If there ever was a selling point for a house, our back yard could be the poster child. Situated among small, closely clustered historical abodes, I fell in love with the fact that there was complete privacy and what I would describe as an 'old school Hollywood-style' pool as part of the package. It was/is fantastic. So much so, that I wanted to make it better so that we could enjoy it even more.

BEFORE: (7/12) Five weeks after move in. Pretty great, with the exception of our old furniture.

BEFORE: (3/13) Lots of small doors and a mismatched wooden barrier we put up to hide HVAC.

The previous owners installed a chic fabric awning, but without their equally chic white furnishings it just didn't look quite right. A huge Bradford Pear tree above spit seeds, falling leaves and crud, leaving it stained and far from the glam pearly shade it was meant to be. So, what to do? After two seasons and talking with my friend (and superior designer) Ray Booth, I decided to expand the space and make it a true outdoor living room. No wet fabric leaking during rain and expanded seating were goal elements.

BEFORE: (3/13) A weird planting spot just outside one of the doors and small metal poles too close to
 the water to allow for walking room were two concerns.

BEFORE: (4/13) The painting of the fence was nail biting time for me. I also took out
grass plants that turned during winter and replaced them with green-year-round boxwoods.

 Ray also talked about the white fence around the pool. Before he spoke I liked it 'as is', but once he suggested painting it a color that would dissolve into nature rather than 'stopping it' at dusk/night, I immediately conceded. His firm's work is featured on covers of Architectural Digest, so his help and advice was a serious gift! My white fence was a shade of green-gray-brown 'grizzly bear' within less than two weeks.

AFTER: (6/13) The fence being painted brown really was a smart move.
 Actually makes the white brick 'pop' more and gives the illusion of a larger space.

The work began on the barrier inside, where a group of worn French doors were removed and new, bigger fixed panel windows were put in all but one place (our exit). Dated brass hardware went away, and the focus shifted to the casual space I wanted. From there, an extended wooden pergola was drawn (thanks to Ray's visionary team) and constructed.

AFTER: (6/13). The Pergola and new windows/doors/roof/hardware installed. Exterior living space doubled!

AFTER: (6/13)Where I'm spending all of my time.. rain or shine... 

 Instead of leaving it open, we found an inexpensive, acrylic material for a 'roof' that allows light to pass through, but also provides sufficient cover and shade during all kinds of weather. This was secured atop painted wooden beams and tested for a bit of time prior to placing any kind of furnishings underneath. Then, I found affordable seating at PD's in Downtown Franklin, lighting from Beautiful Lights in Destin, a marble and iron coffee table in Charleston at Celadon Home and accents from Color and Absolution in Green Hills. Then, I added lush ferns, ficus and all kinds of succulents from Horizon in Sylvan Park and their tent on White Bridge Road.

AFTER: (6/13) The almost completed space (notice the wires-- new speaker system is in the works
 and a new lantern is being shipped to replace the one by the door).

I wanted a place that was inviting, comfortable and most of all... fun! I couldn't be happier with how it's evolving. But, I'm still seeking ideal wireless speakers. Would love comments on the progress and your suggestions on what to do next? 

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I have to start by saying that I was in love with the exterior of my house from the first time I saw it. At 100+ years old and set in one of the city's most historic neighborhoods, I couldn't have wanted it more. That was a little over a year ago. Once we moved in, I immediately got to work on ways to make it ours. That primarily included interior spaces. I adored the way it was set up initially, but wanted to make it my own (that's been a true process as you'll see in future posts). But, the outside was a different animal. There were windows and doors that my husband insisted needed to be replaced. Gas lanterns to upgrade/upsize and of course, painting that had to be done. That's just part of owning an old house. After moving from a (too-big) spawling new construction type house in Brentwood, I welcomed the challenge.

The front exterior one month after move in. It was love at first sight for me.

So, we tackled it. Month by month, little things have happened. I decided to change our (newly purchased/energy saving) door from a dark green to a chocolate brown; the hardware from shiny brass to a brushed dark bronze. That resulted in planters requiring the same treatment. My fab interior designer friend, Brad Ramsey, suggested I add brown exterior wrapping on all of the windows to make them 'pop' a bit more. Since we were replacing them anyway... why not? Then storms came, and insurance rewarded us with a new roof, so I got to take the brown tones all the way to the top.

Taken about a month before all of the landscaping was finished. Irrigation system in!

The biggest changes for me were those dealing with landscaping. I loved all existing plants and shrubs and saved as many as I possibly could. But, there were some areas that needed serious help/revamp. That included the left hand side of the entry, which is now planted with ground-cover varieties that should really come into their own by fall. The yard was lovely before, but I think with this extra TLC it really will flourish. 

New plantings including my favorite ferns and climbing ivy were added to bare spots in the front.

Look for my post on the most important exterior overhaul, which is the complete transformation that's been done in the back yard. I'll have it up later this week, and cannot wait to hear your thoughts and suggestions on how to make it even better. Keep following... as inside room posts are just ahead.

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This post is directed to my male followers (or for women to share with their guys) looking for a creative date idea. Centering it around shopping can actually be fun...if you do it right. Luckily, just in time for a bit of Valentine romance, the Antiques and Garden Show has arrived in Nashville. Hundreds of vendors with fabulous goods all under one roof only arrive once a year. And, starting tomorrow-- it's available for the entire weekend in the heart of downtown.

Tim finding lights at Antiques and Garden Show.

One of the booths at Antiques and Garden. Inspiration on tap!

I found that Tim Nichols actually enjoyed the experience. I attended the preview primarily to snap photos for Nashville Lifestyles and do a little reporting, but convinced him to come along on my assignment so we could have a bit of time together. We ended up finding the perfect trio of antique lights to go over our kitchen table (at an unbelievable price to boot) and running into fun friends along the way. If you are seeking furniture, garden art, lights, jewelry or rugs.. this is the place to go. It's a celebration of all things classic and beautiful for the home with one of a kind artistic displays at every turn.

Designer of Heritage Handcrafted, James with his lovely sister, Elizabeth. 

One of the most interesting stops was James Broyhill's Heritage Handcrafted booth. From custom 'celebration boxes' to whiskey barrel crafted coffee tables, my husband was hooked. I think we found all of our Christmas and birthday presents for music industry friends in this spot. James' display alone is reason enough to visit the show. That and the lovely Louisiana folks who hooked us up with fab fixtures while they were simultaneously filling out an order for Sheryl Crow.

The Hemingway Cocktail at Etch...so delicious! 

To make the night an actual 'date', I knew there had to be more than shopping to keep things interesting, so we bellied up to the lively chef's bar at Etch Restaurant for a bite to complete the evening. We took advantage of the happy hour to sample creative cocktails and then ordered my favorite dish, the Ratatouille salad along with chef Deb's unbelievable short ribs. The crowd was hopping, but the service remained on point and the food was outstanding.

Short Ribs are beyond amazing with special sauces and Deb's perfect veggies

If you're seeking a fun way to spend time with your significant other this weekend, I suggest a trip downtown to browse the vendors at the Antiques and Garden Show followed by a meal at Etch. Or, start here to build energy for some serious power shopping.

Do share your finds from A&G here on the Southern Sophisticate! read more

As the actual holiday quickly approaches, so many are still scrambling to get their homes in tip-top shape and completely decorated prior to family and friend arrivals. With all of the shopping, wrapping and cooking to tackle at the same time, the task can be overwhelming... if you let it.

We actually lost almost all of our Christmas decorations last year when a storage unit flooded. And as the season snuck up on me, I found myself with very little on hand, zero time to shop for replacements -- and two parties to host: yikes! Instead of panicking, I chose to go a different route and skip the traditional direction I usually embrace. I elected to pick up a few simple things to make our home festive without investing countless hours and dollars in holiday decor.

MY KEY COMPONENTS:

Lots of white flowers in different varieties from Import Flowers (the best flower source in the city). Roses, lilies, carnations, hydrangeas-- basically everything I could find in a crisp white, I snapped up. I also bought a bunch of boxwood branches for mantle arrangements.

The rest of the greenery, I snipped from my own yard. Evergreens, holly, magnolia leaves and leaf-free thin wood branches are all part of the mix.

I rounded up a few vases from flower deliveries over the past few months and even used a few of my husband's silver BMI award mint julep cups for smaller arrangements in bathrooms.

I skipped the big tree all together and utilized the few mercury glass and silver ornaments salvaged from the flood in a large bowl on our dining table. I scattered the remaining three on the mantle. There weren't enough to decorate a large tree, but plenty to give a festive feel to gathering areas.

I do have a few 'mini' trees for table decor thanks to gifts from good friends that were not in the storage unit-- and they make it feel just like Christmas -- so much so that I don't even miss having a centerpiece tree.

 In total, I spent  2 hours including shopping, clipping and arranging -- ending up with flowers and greens in every room. Not bad! After placing arrangements everywhere, the house smells like a fantastic blend of fir, flowers and wood. I always have tons of votives candles burning, so that adds to the ambiance. And, of course, the very best holiday playlists in the background (that I add to and improve constantly). Music is the heart of our home, and that's especially true this time of year. Add great friends, fab food/libations and we're set for spectacular celebrations. Shortcuts on time, yes...but not on spirit. The house feels holiday-ready. All that's left is choosing my outfits, and that's the fun part! 

What's your secret for creating a festive look in a flash at home? Would love to read your tips and suggestions on the Southern Sophisticate. 

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This time last year, I was still in the early stages of working out the plans for my dream closet (a formal living room with big bay windows was being walled in and transformed). After a few weeks and lots of insight and detail work from the team at Pierce & Co. in Nashville, my personal closet wasn't only perfect, but ready for a close up on the HGTV show Interiors, Inc.

Having everything in perfect order isn't always the case, but  is
 OH so lovely when it is!

Fast forward a year.... and my quarters are far less spacious (all the photos here are of the former closet). But, I am making it work. The custom pieces that Brad Ramsey and Jonathan Pierce had made for me are actually ideal in the new setting. I've pared down a few things, dividing seasonal items into storage and ALMOST have all of my essentials exactly the way that I want them.

From folded jeans and scarves to jewelry and personal treasures, display is key.

My rules for ideal closet design:

I want everything arranged by color and placed where I can see it. I don't operate well with drawers for primary clothing items (since I am usually rushed), so I hang almost everything in plain view. That includes my belts. I feel the same way about shoes. I just ripped out an entire closet for wide, open shoe shelves for easy access.

Speaking of hangers, I cannot stand wire or even the rubber ones from the cleaners. I like streamlined acrylic plastic (The Container Store is a wonderland of great hangers!). For sweaters and items that might pull or stretch, the only way to go aside from folding is felt-covered. Instead of some crazy color, I choose those in a light taupe to compliment my furnishings. It just looks cleaner.

For jewelry, I like a showcase. Fun bars on the walls and open boxes are great. Hidden compartments in drawers are good for special occasion pieces that need to be kept properly.

Don't underestimate the power of beauty beyond function. I love having my most prized designer clutches on display, a few fashion books and a favorite photo or two where I can see them. It makes the chore of getting ready for work (or play) more of a treat.

Keep things like dirty clothes or mending items out of sight. Otherwise, you will feel harried by stacks or 'to do' items when you need to focus on looking your best for the day ahead.  This (and underwear) is what drawer space is for ideally. My custom dresser has built in hampers, and I wouldn't trade them for anything.

Easy-pull drawers house chunkier items I only wear on occasion and cabinets
 hide wrinkled or soiled items. 

In  this house, I'm separating my dressing room and actual clothes closet due to the space configuration, and cannot wait to complete both so that I can share them here. While these I am attempting to perfect doing solo (since I already have the key pieces), I can't thank the design team who gave me the inspiration enough. I will be forever organized (and in their debt) for showing me what a great closet can truly be! Their ideas were amazing and have made a huge difference in how I value my personal space.

My dressing table is still one of my most cherished possessions.
I also adore the clear chairs that the Pierce & Co. team found for me.

Do you have a favorite closet design or tip? PLEASE share it here, as I am in the middle of this project and need all the inspiration I can get! Please follow and keep up with The Southern Sophisticate....the revealed project is coming soon. read more

Brightening up any room is always easy with flowers, but not something I've been doing that often since moving. But, this weekend, solo at home and wanting to bring a little 'outside in', I decided to get busy and create a few arrangements throughout the house. A little something special for when friends stop in.... or just for me.

Blooming in my yard right now! 

I have three gorgeous Crepe Myrtles in my back yard, and while I don't usually ever cut them, some of the blooms were so heavy that branches were breaking. So, I decided to snip those right off and give a splash of color to my outside table.

For the rest, I just picked up some of the flowers on sale at my favorite grocery, The Fresh Market, while I was gathering staples and supplies for this week's cooking. I chose colors that I love and that compliment the spaces I wanted to put them. Since there was no event, I wanted to keep it inexpensive and quick. So simple, and in total, I spent about $13. Not bad for a little pick me up that will last several days.

I love orange and coral roses for the table, which are a steal at $8 a dozen.

Hydrangeas punched up with color are perfect in mercury glass for the living room.

What's your favorite flower to vase from your yard, garden or from your top market (would love to have the source)?  Be sure to post it on The Southern Sophisticate.

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Moving into a new house almost always requires change. For some it's drapes or carpet. For me, it's involved finding a way to make my style work with the address I've chosen. I really loved the house before, but needed to make it my own. In an older space, altering can be a bit harder than with a new, blank canvas. A prime example was my indecision about a foyer and dining room covered in perfectly good wallpaper (complete with detailed stitching and leather) that just didn't work with anything I owned. So, after sitting with it for a few weeks, I decided to make a change that suited not only my furniture and art, but my personality.

The foyer before

Deb preparing the walls for 'the big change'

I found out that repapering would be a disaster with the raised pattern underneath, and that removing it from old, plastered walls could get seriously expensive. SO, I called my friend Deb Staver to help me transform my space with her faux finishes. I'm still working on the house, but off to a great start. I didn't want to lose all color, so we chose a blue hue for above. With her skilled application, I had a new look on my walls, trim and ceiling in a couple of days. A blank canvas for my most prized art and a look that reflects my tastes. It was so fast, easy and prevented me from having to go through some drawn-out process. 

The foyer entrance AFTER Deb worked her magic. Completed the look by flat painting a
 shade of black on the interior of the door and baseboards. That is my signature, and has been for the last 15 years. For some reason, white trim drives me crazy!

I also had Deb transform a loved iron cross from our old house (which was dark red) to match the 
newly finished walls. I consider it a blessing every time I come through the front door.



Yes, it's still a work in progress, but I'm excited about the direction we are going. While I cannot brag enough about Deb's talents, I have to admit that I owe the connection to her (as well my overall faith in transforming any space) to my friend, acclaimed designer, Moll Anderson. She taught me everything I know, and I'm still learning every day. Hopefully, what I've done thus far will make her proud!




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For me, there's always something captivating about the set up of a bar. I love the array of bottles at my favorite restaurants and lovely arrangements at hotel lobbies I've visited. Whether contemporary or historic, I am always drawn to carefully crafted bar displays-- which are (quite literally) intoxicating spaces.

A source of inspiration, the bar at Las Ventanas

So, when filling little niches in our home over the last month, I've opted to set up several as mini cocktail stations. What would otherwise be a spot covered with framed photographs, decorative boxes or vases now beckons visitors to contemplate libation options. 

This small table houses mixing utensils and books (find the best ones at Absolution) with cocktail recipes. There's even a bar towel for quick clean up!

I've actually crafted 3 very distinct 'bars'; all user friendly with glasses and pitchers nearby. While they aren't in use 24/7 (sigh..), they do always serve as conversation pieces. With so many distinct bottles and barware items on the market, this is just as attractive as a collection of decorative accessories, and most certainly more tempting to view. Just be sure to include a couple of gorgeously packaged liqueurs such as Chambord.

Antiques are ideal for a sophisticated bar. Adding modern crystal decanters is an unexpected, elegant touch (especially when filled with premium spirits of various colors)

What you use for a bar really doesn't have to be a bar at all. I utilized my favorite antique hutch in a formal area for one, a small mirrored top table in a remote corner of my kitchen for another and a space between cabinets (well, that one really was designed for wine/spirit storage..). Overall, I have an instant set up for self- service during parties and am using items usually hidden in the pantry as 'art' in unexpected places.

When designing a kitchen, be sure to carve out some space for easy access to wine.. and most importantly bubbly... and fun glasses to serve it in.

You don't have to have a true built-in spot for a bar, but can create one almost anywhere. Use your imagination. If you have a small space, it may be a tray on a side table, or you can go wild with one of the amazing bar carts from the collection at Bergdorf's. This approach also makes it easier when you are   entertaining. No dragging things out or setting up... the work is done. Add ice, stir and raise a glass!




What's your favorite way to set up a bar at home? Would love to see some photos and ideas.


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After moving into a new (well, actually 100+ year-old) house a couple of months ago, I've finally decided to tackle the living room. I've chosen a fabulously neutral wall color (Beach House by Sherwin Williams) that serves as a backdrop for most anything I decide to do in the space. 
But, because I am D-O-N-E with building rooms around furniture or pictures I've carried around for years-- it is here that I am going to use the ample wall space to create a gallery of our lives, and to pay homage to the photography talent of my gifted husband and his From a Songwriter's Camera project.

Perfume bottles from a shop I adore in downtown Naples, Florida (one of our top winter escapes).

My previous house was maybe a little too 'decorated', and his home's walls were filled with forgettable purchases and countless plaques/awards/record memorabilia. Neither of those looks reflect us as a couple, where these photos really are like a trip down memory lane for both of us. 

Marble stairs we love at Rosewood San Miguel De Allende.

Most of them have been taken on special trips-- and even those with architectural elements have personal meaning. Plus, they are fantastic, artistic originals that no one else has. In total, we will have 16 shots displayed on ledges, with space to add more over time.

This one is me, on the balcony at the Regent Beverly Wilshire.

We're having a hard time narrowing down the choices, but have elected to keep it all black and white for simplicity. On sizing, nothing too small, but no huge blow-ups either. Not too much beach, and definitely no 'smiling at the camera' photos of us or others. Rather, a collected history of our time, trips and adventures with the emphasis being on the details. Some simple, art-style mat/framing and we will have our own gallery.

From a really special weekend with friends at Blackberry Farm.

This is something anyone could do easily in their own home. If you have a free wall (or worse, one filled with that inherited print that you can barely stand to look at), consider reworking the area to create a visual that will make you smile every day. It could be with photographs, paintings or even collages you create. Use your imagination, and make it yours!

Don't forget to sign up to follow the Southern Sophisticate! Posts on the finished project to come.... read more

Being a great nurse to someone post-surgery isn't an easy job. Especially if you're usually the person requiring much of the attention/service. I categorize myself more high-maintenance than caretaker. But, this week, I've done everything possible to be a superlative servant. And, have learned a few tips along the way.

Priceless photo: TIm Nichols so happy pre-surgery. Heavily medicated, of course!

1. No matter what time you've allotted to be at the hospital, double it. Don't try to plan meetings/calls on the day of your loved one's operation. And forget getting lots of work done in a waiting room. Loud-talkers and fussy children will prevent that from happening. 

2. Stock up on everything the day before. And INSIST that the surgeon's office calls in your prescription in advance. Don't plan on doing this after you get your patient home and settled. There are usually too many requirements and needs. Plus, you will not want to leave him/her alone early on. When I say 'stock up', that includes goodies to make it more bearable for the one in pain and confined to the bed. 

Get the bedroom ready for your patient in advance!

A few more suggestions once you're home:

Wash and change sheets the day before the operation for fresh linens on the bed. It might be awhile before you have a chance to change them again.

Get a package of his favorite chocolate and mix in with almonds and cashews. Keep these by the bed for a snack, and to munch on when medicine requires 'taking with food'. The protein in the nuts will keep nausea at bay, and the sweet is a nice touch for someone not in the mood to eat.

Plan on having lots of fluids on-hand. If he's a Diet Coke lover, be prepared to say NO to the sodas (carbonation is not a good thing for recovery). Have something better to offer instead.

I put together a pitcher of naturally diuretic water that tastes fantastic, and helps with swelling

To make the water more interesting, place on a fab tray, cocktail style and put alongside his favorite magazine (my patient likes Esquire) 

FLAVORED 'HEALTH' WATER

One large cucumber, sliced (with peel)

One handful/bunch fresh mint

Two lemons, sliced in rounds

2-3 stems of basil leaves

One gallon filtered water

Steep overnight in the refrigerator and serve ice cold, bedside.

Fruits and vegetables are your friends. The vitamins are healing and their water content helps with hydration issues that occur with draining meds/antibiotics. Keep them available for a very random, strange eating schedule. Find a favorite like cherries (full of anti-oxidants) that you don't usually keep on hand. Food really is entertainment for the patient.

Ripe, locally grown cherries and peaches from The Produce Place

Don't worry about calories or treats during this time. If he loves Ben and Jerry's Cherry Garcia— buy it and serve it every night. I also found that a slice of the delicious (usually forbidden/avoided) coconut cake from The Picnic does wonders for keeping pain at bay.

We're still in 'recovery mode' at our house, so I'm curious to see if you have any suggestions on the topic?

Don't forget to click (on the sidebar) to follow my adventures on the Southern Sophisticate! 

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This week we are moving from a house that is almost 6,000 square feet to one that is less than half that size. After living in Brentwood over the last 6 months, I found myself yearning for the familiar streets of West End and the Richland neighborhood. I'm returning to the area I consider 'home', and bringing my husband with me! It's been an exciting process, but as you can imagine, also a huge challenge. We're losing a big 3-car garage and great basement storage, trading it in for a smaller, detached unit with barely enough room for one of our cars. Don't read me wrong, this isn't a bad thing. It's an opportunity to pare down, get organized and enjoy our new space. 

Boxing is just the beginning.

PARING DOWN

Downsizing to this degree means parting with a slew of furniture, accessories and even kitchen essentials. I've worked down to the minimum of everything from Tupperware to dish towels. For those of you who've gone through this process, you realize just how much accumulates over the years! Some we have donated (to find great sources that need particular items, check out Donating Options in Nashville), some we sold and the rest is going to be picked up by Goodwill this week (whew!). Hopefully, this new house will keep me in check and stop me from racking up more merchandise going forward.

Include detail on each box for easier unpacking.

STAYING ORGANIZED

Since the move comes during a week when we also have a big trip planned, staying on top of the details is an absolute must. We're MIA both days leading up to the move and then once we arrive at the new house, we'll have very little time to unpack. To stay sane in such a transition, boxing up our lives a bit at a time (with the exception of daily necessities) has been a big help. Having everything labeled clearly with complete detail as to the contents of each box was essential. This way, there will be no guess work upon arrival. Pulling things in better order is the goal, as well as placing the right boxes in the correct spaces.

Streamline wrapping and labeling with packing power tools.

THE POWER TOOLS of PACKING

Another helpful tip is to make sure and arm yourself with the right tools. Cards for labeling, plenty of Sharpie markers, sturdy boxes and proper packing gear. This is especially important for heavy and/or breakable goods where boxes need reinforced-strength tape and lots of bubble wrap for protection. Keeping it all in one place also alleviates stress and searching. Stock up on extra supplies so you don't have to run out for more when you're really in the grove of knocking out the work. Wishing you smooth packing and moving, it's not easy!

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