From to-die-for dining rooms to colorful kitchens and sassy stairwells, some of Nashville's top decorators share their favorite design moments.
Jonathan Savage
Savage Interior Design
When I designed this dining room, I based it around the Herve van der Straeten chandelier that takes center stage. I built the space—everything from the gold lacquered ceiling to the handmade wallcovering—around it. The room is beyond dreamy. This is one of my favorite spaces I have ever designed based on the many refined layers of furnishings that have been implemented into the design of the room. (savageinteriordesign.com)
ROSS GROUP CREATIVE, DOUGLAS FRIEDMAN
Kate Figler
Kate Figler Interiors
I try to mix different design elements when working on a space, and I love the way this dining room came together. I paired a traditional floral wallpaper with a more whimsical light fixture. And while the furniture shapes are classic, they are reimagined in fresh ways. The room is layered but still feels fun and approachable. (katefiglerinteriors.com)
ALLISON ELEFANTE PHOTOGRAPHY
Dana Tucker
Bella Tucker
My favorite project is a condo I worked on in Westhaven in Franklin. The owners were empty nesters who had downsized from a larger home in the neighborhood. The condo was pretty builder basic, but they were looking for a more custom designed space with lots of style and function. We took down a wall that opened up a beautiful view of the lake, and we took a completely unused space and turned it into a vibrant bar with tons of storage. The kitchen got a redesign with new tile, countertops, lighting, painted cabinets, and a new stove hood. This was my favorite project because the clients had been following my work for a while on social media and had been waiting for an opportunity for us to work together. Their openness to the bold use of color and their complete trust in my vision for their space gave me the creative freedom and confidence to pull it all together. It resulted in a great client experience and a space that I’m very proud of. (bella-tucker.com)
LESLIE BROWN PHOTOGRAPHY
Jessica Davis
JL Design
The space I enjoyed designing the most is actually a stairwell. This was for a client that really wanted some outside the box ideas and let me go for it. The four flights of stairs seemed daunting, so I added multicolored stilettos on the ceilings that sometimes traveled down as they lead the way to the rooftop lounge. On the lowest level, I used a series of black cassette tapes with the tape pulled out at varied degrees to add interest and texture above the David Bowie artwork. It was so much fun! (jldesignnashville.com)
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LESLEE MITCHELL
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LESLEE MITCHELL
Amhad Freeman
Amhad Freeman Interiors
The owner of this space wanted a home that was an updated look on traditional. While I am more known for a modern look, I enjoyed exploring what traditional design means and how I could incorporate my design aesthetic into the space. (amhadfreeman.com)
NICOLAS MCGINN
Debbie Matthews
Debbie Mathews Antiques and Designs
We so enjoyed working on this guest bedroom last year. We were tasked with updating what was a childhood boys’ bedroom into a full-blown guest suite. Green is one of my all-time favorite colors and when paired with pale yellow and blush tones it just screams spring—it certainly offers a big dose of fresh and pretty during the winter doldrums. With rich antiques, an iron bed, framed dried botanicals, and sophisticated drapery, this is a timeless look that will withstand the test of time. (debbiemathews.com)
Matt Donahoe
bureau interior design
We were inspired by our client’s passion for aesthetic utility, specifically the editing necessary for modern design to be successful. They wished for supple textures, warm tones, and luxe creature comforts. This home imbues that very sense of effortless sophistication. (bureauinteriordesign.com)
NICHOLAS MCGINN
April Tomlin
April Tomlin Interiors
As songwriters and creatives themselves, the homeowners allowed us to be the experts on this project from the outset, and with this level of trust, we were able to create such a special home for them, especially in areas like the dining room. We decided to paint the table a light Farrow & Ball green and pair it with sourced antique wooden chairs for an updated nostalgic feel, and we accentuated the art by creating a built-in wall nook. The unique light fixture is by far one of the most impressive features, but it is really the experience once you sit down that makes it my favorite. From one side of the table, you take in the unparalleled views of the Tennessee hills through their kitchen window. On the other, you see the true focal point of the interior of the home, an unbleached Steinway piano. The breathtaking feeling created by the scene of this piano and the kitchen views is the stuff of music, and it is likely that this house, and its owners, will create a lot of it. (apriltomlin.com)
PAIGE RUMORE
Robin Rains
Robin Rains Interior Design
Having been an interior designer and owning my own business for many years now, I have had the privilege of working on hundreds of homes for my amazing clients, but I had never actually built my own home. It was both challenging and rewarding. The process involved asking hard questions about what really matters, what elements inspire and bring comfort, and that ultimate big existential question: What makes you happy? Designing your own rooms means doing some deep soul searching. I put my heart and soul into each selection. I wanted to build and live in a house that I would be able to love for years, and I wanted my home to be a means of expression: a house with beautiful angles, character, a presence on the land, and quality craftsmanship. This is a place that can and will stand the test of time. I wanted to surround myself with pieces of meaning and things I had collected over time, too. Having traveled to Europe to buy for clients for many years, I have collected vintage and one-of-a-kind pieces. I love mixing pieces from different eras and styles to tell my own story. (robinrains.com)
