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A Home with Heart: Designing a Space That Honors What Matters Most

By Home by Hattan
Transitional dinning room with rectangular wooden table and large windows.
Designed by Karen Hattan https://homebyhattan.com

Some projects go far beyond color palettes and floor plans—and this one reminded us why we do what we do. Our client had waited a long time to renovate her home. Her heart was set on creating a space that didn’t just look beautiful, but felt deeply personal. As someone who values people over appearances, she wanted her home to reflect love, legacy, and the way she lives.


From the start, this project was about honoring her story. After losing both her mother and brother, our client brought intention and care to every decision. We upcycled her mother’s hutch and gave it a place of honor in the dining room.


Dated foyer with mix-matched furniture.
Source: Client Home | Before: Foyer
Dated foyer and dining room with old carpet and railings.
Source: Client Home | Before: Foyer and Dining Room
Renovated dining room with rectangular wood table and beige parsons chairs.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Foyer (Turned Dining Room)
Renovated dining room with vintage hutch and color drenched ceiling.
Designed by Karen Hattan https://homebyhattan.com | After: Foyer (Turned Dining Room)
Dining room with vintage hutch, floral rug, and statement art.
Designed by Karen Hattan https://homebyhattan.com | After: Foyer (Turned Dining Room)

We created a cozy spot for her treasured piano and incorporated heirlooms like an antique rocker and framed family photos.


Dated living room with dark furniture.
Source: Client's Home | Before: Living Room
Renovated living room with raised ceilings, beams, and natural lighting.
Designed by Karen Hattan https://homebyhattan.com | After: Living Room
White living room with vaulted ceiling, beams, and a teal fireplace.
Designed by Karen Hattan https://homebyhattan.com | After: Living Room
Living room with a dark teal blue couch, beige arm chairs, and a light wood tv stand.
Designed by Karen Hattan https://homebyhattan.com | After: Living Room

One of our favorite moments? When she requested we paint her brick fireplace teal. We admit, we were hesitant—but that request became our creative launchpad. That vibrant teal tone went on to influence the palette of the entire home, including the kitchen cabinetry and subtle accents repeated across seven rooms. The result? A home that feels like her—authentic, welcoming, and filled with warmth.


Red brick fireplace and white built-ins.
Source: Client's Home | Before: Built-Ins & Fireplace
Teal brick fireplace and updated white built-ins.
Source: Client's Home | Before: Built-Ins & Fireplace
Renovated living room with two grey couches and a fireplace.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Built-Ins & Fireplace
Living room with teal fireplace, vintage piano, and built-ins.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Built-Ins & Fireplace

What This Project Taught Us: Lessons in Listening, Leading & Letting Go


Every project teaches us something new. This one reminded us that truly custom design isn’t about trends—it’s about translation. It’s about turning your client’s life, values, and style into a cohesive space that reflects who they are.


Dated yellow kitchen.
Source: Client's Home | Before: Kitchen
Renovated kitchen with dusty teal cabinets and beige backsplash.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Kitchen
Renovated kitchen with dusty teal cabinets and beige backsplash.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Kitchen
Dusty teal cabinets with gold hardware and floral accents.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Kitchen

Design is Personal

This renovation underscored how meaningful it is to blend function with sentiment. Custom design means honoring the things our clients care about most—even when those things are unexpected or unconventional.


Creativity Begins with Curiosity

When our client shared her vision for a teal fireplace, we leaned in instead of pushing back. What initially seemed like a bold ask became a standout feature and inspired a whole-home color story that felt fresh and personal.


The Role of Designer as Guide

Design isn’t just a visual job—it’s an emotional one. Renovations can be overwhelming, especially when there’s sentimental weight involved. We walk beside our clients through every stage, offering not just expertise, but empathy.



Client Tips: How to Make Your Home Feel Deeply Yours


Kitchen pantry with patterned tile and wood countertops.
Source: Client's Home | Before: Dining Room
Kitchen pantry with white cabinets, patterned tile, gold hardware, and dark green-blue wall color.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Dinning Room (Turned Pantry)
Kitchen pantry with patterned tile, wood countertops, and gold hardware.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Dinning Room (Turned Pantry)

Thinking about renovating your own space? Here are a few lessons from this project that may help guide your journey:


Let Your Story Lead 

Share your life, your memories, your routines. The more your designer knows about you, the more intentional and personal your space will become.


Incorporate the Things You Love 

Whether it’s a favorite color, your grandmother’s side table, or a photo that makes you smile—those pieces are what make a space feel like home.


Medium stain wood bathroom vanity with two oval mirrors.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Master Bathroom
Large mater bathroom shower with light teal tile.
Designed by Karen Hattan: https://www.homebyhattan.com/ | After: Master Bathroom

Trust the Process (Even When It’s Messy) 

Renovation isn’t always linear, but it is collaborative. Trust your team to guide you, push your vision when needed, and support you every step of the way. The result is worth it: a home that’s not just well-designed, but deeply lived-in and loved.



Bring Your Design Vision to Life with Home by Hattan


Feeling inspired to create a space that highlights both you and your spouses preferred styles? That’s what we do! Contact us today to learn how our services can help you design for how you want to live!




Trustworthy | Thoughtful | Tailored


Best renovation design build nashville

Mark & Karen Hattan
Founders, Home by Hattan Design + Build

Intentionally combining luxury and livability,

we create homes that are as beautiful as they are functional—designed for effortless elegance and meaningful connection.


Because HOME is important, and so are the people who live there.

 
 
 

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