Beautiful brasserie

19 Feb Beautiful brasserie

I have been on a bit of a french kick lately and what influenced me was a recent visit to a new brasserie in downtown Nashville, called Liberty Common.  It is anything but common.

From the moment you step inside the door, you are transported to a place that could be in Paris or another international destination.  From the magical long bar to the dreamy blue booths with brass and copper accents everywhere, it is a feast for the eyes.

I absolutely love the look, from the color scheme to the smokey mirrors to the open shelving with plants and flowers placed throughout.

Here’s what I’ve learned about the inspiration for the interior design.  The owner, Terrell Raley, had a true vision for Liberty Common.  He saw an opening for one in downtown Nashville and modeled this one after the great brasseries in New York City and throughout Europe.

We spent some time in Paris several years back with family and I can see some of the similarities. My photo isn’t professional and doesn’t show a lot of this particular Parisian bistro but you can see the smokey mirrors and tile.

Raley also started the popular Butchertown Hall as well as Holland House and The Pharmacy  in Nashville.

 

 

He painstakingly researched and sourced the elements to create his dining retreats. While Butchertown has a more rustic and industrial feel with the use of wood, branches, stone and metals, Liberty Common has an elegant edge with some upholstered pieces and color.

There’s even some wallpaper.  The owner chose it from Hygge & West as well as Anthropologie.

I love how they created this smaller section that brings the outside in with the pretty boxwoods.  It sits apart from the more upscale part of the restaurant, situated between the main area and the more intimate section at the other end of the space. Look at that tile. Oui! Oui!

 

Raley’s philosophy on lighting is that it should not dominate the dining experience but rather accentuate it.

These hanging lights were sourced out of the Netherlands from a closed warehouse in Paris.  Love this part of the story.  Terrell obtained an importer’s license, brought them to the U.S. and had them refitted to our electrical standards.  The globe fixtures were located throughout the U.S.

The fixtures are contemporary but versatile.  Terrell didn’t want a vintage look but a fresh update on classic design.

I look so lonely in this photo but this was taken in the middle of the day, between lunch and dinner so I could get my photos without dodging and bothering patrons.  I’ve also used the restaurant’s gorgeous photos they provided.

You’ll notice the wall behind me has open shelves as do other walls in Liberty Common.  Raley sourced the poplar wood from a local supplier, then milled and finished the shelving himself with the help of general manager, Matt Kindt.

The brackets were handmade by an artisan couple in Canada.  Such a carefully curated restaurant retreat.

And then there are the playful drawings on various doors and glass partitions, like this one.

So much character. We’ve had dinner and brunch there. I was very pleased with both meals and service. But this is not a critique of the food, etc.  I’m only offering my personal view of the interior space. But I will share my fabulous waffle photo.

Now I’m just waiting for the weather to turn to spring so we can sip our cappuccinos or wine and dine outside.

Did I mention this is right across the street from Ascend Amphitheatre?!? So when there are concerts going on, you’ll be able to hear the music from your stylish aqua seats right here!!!  And when there isn’t live entertainment nearby, I’m guessing they’ll be playing a bit of french music. Maybe the sound track from “Something’s Gotta Give?”  I would suggest Eartha Kitt, Louis Armstrong or Coralie Clement.  Close your eyes and you could be in Paris.

 

Thank you for following Stylish Retreats. If you have a suggestion for a home or other interesting retreat you’d like to share with me, please drop me a note.  Amy@stylishretreats.net.