If You’re Going to "Have Her Over For Dinner," the Kitchen Better Cook!
Have Her Over For Dinner is a cool new cookbook by Nashvillian Matt Moore. This handy read is targeted for savvy bachelors willing to learn that the quickest way to a woman’s heart is through the kitchen. It’s the ultimate guide for guys.
Moore is a writer who not only can cook a great meal but can even sing for his supper. This accomplished, published author also sidelines as a singer-songwriter in Music City. Suffice to say, Moore’s a well-rounded fellow and the ultimate host anytime he has “her over for dinner.”
Moore also happens to possess a unique sense of style, so he’s well attuned to the fact that, if a guy’s going to have her over for dinner, the design of a kitchen should be as tasteful as the food that’s prepared in it.
So… When it came time to click pix for Moore’s new book, the publishing team chose none other than Mary Elizabeth Hulsey’s chef-ready, finely designed kitchen for the photo shoot. Photographer Paige Rumore captured inspiring and stunning imagery to enhance this hip handbook.
Hulsey, herself a savvy bachlorette and interior designer by trade, created a kitchen that’s as sleek and sophisticated as it is practical and functional.
With clean finishes and an open flow accented by a shock of deep orange, her kitchen is always open for business and inviting for guests. The cooking area blends beautifully into a generously proportioned living area. Made for entertaining a big group or just one-on-one, Hulsey’s kitchen really cooks.
Certainly, it was a fabulous backdrop for Have Her Over For Dinner.
Eco-Chic Peek
Issue: December By: Irene Williams Source: Nashville Her Magazine
When I first built my home , being on a budget, my goal first and foremost was, not to break the bank. When Irene Williams, for Her magazine was able to show me how my choices were stylish, and earth friendly.
For countless home design pros, going green has long been a black and white issue. However, many of us still face shades of gray in our quests to green our home décor. The market is glutted with eco-friendly items, which typically equal more green at checkout. We know it’s good — and stylish — to consider the environment when updating our homes, but how do we do our part to save the earth without destroying our bank accounts?
When Mary Elizabeth Hulsey built her fab pad in Nashville’s 12South District, she made smart decisions on furnishings, finishes and overall design. Though building new, she went with reused and renewable options when possible, capturing the latest looks with lasting materials. She also applied a “reclaim-refinish-recycle” approach to create living spaces that are naturally beautiful and beautifully natural.
Throughout the home, Mary Elizabeth brought furniture that was “past” into the present. A grand example is the lavishly long table bridging the living/dining area and kitchen (see photo). Likely a relic of an industrial setting, this striking piece now enjoys a second (and surely more stylish) life, one not relegated to a landfill. Likewise, the vintage dining table and chairs sleekly partner with modern seating upholstered in fresh, natural fibers. The entire area is washed in natural light thanks to ample, well-placed windows.
Surfaces are covered in earthy materials, selected not only for look but longevity — from never-needs-replacing wood floors and stone backsplashes to sturdy sisal bedroom flooring. Grasscloth wall covering in the den is constructed of bamboo and jute — abundant, renewable resources that absorb sound. Punctuated by contemporary accents and art, the space breathes with organic quality without feeling too “granola.”
Well-mixed material combinations transform the practical into the spectacular, resulting in a pleasing home environment for Mary Elizabeth and the world beyond her walls.
Here are some tips to help you make conscientious décor decisions:
A New Coat — Responding to demand of savvy home-owners, many major brands offer low- or no-emitting paints. Benjamin Moore’s Eco Spec and soon-to-launch Natura paints (benjaminmoore.com), as well as Dutch Boy’s Refresh line (dutchboy.com), carry industry-recognized green certifications.
Home Economics & Local Motion — If you’re thinking globally, source locally. By choosing products manufactured or crafted near your zip code, you’ll minimize transportation costs and save energy. For example, Tennessee is home to several tile manufacturing plants such as StonePeak and Crossville. Start your tile selection process with those brands to potentially cut out unnecessary shipping.
Long-Term Commitments — Don’t sell short the importance of long-term performance. A product that stands the test of time and wear and tear may be at least as environmentally sound as organic items requiring frequent replacement. Laminate flooring’s a good example. It mimics real wood’s look yet may outperform it in high traffic areas. Plus, the glueless installation is less costly and labor-intensive. Makers such as Alloc (alloc.com) and Berry Floors (berryfloor.com) incorporate responsible manufacturing practices to give products lasting performance from the inside out.
Finishes, furnishings, appliances and materials impact your inside air quality as well as the outdoor environment. To reduce indoor allergens, err on the side of hard surfaces and natural fibers, and keep clutter and decorative displays to a minimum.
Going Green? Be Well-read — Familiarize yourself with brands that have legitimately gone green by visiting the Green Guard (greenguard.org) or Green Seal (greenseal.org) websites. If you’re serious about building a cutting edge “green” house, visit the U.S. Green Building Council’s site for information on LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) for residences (usgbc.org/LEED/homes).
Monthly Resource Guide
Green resources online:
U.S. Green Building Council, residential resources: usgbc.org/LEED/homes
Green Guard: greenguard.org
Green Seal: greenseal.org
Product sites:
Laminate flooring manufacturers: alloc.com, berryfloor.com
TN tile manufacturers: crossvilleinc.com
Paint manufacturers: dutchboy.com, benjaminmoore.com
Hulsey house sources:
Living room furniture: owner’s collection
Stone selections (viewable in kitchen): missionstonetile.com
Dining area light fixture: westelm.com
Sofa in den: Ethan Allen with Henredon fabric, ethanallen.com
Pillows in den: Nouveau Classics, nouveauclassics.com
Grasscloth wall covering: Zoffany, zoffany.com
Art: Jim Vienneau, vnodesign.com & owner’s own creation
Referential Treatment
Nashville Lifestyles Cover
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
Nashville Lifestyles HOT List features Mission Stone & Tile
It’s going to be a long, HOT summer. Actually it’s going to be just as heated this fall—and likely for the rest of the year for those of us lucky enough to be in Nashville. From what we’ve discovered, the intensity level isn’t letting up. Off the charts new musical talent, original exhibits and even a luxe, sexy hotel suite are part of the mix. So, turn up the AC—as this year’s list is hotter than well, you know … !
—Stacie Standifer (All Pictures credit Nashville Lifestyle’s Magazine)
Raised Expectations:
There’s nothing hotter in tile—and oh so cool as well—than something as voluptuous and rich as New Tribal, featuring curvaceous motifs on glossy, gorgeous porcelain tile—it’s so much sexy sophistication! This is truly a cut above any of the old styles. The luxurious wall collection is now available at Mission Stone & Tile. 2930 Sidco Dr., www.missionstonetile.com
Sweet Charity:
Five women from Texas launched The Boot Campaign to benefit military combat veterans, and Nashville’s most famous faces have joined the kick-ass effort to give back to our heroes. Next month, The Palm will be hosting a night of boots, celebrity auction items and fun hosted by Charlie Daniels. This is a totally new event—one that has us ready to lace up and join the troops. bootcampaign.com For event information, pdixon@thepalm.com
Escapes:
For those who want to travel a bit farther for something a little more tropical—there’s an exclusive new offering at Catalonia Royal Bávaro in the beautiful Dominican Republic. The adults-only, all-inclusive resort set on one of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean has added The Gran Suite, an intimate villa for total privacy with spacious interiors, personal pool and beach. The best part is that with the all-inclusive pricing, even this kind of luxury is offered at a value. www.cataloniacaribbean.com
Honky Tonk Hero:
A marriage to an FBI agent and an upcoming move to Southern California means a sad loss for the world famous Tootsie’s Orchid Lounge, where Heather Ann Heatherly has been as much of a tourist attraction as the stage performers for almost 15 years. Her winning smile and ability to bond with her customers has earned her the recognition as Lower Broadway’s best asset. She’ll be missed, but not forgotten. Heather is going to be one tough act to follow—as those in the music business know all too well. We just hope to get an invite to her going-away party!
