Located just outside the Memphis Metropolitan area, Collierville is one of those historic Tennessee towns that boasts a memorable Main Street and Southern charm in spades. The Downtown is on the National Register of Historic Places, and it’s the site of several Civil War battles that have contributed to Tennessee’s in-depth narrative. From farmers’ markets and art shows to May’s annual Symphony in the Rose Garden, Collierville’s suburban serenity is a draw for many. Such is the case for an interior designer and her family, who poured their hearts and talents into this beautiful four-bedroom, four-and-a-half-bathroom home. Follow along as the home’s owner and interior designer, Amy Mobley — who co-owns City Hill Design with sister Katie Norrid — walks us through the thoughtfully designed space.
This charming home is nestled in an 820-acre community surrounding the Jack Nicklaus Golf Course. The 4,221-square-foot residence was not only designed and drawn up by Amy, but her husband was the contractor. The husband-and-wife duo were inspired after a trip to the West Coast.
“After a trip to Napa, CA, I was drawn to the rustic modern design that exuded a warm and inviting feel,” Amy tells us. “I challenged myself to utilize only natural materials such as wood, limestone, soapstone, marble, and brass — all elements sourced from the earth and build character with age. When we build a new construction, we believe in a legacy build — a home that might not be constructed quickly, but a home that lasts due to the quality of finishes.”
When it comes to interiors, Amy is knowledgeable. So, it’s no surprise that her family home combines beautiful modern design with personal touches and practicality. The living room, for example, is a haven for cozy TV watching and holiday gatherings. “I wanted the main living area to have a cozy atmosphere, so I used painted beams to lower the ceiling and chose white Indiana limestone for the fireplace,” Amy tells us of the inviting living room space where she and her family spend so much time.
Amy’s love for cooking and entertaining inspired her to create a chef-worthy kitchen with a 48-inch range and strategically placed windows to maximize the lighting. “Every window was placed to bring in natural light and to admire the views. For example, I had a beautiful wooded space to the left of our property with a magnificent 100-year-old oak tree. We chose to capture that view from the kitchen rather than a bedroom so we could all enjoy it more,” says Amy.
“A large square island meant uninhibited cooking space — plenty of room for the kids to get more involved at meal times and plenty of space to make homemade pizzas,” she adds. “We opted for a large single dining space just off the kitchen with plenty of barstool seating around the kitchen island — no one feels left out of the conversation during a meal anymore!”
Of the space, Amy also says, “In the process of designing my kitchen, I decided to take a bold step by separating the built-in fridge and freezer. While it may not be the conventional approach, I thought about my cooking habits and decided to experiment with it. I’m pleased with how the kitchen flows now and wouldn’t hesitate to place both the fridge and freezer in the scullery.”
Every once in a while, fate intervenes in the home design process. Such was the case with Amy’s master bathroom. “About a year ago, I picked out a gorgeous marble slab at a stone yard for a client’s project, but they ended up going a different direction,” she says. “Unbeknownst to me, the stone yard forgot to remove the hold, and the slab was still sitting there in all her glory, waiting for me when I went to select my own tops. It was the happiest of accidents because I was in love from the beginning. I took advantage of the opportunity and used the slab to create my primary bathroom countertop.”
All images courtesy of Javen Photography.
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