31 May Bold and beautiful in Belle Meade
There is nothing muted or neutral about the home I’m featuring in this edition of Stylish Retreats. It is one of the most colorful and eclectic houses I’ve had the pleasure of visiting as a friend and as a writer.
The retreat in the gorgeous Belle Meade section of Nashville is owned by Tonya Cumbee who purchased the modern home in 2002 and has put her personality into every inch of the home which is fun and playful. It reflects Tonya’s travels, and is a collected and curated home. This is a woman who isn’t afraid to mix colors and whatever suits her fancy.
Tonya has worked with designer Richard Ezell out of Lexington, Kentucky for thirty five years so he knows her well. She has very distinct taste and can select what she wants but there are examples of pieces he’s purchased without her, just knowing she would love them. More on that in a minute. It’s hard to know where to start in describing this home but let’s go with the formal living room with the dark upholstered walls seen in the picture above. How dramatic with such dark walls, but full of light with the floor to ceiling windows on both sides of the room. The chairs come from Palm Beach.
The beauty with the navy and gold fabric is upholstered in Versace fabric. Then there’s the piece on the small coffee table that looks like books under an acrylic cover. Look closer and you’ll discover it’s actually crayon art.
This is one of her playful pieces from Herb Williams, the largest crayola collector in the world who happens to live in Nashville.
The cutout of Elvis you see in the corner is a nod to her parents who loved Elvis when Tonya was growing up, so she embraces the icon as well.
On the opposite wall is a wood, metal and glass sculpture over the fireplace by Jennifer Hollack in Phoenix.
Her dining room has another Herb Williams piece based on Lola, Tonya’s beloved bull terrier. He definitely makes a playful statement in this room.
Did I mention the Lola centerpiece is complete with an Hermes blanket for the stylish canine?!? But of course. The real dog is totally living in the lap of luxury in this retreat.
This is the posh and very comfortable master suite.
Inspiration for this room began with the footstools and a painting Tonya purchased at a flea market in New York years ago. She found the canvas and then had it framed.
That’s what fascinates me; the things that inspire people as they decorate their homes, whether it’s a painting, a piece of furniture or a lamp, and how they build an entire room around one small piece. Tonya has so many interesting paintings and other pieces of art, it’s hard to focus on a few things but I’ll give it a whirl.
The unique painting of a dress or slip complete with fabric attached to it was purchased by her designer who knows her so well. She wasn’t with him when he got it, but clearly loved it. And isn’t the hot pink paint in the back of her bookshelves a great color in this room? Then there’s the pink cake painting sitting in a clear shadow box over the bed with the message, “Find your balance.” I think this homeowner has found hers.
Then, there’s the green chair with what she describes as a “cushion on steroids!!!”
In case you’re wondering, it was comfy. Nice. This bright green can also be found in a striking rug in another room near her foyer.
Tonya actually saw this rug while in a cab in New York City and thought it was a painting at first. She got the driver to stop so she could run in and get a closer look. Clearly, she has an eye for the unusual. And sometimes, just something pretty like the painting of a woman on her deep red living room wall.
And speaking of walls, her designer came up with a great architectural piece that serves as a wall between her foyer and dining room.
This is a repurposed raised wall paneling piece from the old Maxwell House Hotel in Nashville which creates the separation from her dining room. What a fun visit with Tonya and Lola.
A colorful and playful stylish retreat to remember. Thanks Tonya, and Lola!
Interior designer; Richard Ezell can be reached at 270-348-6518.
Thanks for sharing Stylish Retreats.
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