History in Living Color

Southern Turf Lofts combine historic charm with modern amenities and pops of color.

by

Built in the Queen Anne style with a limestone façade in the 1890s, The Southern Turf Building downtown was once a saloon that was closed due to prohibition in 1914.

Some years later the building reopened as the Tennessee Publishing Company. Today it’s returning to its roots by hosting nightlife hotspot Skull’s Rainbow Room in the basement. Bill Miller, the restauranteur and owner of Skulls, recently opened the swanky new Sinatra Bar and Lounge on the main level catering to the high-end crooner crowd.

This year he decided to convert the building’s top two floors into short term rentals. Bill’s wife Shannon worked with him on the interior design of the units, keeping the character of the old building while working in modern amenities to appeal to renters. Each unit has its own personality, no two are identical, but they share a common theme in their stunning use of color. Many of the wall choices are muted warm tones in greens and greys, keeping with a moody vibe of the space. The furniture selections are rich jewel tones.

The Millers, who own several restaurants and bars in Nashville including House of Cards, Sinatra, Nudie’s, and the Johnny Cash Museum, have amassed a large collection of antiques. The pieces sprinkled throughout the units—some dating back to the 1800s—are from their personal collection, and a nod to their other properties. Mixing dark woods, like the antiques and the kitchen cabinetry, allows the accent colors to become the focal point. That’s a particularly important balance when it comes to designing large spaces like these. Such tall ceilings and large windows can make an apartment feel capacious, so the design here is all about balancing the two.  

Perhaps the most impressive and eye-catching design element are the bathrooms in each unit. While each one is a little different, they all have large glamorous showers with colorful tile. Variations of a similar design include blue, green, and yellow tiles, with a large welcoming archway into the shower. The plumbing fixtures are a beautiful brass with large showerheads and exposed pipes that offer a vintage feel despite the modern touches. It pairs very well with the exposed brick walls and original wooden floors. Again, the details are respectful of the architecture and period.

Throughout Southern Turf Lofts, it’s evident that the Millers have a respect and reverence for the building’s historic roots. Though they have incorporated modern design elements to be sure their tenants are comfortable, and each space feels fresh, preservation is the name of the game here. From original design elements like to stunning historic details, it’s a vibe that makes you feel like you could be in a speakeasy—or at least the apartment above one. (soturflofts.com)