Nashville Interiors 2026, Vol. 48 by Nashville Interiors

ROCK STARS

A PROVEN TRACK RECORD, AN ENERGETIC STAFF, AND A COLLECTION OF RARE SLABS: TROVE STONE DEBUTS IN

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5410 Harding Pike, Nashville, TN 37205 615-352-5174

Monday—Friday: 9am – 5pm

4015 Armory Oaks Dr, Nashville, TN 37204

615-256-8686

Monday—Friday: 7:30am – 4:30pm

3201 Powell Ave, Nashville, TN 37204

615-385-3054

Monday—Friday: 9am – 5pm Saturdays: 10am – 5pm

3640 Trousdale Dr, Nashville, TN 37204 615-843-3300

Monday—Friday: 8am – 5pm

PUBLISHER AND SALES | Hollie Deese

PRODUCTION AND DESIGN | Terrell Thornhill

AD DESIGN | Tracey Starck

COPY EDITOR | Kelly Carson

ARTS EDITOR | Robert Jones

SOCIAL MEDIA | Aly Marotte

DISTRIBUTION | Shawn Massey

CONTRIBUTORS | Jacqueline Baca, William DeShazer, Emily Dorio, Allison Elefante, Nicholas McGinn, Seth Parker, Anthony Romano

Nashville Interiors is the premier building and design guide of Middle Tennessee. We feature regional master artisans, designers, architects, builders, artists, collectors and retailers, and we bring you news of the area’s trends in building, design and development. We also showcase the inspiring spaces of our area’s eclectic group of residents.

Nashville Interiors is published by Deese Media LLC. Nashville Interiors has been continuously in print since 2000.

All editorial and photographic content of Nashville Interiors is the sole property of Deese Media LLC and is not to be reproduced in part or in whole without the express written permission of the publisher.

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Nashville Interiors would like to acknowledge the work of Tyler Thomason on an East Nashville home featured in Volume 47, “This Time, It’s Personal.” The home features library shelving and doorway arches created by Thomason.

It’s impossible to ignore Nashville’s draw for anyone in the design and build industry—a boom that has brought an abundance of resources for new builds and renovations alike. Looking to stand out and forge meaningful connections within that growing community are Tanner Wesp, Jordan Moore and Will Corbin, the team behind Trove Stone. An offshoot of Midwest-based Terrazzo & Marble Supply, Trove opened last fall with an impressive slab gallery, and the trio has been building relationships ever since.

ON THE COVER Photo by Anthony Romano

spacesinbloomdesigns.com

xela@spacesinbloomdesigns.com

@spacesinbloomdesigns

www.tategranite.com

615.813.5939

At Tate, we transform natural stone into timeless statements of design. From bespoke marble kitchens and sculptural fireplaces to striking commercial lobbies and sweeping staircases, our craftsmanship elevates every surface.

With decades of expertise in highend custom residential and commercial stonework, we collaborate with designers, architects, and homeowners to bring each unique vision to life — combining precision, artistry, and the world’s finest materials.

Whether it’s a minimalist masterpiece or an opulent showpiece, our work stands at the intersection of innovation and elegance.

After months inside, we are finally opening the windows and letting in the light. Suddenly, the way a space feels extends beyond its four walls to include what’s outside, while inside, lighting isn’t just functional — it’s emotional. And totally makes a room an experience.

In fact, its all about the experiece at Philippe Chow where lighting plays a key role in creating a vibe that’s layered, dramatic, and deeply considered. Aba reinforces that logic with large-scale fixtures and layers of greenery.

That same idea of experience is what drew us to this issue’s cover story. Trove Stone is bringing a different approach to Nashville’s design community. It’s not just about selecting materials, but also engaging the senses and building relationships. In a city that continues to grow at an incredible pace, it’s refreshing to see a company so focused on intention and connection.

What continues to stand out to me, issue after issue, is how connected all of this is. The growth, the creativity, the collaboration —It’s what has always defined Nashville’s design community, and what continues to move it forward. Not that we could stop it anyway.

Nashville Interiors CONTRIBUTORS

ALLISON ELEFANTE, PHOTOGRAPHER

Allison Elefante is an interior and architectural photographer based in Nashville who has become a mainstay with local designers, builders, and artists. A graduate from the Art Institute of Philadelphia, Allison has developed a passion for interiors over the years and is genuinely excited by beautiful spaces. Her work is widely published on social media and in local magazines, and she has photographed multiple covers for Nashville Interiors. For this issue, Allison shot a Music Row office renovation for designer Tanya Hembree of Onyx & Alabaster.

WILLIAM DESHAZER, PHOTOGRAPHER

William DeShazer is an editorial and commercial photographer based in Nashville. He spent 12 years working at various newspapers and is a regular contributor to The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal. His work has appeared in many publications, including National Geographic, Plate, ESPN The Magazine, and Runner’s World

William has been recognized by Photographer of the Year International and the National Press Photographers Association. For this issue, he photographed Lynette Wright in her Iron Collective candle studio.

ANTHONY ROMANO, PHOTOGRAPHER

Anthony Romano is a Nashville-based portrait photographer who aims to bring out the best in everyone in front of his lens. The Pittsburgh native brings a balance of raw authenticity and polished finesse to every shoot. Working in the studio and on location, he brings a keen eye for detail and a knack for storytelling through imagery. For this issue of Nashville Interiors, Anthony photographed the team of Trove Stone for the cover and feature.

O icial fragrance of the 2025 Parade of Homes and the Nashville Interiors Design Dinner, 2025.

Small batch + hand poured in Franklin, TN

www.ironcollective.co

ironcollective.co

Amhad

The

Featuring some of the winners of the 2025

69 LUXE LIGHTING

Wildwood launches dozens of new lighting options

GILDED ELEGANCE

Philippe Chow brings luxury dining— and a touch of Nashville storytelling—to CumminsStation.

ABA ARRIVES

High design and California-inspired Mediterranean dining are welcomed in WeHo.

RENAISSANCE WOMAN

From candles and music to art and design, Lynette Wright embraces creativity in all its forms.

Austin Huskey REMEMBERING

BY HOLLIE DEESE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM DESHAZER

When Thom Coghlan, one of the magazine’s most loyal supporters and now a personal friend, texted me on Friday, Feb. 13, that his boss and CEO of Huskey Building Supply, Austin Huskey, had passed away earlier that day in a plane crash, the shock was overwhelming.

The grief was instant. We had just celebrated him and his family business on the cover of Nashville Interiors a few months ago, with a big event in their newly renovated showroom. We were all excited about what the future held for Huskey and us. The news didn’t seem real.

Austin was not just an advertiser — he was a visionary.

A steward of a third-generation family business, he is ushering the company forward while, impossibly, honoring the foundation of community and excellence his grandfather and then father laid out decades before he was born.

His loss ripples across so many areas and connections — his employees, his vendors. His church community. His wife and young daughters. His brother and business partner, Taylor. And every person who had the honor to know him, because it is likely Austin made them feel as though he was the one who was honored.

“His love was felt in every room he entered, giving time to everyone he came into contact with. No voice was too small, no opinion too little.”

- Thom Coghlan

“Austin placed a premium on listening to every person under his stewardship and empowering them to grow and succeed,” Coghlan said. “His love was felt in every room he entered, giving time to everyone he came into contact with. No voice was too small, no opinion too little.”

Austin led by example, led by being in the arena, and led by his own actions and words.

“Austin was often the shortest guy in the room, but always the biggest, because he made everybody else feel big,” Coghlan says. “There was not a person he interacted with that he was not willing to give time to. If you had a question, he would answer you. His door was always open, and every person mattered to him, and that’s how he lived his life. He didn’t have to flaunt anything to have a presence in a room. He knew who he was, and that gave him freedom to walk everything he believed.”

The team at Huskey Building Supply, his family, his friends, and his community are all in our thoughts as we grieve his unexpected loss. NI

al fresco LUXURY

OUTFITTING THE OUTDOORS HAS NEVER LOOKED BETTER.

HERE ARE OUR TOP PICKS FOR THE LITTLE LUXURIES TURNING BACKYARDS INTO TRUE OASES THIS SEASON.

For generations, clay brick has been synonymous with durability and tradition. But with modern masonry options, General Shale - based in Johnson City, Tenn. - is advancing brick as a modern art form with a curated lineup of inspired sizes, textures and colors that fall in line with today’s evolving architecture and design needs. The product lineup includes six different styles that work inside, and out. These new options, along with more than 250 existing colors, textures and shapes, allow designers to focus on selecting the style of brick that brings their vision to

life. “Our latest designs evoke a sense of proven styles that have stood the test of time with subtle updates that appeal to today’s most discerning homeowners,” said Luke Guinn, director of marketing for General Shale. “Builders, architects, designers and homeowners have always appreciated the durability of brick which allows for greater efficiency and sustainability, yet still adds a very contemporary element to meet today's design standards.”

www.generalshale.com

“Our latest designs evoke a sense of proven styles that have stood the test of time with subtle updates that appeal to today’s most discerning homeowners,”

— Luke Guinn, Director of marketing , General Shale

“Whether

you’re seeking conversation, solitude, or a place to simply take in the view, the Arc Daybed transforms to meet the moment.”

WINCH DESIGN’S ARC DAYBED COLLABORATION

Designed in collaboration with Winch Design, the ARC Daybed is a new addition to Summit’s existing 12-piece collection. Generous in scale, the daybed features laminated teak woven between brushed stainless-steel rods, a direct nod to nautical craft and the woven rope traditionally used on sailing yachts. With ample room to lounge, the daybed is enhanced by an innovative split curved backrest that can be positioned in endless

configurations. “Winch Design has created something truly unique; a piece that adapts to how you want to experience your outdoor space,” says Kirt Martin, Summit president. “Whether you’re seeking conversation, solitude, or a place to simply take in the view, the Arc Daybed transforms to meet the moment.”

www.winchdesign.com

— Kirt Martin, Summit president

SUMMIT’S LUXURY TEAK WALLOON COLLECTION

Summit’s Walloon Collection is a refined expression of sculptural, master craftsmanship, designed by Summit co-founder in the company’s world-renowned teak.

Inspired by timeless modernist principles and defined by long, continuous curves and softened edges, the six-piece collection blurs the line between indoor refinement and outdoor living, with Frenchseamed cushions and marine-grade

durability. “When I consider design, I always start with the same questions: Does it have substance, and does it feel iconic?” Sieberts says. “My goal is to create something that embodies the ultimate luxury experience and makes a statement about who we are as a company.”

www.summitfurniture.com

“My

Jane Sieberts, Summit co-founder

TRUE CALIBER’S REIMAGINED SIGNATURE ROCKWELL GRILL

Just announced a Best of KBIS Winner, True Caliber (the union of True Residential and Caliber) has revamped the Signature Rockwell grill. The world’s first 360-degree social grill was designed by legendary architect David Rockwell to mimic the communal experience of a campfire. The newly enhanced design features a fully retractable “disappearing lid” that slides beneath the cooktop, a re-engineered firebox for superior grease flow, and three 20,000 BTU burners - all customizable in 96 color combinations.

Available locally at Ferguson, CenWood, A-1 and Embers.

HUNTER FAN’S SCULPTURAL ZENTECH BLADELESS SERIES

Building on 140 years of innovation, Memphis-based Hunter Fan Company is pushing the boundaries of airflow technology and design with the launch of the sculpturallydesigned ZenTech Bladeless series, which delivers ultraquiet airflow with a slim motor, interchangeable accessories, and built-in smart technology for clean, minimalist style. It offers 10 levels of customizable light plus 10 different color temperatures for preferred ambiance. Plus, it is damp-rated and works seamlessly in both indoor and protected outdoor environments.

“Our 2026 outdoor sourcebook represents decades of dedication to building the most compelling collection of exquisitely designed high-quality furniture under one brand in the world,” — Gary Friedman, RH chairman and CEO

HARRISON AND NICHOLAS CONDOS’ DESIGNS FOR RH

Among the 40 exclusive collections featured in RH’s Spring 2026 Outdoor Sourcebook, some of the top pieces come from Australian design duo Harrison and Nicholas Condos. The textural silhouette of the Milano sectional is reminiscent of 1960s Italian modernist designs, the Mylo coffee table inspired by Sarakiniko Beach in Greece. “Our 2026 outdoor sourcebook represents decades of dedication to building the most compelling collection of exquisitely

designed high-quality furniture under one brand in the world,” said RH chairman and CEO Gary Friedman. “The 40 exclusive collections represent the work of internationally renowned designers, artisans and manufacturers, whose continued commitment to imagination, innovation and quality results in pieces that will not only furnish your home, they help define it.”

www.rh.com

al fresco LUXURY

FASHION DESIGNER TRINA TURK’S SANTA BARBARA UMBRELLAS

www.santabarbaradesigns.com.

Designer Trina Turk and provider of bespoke, outdoor umbrellas, Santa Barbara Umbrella, introduce a capsule collection that brings bold fashion prints, vibrant color, and Palm Springs–inspired glamour to luxury outdoor living. Rooted in mid-century modern design and fashioned on Santa Barbara Umbrella’s popular Paseo® aluminum frame, the designs pair favorite Trina Turk designed textiles with Santa Barbara Umbrella’s refined construction, colors, trims, and design options, adding “zest and a vibrant surprise” to outdoor spaces.

Rock Stars

TROVE AIMS TO ELEVATE THE STONE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE

BY HOLLIE DEESE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ANTHONY ROMANO

“We decided we were not going to play the same game we’d always played. We were going to elevate our game, respect the design community, and cater our offerings — and the way we do business — to that community. That was always our vision.”

— Dan Johnson, Vice President, Slab and Tile Division, Terrazzo and Marble Supply

They did it their way. Kyle Keith and Dan Johnson took a chance to expand their business and offer a new way of doing an old job.

About a decade ago, they began looking beyond their traditional Great Lakes footprint, identifying a handful of potential expansion markets. Nashville quickly rose to the top.

Trove marks the company’s first foray outside the Midwest — and from the beginning, the goal was clear. Create something entirely different. And they did.

“We decided we were not going to play the same game we’d always played,” Johnson said. “We were going to elevate our game, respect the design community, and cater our offerings — and the way we do business — to that community. That was always our vision.

Johnson began working at Terrazzo and Marble Supply outside of Chicago 34 years ago. He thought it would be a temporary job after college — something to keep him busy while he figured out what to do next.

Something clicked. Today, he serves as vice president of the company with Keith, who is the import manager for TMS and Trove. Their idea was set in stone.

Their first challenge was finding a facility that could bring that vision to life. The space needed to function as more than a warehouse. It had to be a destination, a place where designers could bring clients, host conversations, and most importantly, experience natural stone as it was meant to be seen. It needed to be displayed as art.

They found a building with just enough room to execute that vision — large enough to house a carefully curated collection of one-of-a-kind slabs, but intentional in its presentation.

“We wanted to provide a really nice experience for the design community — something that would feel like nothing else in the market,” said Keith.

Just as critical as the space was the team behind it.

“Nashville is such a hotbed for young design, and we want to be part of the community,” Johnson said. “It was really important to us to make sure people knew we weren’t just coming in to plant a flag — we’re fully committed to this market.”

“Nashville is such a hotbed for young design, and we want to be part of the community. It was really important to us to make sure people knew we weren’t just coming in to plant a flag — we’re fully committed to this market.” — Dan Johnson

That commitment extended to hiring locally. Originally from southern Indiana, Tanner Wesp attended Lipscomb University for civil engineering and has lived in Nashville for nearly a decade. When Johnson and Keith began exploring the market, Wesp’s uncle, who works for Terrazzo and Marble Supply in Chicago, brought him into the fold.

“I was just helping them find a location and learn about the city,” Wesp said.

Six months later, they offered him the role of branch manager, tapping him to lead the showroom.

“He didn’t have the experience, but he had the right personality,” Keith said. “He knows the community, and he understands that what we offer is more hospitality than anything. When you’re dealing in luxury, people have high expectations of service—you have to listen, be patient and treat them well.”

“When there’s just two younger guys coming in saying they’re going to have one of the most beautiful stone showrooms in Tennessee, there was some hesitation. But once people come in, they see what we meant.”

— Tanner Wesp, Branch Manager, Trove Stone

Trove took over the building in November 2024 and spent nearly a year preparing the space. By the time the showroom opened in fall 2025, Wesp and outside sales representative Jordan Moore had already spent months building relationships across the design community.

“When there’s just two younger guys coming in saying they’re going to have one of the most beautiful stone showrooms in Tennessee, there was some hesitation,” Wesp said. “But once people come in, they see what we meant.”

Will Corbin rounds out the team, overseeing customer service and helping ensure each visit feels as considered as the space itself.

At its core, Trove is designed to elevate the entire stone selection process — not just through product, but through experience.

The showroom is intentionally quiet and refined, with slabs displayed front-facing and never stacked, allowing each piece to be appreciated individually. Overhead cranes move material seamlessly, eliminating the noise and disruption typical of traditional stone yards. Even underfoot, the difference is clear—carpeted pathways replace concrete floors, softening both sound and atmosphere.

The goal is to engage every sense. The space is temperature-controlled, visually calm, and designed to encourage touch, allowing clients to fully experience the texture and movement of each slab.

“We don’t want to settle. Our goal is to bring the most incredible natural stone in the world to Nashville.”

— Tanner Wesp

“We try to hit all five senses,” Wesp said. “We’re still figuring out how to get the scent down.”

Equally important is the quality of the material itself. The team sources globally, prioritizing rare, high-grade natural stone that feels distinctive and highly curated.

“We don’t want to settle,” Wesp said. “Our goal is to bring the most incredible natural stone in the world to Nashville.”

The showroom’s gallery-like environment is intentionally minimal, allowing the stone to remain the focus. Without visual clutter, designers and clients can better understand how each piece will live within a space.

“It’s about helping people slow down and really see the material,” said Keith. “The same stone can feel completely different depending on how it’s presented.”

Trove is also introducing a more transparent approach to pricing — something that has traditionally been opaque in the industry. By providing clear, upfront pricing, the team aims to streamline the design process, helping designers and clients make faster, more informed decisions.

Looking ahead, the focus remains on building relationships within the Nashville design and build community. Intimate dinners, private events and collaborative gatherings are all part of that strategy, including a recent dinner hosted for Lori Paranjape and her team.

“We have a dry bar, a kitchen, and a beautiful warehouse — we want to use it,” Wesp said. “We want people to come in, experience the space and see the level of material we offer. We love meeting new people, and we want to be a resource for the design community.”

At the end of the day, the mission is simple — create a space where people feel welcomed, inspired, and supported.

“We want people to feel safe when they walk in,” Wesp said. “We want them to feel seen and heard. What they can expect from Trove is exceptional service, kindness, hospitality—and a place full of energy, excitement and knowledge about stone.” NI

Paired Well

AMHAD FREEMAN AND STEVE LEMLEY SHARE A PARTNERSHIP IN LIFE

— AND NOW, A DYNAMIC NEW DESIGN STUDIO

BY HOLLIE DEESE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICHOLAS MCGINN (INTERIORS) AND JACQUELINE BACA (PORTRAIT)

For years, Ahmad Freeman and Steve Lemley built successful design careers on their own terms, each under his own name in two different cities. Freeman established Ahmad Freeman Interiors in Nashville before expanding his residential work to Chicago, while Lemley spent 25 years building Lemley Architecture + Design into a respected architecture practice in Chicago.

Now, the two have combined their expertise in architecture and interiors to launch Freeman Lemley Design Studio. Based in both Chicago and Nashville, the pair are quickly becoming known — together — for offering a blend of technical precision, elegance, and completely customizable solutions to personal home piccadillos.

“I was still trying to build the same brand that I had in Nashville. But I saw the skill level that Steve had in architecture and thought it could be a good fit for the company I had.”

— Ahmad Freeman

Freeman met Lemley after moving to Chicago in 2021, and the two soon began dating. Despite working in the same industry and having mutual respect for work, they initially avoided combining the professional side of their lives, wary of adding any unnecessary stress to their relationship.

“I think a lot of people feel that way,” Freeman said. “I was still trying to build the same brand that I had in Nashville. But I saw the skill level that Steve had in architecture and thought it could be a good fit for the company I had.”

They first connected professionally in the summer of 2023, when Freeman had several demanding projects stacked up. He asked Lemley to assist with the interior architecture for a project in Potomac, Maryland. That project never progressed, but the next one did—and then the next. Working together, they discovered they were able to deliver a more tailored environment for each client’s specific needs and wants.

Lemley said it’s almost cliché how well they work together.

“It’s nice to suddenly have someone there who has your back and knows what is needed. At the same time, now you have someone else saying, ‘Oh, I don’t think so,’ about something you’ve done for 15 years.”

— Steve Lemley

“I’m the technical one,” he said. “We’ll space plan collaboratively, but I make sure everything is covered by code while Amhad puts his magic into all the finishes. I’m the guy who will wear the same color pants and shirt, while Amhad brings eight different tones of one color. And boom, together we have something magical.”

Eventually, it made more sense to market themselves as a team rather than two separate companies with two separate contracts, and Freeman Lemley Design Studio became their shared focus.

The couple married in September 2025, around the same time they made their professional partnership official.

“We knew we were gonna be stuck together forever anyway,” Freeman jokes. They are currently working on a number of projects in Chicago and Nashville, ranging from a 15,000-square-foot event space to a single bathroom renovation. As their partnership evolves, the biggest adjustments have come from learning to let go of the things they have always handled themselves.

“It’s a double-edged sword,” Lemley said. “When you've worked by yourself for so long and been in charge of your own business, it’s nice to suddenly have someone there who has your back and knows what is needed. At the same time, now you have someone else saying, ‘Oh, I don’t think so,’ about something you’ve done for 15 years.”

In the end, they’ve learned to step back where the other excels, allowing each partner to lean into their strengths.

“To be married to my business partner is the perfect combination to me, because you both are motivated to do your best work,” Freeman said. “If he is the architect on record, I just get out of the way and let him handle that, because he’s going to be doing most of the drawings. Let me adapt to the way he does things, because it’s going to be beautifully done. It’s just done in a different way.” NI

Turning Up the Volume

A MINI MAKEOVER MAKES MAXIMUM IMPACT ON MUSIC ROW

BY HOLLIE DEESE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY ALLISON ELEFANTE

“We often spend more waking hours in our work environments than we do at home. So, surrounding yourself in a space that is peaceful, orderly, balanced, while well-designed is essential for feeling good about showing up 100% each day.”

— Tanya Hembree, Onyx & Alabaster

After Stephanie Alderman completed a full home redesign with Tanya Hembree and the team at Onyx & Alabaster, her office on Music Row suddenly felt dull and uninspired by comparison.

A partner with Farris, Self & Moore, Alderman needed the space to reflect her role as a music industry executive, while also serving as a place that fosters creativity, confidence, and connection throughout the workday.

“It was important to understand that she is balancing focusing on details and hosting artists in her office,” Hembree said. “Because she's a female music industry executive, the balance of femininity, strength, and professionalism were key factors in discerning the right path forward.”

Hembree struck that balance by blending edge with professionalism, introducing a modern design layered with texture, contrast, and personality.

“We took her preference for modern, the artist environment of edgy, and her love for color and blended those with some inspiration from her tour posters and personal preferences for animal prints and hide,” Hembree said. “Keeping it respectful,

classy, yet with an industry style was the design-dance.”

Petrified wood tables, sculptural lighting, and statement wallpaper anchor the space, while thoughtful styling softens the overall look.

“I think the wallpaper and the hide were the items most uncomfortable for her. She trusted the process and knew all the selected pieces together were the vibe she was after, and that the look would not be complete without them.”

The result is a one-room transformation that feels both elevated and approachable — proof that even a small footprint can deliver a big design moment.

“Where we work is extremely important to the way we feel, perform, and create,” Hembree said. “We often spend more waking hours in our work environments than we do at home. So, surrounding yourself in a space that is peaceful, orderly, balanced, while well-designed is essential for feeling good about showing up 100% each day. We've seen that a well-designed workspace inspires creativity, nurtures community within the culture, and most importantly allows for productivity.” NI

Furniture & Styling

A tailored mix of seating and sculptural forms gives the office a residential feel while maintaining executive polish. A channel-tufted velvet sofa introduces richness and comfort, while a bouclé accent chair adds softness and texture. Petrified wood tables bring organic contrast, and layered styling—books, vessels, and natural elements—create a collected, lived-in atmosphere.

Lighting

Lighting is both functional and expressive. A dramatic arc floor lamp adds architectural presence, while softer ambient sources introduce warmth. The layered approach ensures the space feels inviting throughout the day without sacrificing performance.

Color

The palette is grounded in warm neutrals, with tones of cream, taupe, and charcoal. Rich accents of deep green and subtle blue hues add depth, while hints of brass bring warmth and refinement.

Design Statements

A chinoiserie-inspired wallpaper establishes a strong focal point, adding movement and narrative. A round mirror with a radial frame reinforces the room’s geometry, while curved furniture silhouettes soften the overall composition.

STANDOUT

DESIGN

THE 2025 ASID TENNESSEE EXCELLENCE IN DESIGN AWARDS CELEBRATE OUTSTANDING WORK ACROSS RESIDENTIAL, CONTRACT AND HISTORIC PRESERVATION. HERE ARE SOME OF THE WINNERS.

Emily Dyer Gulick Emily Dyer Design

DESIGNER: Emily Dyer Gulick, Emily Dyer Design

PHOTOGRAPHER: Suzy Thompson

• SINGULAR SPACE

DESIGNER: Emily Dyer Gulick, Emily Dyer Design

PHOTOGRAPHER: Allison Elefante

DESIGNER: Teresa Beck, TBEKTU Designs

PHOTOGRAPHER: Reed Brown

DESIGNER: Teresa Beck, TBEKTU Designs

PHOTOGRAPHER: Reed Brown

Teresa Beck TBEKTU Designs

GOLD - LARGE KITCHEN

GOLD - LARGE BATHROOM

SILVER • RESIDENCE OVER 3,500 SQUARE FEET

DESIGNER: Justin Orton, Of Origin Design

PHOTOGRAPHER: Garett Buell

GOLD - COMMERCIAL RETAIL UNDER 10,000 SQ FT

NEIGHBORLILLY

FLORAL & COFFEE SHOP

DESIGNER: Justin Orton, Of Origin Design

PHOTOGRAPHER: Garett Buell

Justin Orton Of Origin Design

BEST IN SHOW - COMMERCIAL RETAIL UNDER 10,000 SQ FT

NEIGHBORLILLY FLORAL & COFFEE SHOP

DESIGNER: Justin Orton, Of Origin Design

PHOTOGRAPHER: Garett Buell

LUXE LIGHTING

WILDWOOD EXPANDS THEIR SELECTIONS OF LAMPS, CHANDELIERS AND SCONCES

For more than fifty years, Wildwood has championed visionary design and master craftsmanship, with their latest lighting options continuing that legacy with renewed energy and modern refinement. Featuring timeless materials reimagined through contemporary form, look for handglazed ceramic, sculptural metalwork, rattan, and natural stone and rattan define their lamps, sconces and chandeliers with a material language, balancing authenticity with innovation.

The latest lighting options from North Carolina-based Wildwood.

ONYX + ALABASTER

LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO + MARKET | COFFEE LOUNGE

BUILD A LIFE OF

BEAUTY,

PURPOSE + INTENTIONAL

LIVING.

Layered in Luxury

PHILIPPE CHOW BRINGS ITS SIGNATURE DINING EXPERIENCE—AND A TOUCH OF NASHVILLE STORYTELLING—TO CUMMINS STATION

BY HOLLIE DEESE | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SETH PARKER

Like many buildings finding a second—or third, or even fourth—act amid Nashville’s near-constant revitalization, Cummins Station began life in 1906 decidedly blue-collar: a railway warehouse and commercial hub serving the city’s trade and industry. Now, 120 years later, the historic structure has entered a far more bourgeois era as one of its newest tenants, Philippe Chow, brings the restaurant’s signature prestige to the carefully preserved landmark.

Award-winning design and architectural firm //3877 took an intentionally modern approach, channeling the opulent refinement of Philippe Chow’s sister restaurants in Kuwait City, New York and Washington, D.C. Through ornate detailing and luxurious materials, the design establishes its own identity while incorporating subtle nods to Nashville throughout.

“Philippe Chow is unlike anything we’ve had in Nashville before,” says Zach Liff, Nashville native and owner of DZL, a real estate investment, management and development company that owns the building.

“Philippe Chow is adding a new mix of glamour, excitement and culinary excellence that will help define The Station District and elevate Nashville further in the global restaurant scene.”

The experience begins at street level—and so did the design challenges. Because of the building’s historic preservation status, nothing could be mounted to the exterior.

To address this, the design team, led by Hunter McCalla of //3877, installed an illuminated art piece inside the restaurant’s entrance vestibule. Designed to catch the eye of passersby, the mechanical, motorized lantern display glows from within.

“Philippe Chow is unlike anything we’ve had in Nashville before.”

- Zach Liff, owner DZL

“Every client wants a branded moment, but protecting the integrity of the facade meant we had to approach that differently,” McCalla says. “How do we engage with the community from the street? That constraint ultimately pushed the design in a more creative direction.”

Inside, the display is flanked by gold-clad arches with inset infinity mirrors, creating a striking first impression.

The host stand is fully encased in lit-from-within quartzite panels, surrounded by woven metal mesh and topped with a leather-and-glass overlay. From there, guests catch glimpses of the lively dining rooms on either side and the focal point of the space—the bar—to the left.

“Because it’s a very long, linear space that we took over, everything is extremely well organized and sectioned off in terms of lighting,” McCalla says.

The elongated layout is impactful but also necessary. To complete the 10,000-square-foot buildout, Philippe Chow took over seven separate spaces within Cummins Station, each presenting its own complications.

“Just mitigating flooring changes throughout—some creative leveling needed to happen,” McCalla says.

The entry sequence is further punctuated by a custom porcelain ginkgo leaf light fixture housed within a goldleaf barrel vault that begins at the host stand and extends sixty feet into the space, leading to a lounge-style private dining room. The room is anchored by custom carpet that frames the center’s engineered wood flooring.

“The backbone of Philippe Chow as a brand is ambiance, opulence and a sense of grandeur,” McCalla says. “The barrel vault really fits with that as an architectural detail, especially with the gilded finish. And with the custom chandelier’s sixty feet of ginkgo leaf elements, weaving that from the entry all the way to the private dining room creates a pretty special moment.”

Another challenge the team encountered was the amount of open, industrial space above the existing ceiling— something they ultimately embraced.

“Once we removed that, we had a lot of room to play with and the opportunity to integrate ductwork in a mindful way,” McCalla says. “That’s not something you always get when working in an existing building. But we were able to create a really clean, beautiful ceilingscape, which is something I’m especially proud of.”

While the private dining room exudes exclusivity, it can also open to contribute additional seating to the main dining area when needed. The main dining room features niches of banquette seating framed by backscreening elements of antique mirrored glass and tufted upholstered panels, enhancing a sense of privacy. Walls clad in wood-look paneling with brass reveal trims add warmth, while each end of the room is wrapped in magenta, tufted palm leaf wallcovering.

The layered materiality continues at the bar, where the barback is clad in lacquered burl wood accented with stone shelving, antique mirror and high-polish metal mesh. It’s here that Nashville-inspired details begin to emerge,

including leather panels stitched with patterns loosely inspired by the city’s topography— creating moments of discovery through subtle sophistication.

“We wanted to integrate little nods to the locality in a subtle, abstract way,” McCalla says. “In the private dining room, the leather-clad panels form an artistic interpretation of Nashville’s topography and the way the river moves through the landscape.”

The Gibson Cocktail Lounge further roots the restaurant in Nashville’s vibrant culture with subtle nods to its surroundings. Separate from the main dining room, the space offers a moody yet inviting atmosphere that pairs with its menu of small bites and luxurious cocktails—a departure from the restaurant’s family-style fare. Rich materiality reinforces the glamorous narrative of the main dining room while introducing additional texture through damask wallcovering, tambour wood paneling and glossy finishes.

“Philippe Chow as a brand is very strong, and much of the design reflects that identity. But through subtle details, we were still able to create moments that connect back to Nashville.”

- Hunter McCalla, //3877 Architecture

Plush upholstered seating gathers around cocktail-height glass tables with metal trim and brass tulip bases, creating an intimate setting designed for conversation rather than the bustle of a traditional bar.

Artwork developed in tandem by //3877 and Gibson further deepens the lounge’s musical narrative and namesake. Shadow boxes displayed throughout are composed of guitar components, paying homage to the brand’s iconic fabrication process. Memorabilia, sheet music and instrument parts are showcased within, underscoring the lounge’s connection to Nashville’s musical heritage.

“That connection to the community was an interesting element to celebrate,” McCalla says. “Philippe Chow as a brand is very strong, and much of the design reflects that identity. But through subtle details, we were still able to create moments that connect back to Nashville.”

The restrooms offer a final surprise-and-delight moment. Floor and wall tile by local company Haustile create an immersive backdrop of vibrant pattern and color. The women’s room, in purple, and the men’s, in gold, feature stone-clad vanities with brass hardware, antique backlit mirrors and custom ripple metal panels—continuing the layered materiality found throughout the restaurant.

“We really wanted to depart from the rest of the space and do something exciting, eccentric and unexpected,” McCalla says.

As part of the Station District, Philippe Chow sits within a prime downtown corridor spanning 16 contiguous acres along 10th Avenue, beginning with The Baggage Building, extending through Cummins Station along Demonbreun and ending at Cannery Hall on 8th Avenue. The entire district is owned and developed by Liff and DZL.

“We are growing Philippe Chow in cities with global cultural impact, strong hospitality traditions and a respect for culinary luxury,” says Abraham Merchant, CEO of Philippe Chow. “Nashville is one of the few cities in the world we believed would truly appreciate Chef Chow’s renowned style of Chinese cuisine, our unparalleled service and our unique high-energy ambiance.”

NI Philippe Chow

Cummins Station

209 10th Ave S #235

Aba Arrives

BY HOLLIE DEESE PHOTOGRAPHY BY EMILY DORIO

HIGH DESIGN AND CALIFORNIA-INSPIRED MEDITERRANEAN DINING ARE WELCOMED IN WEHO

Aba, the Mediterranean restaurant from Lettuce Entertain You Restaurants, is one of many new spots in Wedgewood-Houston that have opened in the past year. It’s the first restaurant in Tennessee for the Chicagobased restaurant group. Their second project in the state, Sushi-san, opened in the Gulch a few months later.

“The innovative food scene in Nashville continues to grow, and we are excited to be a part of the restaurant community. And, we are thrilled to join the creative, up-and-coming neighborhood of Wedgewood-Houston,” said Marc Jacobs, executive partner and divisional president of Lettuce Entertain You.

With locations in Austin and Chicago, the Nashville location is Aba’s largest space to date. Located at 435 Houston St., Aba — meaning “father” in Hebrew — draws influence from the

Mediterranean, while also incorporating chef partner and Top Chef alum CJ Jacobson’s culinary roots from California.

The two-story, 12,000-square-foot restaurant accommodates up to 340 guests, including multiple semi-private dining spaces and a private dining room accommodating up to 80 guests. Known for its signature indoor-outdoor dining, Aba Nashville features a multi-level, wraparound patio that connects seamlessly with the restaurant’s interiors.

The restaurant was designed by Lettuce Entertain You’s inhouse Director of Interior Design Avril Zayas, in collaboration with Jacobs. The interior boasts soaring ceilings and steel doors that give nod to the neighborhood’s warehouse roots, complemented by found vintage pieces, refined millwork, and curated artifacts.

“I always like to think of lighting as the jewelry of the space. It is what really makes it special, and gives the place personality. And that is super important for us.. It all has to be right.”

- Avril Zayas, Director of Interior Design, Lettuce Entertain You

“I personally was not that familiar with Nashville, so I was really excited to come to a new market,” Zayas said. “We were bringing a brand that already exists, so the goal was to bring the essence and the concept to Nashville, but also give it a little bit of a local flair and its own identity.”

Nashville’s influence is immediately evident in the building itself, an old warehouse that has now been transformed with rich tones of leather and stone, mosaic floor tiles, and antique mirrors. The tree and plant-filled main dining room is anchored by Italian Murano chandeliers that hang below the expansive skylight.

“I always like to think of lighting as the jewelry of the space,” Zayas said. “It is what really makes it special, and gives the place personality. And that is super important for us — not only the decorative lighting, but also the architectural lighting. The levels, the color, the temperature, it all has to be right.”

The lighting placement and millwork along the stairs help the eye travel top down, connecting the second-floor mezzanine (which has a private bar and views overlooking the dining room and Houston Street) to the ground floor, bringing two distinct places together into one.

Zayas said lighting can make or break a design. “You could pick really beautiful finishes, but if the lighting’s not right, it could wash it all out,” she said.

But Aba’s true defining element is how the design blurs the line between indoors and out. Plants are integrated throughout the space at multiple heights, making guests feel like they are tucked in a canopy of greenery, even when seated inside.

“It was a design challenge for me, in a good way,” she says. “Like, how do we make this place feel cozy and inviting while also having this giant feeling of being in a warehouse?”

Inspired by the lush, plant-filled landscapes of the Mediterranean, Aba’s space blooms with flora, natural light, and tactile materials. Textured plaster, natural stone, and warm wood frames create depth, while sunlight moves through the room during the day, softening the environment. Expansive windows and an open sightline give the dining room a sense of airiness and movement.

A fluid transition between patio and interior seating keeps the restaurant feeling connected rather than segmented.

Anchored by an olive tree casting an ambient glow over the patio, the outdoor space is perfect for sipping a bottle of wine on warm nights. And once the retractable window opens up the dual-sided bar, every seat becomes the best seat in the house.

The beverage program at Aba highlights spirits and wines from boutique, family-owned producers and lesser-known regions across the Mediterranean. The extensive wine list is largely made up of Mediterranean wines, with many from women and minority-owned producers.

Complementing the wine selection, Aba also features an inventive cocktail program including zero-proof creations that incorporate Middle Eastern spices. In addition, neighborhood partners like Jackalope Brewing Co. and Diskin Cider are also featured on the menu.

“It’s the kind of place where you can go with your friends to have a drink, or you can go with your family to have an early dinner, or you can have a date,” Zayas said. “The whole Aba concept, the design and the feeling, really appeals to different groups of people and different types of activities.” NI

Aba

435 Houston St., Nashville, TN 37203

RENAISSANCE WOMAN

FROM CANDLES AND MUSIC TO ART AND DESIGN, LYNETTE WRIGHT EMBRACES CREATIVITY IN ALL ITS FORMS

Like many other creatives, Wright first came to Nashville in 1996 for work in the music industry. A Christian music songwriter, she spent time as a radio promoter while writing for Myrrh Records, a division of Word Records. But it wasn’t exactly steady money.

She connected with the wife of someone she knew at Caleb Radio Networks, who happened to be a faux finisher in town. She asked Wright if she might be interested in trying it out.

“I didn’t know what I was getting into,” she said. “She put a trowel in my hand, a brush in the other, and my first project was working with her and Sally Anderson on the Governor’s Mansion. And the rest is history.”

In 2003, she branched out on her own with Wright Decorative Finishes.

“I decided to spread my wings and not do anything else, just hustle,” Wright said. “And it was hard that first year.” But she kept up the hustle, training in various skills and going to plaster clinics. She became the best at what she did.

Faux finishing has had its ups and downs in popularity. By 2016, it had really dropped in demand, along with Wright’s steady work. Then, in 2017, her mom, Betty Jo, died of cancer. It was tough, but Wright found enjoyment in working with fragrances. She made a pivot to candles, naming her first line Jo/Ry after her mother and then-mother-in-law. But it wasn’t an immediate success.

“Nobody cared about Jo/Ry because it did not have a story,” she said.

She began a total rebrand at the end of 2019, inspired by old photographs her grandfather Frank took of his experience laying pipeline in South America in 1938. His stunning images of candid moments, including cowgirls with guns wearing satin dresses, inspired the brand name Iron.

You will find some of those imaged on the labels of her candles, pairing photography with fragrance to create a storied experience through scent, imagery, and memory. That personal touch is what sets her products apart and is a true legacy of her own family history. That, and the fact that everything is truly done by hand, from measuring the fragrance and wax to pairing the right image with the right scent.

BY HOLLIE DEESE PHOTOGRAPHY BY WILLIAM DESHAZER

Most recently, people can upload their own photos to the website to create truly custom candles.

“It’s labor, but it’s fun,” she said. “And you get to craft a really couture product that inspires people and touches people.”

Iron Collective became another outlet for Wright’s creativity. Despite COVID hitting a few months later, a series of bright moments — a viral Instagram post, a store taking a chance on her — made the rebrand a success.

“You have to keep pushing,” she said. “Even though it seems really small, you have to keep going.”

“We’re all broken, but if you let those weak spots heal, the chipped beautiful cup you will be can still hold liquid,”

— LYNETTE WRIGHT

Now, she is has her work in dozens of stores in 18 states. She has many regular customers. Iron Collective candles have become a favorite among the design community, too. In 2025, she created the official candles for the Parade of Homes tour and commemorative candles for guests of the Nashville Interiors 25th Anniversary dinner.

“It is scientifically proven that smell enhances mood,” Wright said. “It alters your brain state in a subconscious way. And I feel like it’s so important to have a space that smells as good as it makes you feel. Your space should smell the way it makes you feel.”

Now, as cycles tend to do, what was down is back up again, and designers are turning to Wright once more for her

decorative finishing skills. For example, she is working with designer Chad James to make every door on one of his projects appear wood-grained.

“I actually sampled from a door that was 250 years old and had the original country graining the gentleman did in 1850 at the top of the door. We’re changing it into this beautiful chestnut finish,” she said. Country graining is a decorative painting technique. “That’s the stuff I love.”

Each project is different, but Wright’s process of working with designers always involves creating samples based on the design and materials, then adding and adjusting as needed. With more than 20 years of experience, many times she has often educated designers on what exactly is available to them to incorporate into their work, many of them entering the field long after the last faux-bubble crash.

“A lot of them have zero clue what finishes are out there,” she said. “I do everything from glazing, washing, replicating murals, plaster — everything in the world of faux.”

Lately, Wright has been leaning into plaster applications, which are having a true design moment. She recently completed a plaster application directly on the fronts of Sub-Zero appliances for Tisdel Distributing in the Cenwood showroom.

“These finishes that were so classic are coming back in a big way,” she said. Through it all, Wright embraces being humbled by a series of great losses, the personal growth that came from it, and the relationship she has built with God, and with herself, on the other side of ego. “We’re all broken, but if you let those weak spots heal, the chipped beautiful cup you will be can still hold liquid,” she said. “And when you lose a parent, it’s like you lose an anchor in your life, and it does shift you. It changes you. Not to get too philosophical, but death is not an option. It’s what keeps us humble, and keeps us realizing that we’re here for a purpose.” NI