The house that Will rebuilt

30 Apr The house that Will rebuilt

 

Once upon a time, on a beautiful tree-lined street in Nashville, there stood a pretty Cape Cod that  was about to be torn down to make way for what most likely would have been a much larger, taller house like you see happening all over our fair city.

But then along came the Nowell family with a vision. A vision in white. And with sheer work and imagination, Will Nowell and his wife Michelle have transformed the home into a showstopper. 

    From the painted brick to new shutters with an “N” on them, to the diamond cut dormer windows, landscaping and just about everything inside, they’ve created a very desirable and updated home that shows you how some of these older homes can be saved and made so gorgeous! Of course it helps if you know how to get it done and are married to someone who can do it!!!!  So let me take you inside and show you how it used to look, starting with the kitchen. 

 

So, they basically gutted the kitchen and tore out the wall separating it from the dining room.  

 

  Yes, it’s the same kitchen!!!  Michelle has exquisite taste and Will made it happen.  From Carrera marble countertops, to the marble mother-of-pearl and subway tile, and pink touches, (her favorite color) they have a sparkling and functional kitchen.  Will didn’t install the cabinets or tile, but he did most of the other renovations, including the new crown molding and the hood over the stove.

   See that pretty pottery with the pink trim? That’s Christina Cohn pottery. The cabinet pulls are from Restoration Hardware. The marble tile is from Floor & Decor in Nashville. 

The light fixture that makes a bold statement is from Neiman Marcus.

And I love the diamond cut window over the farm sink. 

Michelle used Benjamin Moore’s Swiss Coffee and White Diamond for her wall colors throughout the downstairs.  Before I show you more of the renovations, let me take you into their den, BEFORE Will got his hands on it!

  Will ripped out the old paneling and beams, and installed the shiplap, new beams and did the shelving around the painted fireplace.  What a difference!!!

 Michelle pulled it all together with accessories, from art to great light fixtures, and other touches, like the piece you see when you walk in their front door.  

The majority of their art is local, including the piece above the console table, by artist Carey Haynes of Nashville.

  

The family with four sons, one still at home,  doesn’t use this formal living room much but I think it’s lovely just the way it is.  Her gold framed art jumps off the walls. Michelle wants to change it up, but I like it.  Then you must see the downstairs bedroom.

  Yes, it’s pink, and it’s grasscloth!  It has a glow when you’re in the room.  Real men wear pink, and live with it.  Period.  Does that sound opinionated?!? 

 Michelle is going to exchange these side tables/dressers for larger ones.  She does some of her shopping in Atlanta at Scott’s, a great “flea market” that attracts designers and the rest of us who just love interesting pieces.  I almost forgot to show you the laundry room.  Before renovations first.

  

And after.

  From the wallpaper, to the new flooring, to the wainscoting, light fixture and new counter for her desk, it’s great looking with plenty of light streaming in from the backyard.  And the covered porch is a gem, too.  First, a before shot.

And now.

  Yes, Will laid the new stone sidewalk and built the patio/covered porch with fireplace and grill. And they redid the landscaping complete with pink roses.

  So, thank goodness they didn’t tear down this charmer of a house.  And if you’re thinking of asking Will to redo your home, forget about it.  He’s busy working on their beautiful farm house.  That may be another Stylish Retreats feature soon.  

 

  Thanks so much to the Nowells for having me over and sharing their beautiful retreat with me.  If you’re not a subscriber to the blog, I’d sure love to have you.  In case you’ve seen this through my link on Instagram or on Facebook, it would be great if you’d click on the blue subscribe button to be sure you catch all my articles and future contests. And follow me on Instagram, @stylishretreats. Thanks!