If I Had Three Million Dollars
I would buy this house. Alright so I’ll probably need more than just three mill but you get my drift. I used to drive by this house all the time, wondering what it looks like on the inside, if it was as cool as I imagined.
Turns out, it is.
Oh to have this kitchen. The circular island/bar with what looks like a range – talk about a dream come true.
Fabulous furniture/decor. Whoever decorated this home did a wonderful job.
The floor to ceiling windows, the exterior access to the 2nd storey, the pool… excuse me while I go purchase some lottery tickets!
For more modern home listings visit 615 Modern {dot} com and for more pictures from this home on Chickering, go here.
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Lawn Gone! Mary Elizabeth’s Backyard Retreat (as seen on HGTV!)
Forget the national TV coverage, the lights, cameras and action. Even if HGTV had never shown up in Mary Elizabeth Hulsey’s backyard, that space would still be a superstar—a sophisticated, in-the-city retreat that’s always ready for its close-up.
Of course, HGTV did show up at Mary Elizabeth’s house recently, to feature her bodacious backyard on a fun episode of “Bang For Your Buck” (see the clip below!). And the HGTV crew came on the heels of a few magazines and publications that have also dropped by to capture Mary Elizabeth’s slice of the good life. This backyard is well-designed, clever, hip and inspiring. No wonder these media outlets can’t deny the space’s star quality.
So just what makes this backyard front page news? Here are the headlines.
- Matters of size:
This yard is of realistic proportions, just 20’x120’. It’d be one thing to create an at-home getaway on multiple acres out in the country. Mary Elizabeth managed to create a unique getaway in a normal-sized yard, at her house in the heart of the city. With judiciously sized feature areas—pool, outdoor room (with media capabilities, of course) and green space, this yard reveals how any of us could make the best use of whatever space we have at hand.
- Modern Materials:
Mary Elizabeth’s choices prove that materials do matter. She didn’t skimp on the things that really make an impact on the beauty of the yard. From designer porcelain tile as flooring for the outdoor room area to the gorgeous tile lining the saltwater pool, each space exudes superior design and fine quality. Of course, all the choices had to work well in their outdoor settings and fit into a real budget. Where some selected materials took a bigger bite from the budget, others were more cost-effective. This backyard proves that the art of great design lies in knowing what to prioritize.
The Fun of Functionality:
Though this yard has that star quality that seems to beckon the cameras, in the end it’s a truly inviting, useful space. Mary Elizabeth struck that sometimes elusive balance of fine design; the yard is both beautiful and functional. The whimsical swings, the no-worry upholstered touches, the easy levels of the lap pool…everything is there to be used and enjoyed. Nothing is merely for show. And really, that’s a key to modern design: creating spaces that are useful and beautiful, photographable and enjoyable.
Whether Mary Elizabeth is hosting friends, family or just hanging out with her adorable dog Lucy, this backyard is always at the heart of the gathering. For adults, kids and even dogs, this retreat can’t be beat as a natural extension of the home, a place to splash, chat or just relax.
Resource guide:
Pool – Black Slate Mosaic, deck; Marble Rain Mosaic, waterline
Cabana (outdoor room) – Rex- Horn Dark Porcelain Tile
Bang for Your Buck:
Mary Elizabeth’s Outdoor Renovation featured on HGTV
REBUILD Nashville
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12South District – Community Restored & On a Mission
12South – The Neighborhood Mission Helped Build
Mission Stone & Tile’s Mary Elizabeth Hulsey makes her home in the überhip 12South district in Nashville. And when I say “makes” her home, I mean it quite literally. Mary Elizabeth invented the design of her house—outside and in—with her own creativity and respect for the vibrant patchwork quilt that is her neighborhood.
The lot upon which she now makes her home was formerly marked by a tattered eyesore of a house. Mary Elizabeth bought that house simply for the lot and location and summarily had it demolished (to the raucous cheers of her new neighbors). Then she worked with architect Stephen Wells to construct a new house that fits beautifully in the old neighborhood.
And then she set about to make that house a home.
Mary Elizabeth is an interior designer and owner of Mission Stone & Tile. So it’s no surprise she was able to feather her nest with sophisticated style, clean surfaces, artful details and tactile touches. Likewise the home’s exterior is creatively crafted and well-appointed—unassuming yet so inviting.
In 12South, it’s a “birds of a feather” scenario. Many of Mary Elizabeth’s neighbors take similar pride in home “making”. Most of the other homes in the district are original structures that have been given the TLC of meticulous renovations. A very walkable area bustling with eateries, coffee shops and boutiques, there’s always a steady flow of folks on foot, jogging, shopping, pushing strollers and interacting. It’s as if there’s always a neighborhood tour in progress.
From Mary Elizabeth’s investment in making a new home and others’ devoted, careful restorations to the blossoming of commerce and conveniences, 12South is a great example of “community restored.” The people who’re drawn to live here aren’t just buying into home ownership; they’re buying into the community—into the proximity to connectivity, the chance to be a part of something not contained in the square footage of a house.
It’s all about making a house a home and a neighborhood a true community.
If you live in Nashville, participate in the 12South Home Tour. It’s taking place Saturday, April 17th. Details and tickets are at www.12southtour.com.
