Creative Spaces & Unique Home Designs
Check out these creative spaces that utilize design and architectural elements to make each a stand-out in its own right.
It’s so exciting and inspiring when we see unique elements in interior design. Perhaps the only thing better is when we see projects that show how every inch of space can serve a purpose — be it for storage or simply to bring a bit of fun to a room. In that spirit, we tapped some of Memphis’s most talented creatives to see what amazing projects they’ve worked on that fit the bill. What they shared makes us want to rethink our own homes and transform previously unused square footage into something special. Take a look!
A Dog Cave
Men shouldn’t be the only ones who have their own caves. Give your dog a little personal space too, with his very own dog cave. This space, made by 323 Woodwork and designed by Becca Gaines of B. Gaines Interior Design, is hidden behind a tiny, sliding door and even has electricity. Bonus points for the shelving — storage for the win!

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The Ultimate Kid’s Bedroom
Welcome to the ultimate kid’s bedroom! “This is the most fun and unique project I have been asked to be a part of creating,” shares Lindsey Black of Lindsey Black Interiors, designer of the space. “When my client came to me with the request for a built-in playhouse, I didn’t know if she would really go through with it. It was a true joy getting to create the space for her sweet daughter.”
Thanks to HS Carpentry and flower box arrangements from John Mark Enterprises, Lindsey made the dream a reality.



Hidden Powder Room
Cindy McCord of Cindy McCord Interior Design shared a unique project that feels like it belongs in a James Bond film. This powder room, which is hidden underneath a staircase, is part of a recent extensive renovation in Chickasaw Gardens. “The powder room is a unique feature of this renovation because it utilizes a much-neglected space under the stairway,” Cindy shares. “I like it because it is a clean, simple space. I also love its warmth and mixture of materials — glass, wood and metals.” With the help of architect David Anderson and construction by RKA Construction, this room is beautiful and discreet.


Dual-Purpose Door
This iron-framed door serves multiple purposes — it’s a mirror, a focal point at the end of the hallway and the entry to the closet within the master bedroom. Jeff Edwards of Carlton Edwards Architects, Ryan Anderson of RKA Construction and interior designer Selena McAdams of Spruce have created a space that is both striking and sleek, largely in thanks to the door.


Creative Use of Added Elements
Ashley Toney of First Fruit Collection added a few tasteful additions to a project she worked on by incorporating rustic, antique columns in the living area, and corbels on the hood vent in the kitchen. Such simple finishing touches may appear understated, but their placement is both purposeful and impactful.


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Added Dimension
Leslie Murphy of Murphy Maude Interiors incorporated an interesting approach to bring added dimension to this bathroom project. Her secret? The keen placement of a mirror upon a mirror. She says, “It is a unique element that makes the bathroom look bigger and adds some additional personality.” This room, built by Ken Garland, offers a tremendous amount of natural light, with help from this thoughtful design element.

Fun & Funky
This space, designed by Kiser’s Floor Fashions, is packed with personality. Fantastic angles, vibrant colors and a bounty of playful patterns make this an intriguing spot that’s perfect for conversation over a glass of wine. The warmth of the rustic wooden beams allows for the painting above the fireplace to take center stage.

Big Design, Small Space
Ask Ami Austin of Ami Austin Interior Design to share one of her favorite spaces she’s designed and she’ll quickly offer, “Our barn loft — and fitting a kitchen, full bath, seating area and bedroom all in 900 square feet.” The addition of custom murphy beds, which Ami and team designed and that were expertly crafted by Kerns-Wilcheck, helped her achieve the finished product. “We loved the idea of not having a bunkhouse feel,” she continues. “Overall, we were able to accommodate comfortable sleeping for four guests with an elegant sleeper sofa and the two murphy beds. Clean and sleek when you want to entertain, and super cozy and functional for a perfect night’s sleep.” The project construction is by Chuck Clark.

Lines! We Love Lines!
We aren’t sure what we love more about this room: the open space, the wooden beams or the linear elements. With neutral tones, mod furniture and crisp, white floors, walls and ceiling, this space, created by Lisa Mallory of Lisa Mallory Interior Design, is as inviting as it is striking.


Ocean Vibes
This powder room is a favorite of Miller Cowan and Rhea Crenshaw of Rhea Crenshaw Interiors. “A beautiful South Pacific clamshell was used as the sink, with a custom iron pedestal designed around its unique shape,” the designers share. “The navy walls and lithography octopus prints, along with sparkle from the mirror, make one feel as if they are swimming in the sun-dappled blue sea.” Indeed they do.

Feel inspired? Us too!
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Katelyn Caughron
Katelyn is a Memphis-based freelance writer and certified fitness trainer. She loves fitness, the Memphis Tigers, and a good brunch.