Murfreesboro, TN March 2024

The Art of Home, Waterly Co. Takes the Home Industry to the Next Level with Precision

HOME + DESIGN

J TAYLOR DESIGNS- IF YOU CAN DREAM IT, JAMIE TAYLOR CAN DESIGN IT.

BROOKE’S ON MAIN- MEET THE WOMAN BEHIND ONE OF MIDDLE TENNESSEE’S FAVORITE

HOT SPOTS FOR HOME AND DECOR

TRAVEL

DESERT DECOR- BRING YOUR TRAVELS HOME

MARCH 2024

March Home & Design Issue

Home is more than a place or a structure. Home is alive. Alive with sounds of laughter and tears, smells of good food, and sometimes burnt food. Home is alive with whispering and shouting. It's clean and it's messy. It's yours. This is where your day starts and where it ends. In a word, home is a place where you simply "belong."

After graduating from MTSU, I had an opportunity to work as a flight attendant and took it. With bright eyes and an open heart, I began to travel to places and countries that I had always wanted to see. The various beauty, foods, cultures, and people that I encountered along the way are memories that I will always hold close to my heart. But as I traveled, an unexpected feeling continuously stood out to me- I was always ready to come home. Novelist George A. Moore once wrote, "A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it." I had finally realized how important home really was to me.

Murfreesboro is home to over 160,000 people. There are residents whose families have been here for generations and some who have only just stepped foot in this vibrant and ever-growing city. But everyone here calls it “home.”

In our Home Issue, we wanted to highlight those who have made it their business to help create the visions and dreams that people have for their homes. We hope these stories encourage you to look deeper into the community around you and connect with those who work diligently to make your home a little brighter, a little more you .

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or as an accessory in their home. We understand just how special home is and we are grateful that our readers allow us to be a part of theirs.

With love,

March 2024

PUBLISHER

Kimberly Thomas | kimberly.thomas@citylifestyle.com

EDITORIAL COORDINATOR

Cassidy Polman | cassidy.polman@citylifestyle.com

PUBLISHER ASSISTANT

Kourtney McComb | kourtney.mccomb@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Amanda Oaks | amanda.oaks@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Courtney Stockton, Staci Bishop, Lisa Valentine, Cassidy Polman, Nicolette Martin

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Seth Parker, Russell Johnston, Angel Pardue Photography, Kimberlee Brooke Photography, Lisa Valentine, Hannah Brown

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Antanette Ray

business monthly

Ribbon Cutting- United Way of Rutherford and Cannon Counties VITA Program

The Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program offers free tax help to households that earned $76,000 or less in the previous year. VITA is a financial stability initiative of the United Way. - www.yourlocaluw.org/vita for more information.

Locations:

Patterson Park Community Center, Murfreesboro - Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays from 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM; Saturdays from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM  Boys & Girls Club, Smyrna - Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00

Ribbon Cutting Celebration for Family Care Center, Behavioral Health Services

A ribbon-cutting celebration was held for Family Care Center located at 275 Robert Rose Dr., Building B, Murfreesboro, TN 37129.

"At Family Care Center, we tailor our mental health care plans to fit each person’s unique needs. Our clinicians include psychiatrists, psychologists and licensed therapists who are ready to support you and your family."- www.fcccwellbeing.com

The Child Advocacy Center to host Hometown Heroes Walk for Children

The Hometown Heroes Walk for Children will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024 at the Murfreesboro Civic Plaza. Registration will start at 10:45 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 11:30 a.m., and the walk will begin at 12:00 noon. Complimentary shuttles will run from Oaklands Park to the event kick-off from 10:30-11:30 a.m. This FREE event will conclude with a picnic lunch at the Oaklands Park pavilion. For details and registration, visit www.cacrutherford.org.

Ribbon Cutting Celebration for New MTSU Outdoor Tennis Complex

Thursday, February 1st- attendees celebrated a ribbon cutting to mark the opening of a new, state-of-the-art facility for MTSU's men's and women's tennis programs. The new outdoor complex is located on the corner of Greenland Drive and Middle Tennessee Blvd. Another win for the Blue Raiders!

Snow Days!

OUR PARNTERS SHARE THEIR SNOWIEST PICS FROM THIS YEAR’S FIRST SNOW

Snow outside of Mayweather Boxing + Fitness in Murfreesboro! Did you know the workouts at Mayweather Boxing + Fitness are designed by Floyd Mayweather himself?

Maddie the super snow dog! This beautiful boxer belongs to Heather Moore, founder of Wag it Better in Murfreesboro. Moore has had over 25 years of experience training dogs!

MTSU shares a few images from their snowy days on campus. The top photo is MTSU’s iconic “Blue Horseshoe.” Fun Fact: Buried underneath the horseshoe is a penny from 1911, the year MTSU was founded!

A serene snow pic of a few of Moore’s gorgeous horses. Fun Fact: With 3 dogs, 3 cats, 8 chickens, 3 horses, and a lizard, there is never a dull moment on Heather Moore’s home farm!

Marty the Border Collie! Another one of Moore’s pups enjoying the fun of a beautiful snow day. Did you know many of the classes offered by Wag it Better can be attended virtually?

We sat down with Mt. Juliet local and MTSU alumna, Brooke Antonakos, to learn more about her journey to finding her true calling as owner of one of Middle Tennessee’s favorite hot spots for home decor and design, Brooke’s On Main.

WHEN DID YOU KNOW YOU WANTED TO OPEN A FURNITURE STORE THAT FOCUSES ON AESTHETICS AND INTERIOR DESIGN?

My husband and I took a chance and invested in our first Airbnb in Florida during Covid. We did an entire flip in 6 days. (I do not recommend a 6 day flip EVER. We were crazy and worked 18 hour days to get the job done.) But what doesn't kill you makes you stronger right? It was a fun project that led to designing a Nashville Airbnb and requests for more design work. Designing spaces was creatively fulfilling but I thought of it more as a hobby than a career path at first.

After my second Airbnb, I had enough experience with online shopping and the inconsistencies that came with that. I remember getting one green velvet chair that the back literally slid into place and was held on with 1 screw. I knew I was done with buying things that way.

So, I decided I was going to start a warehouse business and sell furniture to people a few times a month so that I could get great deals for those Airbnb clients. And then it sort of snowballed. I ended up finding a space I loved on

the Lebanon Square (That’s where “On Main” came from.) But another business beat us to the punch. We looked at some other spaces but eventually reached out to Mark Lineberry and he had the perfect spot. The building already matched my logo and aesthetic, and I just knew it was where I was meant to be. We decided to add lighting, and then wallpaper, and accents, and gifts, and well…you get what I mean by snowball.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST MOTIVATOR?

Well, I have a few motivators. A spiritual motivator, I truly feel BOM is a calling. And callings have various sides to them. I tried to talk myself out of it, out of the risk and all the work that goes into starting a brick and mortar. But there was a voice inside that kept pushing me...pushing me to share in creativity with others, to build community, and to use the success to help others. I want to help our clients create spaces they feel joy in, and spaces that highlight what is important to them. From a coffee table book that highlights a hobby to a sofa that's custom-made for family movie nights. We all have different desires, and it is important for me to help clients identify what speaks to them and inspires them.  That is when you know furniture is worth the investment.

My motivator in human form would absolutely be my husband, Tyler. He is an entrepreneur in every sense of the word, and my

greatest champion. He has always pushed me to bet on myself, something that does not come naturally to me. BOM would simply not exist without him.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE BOM?

A breath of fresh air. I love seeing the smiles on people's faces when they enter the store. I love it when I hear, "This makes me want to redo everything." What I think people mean by that is, they love the way intentional design makes them feel. And the truth is, you don't have to redo everything to get a great look.

Great design is all in how it makes you feel. For example, I have customers that come in and want EVERYTHING in velvet. I too share that same affection. But I have just as many people who come in and say they cannot stand the thought of touching velvet. And they are both right. We all have unique styles & different ideas of the perfect space.

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE LOOKING TO ADD TO THEIR HOME'S INTERIOR STYLE?

My hope is that when someone thinks of redesigning a space they think of BOM as their first stop. That they would want to start and end with us. We are here to serve as a trusted source for design inspiration, product knowledge, and fair pricing on high-quality pieces.

Don't spend a ton of time looking at designer images, just focus on what you need piece by piece. Every addition should feel good and exciting. It's important to not look at it like a big project you have to finish.

WOULD YOU LIKE TO ADD ANYTHING ELSE?

I’d be lying if I said that pulling this business off hasn’t been the biggest test of my endurance and courage. My background was in developing artists and songwriters in the music industry. My identity was wrapped up in that. Humbling myself enough to start over in a new industry was a huge test for me. I’m a perfectionist and no matter how hard you work, you are not perfect out of the gate. But the same voice inside that pushed me here feels like it’s saying, “There is something great ahead.” And I want to be bold enough to follow that.

I’M A PERFECTIONIST AND NO MATTER HOW HARD YOU WORK, YOU ARE NOT PERFECT OUT OF THE GATE. BUT THE SAME VOICE INSIDE THAT PUSHED ME HERE FEELS LIKE IT’S SAYING, “THERE IS SOMETHING GREAT AHEAD.” AND I WANT TO BE BOLD ENOUGH TO FOLLOW THAT.

TONE + TEXTURE

STYLE YOUR HOME IN TONES AND TEXTURES WITH DESIGN HELP FROM HOUZZ INTERIOR DESIGN EXPERTS

WOVEN + KNOTTED

LIVING BOHO-CHIC WITH WOVEN TEXTURES AND MACRAMÉ

Decorate your space with handmade textures such as the modern, maker revival of 1970s macramé and year-round tropical feel of wicker. MACRAMÉ Made through knotting instead of weaving, macramé can add a unique touch in many various ways. Houzz contributor Laura Gaskill suggests incorporating it as nursery decor, plant hangers, wall hangings and modern fiber arts. WICKER According to Houzz contributor Yanic Simard, “the best way to really embrace the luxury-cottage appeal of wicker and rattan is to combine different forms of the two in one space... Look for other unexpected places to add a natural twist to your home with a new material woven into your palette.”

AGAINST THE GRAIN

TIPS FOR DECORATING WITH NATURAL MATERIALS

Houzz contributor Katie Treggiden offers many ways to incorporate natural materials and natural-state timber into your home, including using wood to cover one wall in a home for a pleasing accent wall; featuring your firewood as a striking, stacked display; and mixing different types of wood and different finishes in the same space. “A simple way to incorporate the wood trend is to expose structural wooden beams already present in your home,” Katie says. “Instead of painting them or boxing them in, leave them raw or give them a coat of wax to enrich the tones.”

Diligent Design

JAMIE TAYLOR SHARES THE BACKGROUND BEHIND MAKING DREAM HOUSES A REALITY

Jamie Taylor

T ELL US ABOUT YOUR BACKGROUND AND THE GENESIS OF J TAYLOR DESIGNS.

I have always loved residential design, interior design, and architecture. I remember around age 12, I started laying out floor plans on graph paper.

After graduating college in 2002, I started my career working for a house plan design firm. In 2008, I started working for Huskey Truss and Lumber, which helped to expand my knowledge of home construction. As relationships grew, I was able to design for new builders and homeowners on the side and eventually left Huskey in 2009 due to a new and increasing demand for my architectural services. In July 2009, I officially opened J Taylor Designs.

HOW DO YOU WORK WITH CLIENTS TO MAKE THEIR DREAM HOME COME TO LIFE?

After a client schedules their design consultation, we email them detailed questions about specific needs in the house – for example, the use or placement of household appliances. During the design consultation, we dig deeper into our clients’ needs and the flow of their homes. My goal, when the meeting is complete, is to have a mental drawing of their home and to be ready to lay out their design.

I like to break our design process into three phases: floor plan phase, exterior elevation phase, and construction drawings. During the floor plan phase, our client will receive the initial floor plan concept for review. We collaborate

with our clients to get a feel for what works and what needs changing. Working closely with clients is important for us; after all, this is not my dream home, but theirs. I want them to feel like they had a hand in the process.

The exterior elevation phase is like the floor plan phase. An exterior concept is created based on our original design consultation and again, we collaborate with our client to get a feel for what works and what needs changing.

Once our client is happy with the design, it is time for the construction drawings. Once the plans are complete, our clients are ready to build. We love making job site visits to see how the build is progressing and to answer any questions.

POTENTIAL CLIENTS MAY ASSUME THAT DESIGNING A HOME IS COST-PROHIBITIVE. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF UTILIZING A DESIGN SERVICE?

For some people, a stock plan works. They might find that a pre-made plan meets all their needs, which is why we are working to build a small store on our website.

Still, some are looking for more than just “enough.” They want the perfect house, and that is where a custom design from scratch is the only option. In today’s market, with the cost of building, investing money on the front-end is smart.

Clients have told me that what makes us special is that we are an all-female firm and that we listen and give insight into spaces that they would have never thought about. Creating a home for today and for the years to come, designing an adaptable home for a life full of changes – these just aren’t things an online plan store can discuss with you.

“Working closely with clients is important for us; after all, this is not my dream home, but theirs. I want them to feel like they had a hand in the process.”

“Having over two decades of work behind me as a designer, the two biggest motivators are happy clients and beautifying the community. There is nothing more rewarding than when you see a client’s eyes fill with excitement for their home.”

WHAT MOTIVATES YOU? PERSONALLY AND PROFESSIONALLY?

Having over two decades of work behind me as a designer, the two biggest motivators are happy clients and beautifying the community. There is nothing more rewarding than when you see a client’s eyes fill with excitement for their home. We have received lots of hugs over the years and every one has been special. It makes me feel like I’m doing what I was meant to do.

Living in such a rapidly growing area means high demand for new homes and new development. Being able to work with local developers and builders to create one-of-a-kind subdivisions and community experiences is exciting.

Personal motivations are my family, especially my daughter. Teaching her to dream and to be passionate about the things she loves. Teaching her the value of hard work and perseverance, and of learning to enjoy the journey as you pursue your dreams.

Beating Expectations One Home At a Time

JAGGER WILLIAMS SHARES HOW COMMUNICATION AND SURPRISING CUSTOMERS HAS TRANSFORMED HOW CLIENTS FEEL ABOUT POWER WASHING.

“These guys are the best in the business. Incredible communication. Their price point is spot on and they are local. I would highly recommend them to anyone.”

— TONY

For most people, a summer job is just that – a seasonal gig before moving on to the next thing. That was not the case for Jagger Williams who is now eight years into owning and operating Waterly Co. He started with a simple power washer and determination to make some money before starting at Middle Tennessee State University. A few jobs turned into phone calls every week and he formed his LLC a year later. Initially, Williams was a one-man show but began hiring full-time employees his third year in business. The team now consists of a part-time admin, several full-time laborers, and state-of-the-art equipment. In a bit of a full-circle moment, they also employ a baseball player from MTSU and contribute to one of the university’s scholarship funds.

Williams quickly made a name for himself as the Water Wizard due to his dedication to quality and his comfort level with tackling needs from privately-owned homes to construction sites. When asked what contributed to the quick growth of the company, Williams says “Simply answering the phone has

been huge!” Even though he began at a young age, he’s always strived for prompt and clear communication with the client. His primary goal is to be the best experience you’ve ever had from start to finish and beating expectations brings him joy and satisfaction. The crew specifically looks for one extra thing they can provide each customer. One satisfied client said, “Jagger’s group showed up on time and did an excellent job. He even pressure washed an extra area at no charge.” It’s no surprise that many of their new customers come from word-of-mouth referrals.

The longevity of this business has helped the team at Waterly Co become experts in safely and effectively soft-washing the exterior of your home to keep it looking spectacular for years to come. Waterly Co. recently debuted its new fleet vehicle which includes 3 power washers, over 1000’ of hose, light bars for night work, and the capacity to hold 400 gallons of water. This is definitely a company that will continue serving the Murfreesboro area for years to come.

HOME HOME HOME HOME HOM HOME HOME HOME

TRANSFORM YOUR LIVING SPACE INTO A

ZONE BLUE

What’s the secret to a happy, healthy, and long life? Believe it or not, it’s actually quite simple: There are no secret ingredients, no sizable expenditures, and absolutely zero manufactured elements of any kind. Dive in with us as we share insights from our interview with the internationally renowned Blue Zones Founder, National Geographic Explorer, and award-winning journalist who is revolutionizing the way Americans make choices that can lead to living your best life.

For over twenty years, Dan Buettner has been fully committed to studying the health and longevity of Americans as well as influencing the proper and attainable health-centric environments our communities should embody. What started with identifying five “blue zones” around the world where people are both living longer as well as enjoying a higher quality of life in their elder years has now also evolved into proactively creating eco-systems where our communities engage in setting the standard for clean health.

Buettner’s first cookbook, The Blue Zones Kitchen, is a fantastic resource featuring ingredients and cooking methods that can increase longevity, wellness, and mental health. The recipes also include lifestyle tips such as proper portion sizes and the best times to eat dinner. Plus, check out his additional seven books that dig deep into the exact foods you should eat to how your circle of friends and family can influence your quality of life.

Every time you go out to eat, you will consume an extra 300 calories that are laden with more sodium, sugar, and oil than eating at home. “Get your hands on a plant-based cookbook, pick a dozen recipes, and cook those with your family on Sundays. If you make the effort to cook it with your family, you will gain the skills and learn to make some good and whole food plant-based recipes.”

New York Times Best Selling Author and Netflix Producer, Dan Buettner, Inspires a Better Life Based on Research from the World’s Healthiest Cultures.

Tap into Dan’s wisdom that is creating a new category of places that are not merely the legacy of a healthy culture, but more consciously created by enlightened individuals that are intent on supercharging healthier communities!

Follow @DanBuettner and @BlueZones for full insights and visit BlueZones.com to shop exclusive products.

Desert Décor

ARTICLE

Home to some of the most beautiful interior décor, it’s near impossible to take a trip to Morocco without coming back with a suitcase full of exquisite treasures—believe me, I had to buy an extra bag to bring home all of my finds. Situated in Northeast Africa, the country of Morocco is made up of a variety of people groups who are known for their own styles of home furnishings. From textiles and glass to pottery and tile, the country is filled with stunning handmade pieces that add pops of color and design to any space.

It’s hard not to be left speechless, stepping into a traditional riad accommodation. Brightly colored tiles covering almost every surface, a rainbow of fabrics making up the plush seating, and interior courtyards comprised of tranquil pools and fountains typically make up this often open-air lodging.

Morocco is widely known for its finely made rugs. While the different colors and patterns of the rugs make them unique, what is equally fascinating is the materials in which they are made and how they relate to the geographical home of the artisans who make them. For instance, rugs made by people living in the Atlas Mountains tend to be softer because they are often made of cactus silk and sheep’s wool which are prevalent in the area, while rugs made in the Sahara Desert tend to be rougher because they are made from yarn made of camel hair. While these rugs are perfect on the floor of any room, they can also be hung as wall décor or even used as decorative bedding accents. Likewise, a unique green glazed pottery is created right outside of the Sahara Desert in the village of Tamegroute, and pottery items painted in black and white patterns are the signature style of the Berber people.

Weaving through the winding alleyways of the souks—outdoor markets—in cities such as Marrakech and Fes will also bring you across lamp shops brimming with colorful glass and metal lamps of every hue and shape imaginable. From hanging light fixtures to table lamps, this is a great way to incorporate beautiful Moroccan stained glass and lighting into your home.  CONTINUED >

The city of Fes is best known for its famous tannery, where they use a natural process to dye leather into bright colors. Through this natural process, pigeon droppings and limestone are used to strip the hides of their natural color and create a white base to prepare the leather to be dyed. Rather than using chemical-based dyes, the array of colors used to dye the leather at the tannery come straight from the earth. With flowers and herbs being transformed into dyes, the plain leather is then transformed into a rainbow of varying hues- shades of red derived from poppies, greens from mint, and blues from indigo.

One of the most striking features of Moroccan architecture and design is the widespread use of tile to cover any surface imaginable. From floor to ceiling, the most vibrant tiles arranged in the most intricate patterns can be seen everywhere you look in the country. In places such as Ben Youssef Madrasa, a former Islamic school, the words of the Muslim holy book are painted in decorative script on the walls becoming both practical and part of the design. Furthermore, even the wood doors are carved with intricate patterns that are simply mesmerizing.

From every rooftop view to alleyway in Morocco, there is something stunning for the eye to behold. A travel tip to anyone heading to Morocco, pack your suitcase and then take out half of your stuff and leave it at home because I can guarantee, you’ll be coming back with lots of functional souvenirs to decorate your home. It is all too beautiful to pass up!

events

MARCH 1ST-10TH

The Center for the Arts: Dear Miss Barrett

110 W. College Street, Murfreesboro, TN | 2:00 PM

Rated PG-13

This show is part of the Center for the Arts Community Enrichment Series. A musical theater production telling the story of the romances of Elizabeth Barrett & Robert Browning, and a modern young couple, Sarah Martin & Henry Lane. Music, Lyrics, Arrangements, and Book by Michael Kurek.- www.boroarts.org, visit for tickets and info. Fridays at 730pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 730pm, Sundays at 2pm

MARCH 9TH

13th Annual Special Kids Race!

Murfreesboro Medical Clinic and SurgiCenter 1272 Garrison Dr., Murfreesboro | 7:00 AM

"Whether you're a seasoned runner, a casual jogger, a leisurely walker, or a family eager to participate together, this community event welcomes everyone.  The course starts at the Murfreesboro Medical Center, leading you through a flat route featuring the historic Stones River Battlefield.  Along with the race, there will be a family fun zone, refreshments, and an assortment of activities for all." - www.runsignup.com, visit to register.

MARCH 21ST

Adventure Science Center Hosts Third Thursday 18+ Special Event

800 FORT NEGLEY BLVD. NASHVILLE, TN 37203 | 4:30 PM

"Want to get crafty in the i2 Makerspace, take a spin in the motion simulator, or catch a planetarium show? This is a great opportunity to enjoy a night of adventure, learning, and fun exclusively for the 18+ crowd that knows how to engage the child in all of us."

- www.adventuresci.org, visit for more information and tickets.

Spring storm season is fast approaching.

As spring storm season approaches in Middle TN, reports of roof leaks, blown-off shingles, and exterior damage surge. Concerned about your roof’s integrity post-storm? Call Quality Exteriors for a prompt, no-cost professional inspection by our highly qualified Roof Ninjas. Since 2006, we have been Murfreesboro’s local, family-owned roofing contractor, so you can rest assured that we will always be ‘Here When You Need Us.’

We specialize in ALL TYPES of Residential and Commercial roofing SHINGLE | METAL | FLAT | SPECIALTY | MORE