An East Memphis tree filled property was an ideal setting for clients wanting to downsize, but a major renovation was required. “With glass walls extending the entire backside of the house, the trees and landscape are an integral piece of the mid-century home that we wanted to emphasize - not distract from,” says designer Paige Proctor of Lee Pruitt Interior Design.
“We had been in our previous home, which was very traditional in design, for about 20 years- and were fairly new empty nesters at the time,” says the homeowner.
Paige’s clients had several traditional pieces, like beautiful Spanish and English antiques. The task was to merge these family pieces with newer, more modern selections while creating an exciting but warm and relaxing environment. The result - a contemporary retreat that feels like resort living in Sonoma, California.
Paige worked with architect JD Caldwell to ensure that transitions between rooms and spaces were defined by elevations and architectural elements.
“Previously, the kitchen and dining room were smaller and more closed off. By taking down many walls and reconfiguring the main living areas of the home, it changed the entire way the client was going to be able to live. JD did a fantastic job of re-designing the space into an open living and entertaining area,” says Paige.
“The open walnut wall not only defines the entry and provides a place for a piece of furniture, but it also invites you into the feel of the home. It pulls you in to see the space - high cathedral beamed ceilings - and most importantly the views,” she adds.
The homeowners had purchased a Rana Rochat abstract from David Lusk for their previous home – their first departure from traditional artwork. It now anchors the entry beautifully. David helped select a Kit Reuther sculpture at the end of the hall leading to their new primary bedroom.
Furnishings and fixtures bring in a subtle earthy color palette. The living room feels composed and approachable with ample seating and layered textiles. The kitchen, bar and scullery have a mix of cabinetry styles and finishes. A sitting area in the kitchen and dining room acts as a transition space with a set of 1930’s Parisian art deco yoke chairs found in a Paris flea market and recovered in a python faux snakeskin.
The darker wood beamed ceiling helps ground the light walls and white oak oyster finished floors in the large space. To add some interest and drama in the home, Paige selected a darker glossy color wrapping the bar and scullery. A Phillip Jeffries cork wallpaper and antique mirrored cabinet doors add detail and reflect the light from the windows. The darker mushroom paint color was extended into the back hallway with the lower wood ceilings, creating different, more intimate areas of the home. A micro sized powder room is transformed by a bold Pierre Frey wallcovering.
“Paige guided us toward contemporary selections and blended them beautifully with our older pieces to achieve a timeless design. It feels new and exciting but is still grounded and very much ‘us.’ We love how she helped us achieve a significant shift in style that still feels like home – even for our adult children when they visit,” says the homeowner.
"It feels new and exciting but is still grounded and very much ‘us.’ A significant shift in style that still feels like home – even for our adult children when they visit," says the homeowner.
"The house feels more like a treehouse. It is especially so in our bedroom where Paige created a seating area in front of the fireplace and brought the outside in. She made sure there were no wasted spaces, " says the homeowner.