Photography by Paige Rumore
Almost every client I have worked with wants their home to feel inviting. I'd say it is a consistent theme and a defining element of southern style and design. From there, we might be designing a modern farmhouse, a classic Georgian, or a modern Tudor based on the preferences of the homeowner. But entertaining and creating a welcoming and comfortable space seems to be a
universal desire.
Of course, I always love a good backsplash in a kitchen or an accent wall in a powder room. Tile is like wallpaper; it adds character and interest to a space through texture, pattern, or color. But I am also a sucker for large format tiles on floors and walls. If I can avoid the standard 12x2 tile, I will in a heartbeat in lieu of a 24x48 or larger tile!
Specifically, when using porcelain and not real stone, if I find a good basic tile that really mimics the look of stone or marble in a subtle, understated way, I will probably use that tile over and over and not feel bad about it. There are a lot of faux marble looks that I do not care for or that are very obviously faux looking in my assessment. I will usually steer clear of those. If I want an eye-catching veining in a tile, I will push to use something Mother Earth made. There is no replicating nature's artistry!
The easy answer is to encourage you to hit up Broadway and check out the honky tonks and live music venues. But you will be in a sea of fellow visitors and less likely to meet many true Nashvillians. Honestly, I avoid downtown unless it's for the symphony or sporting event. If I were going to do 24 hours in Nashville, I would do breakfast, lunch, and dinner at some of the amazing culinary gems throughout the city, I would tour the Parthenon, grab a selfie in the bathrooms at the Hermitage Hotel (now that is some wild tile work), sip a cocktail at the rooftop bar with a view of the river, and if you still want to catch some music, come into Green Hills and book a table at the Bluebird Cafe. It's right across the street from my office and has so much history, and it's a much more intimate experience with the performing artists and songwriters.
Photos courtesy of Nashville Convention & Visitors Corp. and the Bluebird Cafe
Nashville's Bluebird Cafe is one of the world's preeminent listening rooms that over the past 39 years, has gained worldwide recognition as a songwriter's venue where the "heroes behind the hits" share their stories and perform their original songs. Artists such as Kathy Mattea, Garth Brooks, Faith Hill and Taylor Swift have had career defining moments at the club along with countless hit songwriters whose music is represented on a wide-range of charts.
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