Downsizing or resizing a living space while keeping most beloved items and prized possessions is possible through an estate transition and interior decorating firm in Nashville whose team specializes in senior living. Founder of the Nashville-based firm, Polly Luther, is Geena Davis, a self-professed space planner, consultant, decorator, client advocate, family mediator, organizer and calming stronghold resource.
"Realizing that many seniors are going through what might feel like one of the most vulnerable stages of their lives when they are changing where they live, I start with the approach of reallocating their personal items in new, reinvented ways," explains Geena.
Instead of only thinking of a home transition as downsizing, Geena says it's important to determine how to best use one's estate objects that embody unique emotional bonds or sentimental value in smaller spaces.
"Sometimes it is about curating what is considered overcluttered. Sometimes, the goal is to consolidate collections in meaningful ways. Or to decide what should be donated or sold. But other times, it's about inventorying items to work with and envisioning how to include them in new spaces, based particularly on aesthetics, emotional appeal, accessibility and new space limitation factors or needs," she says.
She adds that she approaches such projects with the mission of making them positive experiences for clients, starting with the fact that her company name is in honor of her paternal grandparents. Growing up with parents who were antique furniture dealers also helped shape her understanding of, and dedication to, preloved and still cherished items along with the concept of upcycling.
Main services of Polly Luther include space planning, estate reinvention, interior decorating and sourcing or purchasing. Geena says she plans to add other services, such as space staging, furniture rental and storage planning.
"We also want to provide white-glove delivery services, so clients experience stress-free moving days. For that, our professional movers would handle every aspect of the delivery process with care and attention to detail. From loading and transporting to unloading and assembly, we would ensure belongings arrive safely and securely at new homes," she adds.
Through strategic estate consolidation planning, Geena says she guides clients and stakeholders through the process of establishing what objects hold emotional value and which ones could possibly navigate to familial new possessors.
"You might be surprised by what people have the strongest connections to. It could be a jewelry box, a dish, a lamp, a quilt, a chair or bowls, all because of the memories associated with them. So, it's beneficial to not assume everything 'old' should be discarded without discussions," Geena says.
In fact, she encourages families to have these types of conversations before a relocation is imminent. "That way, family and friends can decide what needs to stay in the family, who gets what, and they get to hear and understand the story behind each piece. Do these conversations before they get heavy or sad, and treat them rather as special special storytelling opportunities."
Such relocation periods typically aren't easy and carefree for many clients, but they are chances for people to relive their lives and memories. Sometimes, clients enthusiastically look forward to relocating to retirement communities or to fresh condos or townhouses. Geena says as a well-meaning, intentional support person to clients, she gets to see what rich lives have been lived, and she discusses with each one how to relive them in new ways.
615.200.7878
PollyLuther.com
"Making a new home still feel like home with preloved, cherished items is our mission."
