One of our favorite friends and clients, Sandy Presley, opened up her home recently for us to share with you. It’s full of one of a kind treasures and collected pieces from antique shops and local Knoxville stores. Sandy’s home is one of those places that always feels like a breath of fresh air and a place where it’s easy to relax and be yourself. With a neutral palate and a warmth that comes from beautiful woods and colors, Sandy’s home is like a retreat. We hope you enjoy this peak into her beautiful space.

How long have you lived in your home?

14 years. When we decided to build, we purchased a house plan and customized it. We opened up the main living area more than the plan called for to make our space work better for hosting large groups of people.

What does home mean to you?

It’s a landing place for all my family. A gathering retreat where memories are relived and new ones made.

How would you describe your style of decorating?

Modern- rustic. I hope that it’s comfy and cozy!

Bench: Antique from a shop in Atlanta, watercolors from O.P. Jenkins

Did your style happen organically or was it a process of figuring out what style means to you? Has your style changed over time? Do you have any favorite stores or shops for furniture or home decor?

I try not to be too trendy but always go with pieces I love. I tend to work with the character and nature of the home itself as well. I decorated our previous house differently because that home was a very different style than my current one. For furniture and decor I love the Restoration Hardware outlet and antique and vintage shops. Locally, my go-to’s for pretty things as well as therapy are O.P. Jenkins, Laws Interiors, & Bennett Galleries.

You have some really amazing pieces in your home, what is your relationship to your belongings?

I’m not super attached to much of anything and offer almost everything to my kids except for my blue velvet chair in the keeping room. Everyone wants that chair!

When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?

Peaceful and relaxed and so comfortable that they want to come often.

Do you have a style or home philosophy?

Love what you love. Don’t let magazines dictate what you should love.

Dining room with heart pine wood paneling that Sandy collected.

How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?

This home is too much house for me so I love sharing it with others. I’ve hosted many showers, parties, wedding events, Christmas carol sing along’s, even a wedding itself here. I always want it to feel open to anyone.

Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?

The keeping room. I love the coziness of the fireplace and I love that you are still part of what’s happening in the kitchen.

I have put a lot of thought and care into everything I selected in the original design so each thing is pretty special. It’s hard to pick but I would have to say the wood panels in the foyer and dinging room as well as the cabinetry in the living room are my favorites. Sam Whisman and Bruce Kestrel made them from old heart pine wood that I’d collected over the years. I also collected antique doors for this house and have used them in all different ways.

What do you love most about your home?

I love that it’s a quiet place of refuge for me, my family and my friends. I love that everything has a story behind it.

Sandy and her family. Image by Texture Photo