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Alyssa Rosenheck
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Alyssa Rosenheck
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Alyssa Rosenheck
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Alyssa Rosenheck
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Alyssa Rosenheck
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Alyssa Rosenheck
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Alyssa Rosenheck
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Alyssa Rosenheck
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Alyssa Rosenheck
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Alyssa Rosenheck
A home’s design is often inspired by the things we’re experiencing in life — our moods, our interests, our ever-changing life stages. So, when interior designer Kathryn Berschback embarked on this project for a couple entering their empty-nester phase, she knew creating warm, inviting spaces that fostered connection would be paramount.
Blending casual comfort with the feel of a Southern storybook cottage, the 4,500 square foot home boasts 4 bedrooms, 4.5 baths, and exquisite design elements that extend from the inside out. With Brady Fry Construction as the builder, architecture by Van Pond, and landscape design by Berschback and Mark Thomas, the home’s welcoming atmosphere is apparent before you even step foot inside.
“The landscaping and design in the front of the house was inspired by the look of a cozy cottage garden. We created a welcoming approach to the home with plants and trees that were part of my client’s upbringing. Hydrangeas, boxwoods, and evergreens are layered to provide greenery yearround and create softness around the house, plus seasonal blooms for cutting. The front yard wraps around and blends seamlessly with the entry and invites visitors to enjoy the front porch and stay a while,” Berschback explains.
Inside, that theme continues with a stunning entry bursting with Southern charm. It also happens to include Berschback’s personal favorite design element that helped set the tone throughout the home.
“The robin’s egg blue front door and entry wallpaper were choices inspired by my client’s love of nature and Southern upbringing. The colors in the Gracie wallpaper are carried throughout the house. A return-to-home feeling was important as this family was returning to Nashville after years of raising their three daughters in another state,” says Berschback. “My favorite design element in the house is the Gracie Wallpaper in the entry. It really was the jumping-off point for the colors that I carried throughout the house: blues, greens, pale pinks, tans, and whites. The entry sets the tone for the blend of traditional Southern and modern that happens throughout the house.”
The living room and kitchen were designed with comfort in mind, creating a perfect gathering place for friends and family. Textured wallpaper warms up the living room, which opens into the kitchen, where white leather barstools around a sprawling island add a complimentary modern touch.
Proving that interior design should reflect your lifestyle, the clients decided against a formal dining room. Instead, Berschback transformed what would have been the dining room into a fun space that better suits their entertaining interests.
“The clients are enjoying a more relaxed way of life now that their daughters are grown, and they do not entertain formally anymore. Meals are around their large kitchen island or outside when the weather is nice. Also, 12 South is a very walkable neighborhood full of wonderful restaurants and coffee shops and they frequently enjoy walking to dinner. They love playing pool with their girls and friends, so we decided to turn the formal dining room into a billiard room. They use it often, and it has become a favorite gathering spot in the home,” Berschback says.
The billiard room is artfully designed to be a fun-loving space. With striking artwork that pops against blue textured walls, the room evokes nostalgia of memories from past travels, while also creating a space primed for plenty of future memories in the making.
“The billiard room was inspired by my client’s love of Irish and British pubs, and by all of the colors in the large piece of art that they acquired on their travels,” says Berschback. “The blue suede walls and custom bronze billiard light create a moody ambience reminiscent of their time in European pubs and pool halls.”
Outside, the backyard space is equally equipped for moments spent together. Berschback and landscape designer Mark Thomas thoughtfully designed the outdoor space to be loved and utilized just as much as the interior of the home by creating an outdoor oasis for the clients to wind down, gather with loved ones, and enjoy a serene escape in the comfort of their own home.
“The backyard design is a blend of a secret garden and a zen escape, incorporating both fire and water elements. The water wall lounge area is right off the owner’s bedroom and perfect for two at the end of the day. Around the corner is the firepit and outdoor kitchen area created for their family and friends to gather, barbeque, and spend time together,” she explains.
And when it’s time to call it a night, there is no better place to drift to sleep than in the primary suite that was designed to feel you’re like floating on a cloud. Calming blue and white wallpaper is complimented by a gorgeous cloud light fixture, and an alpaca rug adds a feeling of utter luxury.
From tranquil vignettes for quiet moments together to inviting communal spaces, this home proves there is beauty in every stage of life and showcases the power of interior design to mirror those experiences.
“My clients are really enjoying being able to spend time in the house just the two of them, in their dreamy bedroom or sitting by the water wall, but also having fun spaces to entertain and spend time with their three daughters and friends,” says Berschback. “They use the pool room regularly and really enjoy the outdoor spaces for larger gatherings. And the girls love the pink ladies lounge area for girl time with their mom.”