This 1930s Home in Belmont-Hillsboro Got a Serene Makeover

With its historic homes, cafes, retail destinations, and nearby colleges, the Belmont-Hillsboro neighborhood has long been a desirable retreat for homeowners searching for an urban-meets-classic Nashville oasis — the perfect blend of hip shops and suburban life, where 20th-century bungalows and quaint sidewalks prevail.

While Belmont Mansion may be the most famous of the area’s homes, that isn’t to say there aren’t equally stunning homes on every residential street in the neighborhood. In particular, this four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bath American Foursquare home, built in 1930 and reinvigorated by interior designer Beth Haley and her design team, is a tribute to Nashville’s heritage and an indication of the current renovations that pepper the local landscape. Take a look inside!

Beth Haley designed living room with fireplace and mostly white decor. — “The sitting room fireplace is classic with strong lines and simple form,” says interior designer Beth Haley of Beth Haley Design. Above the fireplace, artwork from famed local artist Ed Nash picks up the neutral shades of the furniture, while a rug from Jaipur adds an exotic touch.

Close-up of a coffee table vignette with fresh flowers. — This pretty little vignette, found atop the sitting room ottoman, adds a pop of color.

Purchased in May of 2020 by the current homeowners, who were relocating from out of state, the 4,874-square-foot residence was already renovated to modern standards. Beth was called to assist with furnishings, artwork, lighting, and beyond.

“Consideration was given to the personalities and interests of each family member,” says Beth of the project. “Much of the design process was helping the client discover her style and how that style interacts with her historic home.”

The aesthetic goal? Comfort. That effort is made clear in each room of the house, where you’ll spot curated vignettes, carefully distributed pops of color, and greenery to bring out the surrounding earth tones. “Relaxed sophistication, a soothing color palette, and distinct spaces designed for entertaining friends and connecting with family make this home feel welcoming,” says Beth. “It gives the homeowners a space where they can enjoy both the simple pleasure of everyday life as well as the grandest events of the year.”

The front entryway of a 1930s Belmont/Hillsboro home, featuring dome mirrors and a bench. — Beautiful wood flooring and arched mirrors above a navy leather bench give off a Northern California vibe that inspires thoughts of tranquility.

A close-up of the front entryway bench with a corner plant. — This cozy entryway corner is ideal for welcoming guests, immediately capturing the home’s peaceful and inviting atmosphere.

A prominent staircase offers an eye-catching architectural element that anchors the house. Winding up to the third level of the residence and opening into the media room (which overlooks the neighborhood), it is a focal point on each floor. Giant windows flood the home with natural light, and various houseplants add greenery to offset the mostly-neutral color palette.

Interestingly, the remnants of an old chimney between the two dining room windows posed a bit of an interior design challenge. “Even though it is painted the same color as the wall, it stood out once the furniture was in place,” explains Beth. “The solution was to hang window treatments. Even though we didn’t cover the old chimney, it was much less noticeable once the window treatments were installed. The drapes created definition and vertical expanse, and the room is more memorable because of the creative solution.”

Stairwell in a 1930s home, with a seating area at the lower landing. — “The staircase is a prominent architectural feature from the moment you enter the home and travel through each floor,” Beth tells us.

A close-up of the seating area at the base of the stairwell. — Earth tones prevail in this understated-yet-cozy space at the base of the stairs.

Wide angle view of the dining room table in a 1930s Belmont/Hillsboro home. — Caramel-colored leather chairs provide a masculine contrast to the more feminine and ethereal dining room behind them.

A dining room designed by Beth Haley, with flowers on the table. — The dining room boasts crisp, white window treatments customized to fit the space, while eye-catching candelabras offer an artistic nod to nature.

A mirrored furniture piece with decanters and a lamp. — A perfectly balanced vignette, this mirrored cabinet boasts natural elements such as fresh fruit and flowers juxtaposed against a contemporary art piece and decanters.

Mixing and matching new custom pieces with her client’s existing furniture, Beth created a sanctuary that has the breezy air of a secluded treehouse. Minimal ornamentation and soothing tones channel an almost Santa Barbara-style interior, with a smattering of blue to bring in a pop of color here and there.

Additionally, the abundance of windows provides a picturesque view of the landscape no matter where you turn. The family room, for example, is surrounded on three sides by windows. It also possesses access to a screened-in porch overlooking the neighborhood and yard. The home’s exterior, an oasis in itself, reflects the homeowner’s desire for calm, casual spaces. The landscape is full and lush, with an intimate outdoor seating area for quiet moments.

The living room with massive windows for natural light. — “The family room contains two seating areas with two focal points,” says Beth. “One side is the entertainment zone with a television at center stage, while the other zone is a more intimate area for conversation, reading, or reflection as you gaze out the wall of windows.”

A blue velvet couch, accentuated by sunlight and art. — The family room features an antique bookcase and art purchased by the homeowner in advance of the design project’s start. “Our challenge was to incorporate furnishings that complement the existing pieces,” Beth explains. “We wanted to add texture and use her shade of blue throughout the room without overwhelming it.”

A coffee table vignette of books, shells, and fresh flowers. — This coffee table vignette features a curated collection of trinkets, from seashells to books and fresh roses.

A close-up of the turquoise loveseat with a round side table. — Velvet is experiencing a significant surge in popularity these days. This loveseat’s vibrant peacock shade is stunning, lending colorful flair to juxtapose the stark white walls.

The home’s bedrooms are filled with natural light, allowing each sleeping area to support the circadian rhythm. “The bedrooms all contain numerous windows, some with unique sizes,” says Beth, “and all are highlighted by adding a small seating arrangement.” This layout allows for optimum relaxation — a spot to slowly wake up and transition into the morning or hibernate until bedtime.

The home offers no shortage of spaces in which to lounge, converse, read, journal, or nap. Each room is thoughtfully designed to mesh vintage furniture and modern embellishments — a combination that adds to the home’s charm and style. Additionally, custom pieces abound, ensuring that fixtures and furnishings are sized appropriately and fit the design style impeccably.