A Moody, Modern Lakeside Retreat in Nashville
Modernity meets serenity in this stunning Nashville-area lake house, where statement lighting and a moody color palette redefine lake living. Take a look inside! Image: Allison Elefante
On the outskirts of Nashville, on the peaceful shores of Old Hickory Lake, sits a 6,005-square-foot home that redefines what “lakeside living” looks like. With its moody palette, sculptural lighting, and sophisticated edge, the newly renovated space is proof that dark and dramatic can still feel calm and inviting. And just wait until you see all of the incredible light fixtures!
Completed in the fall of 2024, after nearly two years of design and renovation, this stunning project came to life under the direction of Sara Ray Interior Design, renowned for blending timeless comfort with modern character.
Initially constructed in the ’90s, the lakefront property had good bones but no longer fit the owners’ aesthetic. “Built in 1996 as a custom lakefront home, the property featured several upgrades by the original owner,” says Principal Designer Sara Ray. “However, by the time our clients moved in several years ago, the space felt dated and didn’t align with their aesthetic preferences or lifestyle needs.”
As touring rock and metal musicians, the couple wanted their home to mirror who they are — unapologetically creative and bold. “Their vision was clear,” says Sara. “They wanted spaces that felt dark and moody, yet refined … not theatrical.”
“The floor plan incorporates space for their baby grand piano within the main living area, providing an inspiring setting for songwriting and collaboration,” Sara adds. “A dedicated listening nook within the living area was designed for enjoying music while taking in serene lake views.”
Those views take center stage throughout the home. “Many of the main living areas, including the primary bedroom, were intentionally designed to take full advantage of the expansive lake views,” says Sara. “The living room and music lounge flow seamlessly into the breakfast room and kitchen, creating an open, connected layout that’s ideal for entertaining.”
Sara’s signature design approach is evident in this home — a combination of modernity with warmth. “My personal design aesthetic blends a love for clean lines with a thoughtful mix of old and new,” she explains. “We collaborate closely with our clients to ensure their homes reflect their unique style: elevated, authentic, and truly personal.”
Here, that philosophy translated to a dramatic black-and-white palette layered with texture, lighting, and art.
“We incorporated their personal collection of art and meaningful objects gathered from years of touring and travel,” Sara says. “A strong black-and-white palette set the tone, with deep black finishes and furnishings, with bold pops of color, creating dramatic contrast against crisp white walls and trim. The result is a space that feels personal, artistic, and unapologetically them.”
Lighting plays a compelling role throughout the property. “The home features dramatic lighting throughout, including metal chain sconces in the dining room, large brass globe pendants in the kitchen, and a crystal prism flush mount fixture in the entryway — each piece adding depth and character to the spaces,” Sara says. That attention to lighting transforms each room into its own unique experience, from the shimmer of the entryway to the warm glow over the kitchen island.
The design also incorporates unexpected, tactile finishes that add personality and texture. “Large-format black and white veined tile in the primary bathroom introduces bold visual contrast and texture, creating interest without overwhelming the design,” Sara says. “The powder room showcases a distinctive black and white wallcovering with snake and squirrel motifs, lending a dark, captivating atmosphere that reflects the clients’ personality.”
Art anchors the interiors as much as lighting does, and nowhere is that clearer than in the primary bedroom. “Nashville-based artist Ryan Rado’s large oil painting was the perfect centerpiece for the primary bedroom,” Sara says.
She adds, “I was searching for a piece that captured a specific mood — something that resonated with the homeowners’ personal style, while also hoping to highlight the work of a local artist. His work fit the space and the vibe perfectly, and our clients enjoyed connecting with him and learning about his inspiration for the work.”
Other highlights include a custom brass-and-glass bar off the dining room, a tranquil “Lake Room” designed for writing and reflection, and sculptural bedside lamps that turn the bedroom into a gallery-worthy retreat. Each room offers a different layer of the homeowners’ story.
In the end, the moody palette, bold lighting, and highly personalized details came together in perfect harmony — a reflection of both the designer and clients. “This project was truly one-of-a-kind in terms of style,” says Sara. “We enjoy bringing unique concepts to life that really capture a homeowner’s personality, and our clients were thrilled with the final result, feeling completely at home in their newly designed space!”
**********
For more interior design inspiration, check out our archive of home features!
Jenna von Oy Bratcher
Jenna von Oy Bratcher is StyleBlueprint's Associate Editor and Lead Nashville Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville almost two decades years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.