In the heart of Nashville’s historic Richland Park neighborhood, where nostalgic charm and modern living intersect, resides a stunning 1930s bungalow transformed through an extensive renovation. Designed by the innovative Stephanie Sabbe of Sabbe Interior Design, this home seamlessly merges original character with contemporary flair, creating a vibrant, welcoming space. Home to two young attorneys, Eric and Eileen Evans, and their beloved pets, the residence is a testament to thoughtful design tailored to meet the needs of all its inhabitants.
PROJECT OVERVIEW
Designer: Stephanie Sabbe
Architect: Michael Ward
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Homeowners: Eric and Eileen Evans
Retail Shop: Heirloom Artifacts
Stephanie Sabbe’s design journey in this Nashville home began with a strategic and heartfelt approach, considering not only the needs of Eric and Eileen Evans but also accounting for their spirited pets—two cats and a golden retriever. At the heart of the house is a formal living room featuring an upholstered window bench that doubles as a perch for the feline residents, Olive and Hazel, hinting at Sabbe’s unique ability to blend aesthetics with function. Adding a touch of humor to the project, the designer recounts the cats’ disdain marked by the quick destruction of a new ottoman, while their dog, Waffles, provided companionship throughout the renovation process.
The sitting room stands out as a charming retreat designed with Eileen’s vision of a space for book club meetings. This feminine nook respects the home’s history, embracing its original fireplace and eschewing more invasive modern upgrades. Custom-framed intaglios and the artful marbleized paper highlight Sabbe’s knack for mingling new designs with curated vintage elements from Heirloom Artifacts, her local retail shop. Here, subtle luxury meets playful elegance, creating an inviting atmosphere where Eileen’s guests can effortlessly gather.
The transitional design approach continues into the kitchen and dining areas. Emphasizing contrast, Sabbe introduces a seamless flow from the vibrant green hues of the sitting room to the calming neutrals in these spaces. The dining room showcases an antique oval table that carries Eileen’s affinity for ovals. This piece, stripped down to its raw wood, is not only a nod to her tastes but also an example of the harmony between rejuvenated antiques and contemporary design, a recurring theme throughout the home.
In the family room, an array of patterns creates a dynamic yet soothing environment. Complementing the dining table, a custom oval plaster table introduces a sophisticated dialogue between shapes and materials, attesting to Sabbe’s polished design sensibility. The laundry room further exemplifies the family’s inclusive living ethos. With smart solutions like a built-in litter-box cabinet and convenient access to a screen porch through a cat door, it’s a practical space ensuring all family members feel at home.
Bringing a balance of masculine and feminine design into play, Eric’s office serves as a moody counterpart to the sitting room, linked via elegant French doors. The primary bedroom adopts durable polyester velvet upholstery, a personal favorite of Sabbe’s for surviving the rigors of family life. Its decor includes Sister Parish’s Burmese fabric, celebrated for its versatility and scaled pattern. The main bathroom features a blend of antiques and contemporary fixtures, maintaining an elegant timelessness.
Upstairs, the guest quarters exude a welcoming bed-and-breakfast vibe, where distinctive color themes in each room add a lively individuality. The rebellious use of purple in one guest room defies conventional trends, creating a sweet yet bold statement. Meanwhile, the guest bathroom offers a poignant tribute to Eileen’s late mother, embodying the thoughtful design care that marks Sabbe’s work. Overall, this home narrates a story of thoughtful transformation, where every room reflects a balance of history, personal preference, and playful elegance, making it not just a house, but a cherished home.
