This summer we are continuing to work on projects throughout New England, New York, Miami and Nashville. Since we aren't the best at sharing on social media, we decided to take to the blog to share updates! On instagram, we posted a quick reel of our site visit to Miami, have a photoshoot on the calendar for this summer in Lexington, Massachusetts (close Boston suburb) and, speaking of updates, have a lot of progress happening on our special East Nashville project...
Our clients (slash business strategist and now friends!) have a passion for design and wanted each element that we selected for this home to be especially thoughtful, hold resonance, and be deeply intentional, so the pairing was naturally a perfect match.
They approached us about building a DADU (a detached accessory dwelling unit) on their property located in the historic neighborhood of Lockeland Springs, just two miles northeast of downtown Nashville. The new building would nearly abut their main home and mimic the feel of a quirky, mini-compound in the city. With a unique vision in mind, we began chatting about the inspiration driving the desired aesthetic: old world Europe meets California cool. They envisioned a space that was creamy and serene, retreat-like, but that still had eclectic vibes.
The plan for the DADU is to function as a high-end, short-term rental, a perfect hideaway for visitors looking for a place to reset and retreat. The design goals aim to bring a balanced, nourishing, and creative energy into the space, a habitat that unites body, mind and design. Our clients hope that it will attract like-mind others, who might be thinking about moving to the Nashville area and need a tranquil haven to ground themselves and explore the roots of the city. They also visualize the house as a place that could be utilized to host mini-retreats or workshops for creative entrepreneurs.
The layout of the DADU will feature a first floor equipped with a cozy chef's kitchen that opens to a spacious, light-filled living area. The second floor includes a master bedroom, new bath, and flex-room, designed as a yoga oasis or group meditation space.
We prioritized unique, one-of-a-kind touches that evoke the sense of discovery and wonder: a custom wall-covering by New Hat, a locally based art and design studio in Nashville will be installed downstairs (cannot say enough amazing things about Kelley and Elizabeth); an heirloom mirror inherited by the client from her grandmother; and vintage elements, such as the mantel for the fireplace and miniature still-life oil paintings are all incorporated into the design.
The space will incorporate beautiful artwork from local shop, Red Arrow Gallery, as well as serve as a petite gallery in itself with a rotating artwork selection available for purchase by guests. Two pieces by photographer, Marcus Maddox, were purchased by the client and will have a permanent home in the living room.
We've included a few peaks of the construction phase below and can't wait to share the final reveal of this project with you later this year!
