Take a peek inside the festive home of one of HYD’s very own organizers, Laura. With a love for the hunt and a serious work ethic, they’ve created an eclectic and stylish home out of a house that needed lots of love.
A Writer’s New Oasis: A Home Tour with Celia
Edenvale: A Holiday Home Tour
Every home tour is unique and wonderful in its own way, but this one is extra special. I was able to sit down with Bill and Chris Alley (Taryn’s lovely parents) to talk about their home and what it has meant to them over the last 46 years that they have lived in it.
The original structure of the home was built in 1857 and sold a year or so later to Samuel Shannon McCampbell and Sarah Smith McCampbell. In 1899 an addition to the back of the house took place and the original entrance to the home was shifted to the other side of the house. The accompanying 50 acre farm was registered in 1927 and was formally named Edenvale. In the 40’s or 50’s a recreation room, an apartment, and a garage were added to the side of the house. Bill and Chris purchased the home in 1976 and did some renovating in the 90’s to remodel the kitchen and open it up a bit more. Just being in the house, it’s clear that its owners over time have loved and cherished the home. While the house itself is full of history, the contents of it are equally rich in story and history.
Historic Edenvale
Samuel Shannon McCampbell and Sarah Smith McCampbell
The real estate listing from 1976 when the Alleys purchased the home.
Without further ado, we will give you a glimpse of what home means to the Alleys,
What does home mean to you? What do you hope people feel when they come into your home?
Home is a warm place, a place of comfort, a place to relax and enjoy family. We always hope that people feel comfortable and welcome when they come over. We are not very formal — in fact the sitting room gets used only a handful of times a year. We always invite people into the living room.
Bill on the back porch
Over the years we have loved hosting parties. Some of our favorites have been 4th of July parties by the pool and annual New Years Eve parties. One year we went all out and all of our friends wore tuxedos and formal gowns. We jump on any excuse to have people over. I (Chris) am also a part of several groups that have met at our house over the years— a stained glass group, sewing group, etc. Having our home full of people is one of our greatest joys.
Chris and Bill Alley
How would you describe your style of decorating? Has your decorating style changed over time? Eclectic. We love antiques — mostly primitive and informal pieces. Most everything here has a meaning or a story. Many pieces have been passed down from family members. We’ve been collecting since we were young — if something wasn’t an antique when we bought it, it probably is now. We actually met when we were both living abroad in Greece and several pieces of art and decor were purchased from our time there. We love to hunt and love finding unique pieces to add to our space.
Chris found this framed tapestry in Greece and fell in love with it.
Stairway Detail
Do you have a favorite room in your home?
Our favorite rooms are probably the family room and kitchen. It’s where we spend the most time and where we entertain.
How about a favorite piece or item?
“Each other.” (It’s fine, it’s fine- I’m just over here crying at how cute the Alley’s are!)
We could find something we love in every room. One of our first purchases was the large chopping block in the kitchen. It holds a lot of meaning to us. The green and red cupboard in the kitchen is also a big hit — it gets decorated differently depending on the season.
What is the most challenging thing about your home?
Cleaning and maintaining. When you are a collector, it becomes much more time consuming to clean. Living in a house for a long time, while wonderful, also gives you lots of time to notice all the little imperfections. Because we’ve been here for 46 years we haven’t had the natural purging process that occurs when you move.
Dining Room Mantel
What kinds of things have you all collected over the years?
I (Chris) make stained glass pieces so over time the pieces I’ve made have become a collection of sorts. We collect Santa Clause figurines, snowmen, pitchers, and we have a really neat little medicine cabinet in the bathroom with all kinds of vintage and antique medicine bottles and apothecary items. I (Bill) love playing golf and a friend of mine and I made a life goal to play the top 100 courses. We’ve played 50 of them and 9 of the top 10. I have collected hats and bag tags from each of the courses.
Bill’s golf tag collection
Vintage medicine cabinet filled with collected items
How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
It’s old and we’ve grown into it. Most people who know us can’t separate us from the house. It’s definitely become a part of us.
A huge thank you to Bill and Chris for sitting down with me to tell me about and show me their beautiful, memory filled home.
For more tips on how to make your house a home, subscribe to our blog and sign up for our newsletter. If you’d like us to help you in your own home, please call 865.245.9080 or email info@helpyoudwell.com.
We can’t wait to help you dwell!
Photography by Katie Norrell
Catani Home Tour
Wright Home Tour
Welcome to the lovely home of Blair and Debbye . I had the pleasure of sitting down with my “aunt-in-love” Debbye in November to talk with her about her home and what it means to both she and Blair. If you ever get the chance to visit, upon walking in it feels like a home away from home, a respite, and the kind of place that you could easily curl up on the couch and get lost in a book or a conversation. Enjoy this unique home tour.
HYD Team Home Tours: Allison + Liz
One of our favorite things to share on the blog are home tours. We decided to do a little virtual “home tour” with our own team members. So, enjoy these two!
Allison’s home.
Allison
How long have you lived in your home?
- 18 years
What does "home" mean to you?
- Coziness, comfort, and a place to reflect the personality of the owner
How would you describe your style of decorating?
- Combo of 50s-60s vintage, comfortable basics, and slightly trendy colors and decor
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?
- It has been a process, and I am always changing things. I have a "style" now, but it has progressed over the years. Redecorating and rearranging breathes new life into a room for me, so rooms get makeovers every few years. No favorite shops other than Home Goods/Marshalls, Bargain Hunt, and Target. I always say that I don't find my furniture, my furniture finds me. Lol
Allison’s kitchen.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- I hope people feel that my home style reflects me. I like for people to ask me questions about things I have, since there are stories behind many of my items. I love to have items that have significance - like it belonged to a family member, or I got it from the estate sale I hosted for a friend, or my husband and I found it on a trip, etc. I also hope they feel like it's a comfortable home. They can touch things, they can sit down wherever. They can go look in my fridge or pantry without asking.
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- Keeping "white space" in every area. I feel like there always needs to be some empty spots for things to go - empty space in my pantry, closets, on my countertops, etc. I never want anything to be completely full because it's too visually busy for me.
Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- Favorite room would be my living room, as it has a ton of natural light, and most of the other rooms in my house are darker. Favorite furniture is the master bedroom furniture - it came from an estate sale of an older lady I'd known since I was little. I had always HATED the furniture in our bedroom that belonged to my husband in college. When we stumbled across this furniture, it changed my life!! I love it every time I look at it.
What do you love most about your home?
- Our new outdoor living space, and our neighborhood, as we have a close-knit group of friends.
Allison’s home.
How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- Very little is permanent in this house, other than very special things (like furniture that has "found me"). I know I like to redecorate, so I prefer to buy cheaper trendier decor because I know it won't be around forever. My mantra is that if I haven't used it in a few years, and I can replace it for less than $30, it's going. In the event I ever need it again, I can either borrow it, or repurchase it. If I repurchase it, it will probably be a better version of the one I had before!
What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I love making a difference for people. I love seeing that look of "YES!!" on their faces. That look of relief that says "thank you so much for doing what I hadn’t done on my own!”
READ MORE ABOUT ALLISON HERE.
Liz
How long have you lived in your home?
- 13 years
What does "home" mean to you?
- Home is where I feel completely comfortable and where I am surrounded by the people who love me unconditionally.
How would you describe your style of decorating?
- I would say my style is transitional, with a hodge-podge and kid-friendly flare. ☺ I tend to gravitate toward comfort and function over style. If I could completely redecorate my home starting from scratch, I would definitely incorporate more bohemian decor. I love the warmth, color and eclectic vibe of this style.
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?
- My style has definitely changed and evolved over time. I used to think that everything needed to match and coordinate perfectly, but now I find my eye gravitates towards a mix of styles, colors, and textures.
I love browsing Home Goods, World Market, and just recently discovered Nadeau.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
- Comfortable, warm and relaxed
Liz’s living room.
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
- Since I’ve worked for HYD, I have definitely become more of a minimalist in my home philosophy. Less stuff and less clutter gives me room to breathe and enjoy my home even more.
How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
- I love a framed photo and my home is full of them showcasing so many of my favorite family memories. My various arts and crafts from over the years can also be seen displayed around our home.
Do you have a favorite room in your home? A favorite piece of art or piece of furniture?
- I have two favorite rooms. The living room is where my family spends the most time together and the bonus room is where I get lost in my love of crafting.
What do you love most about your home?
- I love the open floor plan and the coziness it brings. I l also love our big backyard which feels like an extension of our home.
How would you describe your relationship to your belongings?
- Unless the belonging has strong sentimental value, I don’t get too attached to my possessions. When purging my belongings, my biggest hurdle is letting go of how much I paid for the item, even though I no longer have any attachment to the item itself. I find this takes practice- the more I do it, the better I am at letting go.
What do you love about working with HYD clients?
- I love helping HYD clients feel a sense of accomplishment, whether that’s in organizing a small area or tackling a big move. It’s easy to get stuck inside our homes and not know where to begin making changes. Each time I go into a client’s home, I hope I can provide encouragement and a gentle push in the right direction.
We’ve said it before, but we’ll shout it from the rooftops- we have the most incredible team. It’s what makes Help You Dwell the dynamic, thriving, and unique service provider we are.
Thanks for sharing your homes & hearts with us Allison & Liz.
Looking for more lovely home tours?
HYD Team Home Tours: Barb + Sarah
Making "Home": a 500 sq ft London Flat
Welcome to London! I wish so badly I could invite you in for a real life tour & give you a hug, but sadly that is not the case currently. So I’ll do my best to virtually welcome you into our “home” in this beautiful city. I’d offer you a cup of coffee (or tea) if you were visiting- so make yourself a “cuppa” and settle in.
Revisiting Home Tours
While we’re all still at home a majority of our time, so we thought it could be fun to take a walk down memory lane and recap some of our favorite past home tours. We’ve been so honored to get to know the story of many Knoxvillian’s and their homes over the past 5 years. Enjoy a few memories from home tours throughout the years…
A Home by the River | Home Tour with Carrie Savage
A Writer’s New Oasis | Home Tour with Celia
A carefully curated home
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.
The music room
Powder Room
Sitting nook in a guest bedroom
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.
Living room
Living room— custom cabinets made from old heart pine that Sandy collected.
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.
The keeping room
collected books and treasures
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.
Foyer
Laundry room details
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
Guardian of the Adventurer: A world traveler’s home tour
“Guardian of the Adventurer” protects loved ones on their journeys and guides them safely home. Made by Mary Ennes Davis of Crow River Studio. Mixed media made from a cupboard door, banister railings, coat hanger, rulers, letter press, coins, sterling compact, chopsticks, and beach glass beads. Purchased by Susie at the Smithsonian Craft Show.
One of the many beautiful things adorning the walls of Susie’s home is a special piece of art titled “Guardian of the Adventurer”. I can’t think of a better way to describe the entirety of her home. Walking in, I immediately felt safe and welcome and like I had just stepped into a treasure trove. Susie herself is quite the adventurer, and her home is a perfect capsule of the many places she has been, the loved ones she has experienced life with, and the beautiful art she has both collected and created herself along the way.
An antique wedding chest from Germany circa 1815.
Formal dining room with an AMAZING German folk art cupboard circa 1843 at the head of the table
Susie’s collection of Gaudy Welsh
Antique samplers and another beautiful German folk art cupboard circa 1806
A native of Oak Ridge, Susie spent many years with her husband, Carl, living abroad and in the D.C. area. When she returned to Tennessee in 2015, she settled into her home and has transformed her space into a wonderful collection of stories and past and present memories. With a fondness for where she’s come from and an excitement for what the future holds, her sense of adventure is contagious.
Copper Luster from England and treasured books
Collection of Ink wells and Turnbridge ware collected from England
A German wedding box which says “When two hands are joined as one”.
“Mother and Child”by Jacque Parsley of Louisville
A collection of Dala horses and other treasures from Sweden passed down from Carl’s side of the family
When I asked Susie what home means to her she described it as her nest, her safe haven-- and one that she can open up and extend to others as well. Home is her happy place, and it’s filled with the stories of her life. When people come into Susie’s home, her desire is that they feel loved and welcome. She loves creating a comfortable place that evokes curiosity and invites questions and storytelling.
Susie had the wonderful idea of replacing the panels of several of her upper cabinets with glass fronts to lighten up her kitchen.
A wonderful sun room that Susie converted from a screened in porch to be able to use year round.
Antique stained glass collected from a church in Aberdeen Scotland and framed to fit her space. We love the creative ways that Susie has customized her home.
Susie’s decor leans toward traditional with a deep love for antiques (including some incredible European pieces) and a bit of quirkiness thrown in. One of her go-to spots for furniture and home decor was Westwood Antiques of Knoxville, which closed in 2018. The owner, Scott Bishop, now has a booth at Bearden Antique Mall. A self-proclaimed lover of all things hand made, she has a special love for created items. Artwork of all sorts graces her home, including carvings, sculptures, quilts, paintings, antique samplers, lithographs, and mixed media pieces. Susie shares that she’s had a good sense of her design leanings for as long as she can remember. She’s always loved antiques and folk art and has always gravitated towards certain colors.
Round Robin quilt made by Susie and 5 friends from England
Hydrangea guest bedroom
Antique depression era quilt hanging on wall. Quilts on bed are Lone Star variations made by Susie
I was intrigued by how travel had influenced Susie’s decorating, and she shared that early on in her marriage, while they were living in Europe, they would purchase a piece of artwork in each place they visited. Sometimes it was a print or a lithograph and sometimes it was an original painting, but they always brought back a memory. As an Army wife, she was heavily influenced by the people she met and the places she visited in their travels.
If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”
William Morris
Susie shares, “The above quote has always been my mantra for creating the 13 homes I’ve lived in as we’ve moved all over the world. As an Army family who had to relocate often, it was very important for Carl and I to make each place special—unique, our own, no matter if it was an Army-furnished set of quarters with generic furniture, a temporary apartment, or our dream home.”
Hydrangea quilt made by a dear friend of Susies. Jenny Harris is a British quilter who won prizes for her creation.
In the same way, Susie’s own creativity and art has influenced her home. She has beautiful quilts, sketches, and other crafted creations throughout her home. She considers her home a large- scale photo album of her life.
Susie’s craft and art room
Vintage pencil box
Quilting closet. Every quilter needs a palette
Collection of miniatures from special places and adventures
Collected vintage and antique toys and children’s books from all over the world
In the same way that Susie has collected art and artifacts, she’s also collected people and brought them into her clan, blending and connecting beautiful things and friendships in new and synergistic ways. Thank you so much Susie for opening up your amazing home and sharing part of your story with us!
Susie and Carl in Suffolk, VA in December 2012
Phillips Family Home Tour
Meet the fabulous Phillips family! Dan, Brooke, their 4 kids and their awesome dog. I sat down with them a few weeks ago and had a great conversation about life, love, and making a home. This home tour is a bit different than our usual tours because in a few weeks they will be moving to a new home. We wanted to capture a small piece of the beauty and love in their fixer upper before they said goodbye to it. We hope you enjoy this glimpse into their life. All photos were taken by Haley Kennedy.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
How long have you all lived in this house?
We bought the house in November of 2016. (It’s a wild story!—read more about it here on Brooke’s blog.) The home had been sitting empty for about six years and we affectionately coined it the “Phillips Family Fixer Upper” and set to work making this gem of a home into all it could be. We did a major overhaul on the kitchen by removing a wall, adding the island, new countertops, and open shelving. We took it back to the bare bones and simplified. It’s made me realize how freeing it can be to have only what you need. Aside from the kitchen, we restored all of the floors, resurfaced just about every wall in the house, added ship lap in a few rooms, and created a breezeway in order to make the office and master bedroom wing function better. We strategically added walls to create a better flow and layout for our family. We did a lot of the work ourselves with the help of family and friends.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
How would you describe your style of decorating?
Brooke: It’s collected. I don’t really know how to describe it other than by saying I don’t follow trends. If anything, I look back to what history has shown us is beautiful. If it was beautiful 100 years ago and still is today, then great! I look around and look for natural textures and use them collectively. I don’t like synthetics or reproductions. It’s more true when it’s been found and discovered rather than copied. When I’m working with a client I always say “Tell me about YOU! You don’t want a carbon copy of a Joanna Gaines’ house. Tell me about YOU! Let’s see what you love and figure out how to use it in a tasteful and beautiful way.” In order to have the richest experience in your home, an item either needs to be useful, beautiful, or sentimental. Ideally it would have all 3, but at least 2 or you shouldn’t have it.
Another major thing I use help create a space is that I want to touch on all the senses when decorating. I pay close attention to the textures felt, the sounds heard, the mood they want, the smells that create memories. Did you know that smell is the only sense that’s initially processed in the brain and the limbic system? Smells can cause a feeling! Dan helps me think through what’s really functional. He grounds me. He comes up with the best ideas because he’s so logical. I think of myself as the creative but he is creative too, just in a different way. He takes my dreamer self and helps me make it a reality in a practical way that’s so much better once it’s been thought through.
Dan: My style is practical and comfortable. If it makes me decompress— that’s my style. I don’t like things to be too put together. I like things that make me exhale. I like dark woods, brick, masculine and earthy things—with a touch of woman— got to have a woman’s touch.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Backstory on how Brooke got into design:
When I was a little girl and my friends were buying toys, I was buying antiques. For my first job I painted horse fences and I took all of the money I made and bought an antique. It was a settee to go at the end of my bed. I’ve loved design for as long as I can remember. Jumping ahead in time— while my friends were in college, I was having babies and Dan was a pastor. I have always decorated peoples homes— but I did it for free. I did big homes and small homes and operated an art boutique for a period of time. When we moved to Knoxville and Dan transitioned from full time ministry to teaching and coaching football he said “Babe, you are going to have to get a job or charge people for what you do.” I went and got a job as a barista at a local place in Knoxville. One day the manager looked at me and said “Brooke— what are you doing here? Why are you serving coffee?? Go do what you do!” So I started my company 3 years ago. It started with one friend and then a few more friends hired me and now here I am!
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
You have some really amazing pieces in your home, what is your relationship to your belongings?
As sentimental as I am, I don’t hold on to things just because it was my grandmothers or because it has some memory attached to it. However, I love to hold on to things that are sentimental and use them in artful ways. Most importantly, I want my belongings to tell our story. I want reminders of where I’ve been or what I’ve been through. But I also have 4 kids and dog— a million things have been broken and I can honestly say I don’t get mad when things break—it’s just not worth it. I’ve either glued them back together and put them right back up or tossed them and moved on.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Do you have a style or home philosophy?
Everything here is rescued. Whether we spot a chair on the side of the road or hunt estate sales for the perfect armoire, there is a frugal-ness to what we do. You don’t have to spend a million dollars to make a beautiful space. You also have to remind yourself that a home is not built over night— its built over time. Without patience there is constant frustration— allow a space to be empty and wait for the right pieces.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
So how do you decide what to purchase?
Wait! wait! wait! Certain pieces can change a room and are worth waiting for. Ask yourself, “Is this something that’s going to be with my family for years or generations?” If it is, it’s worth the investment. Build around your investment pieces frugally. Over the years I’ve found that it’s very difficult to buy good quality new furniture— the good quality pieces will cost you. Good quality new items are outside of 99% of the budgets that I typically work with. You have to look beyond the furniture store. I’ve learned to use furniture in a lot of different ways— ask yourself how versatile a piece is when you are considering it. Stay away from synthetics and go for things that are real. Do you love it? After a week are you still losing sleep of the dresser that you didn’t buy? If you are then go get it!
I will say this—As women, we look at magazines, Pinterest, and Instagram and either we live in envy over it and don’t have peace or we say forget it and give up. Often times people are in one of those camps. Have you given up and stopped caring about your home? Have you gotten obsessed with perfection and constantly worry about things getting messed up? Wherever you find yourself, there is a medium between those two extremes— that sweet spot where you find contentment. The goal is for your home to work for you and your family- it doesn’t have to be perfectly decorated. A home that you love and enjoy is easy for other people to love and enjoy.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
What does home mean to you?
Dan: It is my refuge. It’s where I recharge, get encouraged, decompress. I don’t function well when I don’t get enough time at home. Home is where love happens. Everything I love about this home is because I love the people who live here.
Brooke: Home is a place where you receive love so you can give it. Just the physical home itself gives off that feeling. We’ve lived so many different places and they each served such a purpose. Not all of them were pretty… but they were all a home. When I came to this house- I could feel love.. I could feel that there had been a family here.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
Dan: Creating spaces that people want to be in is Brooke’s specialty.
Brooke: Our house is an emotional place for people. I want them to feel like they belong here and can be comfortable here- be themselves. All their problems, all their quirks, can just be here— you don’t have to become something or someone else to walk in our door.
Thank you so much Dan and Brooke for welcoming us in and sharing part of your story!
Photo by Haley Kennedy Studio.
Webb Home Tour
In the 1950's, a government-created flat top house was a hot commodity in Oak Ridge. Hugh Webb, a UT college student in 1952, bought one for a whopping $900 and had it moved to a plot of land in North East Knox County. Our home tour today offers a glimpse into the crafted home of two artists who have created a masterpiece of a home that started as a prefab box. Barbara and Hugh Webb have lived in their home for 60 years and they have redesigned, reconfigured, and revamped their home into a one of a kind oasis. With 10 acres, horses, and incredible vision, they have truly made a home for themselves.
Early on they decided that, rather than moving around over the years, they would use their money to travel and work on the home they already had. They set a goal to take their children to every state in the US and to travel internationally as often as they were able. Whenever they got the itch to move, they would re-imagine their space and transform it to meet their needs. Barbara would draw up the plan, and Hugh would bring it to life.
Barbara's mother was Finnish and her Scandinavian style carried over in a natural way. Barbara has always been drawn to clean lines and minimalist decor. With muted tones and lots of neutrals, Hugh claims that if he sat still long enough, Barbara might paint him to match the rest of the house. With a mix of family antiques and carefully curated decor, their home is like a gallery in and of itself. Barbara is one of the founding charter members of the Foot Hills Craft Guild and hasn't missed a show in 50 years!
When I asked Barbara what her secret to creating a home was, she said " We enjoy our home and we enjoy each other. That’s the main thing about everything—— enjoying each other." If you spend any time with Hugh and Barbara you quickly realize that they are an incredible team. They love to dream and create together and the results of their teamwork are visible all over their home and in their children and grandchildren who come by the house almost daily to feed the horses or stop in for a chat. Hugh and Barbara enjoy more than making art together, they go dancing every Monday night. She says, "I could Waltz across Texas with Hugh".
Enjoy these scenes from the Webb's home.
The front door of the Webb Home
The bookcase is a family heirloom from Barbara's grandparents. The birds sitting on top were hand carved by Hugh.
The Living room with a portrait of the Webb's daughters done by Barbara
The tea party room.
Kitchen details
Vintage breadbox
Breakfast room and view onto the back porch where Hugh and Barbara take a break from creating every day at 3pm for cake and coffee.
Barbara's studio
Miniature paintings by Barbara Webb
Barbara's studio
Master bedroom
guest bedroom details
guest bedroom
portrait of the Webb's daughters by Barbara
Home (away from home) Tour
This month, Katie and her husband went on a trip to Hawaii. With the wonderful convenience of Airbnb, she and her husband found a dreamy (and affordable) island escape that we are excited to share with you! Imagine natural beauty, fresh warm air, and wild frogs croaking as you fall asleep.
The east side of the Big Island of Hawaii is lush and full of tropical vegetation. The rain forest and jungle vibes are the perfect backdrop for this Balinese Style eco-hut. It's clear that the owners and designers put so much intention and thought into the design. The name of this eco-hut: "Lemongrass". The home is minimal yet eclectic and extremely comfortable. From the materials they used to the layout of the space, you can see clearly that this was a labor of love and that they use the space efficiently.
Enjoy these snapshots of the "Lemongrass"!
Why we love this tropical getaway?
The Kitchen
Simple design, gas stove, water filter, french press coffee, prep area, vertical wall storage for pots and pans, local spices, just enough space for two!
No Wasted Space
Every corner had a function, but it didn't feel cluttered. They managed to incorporate a kitchen, dining space (with an unobstructed jungle view), queen bed, and a bathroom sink & toilet in a 20x12 structure while managing to create an open and airy feel.
Limited Wifi
They offered wifi on a schedule of 8 am - 8 pm. This is crucial for guests as they may still need to research and plan aspects of their trip while there. But the schedule also provided unplugged time that allowed us to truly disconnect from the internet and really be present.
Sights & Sounds
Falling asleep to the chorus of local frogs croaking and the intermittent breaking of ocean waves was like having your own custom noise machine. Birds start singing their songs as early as warm sunlight started to color the sky.
Where are your favorite vacation spots?
Have you used Airbnb for your travels?
What do you look for in vacation rentals?
We'd love to hear about your travel experiences.
It's all in the details: A downtown home tour
After having lived in their awesome apartment for about 2 years, Crista and Liam have hit the sweet spot--settling into a space that feels uniquely "them" and easy to enjoy. After living in South Knoxville while in grad school, they made the switch to downtown dwelling and haven't looked back. Crista loves the excitement of downtown living where you can walk or ride your bike to endless shops and restaurants, walk or ride the trolley to work, and can always find something to do in close proximity. After a year and a half living in the Firestreet Lofts, they moved to The JFG building which was home to a former coffee roasting business and feel like it's the perfect fit. Initially, it seemed that not having a yard was the only downside to living downtown but Crista and Liam now have a plot in the Old City Gardens where they are part of an awesome community of downtown dwellers and business owners that grow their own produce and herbs just down the street. Crista and Liam have been very intentional and thoughtful about the purchases they have made over the years and have learned that when you live downtown in a smaller space, you have to get serious about what you love and what is just taking up space. "We've found that buying things for the person you want to become,if you are not in the process of becoming that person, just leads to regretted purchases." Purchasing items that you love and that serve a practical purpose in your current space and life will keep you from the spontaneous buys that clutter up your home.
Crista and Liam's home & style philosophy is based on the quote below:
“The details are not the details, they make the design.”
In reference to the quote, they add that it's honestly a sentiment you can apply across your whole life. Whether in reference to work, attire, or home decor, in each area the details make up the whole. Paying attention to the small things makes the big picture so much better!
Living Room
Dining area
How would you describe your style of decorating?
I wouldn't necessarily put my style into a category— it's more of an approach. I’ve always been interested in interior decorating. Even as a child I loved looking at decor magazines and always had a file of clippings pulled from various places. I was always dreaming about ideas and re configurations. Functionality of space is really important in decorating— it has to drive how you fill a space. It can be a big challenge living down town with little closet space and small kitchens etc. We are slow to buy things and always take into account the quality of an item. We like to mix and match lots of different styles and era’s of furniture for a more unique look. We want to buy things that are not disposable— things we intend to keep for a long time. One of the things we really pay attention to in order to make sure things stay cohesive is color— we gravitate towards blues and grays with pops of red. We try to buy used or antique furniture and decor except for big investment pieces like our bed. We are always willing to wait longer to save up for items we really love and cherish. A few of Crista and Liams favorite local treasure troves are Mid Mod Collective and Willow Creek Antiques.
Master Bath
You have some really amazing pieces in your home, what is your relationship to your belongings?
Neither of us are super sentimental. The only things that we couldn't part with are family heirlooms. We have tried to do a good job with not attaching too many memories with “stuff”. Everything in our home has a function or a significance and we love it all but we aren’t tied to it in a way that allows it to have control or ownership over us. That being said, we have a few favorite items that would be hard to let go of. When Liam was born he was gifted a set of Silver ware from his grandparents with a really unique "H" monogram. (Liam's last name is Hysjulien) It's a beautiful set that we only use on special occasions. We try and form traditions around the items we love most. Another of our favorite possessions is our marriage certificate. We had everyone in attendance sign it saying that they would support our union and observed our marriage. It's a constant reminder that we have a wonderful community supporting us along the way.
Painting by Earnest Lee
Liam and Crista's marriage certificate
Purchased at Lox at a First Friday Art Sale
Do you have any collections?
Baskets, dishes, and trays. We are very into corralling things to so that our surfaces remain clutter free. We definitely aren't minimialists which can sometimes feel sterile but we've found that clutter can be physically and emotionally overwhelming so we try to keep things simple. We love that our home feels lived in and representative of who we are.
Do you have a favorite piece in your home? Does our cat;Panda count? Favorite Room? Our bedroom. We have these amazing giant windows that make our room feel like an urban tree house.
Panda the cat in the master bedroom
Crista and Liam in front of the avocado tree that they grew from a sprouted pit 11 years ago when they first started dating.
What is your favorite thing about your home/why do you love your home?
Truely--Who we share it with! Aside from that, It feels like the right space for our needs. The windows and the natural light are pretty incredible as well. We also love the high ceilings and the openness of the floor plan.
Guest Room
Master Bedroom
Master Bedroom
What does home mean to you?
We are home bodies so we spend a lot of time here. It has always been important to us that our home feels comfortable and happy to be in.
When people come into your home, what do you hope they feel?
I hope they feel how we feel— relaxed, cozy, and calm. We want the space to be used and enjoyed; comfortable. We love that our space is easy to rearrange and make conducive for all kinds of events.
Entryway
How is your home an extension of yourself or of your family?
Our home is definitely a collaborative outcome. We’ve thought about everything that occupies space here and both have really enjoyed the process of curating an apartment that feels true to us. A lot of our belongings are representative of specific trips and memories. It’s a space that we genuinely feel satisfied with.
Floor plan: 1100sq ft (2bd/2bth) Source
Interested in where certain items are from? See the purchase list below. A big thank you to Crista and Liam for opening up their home and sharing their journey!
Master Bedroom
Bed: Room and Board
Duvet Cover: School House Supply & Electric Co
Sconces: Urban Outfitters (similar here)
Painting: Katie Zickefoose
Wooden Side Table: Antique Outlet Mall in Townsend
Kantha Quilt: Indio in Durham, NC
Large wardrobe: Antique Tobacco Barn in Asheville, NC
Mirrored Dresser: Antique Hand-Me-Down
Master Bathroom
Chicken Art by Ernest Lee, folk artist in Columbia, SC
Spare Bedroom/Bike Room
Iron Bed: Goodwill (modified for structural support at Ironwood Studios)
Lamps: Rivermill Antique Mall in Townsend (rewired and shades from Calloway’s)
Square Table: Also from Rivermill Antique Mall
Martha Washington Sewing Cabinet: Blair House Antiques
Blue Pillow: Citizen Supply in Atlanta, GA
Wooden Shelf: Salvaged, as in literally picked up from the side of the road
Black and White Photo: Kudzu Antiques in Decatur, GA
Dolly Parton Print: Haypeep (was part of the SGC International printmaking conference held in Knoxville in 2015)
Entryway
Metal Cabinet: Salvaged
Yellow Dresser: IKEA
Bookshelves: IKEA
Rug: Antique Hand-Me-Down
Chicken Art by Ernest Lee, folk artist in Columbia, SC
Living Room/Kitchen
Couch: Room and Board
Record Holder: Mid Mod Collective
Rug: IKEA (similar here)
Coffee Table: Abode (used to be on Market Square)
Side Table and Long-Armed Lamp: Design By Conran Line at JC Penney
Lamp with Beige Shade: Etsy
Red Book Shelf: Antique
Bar Cart: Friends Antiques
Cat house: Amazon
Table and Chairs: West Elm
Beige Chair: West Elm (similar here)
Basket: Max Studio
Navy Floral Chair: Retrospective Vintage Store
Black and White Print: UT Print Sale, Allegedly by Jack Neely
Bergen Print: Antique
Hutch: Antique Hand-Me-Down
Kitchen Side Shelf: West Elm
Kitchen Island: Coldstream Market
Tablecloth: Etsy
Semi-Circle Wooden Cabinet: Uptown Market Antiques, Wilmington, NC
A historic home tour
Our latest home tour is full of history and heritage. We had the privilege of touring the lovely home of Megan and Caesar Stair in Old North Knoxville last week. The Stair's moved in, in 2010 and have wasted no time making it home and bringing it to life in new ways.
The home design is by famous architect George Barber and was built in 1898. It's original owner; W.T. Lang, was the foreman at Brookside Mills a textile mill that was one of Knoxville's largest employers in the early 1900's. The home was christened "Pinecrest" when it was built and the name block still remains in the yard. The guest house behind the home was added later and was originally built to house the 100+ cats that belonged to Mrs. Lang who ran a cat orphanage of sorts. The home was at one point split into 4 apartments but has now been lovingly restored back to it's original use--a family home.
In February of 2010 with snow covering the grounds, the Stairs had their first walk through and immediately fell in love. Megan says she was drawn in by the beautiful woodwork, character, and the hallway/landing in the upstairs which she immediately pictured her family making use of. Another thing Megan loves about the home is how the kitchen and tv room are tucked away towards the back of the house. While the front of the home is very open and conducive to large gatherings, it's nice to have the more functional/every day use spaces tucked in their own corners.
One of my favorite things that Megan said during the home tour was that each house has it's own style and when you move into a home, you have to be intentional about "honoring the house". Megan has done a great job of blending both antique and modern pieces throughout her home in a way that feels seamless but eclectic at the same time. When I asked Megan about her style of decorating she shared that a lot of her furniture pieces have been passed down from family members or are items that have been brought back from travels. She has several really neat pieces from Morocco.
That wallpaper!!! all the heart eyes
These beautiful built in's covered the master bathroom and closet.
Megan's favorite kind of decor is art. The house is full of paintings, sculptures, mixed media and sketches. When I asked if she had a favorite piece of art she pointed out a piece by her brother, local artist Ryan Blair . (pictured below) She has several of his paintings and mixed media displayed but this one is her current favorite.
Megan's favorite piece of art. Mixed media by Ryan Blair
The Stair's recently renovated the kitchen and did an incredible job! The kitchen is Megans favorite room and she noted that she spends a lot of her time there. The kitchen is a great example of how Megan has blended modern,updated looks with the age and style of the home itself.
I asked Megan what "home" means to her and her response was simple- "a place where I can be comfortable". Her hope is that others feel the same way when they come into her home. Megan's home is a really great representation of so many people that she loves, from her brothers art to furniture that other family members have made, to projects that Megan has taken on herself, the Stair home is truly a work of love and one that has turned out beautifully!
One of the things that we (at HYD) get asked often is "How do you go about decorating a home?" Megan had some great advice to speak to that. Megan's philosophy is that she has to love an item to purchase it. When it comes to art, she looks for things that move her deeply. She thinks creatively and saves up to invest in pieces of furniture that are quality and will stand the test of time. There are seasons of life where you use what you have, you make things on your own, you gladly accept hand me downs and then over time you figure out what you love and replace the things that were place holders for the time being. Megan is a big proponent for finding your own style and while sometimes you need the help of a designer, at the end of the day she recommends settling with what feels most natural to your own taste.
Thank you Megan for opening up your beautiful home and sharing your style tips with us!
A renovation home tour
Before
After
A few weeks ago we had the pleasure of interviewing Abby Jones and got a tour of the lovely home that she and her husband Stuart renovated. We are so excited to share pictures of their home and the transformation that took place in the 8 months of hard work that it took to make this house their home.
After several years of renting, Stuart and Abby took the plunge and bought a house from a friend. The house was a project. With a rumored condemnation order on the house, graffiti covered walls, and an unpleasant smell, it was quite the undertaking. Abby shared that walking through the house for the first time, they were quickly able to envision a restoration. It had good bones, french doors, "disney princess" windows, and buried under the muck, some beautiful floors.
Original French Doors
Before
After
One of the biggest selling points for them was the lofted bonus room that they have designated the Prayer Room. Abby and Stuart share the prayer room with their community as a way to offer a space to rest, pray, or worship.
I asked Abby what home means to her and she shared that to her, home means rest. Abby's desire is to cultivate a space where people come in and feel that they can be themselves. As Abby and Stuart are small business owners, work is busy, stressful, and can become consuming--home is where they unwind and get away from the daily grind. Abby said it perfectly when she said, "our home is a facilitation of community and relationship". They chose their home for many reasons but one being that several of their friends are now their neighbors. One habit they have started is meal sharing with those neighbors. After realizing that sharing the work and only having to cook one night a week would benefit everyone, they came up with a plan. 6 nights a week, a meal is cooked by one of the neighbors to feed 12 people. Each neighbor takes a night and cooks a simple healthy meal. Often times everyone ends up eating together but some nights the food is disbursed between everyone. It's become an awesome tradition that makes it easier to spend intentional time with those they love and share life with.
Here are a few of the questions I asked Abby in reference to her home.
Dining room looking into kitchen
How would you describe your style of decorating?
I would say that it has changed over the years. In 2012, when we first got married, I was more into the cozy, antique look. When we started designing this house I realized that I actually gravitate towards clean lines and more modern elements. We don't have much storage at this house and I knew I didn't want to clutter it up so we have kept things pretty minimal. One of the best decisions we made with this house was to wait to fill it. We took the time to figure out what we really wanted and saved for more quality items. We still have some antique items incorporated into our home along with our new purchases. Our dining room table was gifted to us by my parents. It was my grandmothers and I ate all of my meals around it as a child. We love pieces that have a story and meaning but also have discovered that we love to buy new things together.
What is your relationship to your belongings?
It's a bit of a mix. Some pieces have been in my family for generations. For example, I have a quilt that was my grandmothers when she first became a mom. I love the deep significance of items with a story. It's all about casting vision for what you enjoy--marrying the pieces of deep meaning with the pieces that you just really like. I love the idea of passing pieces to my own children one day. Stuart and I have been really intentional about what we keep and about what we buy so our furniture and belongings really mean something to us.
Before
After
How do you balance working from home with your home being a place of rest? (Abby is a food blogger)
I do all my recipe testing, recipe development, pictures and video in our home. It doesn’t feel like work at this point, it mostly it feels like creating. I think I’ve tried to keep it that way because I don’t want it to feel like a chore. For me, cooking/baking is my creative outlet, it’s how I get my alone time. Creating great tasting and beautiful food is restful for me. When we lived in the old city, Stuart worked from our studio apartment but as we are both introverts, we realized that separate time is really good for us. Stuart now has an office away from home which helps us draw the boundary of being able to leave work at work and rest at home. Having the two separate spaces has been really life giving.
How is your home an extension of yourself or your family?
I love hosting and I love creating. Our home allows me to do those things on a daily basis. We have great lighting for being able to shoot for my food blog, we have a prayer room that is designated communal space for our friends and neighbors and we have a layout that is conducive to hosting our people. Our home, specifically, our prayer room is a reflection of what our heart is- to provide space for community, creativity, and rest.
Thank you Abby and Stuart for letting Help You Dwell share your renovation journey and your beautiful home with our readers!
*All photos were taken by Stuart and Abby Jones
When Your Home Invites You to Grow : Home Tour with Ashley Wells
Ashley's home: 1927
This month we had the pleasure of talking with the lovely Ashley Wells and touring her beautiful home. She owns a gem of a house in East Knoxville where she lives with her adorable pup Junnie and 3 good friends. The home itself is full of history and character. The previous owners even put together a file of pictures of the family who built the house back in 1927 along with the history of the home and the original blueprints.
This table was original to the home!
The original owners of the home: The Cunningham Family
One of the reasons we wanted to interview Ashley is because her home has been an outlet for her and a respite for many. She remarked that her home has given her the space to host a myriad of events and people and has allowed her to grow and become more open as a person. I was so intrigued by the way she spoke about her home being an agent of change for the way she views hospitality and community. Ashley's home has been the site of all kinds of events. From house concerts to baby showers, Ashley has hosted it all.
Dining Room
Foyer
Entry Way
Let me set the scene for you. On an unsuspecting road in East Knoxville, up a hill and behind a grove of tree's, sits a beautiful, historic home with elegance dripping from the rooftop. Ashley has done an incredible job of making a gorgeous and glamorous home feel inviting and unassuming (which can be hard to do!) Ashley has a great eye and her taste is well exhibited in her house. After living in a loft in the old city for 6 years, Ashley bought her home which sits on a 5+ acre plot with a hillside, fruit tree grove, and the most beautiful (and massive) magnolia I have ever seen. Talk about a change of scenery! Living in the city is very different from occupying a property where your closest neighbor is down the road, but Ashley wouldn't trade her Mt. LeConte view.
Image by Texture Photo
This beautiful Magnolia was planted the year the house was built.
Of all the things Ashley has learned through the process of owning a home, she said learning the value of hard work and the sense of ownership that comes along with pouring your time into caring for a home and acreage, has been a life lesson. Her favorite thing about the house is the openness of the main floor. "I can invite as many people over as I want, all at the same time!" Ashley's home feels like a huge family reunion (in the best way) wrapped up in walls and a roof. Her hope is that people feel a sense of welcome, that they could walk in without knocking, or drop by unannounced and feel right at home.
Ashley's home has such an intentionally beautiful feel to it and I asked her how she maintains balance in creating beauty but not letting it dictate her life. She responded with some great advice, "The second it becomes un-fun, is the second you need to take a step back. You've got to learn to love the imperfections!"
Guest Bedroom
Living Room
Built in detail
Often times, people (women especially) work hard on their homes to impress other people, or to meet an unrealistic expectation but Ashley seems to do a great job of working on her home in a life giving way. She's found the balance of enjoying the projects but not letting them get in the way of living life. One of the biggest lessons she has learned in home ownership is that you can't be afraid to ask for help. Whether it's calling friends to come hang out for a weed pulling party, or opening her home to room mates who help share the work load, she has found that doing house/yard work is way more fun and less overwhelming when you are not doing it alone. Amen to that!
Ashley in her bedroom -- that wallpaper is to die for!
Image by Texture Photo
I asked Ashley a lot about her decorating style because I was basically drooling the whole time. One thing that was particularly interesting was the fact that she noted how much her home has changed depending on who is living there. She's had several different room mates over the years and said that the feel of the home shifts depending on the people that occupy it and the things they bring into it. I love that concept--that the people make up the home rather than a home defining the people.
Most importantly, home ownership has been an empowering experience for Ashley. "It's been hard but rewarding. I've learned to give myself grace, that life is more enjoyable when I'm not aiming for perfection. I've come to recognize that a house; that decor, is such a small thing when you look at life in terms of the big picture. I'd rather spend my time and energy enjoying the people around me. As long as my home fosters community and creates space for people to know and enjoy each other, that's what really matters to me."
Image by Texture Photo
Thanks so much Ashley for inviting us into your home!
