A Memphis Home with “His-and-Hers” Design Elements
Located just outside of Memphis, the beauty of this home lies in the contrasts. The design blends West Coast influences with Southern charm, modern masculine elements with vibrant florals, and more.
Homes with a his-and-her theme give everyone space for creative expression. In this Germantown, TN, abode, you can see the homeowners’ distinct tastes shine through with a combination of traditionally feminine and masculine elements that blend beautifully into a cohesive final design.
Even with over 7,000 square feet of living space, Designer Christian Warren ensured a sense of cozy intimacy throughout the home. Take a tour of this stunning Memphis property — and be prepared for a few surprises (and plenty of florals!) along the way.
PinThe home’s entryway makes an immediate statement with bold floral wallpaper and artwork by Memphis artist Beth Edwards — a small taste of what’s to come. Image: Ross Group Creative
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Honoring Southern Roots
Nestled in a locale rich with Southern charm and European heritage, this Memphis suburb echoes its founders’ legacy, infusing the city and its residences with a unique allure. And since the homeowners of this Germantown home originated from Texas before moving to Tennessee, you might also spot a few nods to the Lone Star State.
Christian, a Los Angeles-based interior designer, took the reins when arranging this Germantown residence. While California design is a passion, Christian studied at the University of Memphis and has worked with professionals in the area. Her experience helped her outline the home’s design, drawing influence from around the South — but also from European design and, of course, from the homeowners themselves.
PinThe home’s design is a juxtaposition of traditional and modern elements, with clever and unexpected touches around every corner, like this mirror facing the stairwell. Image: Ross Creative GroupPinNotice the woodwork and sturdy grommets on the staircase. No detail is too small! Image: Ross Creative GroupPinIn this pass-through to the home’s kitchen, you’ll find more finely detailed woodwork. But don’t expect a similarly neutral palette as you continue through the home. You’re in for a few unexpected elements! Image: Ross Group Creative
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Combining Design Inspirations
While some rooms display an airy, neutral palette, Christian says the home pays homage to a traditional Southern aesthetic with its colorful and playful layers—something you may see less of on the West Coast. She also incorporated design from across the pond when determining what styles would best suit her clients.
“We tried to give it a little bit of an English vibe and create a history,” she says. “When you have a new build, it’s really hard to bring warmth and character to the house, so we really wanted to make sure that we were reverent to older canons of design and interior architecture.”
PinChristian’s vision for the home included beams in the ceiling and arched doorways to root it in history. The wallpaper in the dining room comes from Robert Kime. Image: Ross Group Creative
However, the biggest inspirations for this home were the clients themselves. The married couple had varying priorities around the residence, and it came together in a beautiful medley of ideas.
The pair requested generous use of color to represent the wife’s taste — this manifested in soft, relaxing blush pink hues in the master bedroom and bathroom and vibrant floral splashes throughout the rest of the home.
PinPink is a common theme throughout the house, demonstrating the client’s softer palette selections. Bed frame by Bunny Williams Home; bedding by Leontine with custom additions from Christian; drapes and lampshades by Kerry Joyce. Image: Ross Group CreativePinThe bedroom isn’t the only place you’ll find pink. Pink chairs and decor are sprinkled throughout the home. Image: Ross Group CreativePinFloral artwork and delicate light fixtures lend more subtly feminine touches to this bathroom. Image: Ross Group Creative
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While pink is prominent in some parts of the house, you also see the husband’s influence. For example, check out the home office for a glimpse of his sanctuary. “His office was big for him,” Christian says. “He really wanted it to be this refuge that was more indicative of his taste.”
PinThe home office’s aesthetic demonstrates contrasting styles. Walnut bookcase designed by Christian; desk by Eames; custom upholstery by Christian; drapes by Zak and Fox; rug by Stark. Image: Ross Group Creative
The home office includes inspiration from midcentury European design and German automaking. “He’s a Porsche enthusiast,” Christian says. “He has a really beautiful Porsche that he takes care of meticulously … He had the garage outfitted for the car.”
This corner of the house offers a tailored masculine aesthetic. “We tried to incorporate motifs that felt very in line with that style of design and decoration,” she says. “Then, there’s this pristinely restored chest in there that I think is grounding for the space.”
PinPorsche-inspired decor is a nod to the homeowner’s taste, while a pristinely restored antique Biedermeier chest of drawers from Germany offers a grounding element. Image: Ross Group Creative
The home bar is excellent for entertaining and includes exposed shelving, glassware, a TV, and, most notably, a leather—upholstered door. Seating can make or break a home bar, so plenty of cozy barstools are a must.
Establishing a theme is also essential for any home bar. Here, the moody color palette helps to set a more masculine scene.
PinHome bars are natural entertaining spaces. Fully stocked and lined with comfortable seating, this room is sure to get plenty of use. Image: Ross Group CreativePinMidcentury design and earthy elements are present in some of the home’s bathrooms as well. The wallpaper, by Papier Français, boasts a reconstructed print from 1799. Image: Ross Group Creative
The Heart of the Home
The kitchen is another space where the homeowners’ input shines. The architect initially called for a breakfast table in the kitchen, but more space was necessary. Instead, they increased the counter space and installed an island. The furniture-style island is great for entertaining guests and using the space to its fullest.
PinThe muted colors in the kitchen area foster a warm, calming atmosphere for entertaining. Image: Ross Group CreativePinThe kitchen also features a custom coffee nook! Image: Ross Group CreativePinKitchen islands make entertaining easy, an essential aspect for these homeowners. Image: Ross Group Creative
The home also boasts a formal dining room, with a distinctly different aesthetic from the kitchen area.
PinIn the dining room, you’ll find another stunning floral art piece by Beth Edwards, set against layered patterns. Image: Ross Group CreativePinTake note of the custom built-in storage and the matching lampshades and wallpaper! Image: Ross Group Creative
Crafting Custom-Made Pieces
While it’s not for everyone, achieving a specific look is easier when you’re able to incorporate custom-made pieces. Christian and her team increased efficiency by building the furniture pieces and shipping them from Los Angeles.
“My workroom made most of the furniture in Los Angeles,” she says. “That enabled us to be really specific about every dimension, every detail.”
PinThe living room pops with color, offering an inviting atmosphere. The large blue floral piece in this room is by Memphis artist Carlyle Wolfe Lee, while the other pieces are vintage. Image: Ross Group CreativePinFloral design is evident throughout the house, bringing a cheery ambiance to the living room. The textiles are from a variety of sources, including Christopher Farr Cloth, Fanny Shorter, and Clarence House. Image: Ross Group Creative
A Floral Finish
Florals were a major client request evident throughout the home. Aside from the entryway, living room, and master bedroom, you’ll notice florals play a major role in the fabulous laundry room design. Anything to make laundry more fun, right? And this home is definitely that — fun!
PinThe floral pattern seen throughout the laundry room is by Raoul Textiles in Santa Barbara, CA. Image: Ross Group CreativePinThe laundry room flows beautifully into the hallway with matching moody blue hues. Image: Ross Group Creative
Rose Morrison is the managing editor of Renovated, a home living site where she loves to give advice to help even the most novice DIY-ers make their home their haven. When she isn't writing, you'll find her baking something to satisfy her never-ending sweet tooth.
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