A Colonial Cottage

Builder: Ryan Dillard, Dillard Construction

Interior designer: Tamara Dillard, Sophie’s Shoppe

Ryan Dillard of Dillard Construction stepped out of his everyday role in commercial construction to undertake this project in residential craftsmanship. His take on a colonial home flawlessly fuses traditional elements with a collected interior design style, curated by Tamara Dillard of Sophie’s Shoppe. Nestled in a well-established neighborhood, this newly built home blends in seamlessly, thanks to old-world curb appeal from gas lanterns, half-round copper guttering, a wood shake roof, classic evergreen landscaping, and locally sourced stone.

By Katie Faulkner  |  Interior Photography by Philip Slowiak & Exterior Photography by Beacon Imagery

Simple Sophistication

In the dining room, darks and lights play off each other, creating a simple yet polished appearance. A pecky cypress ceiling keeps the overhead space light in tone but vibrant in texture. An unfinished wood and bronze chandelier hangs over the primitive, aged European dining room table. “That piece was something that worked great for a young family, because if the kids spill or make a mess, it only adds to the table’s aged patina,” Tamara says. The dark finish of the table is paired with light linen straight-back chairs and soaked in natural sunlight from the amply windowed wall. A large teak, glass-front hutch, refinished in a dark, weathered paint, displays unassuming tableware – clear glasses and wooden serving pieces. Minimal accents and intuitive styling define the effortless elegance of the room.

“I wanted this house to have a very lived-in feeling, with lots of collected elements. I looked for pieces that had a ‘found’ quality to them.”

– Tamara Dillard, Sophie’s Shoppe

(above) In the living room, mixed textiles and earth tone accents are pulled together by the focal points of roughly hewn vintage beams and the porous, custom-cast fireplace. “The fireplace is definitely a more contemporary piece, but I really wanted something with a lot of texture and clean lines,” Tamara says. Olive velvet draperies hang to the floor where a plumb Oriental rug sets off neutral, linen furnishings.

The entryway of the home is brightened by satin-finished white trim, and a polished, pastoral appearance from shiplap siding. “The shiplap was a perfect choice for this highly trafficked area to keep it durable while still looking beautiful,” Tamara explains.

Hardie board and trim: East Chattanooga Lumber & Supply Co.

Basket-woven brick flooring was repurposed from the original house on this site. It adds dimension and weight to the otherwise airy alcove. With floor-to-ceiling casement windows that open like doors and another pecky cypress ceiling, this space is a nature-infused retreat.

Dark and light alternating colors are continued in the kitchen, where white shiplap is anchored by dark limestone counters rolled up the wall for a stylish look that is low maintenance. Rubbed bronze lanterns light the large island which houses generous seating. Nearby, a show-front cabinet displays all white dishware. “We ended up doing away with the cabinetry on either side of the cooktop to have an open space and room for that wooden beam,” Tamara says, “Which allowed us to incorporate that great glass-front cabinet instead.” Stainless steel  Viking appliances are strategically placed to facilitate an unencumbered flow. And a vintage Persian rug adds a relaxed, homey touch to the stark color contrasts.

Appliances: Ferguson

Cabinetry: Ana Woodworks

Countertops: Stone Source Inc.   

Lighting: Sophie’s Shoppe

(above) In the family room, which opens to the balcony porch through amply windowed French doors, a collected and relaxed style allows more rustic, wooden materials to shine. The ceiling boasts the same naturally finished, roughly hewn pine beams as the formal living room. They are accentuated by numerous naturally finished wooden accents like the matching mirrors, antique coffee table, dough bowl, and sofa table.

Outside the French doors of the family room, the porch evokes an inviting and classic vibe in this gathering space. White columns, hardie board siding, and gas lanterns ground the area in a traditional elegance, while the comfortable furniture and simple, plank table and ceiling maintain an approachable feel.

The master bathroom blends the soft tones of sanctuary marble tiling and gray limestone floors with an all-white, vintage-inspired soaking tub. Provincial styling adds understated accents in the scalloped, wood-framed mirror and the weathered globe pendant light.

Bathtub, shower, and hardware: Ferguson

Rustic wooden beams, unfinished furniture, white shiplap, and the wooden candle chandelier add a touch of modern farmhouse flair.

In the master bedroom, plush white and gray bedding is partnered with light-colored linen fabrics found in the bedroom bench, upholstered headboard, desk chair, and overflowing draperies. Rustic wooden beams, unfinished furniture, white shiplap, and the wooden candle chandelier add a touch of modern farmhouse flair. “Again in this room, we wanted to keep it mostly white and just mix in a few different, but still light, colors,” Tamara says, “I wanted it to be tranquil and easy on the eyes.”

Beams: Scott Kelley, WLH, LLC

A “light basement” serves as a fully equipped apartment downstairs. “We switched it up a little from the main house. We played around with interesting pieces and a few more colors,” Tamara explains. A more modern and open floor plan is emphasized by nine-foot ceilings – accomplished with discreet soffits to encase duct work.

A 12-foot-long, vintage, repurposed bar pairs with woven-rattan chairs to create extra seating for entertaining. Custom-installed barn doors allow the craft room and guest bedroom to be separated or open to the rest of the basement.

The dining area downstairs blends styles with a farmhouse table, industrial metal chairs, and a modishly oversized lantern light fixture.

The guest bedroom retains a tranquil feeling with light-colored linen and just a touch of soft blue.

Other Suppliers:
Closets: Creekside Closets, LLC 
Landscaping: Fischer Landscaping 
Painter: Randy Wilson Painting  
Windows: Kolbe & Kolbe Windows & Doors