Constructed in the 1800s and the oldest building on the block, it was love at first sight when Philip, Amanda and Jasper moved to Nashville about three years ago. The Knoxville natives wanted all the perks of downtown living: the luxury of walking to work or to restaurants and stores, just steps away from their front door. But while the home came with gorgeous architectural elements like high ceilings, exposed brick and large windows, Philip and Amanda wanted to renovate it to fit a young modern family while still holding on to these historical elements.

The combination of Philip’s experience in hotel renovation and development and Amanda’s keen eye for design and handy skills has assisted them in transforming their home into an open and super functional living space perfect for relaxing or entertaining.

Because they were in control of all of the work in renovating the loft they were able to choose every element from the tile to the light switches — and no detail went by without their input. Amanda really wanted the look of brass and wood and did extensive research on things like counter tops, flooring and fixtures.

If something could not be found she and Philip figured out a way to make it. The transom windows above the kitchen were their idea. They researched, designed and made them custom for the space. Amanda mentions her biggest advice when it comes to your home is being patient and letting things fall into place. One can tell she really stuck to this mantra in her personal aesthetic with pieces found through different avenues from estate sales to Craigslist to custom pieces designed and built by her.

Our Style: Industrial Mid-Century Modern.

Inspiration: We have many depending on the situation — but when we did this place Roman & Williams probably influenced it the most. For how they use materials (brass and wood) and blend modern with eclectic (mid-century and taxidermy). Also, through Philip’s work developing boutique hotels, we’re exposed to latest design trends and inspired by so many creative people.

Favorite Element: Brick, high ceilings, large windows and history — we found our building in an 1870s photograph much like it looks today. We found another photo of a 1920s newspaper delivery car with our address listed on the side.

Biggest Challenge: Waxed floors. We couldn’t get the look we wanted with any combination of wood and polyurethane — waxing was the most natural look — but it is a difficult finish to clean and upkeep.

What Friends Say: That’s a big moose.

Biggest Embarrassment: The design of the closets. We sacrificed a walk-in closet when we enlarged the master bathroom and built his and hers exposed closets. His is very uniform and looks alright, hers…not so much.

Proudest DIY: Designed, made and installed the large transom window between the kitchen and second bedroom. Matching the doors we had made, we used pebbled chicken wire glass so the windowless rooms would still get a bit of natural light.

Biggest Indulgence: Refrigerator — cabinet depth built-in was the price of a decent car.

Best Advice: Don’t feel pressured to do it all at once — let pieces fall into place naturally.

Dream Sources: So many vintage Mid-Century Modern pieces on 1st Dibs. Or, hunting for antiques in Italy with the designers of Dimore Studio.

PAINT & COLORS
Walls – not sure, but matches up with Kills primer!
Trim – matte, Mark Twain grey. (Valspar)
Bunk Beds – high gloss, Green Gables (Benjamin Moore)
Closets – high gloss, Sailor Blue (Valspar)

ENTRY
Side table, travertine & metal – random website
Steel arrow with lights – gift from antique mall
Light switch (all), push-button & un-lacquered brass covers – House of Antique Hardware
White oak floors in chevron pattern – custom cut by Scott Thompson Woodworks and installed by John Lachowicz Flooring.

LIVING ROOM
Kensington couch, in Cognac leather – Restoration Hardware
Throw Pillows – self-made, World Market, estate sale
Brass floor lamp, vintage – estate sale
Brass Side Table – West Elm
Media cabinet, stained birch & brass hardware – custom made by Peter Stokes
Side Chairs – vintage mid-century, estate sale (cushions self-made)
Sigh & Co. desk – Bradfords, Nashville-Tenn. (1970s)
Liquor Cabinet – vintage ice chest, estate sale (partially painted glossy black)
Mirror, brass metal wrap – Restoration Hardware
Walter the Moose – grandparents, Hollister-Calf.

DINING ROOM
Walnut table – custom made by Woodstream Hardwood, Knoxville-Tenn.
Double-pendant light – self made with parts from Grand Brass Lamp Works
John Vogle Chairs – West Elm
Art, by Jose Rodriguez – Salt Fine Art, Laguna Beach-Calf.
“Dogs” Photograph, by Patrick McInerney – patrickmack.com

KITCHEN
AKURUM Cabinets, Lindigo grey – Ikea
Soapstone Countertop – Triton Stone
Appliances – Ikea, (Fridge Jenn-Air)
Brass Hardware/Pulls – B&L Brassworks, Inc.
Faucet, Country un-lacquored brass – Rohl
Zebra wood shelves – custom made by Woodstream Hardwood, Knoxville-Tenn.
Vintage Barn Pendant lights – Restoration Hardware
Soda Fountain Stools – Restoration Hardware
Transom window, self-made – glass by Olde Good Glass

BEDROOMS
Bedframe with drawers – locally made by Scott Thompson woodworks
Headboard – self-made
Mid-century side tables – Craigslist
Bedside brass lights – One-Forty Three
Sheep heads – grandparents, Hollister-Calif.
Oil Portrait – estate sale
Metal Desk – Land of Nod
Desk Chairs, vintage – Etsy
Bunk Beds – custom built by Peter Stokes
Dresser Drawers – Ikea
Book Shelves – Ikea

BATHROOM(S)
AKURUM Cabinets, black – Ikea
Carrara honed marble countertop – Triton Stone
Faucets, Country in un-lacquored brass – Rohl
Wall tile, Ice White, matte 4×10 – U.S Tile
Floor tile – American Olean, patterned
Lights – Restoration Hardware
2nd Bath Sink Legs – B&L Brassworks, Inc.
2nd Bath Light – porcelain keyless, Lowes

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