last owner, but have put their own stamp on the backyard with the addition of a hidden batting cage and putting green perfect for boys who love sports.

From the front door to the backyard, the house and grounds are truly a haven. The best of everything, whether newly acquired, from the family’s past, or through the home’s heritage, blends so perfectly it feels that it was destined to become the place this family would call home.

Timeless with a Twist

Staging & Redesign by House of Chic | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Annabella Charles

East Memphis newlyweds tackle a total renovation to combine their lives and their favorite furnishings in perfect harmony.

Jennifer Jones Landrum says that when she and her now-husband Mike Landrum were introduced a year and a half ago, they were “instant soulmates.” They married within a year of meeting, and why not? They knew they were meant to be together.

Eager to find a new home to start their life as a married couple, the pair purchased a 30+-year-old house in an East Memphis gated community in January 2020. Jennifer wasted no time in coming up with a total renovation plan to wake up the property she describes as “sleepy, but with great bones.” Despite delays brought on when the COVID pandemic hit two months later, the Landrums moved into their home in November, and they couldn’t be happier. Jennifer’s design aesthetic produced a fresh setting, the ideal backdrop for all things newly married. She and Mike both brought favorite furniture, art and accessories into their combined home, completed by a few special pieces they acquired together to make the place truly theirs.

Having been somewhat neglected for the past few years, the house needed a head-to-toe update, and no one was better prepared to take on a project of that scale. The owner of Staging & Redesign by House of Chic, Jennifer is an Accredited Staging Professional and a member of the International Association of Home Staging Professionals. “I always tell my clients ‘fresh is in,’” she says, and she heeded her own advice in her personal project. To revitalize the facade, she reworked the front porch, changed the front door, and painted the brick. All new landscaping completed the transformation.

The interior, once dark and multi-colored, has new life thanks to fresh white paint throughout. Says Jennifer, “I wanted an all-white house because we have quite a bit of art, and white really makes artwork pop.” To achieve a more open feel, the reno plan also included raising every door header to 10 feet high, and replacing all the light fixtures.

Taking furnishings from two mature people who have spent years acquiring their own pieces and meshing those into one cohesive design could present a real challenge, but Jennifer says that was not the case when it came to marrying her things with Mike’s. She points out pieces in the home’s entryway as a perfect example. “The chest was his, but the mirrors above it were mine,” she says, adding that the ease with which their items blended affirms that fact that they were meant to be together.

Expert Tip: Jennifer’s rule of thumb when working with an all-white paint palette is to use the same color, in different finishes, on the walls and the trim. “White oxidizes over time, so if you choose different colors the trim and the walls will eventually change differently. For a clean, sleek look I use one color so everything oxidizes the same.” She chose Decorator’s White by Benjamin Moore for her home.

The dining table is new, purchased from The Back Room by Bella Vita to fit their current lifestyle. “Our whole key with this house and this time in our lives was to make everything user friendly. We use this dining room all the time for everything from parties to pizza night,” Jennifer says. Much-loved upright hutches from the couple’s previous homes play well with the pedestal table’s washed finish. The room gets a punch of pizzazz from the ceiling, papered in a metallic geometric pattern from Thibaut. She explains, “I love accent walls. I often suggest them for my clients, so I decided this ceiling was the perfect place for some interest.”

The kitchen that was dark and closed in is now light-filled and inviting. New white cabinets, a massive white quartz island and a couple of show-stopping light pendants in champagne gold are the stars of the show. The island’s acrylic barstools are the perfect perches for morning coffee thanks to their placement across from a large picture window. Once closed off by shutters, the window now opens to a lovely garden vignette.

Jennifer designed the keeping room adjacent to the kitchen with a rather unconventional furniture layout, but she says it’s a big hit. She grouped an assortment of swivel chairs in what she calls a “conversation circle” so family and guests seated there can easily turn to face one another, focus toward the kitchen, or view the pool and the new open-air porch outside the room’s back window. Jennifer designed the cozy veranda, repurposing plantation shutters removed from the kitchen to provide privacy.

.Past the keeping room sits the home’s comfortable family room, a large space with an inviting sectional sofa, a hammered-steel top dining table that Mike brought, and an original diptych by local painter Katie Toombs. “It’s of Shelby Farms,” Jennifer says, “Mike and I love to walk out there so it was fun to find those two paintings.”

“Marrying” the two gathering areas is a wine bar area Jennifer conceived to provide a segue as well as easy beverage access from the pool. The granite countertop came as a happy surprise, a perfect fit repurposed from the master bathroom vanity, and the wallpapered panel on the wall gives the spot depth and dimension.

The downstairs master bedroom is a tranquil retreat, but the adjoining bathroom is the part of the home which underwent perhaps the most major transformation. Its unusual “his and hers” layout and long, narrow configuration had turned away previous would-be buyers, but Jennifer, aided by architect S Berry Jones, reimagined the area and created a luxurious spot that suits her needs and Mike’s to a T. Gone are the two tiny shower stalls and two separate water closets. A stunning oversized shower area and a soaker tub across from it now anchor the room. Jennifer repeated marble rectangles accented with coordinating penny tile trim to create visual flow between the fixtures. To-the-ceiling mirrors with lighting embedded over two vanity areas give the room a soaring feel. And Jennifer says separate vanities, as well as closets, are a godsend, given her and her husband’s opposite organizational styles. “He’s neat. Everything is perfect in his area. The first time I saw Mike’s closet [in his previous home] I laughed and said ‘If we ever get together, we’re going to need separate bathrooms.’ Fast forward and here we are!”

As a seasoned home stager, Jennifer knows well that taking things that have been in separate places for years and throwing them together could result in a design disaster, so she called on all her professional skills to create a cohesive look in her own house. “We both agreed to take our best things, our favorite things, blend them, and still try to get a fresh look.” Asked if it was hard for either of them to let go of anything, she replies, “Both of us were in a place where we were ready and we really wanted this to be our home.” Art is important to the Landrums and holds a place of pride in their house. In addition to the paintings by Katie Toombs, their collection includes pieces by artist Rana Rochat and others. In the home’s main hall a large commissioned work by Florida collage master Debo Groover is yet another example of the effort the couple made to knit their decor together. Through countless photos and multiple Zoom meetings, Groover was able to incorporate the exact colors of beloved pieces in their home into the work. 

It’s clear that Jennifer loves her house and the happy new phase of life it represents for her and Mike. “This is our story. The way I look at it is, it’s timeless with a twist. It was fun to take it through renovation to what it could be,” she says. “It had great bones; it just had to be rediscovered and given a fresh feel.”

A Home Reimagined

Interior Design by Robin Selberg | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Ross Group Creative

 It may have started with a small idea, as home renovations often do, but as the recently completed project at this Germantown home grew in size, it also gained approval from the homeowners, the designer and the contractor. “One thing we all agree on is that all the things we did we would do again,” says Michael Murphy of Murphy Custom Homes, who conceptualized and oversaw the job. “It became a bigger project as it went along, but it all turned out well.”

Interior designer Robin Selberg recalls, “It all began with the homeowner telling me she thought she would need a new refrigerator before long and maybe she wanted to paint the kitchen cabinets.” Selberg had worked with the couple when they built the house in 2006 and on subsequent projects, so she was happy to help her long-time clients and friends with another update.

As the family had lived in their home for almost 15 years, their needs had changed. Says the homeowner, “We originally built the house to raise kids in. We wanted everything comfortable and I didn’t want to have to worry about people breaking things.” Now, with the children older and transitioning to adult life away from home, the time had come to make some adjustments in the house. Although those plans started small, Selberg and Murphy steered the homeowners to a major rework of their dining room, kitchen and laundry room, and they couldn’t be more pleased with the finished product. 

Selberg knew the client had wanted to change the layout of her kitchen for a while, and this seemed the perfect time for a redesign. Murphy’s vision included a complete reimagining of the kitchen, as well as an adjacent bar area/butler’s pantry which led into the dining room. On the other side of the kitchen, Murphy took out an oddly-shaped and seldom used home office to create a larger laundry room with all the bells and whistles, including an entire wall of storage space.

“When the house was built, having a desk area around the kitchen was much more popular, but not anymore. People don’t work from desktop computers as much, so taking the office out made sense to get this amazing laundry room. This was one of the biggest ‘trust me’ moments we had with the clients in this project, but it worked out great.”

— Michael Murphy

The homeowner agrees that while it was initially a little difficult to give up existing storage space in the office, the original bar area and the butler’s pantry, the new layout has more storage than she could have imagined. Thanks to organizational help in the laundry room, kitchen and pantry from Trazo Design, there’s a place for everything, with room to spare.

As the scope of the project expanded, it became clear that new cabinetry was a must-have. Murphy turned to Old City Millworks for the kitchen cabinets, storage wall and cabinets in the laundry room, and a unique piece for the dining area that became a game changer for that room, which is long and a bit narrow. The homeowner previously had a buffet for storage on the wall closest to the kitchen, but the placement caused a tight squeeze when guests were seated on that side of the dining table. The elimination of the six-foot wide butler’s pantry on the other side of the dining room wall opened up a perfect alcove for a custom built-in cabinet that is as beautiful as it is practical. “You wouldn’t see that in a design for a new home,” Murphy points out. “But sometimes when you undo walls in a renovation opportunities come up and this is a great example of that. It’s a special touch.”

The cabinet is completed by custom monogrammed door knobs sourced from Graham’s Lighting, as is all the new hardware and lighting in the house. Selberg added new sconces, wallpaper, drapes and upholstery for the dining room chairs to complete the design.

The rest of the space gained from the elimination of the butler’s pantry went into the reworked kitchen. Murphy’s plan recessed the refrigerator into the area to create more floor space in the center of the room. That enabled the addition of two center islands to open the kitchen more to the family room, a goal the client had had for some time. The new, more compact bar space pays homage to a feature of the original design that the homeowner always loved. Small square tiles in a glamorous mother-of-pearl tone cover the counter and backsplash. An original painting by local artist Pamela Hassler, set off by a handsome brass picture light, tops the area and plays well with a pair of modern brass-toned barrel pendants over the island that serves as the home’s casual dining spot.

Selberg incorporated the family’s collection of works by Mid South artists including Paul Edelstein, Shelley Bolton, Leslie Perry and Hillary Butler and added a pair of contemporary abstracts on Tibetan paper by Lisa Weiss, sourced from L Ross Gallery, to the home’s newly designed entryway. 

Although she’s pleased with every part of the project that began with the need for a new refrigerator, the homeowner is thrilled with the cedar beams Murphy was able to restore to the family room. The home’s initial design included similar beams, but they had been reworked as part of another project a few years ago, and the second version had never measured up to the originals. To achieve the more open floor plan, Murphy needed to install steel beams to replace load-bearing walls. He called on master woodworker Wade Burrus to cover them with wood and to recreate the square pattern the client so missed. The handsome, rough-hewn cedar brings a cozy, lodge-style feel to the area where the family spends most of their time.

Similar skilled work shows throughout the project, literally from ceiling to floor. The renovation included changes in areas that were floored in antique brick. Fortunately, Selberg was able to locate matching pavers and have them laced in so seamlessly that they appear to be original to the house.

That level of expert workmanship, the vision of the general contractor and the creativity of the designer combined to take this renovation from a small change in the kitchen to a whole new version of the home that is the ultimate blend of beauty and practicality. 

Lake Life Redefined

Design by Warehouse 67 | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Annabella Charles

 Kim Loudenbeck’s latest project, her recently renovated home on Pickwick Lake, brings a new definition to lake life. Asked to tell the story, she begins this way: “We've been in our [Eads] home almost three years now and we had the urge to tackle a new project.” 

The interior designer and owner of Warehouse 67, a self-confessed “project addict,” attributes her desire to create beautiful spaces to her childhood spent drawing and painting. “To me, renovating a house is like creating a three-dimensional work of art. I get to envision what’s in my head and make it a reality.” And she continues with a laugh, “I’ve never met a house I didn’t like! Every house I go into, I see what it could be and it just makes me so excited and gives me so much encouragement to transform it into a space that people can live in and enjoy.” 

Not wanting to move her family again, Kim and her husband Jeremy initially considered flipping a home in the Memphis area, but low inventory in the Mid South real estate market made that challenging. They broadened their geographic range, considering the possibility of operating an AirBnb in coastal Florida, and even as far away as Scotland, but ran into a series of roadblocks that eventually led them in a different direction. 

After helping several clients with houses at Pickwick, Kim started to consider a home on the lake. “What I was hearing was that everyone has either a place that’s been passed down in their family for years, or a custom-built new home on the lake. You rarely ever see a beautiful turnkey house that's been renovated to become the best version of a lake home,” she says.

After about a year of looking, the couple came across what they saw as the perfect opportunity in the Riverton, AL, area. The 1984 ranch home checked off all the boxes they wanted for a renovation: a large lot, waterfront access and a panoramic view of the water. “I can always change a house,” says Kim, but you can’t change the location.” 

Once they completed the purchase of the house in July 2020, the family spent the summer enjoying Pickwick Lake, as well as the hiking trails and waterfalls in the Riverton area. They fell in love with the historic area and neighborhood. Over the summer she reached out to other local homeowners to learn what they loved most about their lake houses. She found out that some of the most popular features are a large gathering room, lots of places for people to sleep, a well-appointed kitchen, a covered porch and outdoor living areas, so she set about making plans to reimagine their 1,500-square-foot place into the perfect getaway spot for the family.

 “I love taking spaces and transforming them into something that people can enjoy and that fits with the setting. I’m so grateful that I was able to realize the vision that I had in my mind for what this home could be. It is now as beautiful as the view and the location where it sits.”

 —Designer and homeowner Kim Loudenbeck 

By October the plans were finalized to double the square footage of the home. Demo began the week of Thanksgiving, overseen by the Loudenbecks. Kim explains that they wanted the project moved along so it would be finished by this summer. “It’s harder when it’s far away. Once you start, you want to get to the end result and just be able to enjoy it. By doing it ourselves we were able to meet that deadline.” They called on subcontractors with whom they had existing relationships in Memphis for part of the work, and also used local workers from the nearby area. 

As was the case with most everything in 2020, the renovation had special complications brought on by the pandemic. “Trying to rebuild during Covid with all the product shortages and challenges, to say it was hard is an understatement,” says Kim. She admits, “We've had to be way more hands on with this project than on any other we've ever done. Even though it's been stressful it's been good because I've learned new things. We even hauled loads of building materials up there ourselves to keep the job on track! I don't know how many miles we put on our vehicles, but now that it's done in record time, six months from start to finish, it's so worth it.” 

Kim says she loves the fact that the home isn’t a typical “cookie-cutter” new construction. “We kept the beautiful characteristics that were there and we added to it in a way that was harmonious with the original structure. It makes for a very unique home that is intriguing and interesting visually. You never know what's around the corner, and I think that's part of the charm of this property.” 

“It had a natural stone exterior, very typical of the area,” says Kim. “On the new addition we added stone to complete that feel and to make it seem like it's been there all along.” The project included a complete gut of the two-story section of the home along with rebuilding the single-story side to make it two-story as well. 

Maximizing the waterfront location was the Loudenbecks’ first priority. To that end, they replaced walls in the living room and kitchen with 16-foot sliding glass doors to provide expansive water views. Two of the three bedrooms upstairs have a pair of full glass window walls for panoramic views. “You almost feel like you’re floating on the water,” says Kim. 

She describes the biggest challenge in any renovation project as the limitations involved in working around a footprint that is already established. “We've done a lot of new construction and with that the sky's the limit—you can put walls where you want them. But when you're married to a footprint you have to get much more creative on how you utilize that space.” Despite the constraints, she feels like they were able to pack a lot of features into the lake redo.

Designwise, the location of the home gave Kim a sense of freedom to push the limits a bit more than usual. “Here in Memphis you kind of have to keep in certain parameters when you're designing. At the lake I felt like I was a little bit more free to do things that I normally wouldn't do for a main home,” she explains. 

In her planning of the space, Kim wanted to use a mixture of more modern pieces with traditional elements to redefine lake living. “So many of the lake homes I have been in have either been older homes with a reflection of past generations or newly built homes with a mountain lodge vibe. I wanted to create a space that incorporated all of the natural elements of its surroundings with a fresh approach that is current and relaxed.”

Kim used textural details and natural colors to achieve this. One bedroom has the shiplap look, painted in deep navy to give it a pop of color. In another she added green wainscoting. The bonus room is designed in a relaxing natural palette with an unexpected colorful focal point—the American flag that once flew on the original home. 

In the kitchen, blue-gray cabinets with antique mirror panels, waterfall-edge countertops and gold hardware elevate the design but stop short of making it formal or fussy. Kim even extended the design into the pantry, an often neglected area of nondescript shelving. “The pantry is so cute and cozy,” she says. “We put in cabinets and a countertop. We increased the depth of the wall cabinets and brought them all the way down to the countertop, making it an extension of the kitchen; it doesn't feel utilitarian at all!” 

At just under 3,000 square feet, the renovated lake house is a bit smaller than most of the projects Kim undertakes, but that presented a distinct advantage when it came to design and furnishings. “Because there aren't as many pieces, it allowed me to hand pick every one for its character and charm. The home is beautiful in itself, but I was able to layer on even more interest with the furnishings and the fixtures,” says the designer. 

Kim’s affection for her pandemic project is evident in the way she describes it. Although the Pickwick home is dear to her heart, she can’t neglect her passion for projects, so it’s probable that she’ll take on another challenge before too long. She says, “We're looking forward to enjoying it this summer, but we never know what the future holds. I know myself and I know that I'm going to want to do another project. I always tell people, ‘It's not if I do another project, but when." 

Trusting the Vision

Design by Lindsey Black Interiors | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Sélavie Photography

When Kayla and Nick Arcuri bought their Jackson, TN, home they knew they’d need to do some major decorating. Being cultured, educated people, they set out to find the perfect furnishings for their new abode on their own. 

After a series of missteps and a lot of stress, the couple found themselves completely frustrated. “I was having difficulty picking things that made sense,” Kayla recalls. “We brought home several items and none of them worked for the house. It was driving us up the wall!” With a baby, a toddler and two careers, the busy couple decided it was time to call in a professional.

So they started their search for help using social media, a resource that might seem a bit unconventional to some. But, as interior designer Lindsey Black puts it, “I’m not your mother’s decorator.” The owner of Memphis-based Lindsey Black Interiors says many of her clients find her through her Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook posts.

Once the clients and designer connected, plans began to make the home beautiful and functional and to customize it to fit the Arcuris’ unique needs. Built in the mid 90s, the brick Georgian received a major modernization from its previous owners. The result is an open-concept living area that includes the entryway, living room, dining room and kitchen. Black says her task was to bring color and interest into the wide-open spaces and make them feel polished yet still homey and practical for a family with children and dogs. She describes her design aesthetic for the project as “modern mix.” 

To achieve the look Black started in the living room, a cavernous area with soaring ceilings with clerestory windows flanking a fireplace. She cozied up the space by removing oversized white built-in cabinets, the kind used to house large stereo equipment in the era in which the home was built, and adding scaled-down natural wood shelves in their place. A custom painting by New Orleans artist Sarah Ella Cole tops the mantel, helping to define boundaries.  After visually reducing the area to a more manageable size, Black filled it with comfortable upholstered pieces in neutral tones. Performance fabrics prevent worries over spills and other child-related mishaps. A pair of armchairs brought from the Arcuris’ previous home blends in seamlessly and two Noir Furniture coffee tables echo the natural wood look of the shelves. “Because the room is so big, I wanted to use two coffee tables. That way every seat in the room has access to a spot,” she explains. Their separated placement keeps the tables from looking too heavy and their natural construction makes them match, but not match,” she explains.

Two nondescript ceiling fans that formerly hung in the living room didn’t do the space justice. In their place Black chose a Visual Comfort modern chandelier that is part light fixture, part work of art. Says the designer, “I knew that whatever we put there had to be large in scale—that’s a huge vertical space—and really unique and impactful. I love how sculptural it is and also that it’s uplighting so it’s not harsh when it’s turned on.

The adjacent dining room also packs a visual punch thanks to one starring piece and several supporting design elements curated by Black. A huge custom cabinet built by Byler Craft in Whiteville, TN, lines one wall, anchoring the space beautifully and providing a worthy home for Nick’s extensive bourbon collection. Coordinating heron prints on the room’s back wall bring a dramatic element. Black and her project manager Mary Katherine Harris sourced the prints from market in High Point, NC, on one of their semi-annual buying trips. The art was so striking they knew they’d find the perfect spot for it in a client’s home eventually, and the Arcuris are the happy recipients. Kayla says they are among her favorite parts of Black’s design. “They just fill me with joy when I look at them.”

Entertaining will be a priority for the homeowners in the post-pandemic era, so they told Black they wanted a dining table that would comfortably seat 10. She delivered with a simple double-pedestal design surrounded by eight neutral side chairs and a pair of end chairs upholstered in fabrics that add interest and a nod to mid-century modern. To provide ample lighting over the expansive table Black chose two black and white chandeliers. They fit the bill perfectly, shedding plenty of light without overpowering the room’s other features.

“Our big three must-haves were function—something we could live in—a nice dining room we could entertain in, and a place for the bourbon to live and be celebrated.”

—Homeowner Kayla Arcuri

The Arcuris were happy with the clean, white-on-white look of their kitchen, but a seemingly small design element Black added makes a big splash. The large kitchen window looked a bit bare so the designer brought in a Roman shade in a John Derian Designers Guild fabric that adds a pop of color to the kitchen. The textile also inspired Black’s accessory choices for the living room. She repeated the stunning bird print on throw pillows and pulled from its tones for other accents. 

“Function is very important to me. I try to weigh form and function equally. If you put enough thought into it, you can always find something that checks both those boxes.”

—Designer Lindsey Black

While bright white walls make the rest of the house feel light and airy, the master bedroom is a soothing cocoon of saturated color. Black selected grasscloth wallpaper in a deep slate blue to bring texture and tone to the space. “The clients like color, but because every other room is essentially connected and was white, the bedroom was the logical spot to bring it in, to have a really bold moment on the walls,” she explains. 

Custom drapes in a Thibaut leaf print set a light/dark palette that’s repeated in the furniture, bedding and rug. Palacek rattan and rope sconces, another treasure sourced from High Point, bring an additional natural material into play. Black says she’s a big fan of the lights for more than just their good looks: not only do the wall-mounted sconces free up space on nightstands, their height is infinitely adjustable thanks to the knotted rope design.

“I love a moody master bedroom. Given a choice I’m always going to go darker.”

—Designer Lindsey Black

Kayla couldn’t be happier with the dramatic tone of her master bedroom. “I feel like when I get into bed at night I am so cozy and relaxed. It’s just such a nice place to be.”

As much as she loves the bedroom, the homeowner is also thrilled with the way the whole project turned out. Black agrees that the project was a rousing success and attributes that to the fact that the clients were willing to totally hand the design reins over to a professional. She says, “They really trusted my vision. Even when they were initially a little on the fence about something they made the decision to trust me. I think the projects that turn out the best are always the ones where the client isn’t over analyzing every little detail. They have to remember that’s why they hired me, to know how it’s going to work together, and trust that the end result is going to be amazing. They did an excellent job of that.”

The Evolution of a Home

Design by Parker Design Studio | Story by Terri Glazer | Photography by Annabella Charles

Designer Ann Parker helps an Eads couple adapt their beloved family home to suit their new stage of life.

When Beth and David Skudder built their home in Eads in 2003, they customized it to perfectly fill the needs of a family with three school-age children. The Skudders loved to entertain, and they had plenty of room for large-scale events. Beth recalls, “I had luaus, I had prom parties, I had homecoming parties. I had game dinners. I had school functions. It was great—lots of life in the house.” As the years went by, the children grew up and flew the nest, leaving their parents to figure out how the two of them could best use the house on their own. 

David recently suggested that master bath needed an update, and Beth jumped right on the idea. She enlisted the help of Ann Parker, owner of Parker Design Studio, to brighten up the space.

And, as is so often the case with home renovations, a small project snowballed into a redo that encompassed almost every room in the home, along with a screened porch. The Skudders had worked with Parker on several previous design projects, so Beth trusted her implicitly. “There were two things I wanted in this house from the beginning and again in the renovation. Every space had to be useful and the design had to be timeless. Ann helped me so much with that. There’s not one room in the house we don’t use. And I feel like the design will definitely hold up over time

Parker says one of the main goals of the renovation was to freshen the home while still respecting its original design. “It was really important to stay true to the architecture of the house and not turn it into an alien just to update it,” she recalls. “It was about being very sensitive to what was already here while adding updated features.”

What was already there was a houseful of custom features with materials and furnishings both made by local artisans and brought in from far and wide. The original design team, architect Carson Looney of LRK and designer Julie Nicholson, helped the Skudders source distinctive elements including salvaged barn wood from Canada, antique light fixtures from New Orleans, French antique furnishings and large steel windows. Memphis metal sculptor Brian Russell created a stair rail that features balusters shaped like stalks of wheat and a stunning bronze head of wheat for a newel post, a nod to David’s career as a commodities trader. 

Parker embraced the opportunity to incorporate some of the Skudders’ existing pieces into her redesign. She says, “We reassembled the details without going too far.” She and Beth went from room to room assessing which of the pieces Beth most loved. Those favorites stayed, often with new upholstery or in a different location. The designer notes that often all it takes to revitalize a space is a new light fixture, a fresh coat of paint, a little wallpaper or some cabinet hardware. A small “tweak” can make a big difference.

Beth was ready for a change in her kitchen. She loves to cook and was happy with the flow of the space, but wanted to update the original green furniture-style cabinets and rework the island. She wasn’t interested in buying into the popular trend of having white walls, cabinets and countertops, however. “This house has been too custom from the beginning to all of the sudden make the kitchen generic,” she says. Parker agreed. The new look seamlessly blends the kitchen’s brick wall and wood beams with a handsome island, painted cabinets that are sleek and sophisticated, and pendant-style lantern lights with a decidedly modern flair. 

The adjacent family room went from European traditional, completely furnished in antiques, to a more contemporary blend of classic pieces with new additions and reworked favorites. Parker continued with that aesthetic into the home’s central hall, where a pair of antique needlepoint chairs flank a modern painting by local artist Hamlett Dobbins. The Skudders added several pieces from David Lusk Gallery to their art collection as part of the renovation, including a commission by Tad Lauritzen Wright. The artful anagram contains 29 words related to commodities.

Parker brought in art consultant Anna Wunderlich to maximize the impact of the family’s art collection. Beth remembers, “We literally took every piece of art off the walls and repurposed every single piece throughout the house. It gave everything a new life. I felt like I had new art because it was all in new places.”

The designer’s “keep-what-you-love, change-the-rest” plan applied to the dining room, as well. The homeowners have always enjoyed entertaining around the large round table in their square-shaped dining room. They no longer loved the gold-leafed ceiling or the upholstery on the dining chairs, though. Parker had the ceiling painted in a quieter tone, reupholstered the chairs, brought in an oversized mirror antiqued by local framer Chris Garner, placed art over the mirror for drama, and added gorgeous silk drapes to give the room a feel that’s altogether different from before, but still in keeping with the home’s character.

The master bedroom’s original faux finished walls received a new look thanks to several coats of paint. Parker freshened up the decor in the room with a new upholstered headboard, bedside tables, window treatments and art, giving it perhaps the most major facelift of any area of the home. In the master bath, “where it all started,” according to Beth, there’s the new shower tile David suggested, along with newly painted cabinets, new hardware, countertops, sinks and faucets. The family eschewed trends here, too: Beth had a freestanding tub, so popular in bathroom remodels at the moment, removed. “It just wasn’t functional,” she explains. In its place Parker installed a built-in tub with a granite deck.

With Parker’s help, the Skudders now have a home that’s evolved to fit their current needs—the upstairs renovations even included reworking part of the guest room into a nursery nook for their year-old grandson. But even though the house is now much more suited to the couple’s current lifestyle, their relationship with the designer isn’t winding down. “We love a project,” Beth says. “We truly enjoy the whole process and I’m looking forward to working on more projects with Ann in the future.”