My Digs

27 Apr My Digs

My first major experience with home renovating in Nashville was nearly 20 years ago, before our fair city was bursting at the seams with new people, and dozens of cranes dotting the skyline. So I lucked out in finding a designer, Kathy Anderson, (will feature her in my next post!) and contractor that could transform my bungalow in no time. It was so exciting to come home from work at night and see the changes in the attic that would lead to a charming master bedroom retreat. But building from the ground up is an entirely new experience.

This was us a year ago in May at our groundbreaking. Our builder, Alan Looney, my husband Keith, Project Manager Zack Wegryn and of course our little buddy, Jake.

We just moved in recently. After months of looking at piles of dirt and nothing green, our roses started blooming right before we moved in. I was so happy.

I won’t kid you. It was stressful at times, but seeing our vision come to life has been so satisfying. We chose Castle Homes because of several recommendations and we are so glad we made that choice. Their team is incredible. Designer Joy Huber is a key member of that team. I’ve probably spent more time with her than my good friends in the last year! But it’s been time well spent.

This shot of Joy and me is in front of a fireplace that we can actually cook in, or I should say Keith can cook in eventually!  I have to say one of my favorite things in the house is our beamed ceilings in the den and breakfast room. They turned out just as I had imagined. The painters ended up using a blend of two stains to achieve the look.

Joy guided me through the various selections. I sent her tons of photos of homes and features I liked, whether from Pinterest or magazines. She understood we wanted the house to have a patina, or a rustic feel, from the ceilings to the lighting.

I found the lantern we used in the entrance, but the rest came from Graham’s Lighting in Cool Springs.  My favorites of all have to be the lanterns in our hall that give off a patterned shadow on the walls. Especially at night! Joy also made sure I stuck with my original choices that give the house what our builder Alan Looney calls a “Spanish eclectic” feel.

I didn’t know if I would like the windows painted a dark color like some of the pictures I’d sent her early on, but now I’m really happy we went that direction. With so much white on our walls, the dark trim grounds the house. We have amazing light in almost every room with dozens of Windows and doors. My only regret – that I don’t have a window washing crew!!!

Thanks to Joy for her guidance and efficiency in this journey. She was great and I consider her a new friend. Joy’s latest project is a baby due in July!  Can you imagine the nursery this child will have?  Speaking of friends, I will catch up with an old friend who’s an amazing talent when it comes to design in my next post.