A Home That Evolves: A Brentwood Family Renovation

Britten Edmundson
4 hours ago
5 min read

By Home by Hattan

Introduction

This project began as many meaningful home transformations do — at an evolutionary turning point in our client's lives. After more than twenty years spent raising their family in their traditional Brentwood home, the homeowners found themselves in that “sweet spot” of parenthood. You know the one – where the kids are old enough to do their own laundry (theoretically) and are off doing their own thing, yet they aren’t quite ready to give up their room in “Hotel Mom and Dad.”

But now with fewer carpools and a bit more time on their hands, our beloved Clients finally had an opportunity to turn their attention to their home projects. It was time to give their home the care and consideration it had patiently waited for!

Key Details:

Location: Brentwood, TN
Project type: First Floor Redesign and Remodel
Design Style: Scandinavian (sometimes called Quiet Luxury)
Duration: Phased over 12 months

Our Goals:

Refresh the high-traffic zones that had seen years of life (and concerts and recitals and …).
Reimagine the purpose and functionality of each room, to serve this new phase of life.
Renovate in their Scandinavian design style —incorporating that bright, airy, functional minimalism to help balance out the noise of a busy suburban household filled with comings and goings – including four dogs!

BEFORE & AFTER TRANSFORMATIONS

Goal I. Refresh the Gathering Spaces

We focused our initial efforts on the heart of the home – the Kitchen and Great Room. As mentioned, this client’s style is very much “Scandinavian”, which means she values simplicity in design, bright and airy spaces that are uncluttered but still feel cozy.

So we tackled the drop zone in her kitchen first (minimize the clutter!), adding storage, a fluted wood wall paneling feature, some beautiful floating shelves with brass railings, and upgraded the lights and cabinetry hardware.

Next we reworked her kitchen island, to allow for barstools and conversations to be held at the kitchen island. And then we addressed the kitchen’s dining area, furnishing it with a new round table and chairs, some simple linen Roman shades, and a collection of framed botanicals for the walls.

Drop Zone and Dining Area Before and Afters

The Great Room received a full makeover, with the design plan built upon hygge and livability. With a house full of dogs and lots of people coming and going, we took our time finding just the right fabrics and textiles that would create a beautiful gathering spot and withstand the “dog fur rub test.” We chose leather for the swivel chairs, and“fur-resistant” soft velvet for the pair of sofas that the dog hair did not stick to (much). We reworked the fireplace with new tile and paint, and commissioned an extra-large custom art piece to fill out the large wall above. Custom draperies, an arched display case, and other upgrades brought the room together with the simple, clean style that the homeowner loves. Now the whole family - including the dogs - can enjoy time here together in this comfortable, bright space.

Goal II. Reimagine the Use of Space

One of the biggest changes we made was to the front room, just off the foyer as you enter the home. Originally built to function as a formal dining room, it had been used as a dance studio for their youngest (talented) daughter for years, and an exercise space for all.

The client was ready to reimagine this room with a new purpose and a new look, but did not wish to turn it back into a formal dining room. Her vision was something fresh, clean, and inviting – not too formal, but formal enough to be a beautiful gathering room for guests, as it’s the first room you see from the entry. We considered the idea of a formal library, but with a family of musicians who already owned this gorgeous piano, a music room was the perfect solution for this space.

Front Room Before - Purpose was a dance studio.

Front Room After - Purpose is a music and gathering room.

Just across the entry, the former music room was transformed into a moody and inviting work-from-home office for the homeowner. It was a bit of a leap for her design-wise — she typically gravitates toward light, neutral spaces with only a few contrasting elements — but we encouraged her to embrace a sophisticated dark green color-drench effect, adding custom moldings to the walls further enhancing the look and feel. Though she opted out of including the ceiling with the color-drench, the deep moody color on the walls created a rich, enveloping backdrop for both productivity and downtime. With the addition of new furnishings and a few of her existing decorative pieces the room became a beautiful “she-sanctuary” for our client — a space that surprisingly feels entirely hers (except, of course, when the dogs decide to join her).

Goal III. Renovate

Two bathrooms were renovated, receiving resh face-lifts!

New looks, new tile, new vanities, new colors, and even a little wallpaper...now these rooms feel sophisticated, calm, and beautifully detailed.

Guest Bath Before and After

Powder Bath Before and After

Final Reveal Gallery

Designer’s Takeaway

Two take-aways I'd love to share you with about this project, and how they might apply to you:

1) Design Style: As is often the case, my client knew what she liked and didn't like, but wasn't sure how to express it or what to call it, and didn't know how to make it come together in her own home. My job as her Designer -- and as yours! -- is to help translate your preferences and your vision into tangible, livable, beautiful designs. Through the use of questionnaires, conversations, and exploring Inspiration Photos and lifestyle goals together, I ascertain your style and lifestyle needs, and guide you to bring your vision to life in the style that you love most!

Sidenote: Your personal design style may be a mix of 2 or 3 "mainstream" styles, and that's okay! It is important to stay true to your style preferences, not necessarily trends and you definitely don't have to pick one style. Think about what you have always loved, regardless of the season or the decade you are in now, and that is the style to go with!

2) Phasing the Project: Again as is often the case, my client needed to space out her projects a bit rather than conquering them all at once, which is a request we are glad to accommodate. Many clients find it helpful to complete their Wish List in Phases, tackling just a couple of rooms at a time. This helps not only financially sometimes, but also for the convenience factor. This way, clients can live in part of their house while we are renovating or painting or transforming other parts of the house.

We'd love to hear from you!

What did you like most about this project?

How can we help you bring your style and your vision to your home? Is it finally time?!

Project Credits

✅ Design: Home by Hattan

🏠 Photography: Jodi Totten

🛠️ Contractor / Builder: Mark Hattan, Home by Hattan Build

Bring Your Design Vision to Life with Home by Hattan

Planning a renovation in Brentwood, Franklin, or the greater Nashville area? Let our proven process and 10+ years of experience be the guide to brining your project to life.

SCHEDULE YOUR DISCOVERY CALL