Local Builders’ & Designers’ Favorite Projects of the Year – StyleBlueprint

As we inch ever closer to the new year, were all in on the 2019 reflection process. With that in mind, we tapped some of our favorite local interiors experts and pro builders to share their most memorable building and design projects of 2019. May this kick your creative juices into overdrive as we embark on 2020!

Ridley Wills, Owner & Design Director

These are photos of a playhouse we built for Cheekwood. It was our most fun project of the year because it brought great delight to the children visiting Cheekwoods gardens throughout the summer. It was based on E.B. Whites classic Charlottes Web and complemented an exhibit of original artwork from that and other childrens books.

A nod to the classic Charlottes Web, this wonderful playhouse was designed and created by The Wills Company for Cheekwoods Storybook Houses exhibit. Image: The Wills Company

Check out Charlottes web! Image: The Wills Company

Wilbur played a starring role in this whimsical design. Image: The Wills Company

Mark Holliday, President

Traces most memorable project in 2019 was the home created by combining and completely reconfiguring two condominium units in Nashvilles 505 building, at the corner of Fifth and Church. The project was for new Nashvillians (by way of California) who wanted to downsize from their traditional family home. They did not want a copy of their old home in a new setting, and they did not want to end up with a cold, contemporary white box. To the rescue: Trace Ventures talented design-build team.

This project was memorable because it was fun. It incorporated luxury finishes and fixtures (examples include a floating walnut vanity and Moroccan trellis tile) as well as artistic yet functional solutions such as a curved architectural ceiling to hide pipes and wires, and a custom cabinet that transforms into a bed or craft table. The end result is an expression of warm sophistication, with layered neutrals and bursts of saturated earth tones, forming the perfect backdrop for sunrises and sunsets. Cozy gathering areas for lounging, entertaining and relaxing overlook stunning views of downtown Nashville.

Luxury finishes with functional solutions are just a few of the key features in this memorable project. Image: @360Nash

We can only imagine the sunrises and sunsets viewed from this beautiful bedroom with a view! Image: @360Nash

Sara Ray, Owner

We were lucky to have a lot of really memorable projects in 2019! One of our favorites was a renovation and decor project in Westhaven. Our client and her husband have lived all around the world, and our goal was to incorporate many of the special pieces from their travels into the overall design aesthetic. This project consisted of a master bathroom renovation and two guest bath renovations, plus furnishings and decor for the living room, foyer, powder bath, master and guest bathrooms, and guest bedrooms. The most memorable aspect of this project, which made it so special to us, was the endearing stories she told about the collected pieces we placed throughout her home whether they were family heirlooms or keepsakes from time spent abroad. It was truly a pleasure to create spaces where these memories can be seen and enjoyed every day. Extra fun project!

With pieces collected from their travels, this couples home has memories around every corner. Image: Kristen Mayfield

Tyler F. LeMarinel, Partner

As a smaller, local architecture firm, we dont often get the opportunity to work within a high-rise building. Needless to say, we were all very excited when we were approached by Dave Haverkamp, a local realtor and developer, to take four one-bedroom units within the ICON and combine them into one incredible suite. When Dave bought them, the four units had already been demolished down to the shell. The previous owner had aspirations of doing something similar, so the work had already begun. The biggest challenge, as with most high-rise buildings, is to work within the framework of the buildings systems. Because all floors above and below share plumbing, HVAC lines, etc., we had to design around many lines that simply couldnt be moved. With that in mind, we set out to create a suite that felt clean and modern, with ample natural light and large open spaces. The suite actually has frontage on three different sides of the building, so preserving the incredible views of downtown were of paramount importance. In the end, this one-of-a-kind space speaks to a laid back, luxurious lifestyle overlooking the hustle and bustle of downtown.

This modern suite has an open floor plan with an abundance of natural light filtering in from its many windows. Image: Jeff Graham

This reading chair offers the opportunity to relax and dig into a good book or gaze at the Nashville skyline. Image: Jeff Graham

Blair Parkes, Interior Designer & Co-founder

This was such a fun renovation because its a wonderful family that we have been working with for a few years now. We first started decorating the house, and then the family decided to do a renovation for a large portion of the house. The kitchen, bar and breakfast areas were our favorite part of the renovation because they combined a current look with the clean lines of the shaker cabinets. The cabinets were painted in a crisp, warm white yet still embedded organic elements such as a plaster hood, handmade tile and honed quartzite. And, of course, we always want it to be reflective of the clients style, which is livable, comfortable, organic and extra-durable with their three small children!

The clean lines of the shaker cabinets lent a beautiful aesthetic to this kitchen space designed by Parkes & Lamb. Image: Mary Craven Dawkins of Mary Craven Photography

This lighting fixture stands out as a focal piece against the white kitchen backdrop. Image: Mary Craven Dawkins of Mary Craven Photography

A classic breakfast nook | Image: Mary Craven Dawkins of Mary Craven Photography

RELATED: 10 Next-Level Bathrooms by Top Southern Designers

McLean Barbieri, Interior Designer & Partner

While I do primarily residential projects, getting to work on Robbins Plastic Surgery (RPS) with Lesley Beeman of Zeitlin Architects was a treat. In the waiting room, the custom lighting that mimics the RPS logo leads the eye to work by local artist Tess Davies. In another nook, we highlighted a photograph by Caroline Allison. At every turn in this office, Dr. Robbins wanted to use art, furniture and rugs that speak to his personality, and it made the project a joy.

McLean Barbieri, of Annali Interiors, reflects on her design for Robbins Plastic Surgery. Image: Cassidy Pflibsen

Neutral colors create a serene atmosphere while you wait. Image: Cassidy Pflibsen

Paul Hammond, Co-founder

This project was a whole-house overhaul. We took the home from a very dark and gothic (think gargoyle statues and all dark colors) home to one filled with natural light and updated modern finishes. The original home was built in the early 70s, with several subsequent additions/remodels over the years. Some of the unique interior design challenges that made this home special were the porchs custom ceiling work and custom linear fireplace with a floating hearth, the random master bath tile pattern with brass inlay strips, the book-matched walnut cabinets in the kitchen, the custom tarnished brass shroud at the kitchen hood and the inset LED strip light above the kitchen island, by Alloy LED.

In addition to the whole-house overhaul, Hammond & Brandt converted a horse stable into a party barn/studio/guest house. We salvaged some of the original stall wall lumber for use on the ceilings in the new spaces, added a sleeping loft, custom nine-foot-tall sliding doors, kitchenette and full-tile bath.

With custom finishes and an updated design, Hammond & Brandt modernized this early 70s home. Image: Kristen Mayfield

Paul tells us that one of the unique features of the design is the custom tarnished brass shroud at the kitchen hood.He explains that the brass-wrapped steel post directly behind the hood is a major structural component supporting the entire center of the home. Image: Kristen Mayfield

RELATED: What to Know BEFORE You Renovate: Experts Weigh In

Let there be light! And note the book-matched walnut cabinets that line the kitchen. Image: Kristen Mayfield

The aforementioned random master bath tile pattern with brass inlay strips | Image: Kristen Mayfield

(Editors Note: Paul would like to recognize the contributions of architect Steve Durden of Durden Architecture and interior designer Lori Paranjape, who both collaborated on the project!)

Brad Ramsey, Interior Designer & Founder

For me, the most memorable project of 2019 was designing and moving into our new studio space. We did the remodel at the end of 2018 and spent the beginning of 2019 getting organized and settled in. To best be able to design for others, I have to feel like the space I am working in is organized, beautiful and has good energy. We worked hard to create a space that reflects our design and also functions well for us.

Brad says he set out to design a space thats organized, beautiful and has good energy. Mission accomplished! Image: Oh Hey Photo!

We worked hard to create a space that reflects our design and also functions well for us, Brad says. Image: Oh Hey Photo!

Mark Simmons, Interior Designer & Founder

Our most memorable project of 2019 was a little different, as it was on wheels! We got to help a client turn their Sprinter van into an English cottage they could enjoy wherever they venture complete with pull out sofa, swing arm lamps with custom shades, and pop-up desk for on-the-road work.

An English cottage on wheels, designed by Mark Simmons | Image: Mark Simmons Interiors

Would you be able to tell this was a Sprinter van? Image: Mark Simmons Interiors

Adam Floyd, Owner

The House Beautiful project was certainly a highlight of 2019. The level of detail and depth of thought that went into each space was really something incredible. The caliber of design talent from across the country, as well as right here in Nashville, was like a witches brew. We all pushed the envelope and went outside our comfort zones, with deadlines that are not typically that tight or stakes that high. I like that feeling, and I enjoyed getting to see my team rise to the occasion. I am proud of how our little part turned out.

Talk about a custom closet! This design from The Closet Company, created for the House Beautiful home, is nothing short of a dream. Image: Adam Floyd

Wishing you and yours a creative and inspired new year!

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Local Builders' & Designers' Favorite Projects of the Year - StyleBlueprint