Join us as we explore a traditional-style home that has been given a fantastic modern makeover.
This beautiful home in Memphis, Tennessee, was remodeled by Mississippian Sean Anderson, a self-taught designer who typically favored mellow and masculine styles. He loved working with rustic wood and industrial elements, but for this home his client required a different direction. Muffy Turley expected a lighter, brighter, more feminine look for her family abode in East Memphis.
Anderson took his time to understand his client and her needs. They agreed the home needed to “achieve a touch of relaxed glamour,” Anderson explained, “Muffy will be in heels and leather pants one day and a romantic white silk shirt, with her hair, pulled back, the next.” The designer wanted to create a space that would suit the client in every aspect, from entertaining friends on Saturday nights to chilled Sunday mornings at home, while maintaining a soft feminine feel. He had plenty of room with which to work – 7,000 square feet! So Anderson began by stripping the place, laying a whitewashed pine floor, and putting in a new kitchen.
Anderson spent months searching for the perfect pieces to furnish each room. He hunted for antique chairs that he could reupholster and repurposed existing items in the house that were currently being under-utilized. “They went unnoticed where they were,” Anderson said about the artwork which soon found new life in different rooms. For brand new furnishings, Anderson checked out the local Memphis boutiques as well as larger retailers. Along with the antique wares, Muffy “wanted contemporary touches throughout,” he said. The end result is a stunning home that manages to create a classic, upscale look while feeling fresh and contemporary.
As you enter the property, the first thing that catches the eye is a beautiful baroque iron console table. This was originally placed in the dining room, while the artwork behind used to hang in the office. “All the best pieces were in the wrong places,” Anderson recalled. The table is accented with some deluxe candlesticks, carefully placed frames, and an antique trinket box.
The bedroom has a distinctly fresh and warm feel to it. A generous number of soft pillows and throws have been added to the large four-poster bed. Anderson laid a soft cowhide underneath the armchairs and tables at the foot of the bed. This helped connect this seating area to the rest of the room. “The chairs were just floating out in the middle of nowhere so they hide helped to anchor them,” Anderson said. Next to the bed is a stunning antique piece. An 18th Century marble-topped commode from Italy, which has been in the client’s family for generations.
In the dining room, Anderson was able to reuse a lot of existing furniture. The Italian parcel-gilt dining chairs dating back to 1940s were reupholstered in gray velvet, to give them a fresh and feminine look. Behind the antique French dining table, on the back wall, stands an antique French armoire, said to be dated to around 1860!
As we move through the living area, the atmosphere remains light and airy. Anderson sourced some blond-oak chairs for the informal dining area. The sofas were found locally and reupholstered in a brown linen fabric. Do you have furniture that needs a fresh new update? At Austin Home Interiors, provide a first-class upholstery service with a vast library of beautiful fabrics. We also have a wide selection of soft and stylish sofas from leading brands and can create custom pieces to match your exact specifications. Contact us today to find out how we can help refurbish your home.
