“It’s a cool house; I’d live there,” Seth Argo President and CEO of Focus Builders tells us of this Forest Hills home. To put it simply, we agree. The cool house in question is a contemporary design that is European in vernacular. The steeply pitched roof provides a clean, modern look that attracted a small family relocating from California. “The home lent itself to have a stately presence,” Seth says. Set on a hill in this well-known Nashville neighborhood, the house stretches across the long lot. The beautiful façade, with dramatic angles, copper finishings and a crisp coat of paint, catches the eye of everyone who passes the home. The thoughtful architecture is translated inside the home, lending itself to a light, airy atmosphere. Light-filled rooms, an open floor plan and a clean color palette supply a sense of serenity and sophistication.
Curvilinear forms add interest and curb appeal to the home.
Clean, striking lines make this home a sight to see.
Thoughtful design details elevate the architectural interest of the home.
The five-bedroom, five-and-a-half-bathroom home is a new construction by Focus Builders, an award-winning Nashville-based custom homebuilder, with interior design by Katy Bell Interiors. Purchased only two months before completion, the design was edited to fit the family’s needs. “The floor plan and the location first attracted us,” the homeowner explains. A grandiose entryway leads to a large foyer that spans the length of the 6,229-square-foot house. From the foyer, you will find a sunken living area, with aged cedar beams. The aged wood brings character and warmth to the new, open space. “We wrapped the beams in the living room and added old doors to the laundry room entrance,” the homeowner tells us of adding texture and depth to the design. The living room is well-lit, thanks to glass-paned doors that open onto a screened-in porch. Outdoor living space carries from the porch to a patio, complete with an outdoor kitchen and outdoor fireplace. The same attention to detail devoted to the indoor living areas was also devoted to the outdoor living areas.
“That is what really makes a house a home — when the homeowners have a chance to make it their own,” Seth says.
Wooden beams bring warmth into the living area. Plus, they are a conversation starter!
Framing the fireplace, built-in shelving holds everything from firewood to art.
Outside, additional living space is stylish and well-used.
A screened-in porch leads to the home’s backyard.
“We kept the kitchen simple and functional,” Seth shares. Thanks to clean lines, contrasting grays and whites and fine finishes, the kitchen is, in our opinion, the most striking space in the home. Although outfitted with all-white cabinetry and countertops, the kitchen does not lack personality. Gray leather stools are a stark contrast to the all-white design. The stools, in conjunction with subtle shades of gray found in the backsplash and art hung above the stove, tie the space together.
The homeowners customized the kitchen to fit their needs. “We added an oven and stove, plus some cabinetry in the kitchen for a microwave and built-in coffee maker,” she explains. More functional space is found in the butler’s pantry, which leads to a laundry room that can easily be hidden behind sliding doors. The laundry room, with a playful pattern on the tile floors, painted cabinetry and large windows that let in light, is as stylish as it is practical.
Contemporary, yet classic, this is the kitchen of our dreams.
Although the kitchen follows an all-white design, it is not lacking in personality.
Leading to the laundry room, a butler’s pantry offers additional storage.
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This isn’t your average laundry room!
Large windows, custom woodwork on the ceiling and an eye-catching chandelier all contribute to the splendor of the dining space.
While the center and right portions of the main floor are dedicated to public living spaces, homeowners find privacy in the main-floor master suite. Nearly as notable as the light-filled bedroom is the master bathroom. Designed for solitude, the master suite features a sitting area, floor to ceiling windows, his-and-hers walk-in closets and a stylish bathroom. In the bathroom, the floors and walls are marble-clad, giving a crisp look. The design is boosted by a Kelly green vanity and striking chandelier, which hangs above the free-standing tub. These design details bring femininity to the room, without overwhelming it.
Tucked away in the first-floor hallway, this reading nook overlooks the front porch.
The large, light-filled master bedroom offers an escape for the homeowners.
A small sitting area completes the bedroom.
This vanity is the only argument we need for adding color to an otherwise all-white space!
This is the picture of relaxation.
While the master suite is a retreat for the homeowners, the second floor is dedicated to their children, where playful wallpapers push traditional design boundaries. In addition to four bedrooms, you will find an upstairs laundry room and plenty of space to play. In the hallway and media room, a grasscloth wallpaper provides texture and warmth, and in one of the bedrooms, wallpaper with birds and clouds is ethereal, yet youthful.
It should come as no surprise that the playroom is one of the most popular spots in the home. “We added a window seat, desks and cabinetry in the playroom,” the homeowner shares. While the homeowners set the direction, Seth and his team made the vision a reality. In the playroom, and across the second floor, you will find more color and imaginative design details, but style is not sacrificed. The sophistication and balanced approach to design that directed the first floor can still be found.
Grasscloth wallpaper runs through the gallery hallway and the upstairs media room.
Playful pieces, like this artwork, are found throughout the second floor.
A reading nook with custom, built-in shelving is a favorite spot (for kids and parents) in the playroom.
This space is enjoyed by the whole family.
This is the perfect place for the kids to finish their homework.
The upstairs bedrooms are packed with personality.
The homeowners remind us not to be afraid to have a little fun when designing spaces for the kids.
Wouldn’t you love to live in this home? We would!
All images were taken by the talented Paige Rumore Photography.
Build and architectural design by Focus Builders | Interiors by Katy Bell Interiors
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