A Modern Bohemian Farmhouse

The front of the home features a very traditional farmhouse style with white siding, bold black shutters, peaked gables on the second story, and a wooden wraparound porch with columns. The front door and other accents add in pops of pale blue – a retro color that hints at the home’s interiors.

Tucked neatly into the front of a neighborhood, the home’s location was ideal for Brooke. “I like the security of living in a neighborhood, but I also like the privacy we have in this lot. After I came out and walked it a few times, I knew it felt right. No one can build on one side, and it’s still just a short drive to work and into town.”

As you enter the front door, the atmosphere is cheerful and welcoming. Subdued neutrals set the backdrop for a riot of bohemian flair. Plush velvet sofas in a mustard yellow anchor the colorful collection of whimsical pieces. They also contrast nicely with the retro shades of blue in this open living space. “I really like color, but I like to bring it in through my furniture and décor,” Brooke says. The sofas are also a favorite of Stanley’s, Brooke’s one-year-old mini labradoodle. “Oh yeah, he loves the sofas and the rug, because it’s very cushioned,” she shares.

The custom fireplace surround was designed by Brooke to be streamlined and simplistic. The sleek marble surround keeps the look light, while the shelves are beautifully curated with some of Brooke’s favorite belongings. House plants and her burgeoning vinyl record collection populate the shelves with color and character. In the corner by the front door is a nostalgic record player. “I only started to get into vinyl about three years ago, but I love it. You can really feel the music,” Brooke says.

Her plants are spread beyond the fireplace unit too. They hold their own special places throughout the house on unique plant stands. “I tend to collect things that I like, and I have a lot of plant stands. They’re so useful!” Brooke says.

In the open living space, tucked beside the staircase, is the dining nook. It is accentuated by a custom paneled wall and shelving designed to display whimsical artwork. The dining table is one of Brooke’s favorite pieces. “I have had that for a long time, and I just love it. It’s very rustic and heavy. The more wear I put on it, the better it looks. I love that table.” With berry-toned velvet parsons chairs on either end and a matching bench out front, the table serves as a seasonal display piece as well as the perfect place to host “Friendsgiving.”

“I am really looking forward to having several friends over for ‘Friendsgiving’ this year. They’re coming from Nashville, Knoxville, and Atlanta, so Chattanooga is a perfect middle point for everyone,” Brooke shares.

Luckily for Brooke and her friends, the kitchen in this home is a U-shaped masterpiece with ample work surfaces and storage, so Thanksgiving preparations should be a breeze. Also open to the living and dining room, the kitchen highlights Brooke’s affinity for retro kitchenware. Smeg appliances in quaint colors like turquoise and pink play off the crisp white backdrop. Marble countertops with soft gray veining break up the white modern shaker-style cabinetry and the white stamped ceramic-tile backsplash. “They talked me into continuing the tile all the way up the wall, and I’m so glad they did. I think it looks great and makes a huge difference with the open shelving by the sink,” Brooke explains. The farmhouse sink is an element that Brooke says she has wanted nearly all her life, so when she built this home, she finally was able to incorporate one. Corner cabinets concealing large lazy Susans and an industrial refrigerator round out this room’s impressive amenities.

Down the hallway from the kitchen is the master suite. The master bedroom features soothing neutral tones and soft, inviting textiles. A faded rose-tone velvet settee at the foot of the bed is covered in cozy pillows and blankets, while the upholstered bed is veiled in warm taupe shades and a plush duvet. “The bedroom is probably closest in style to the architectural style of the home,” Brooke explains. “It’s very soothing and simple and fits in with the farmhouse essence.” While the soft, monochromatic palette of the room is in keeping with the farmhouse feel of the home, small details, like the fringe and tassels on the blankets and the eclectic gathering of accessories, remain true to Brooke’s bohemian influences.

Behind the sliding barn door is the master bathroom. Marble countertops and ceramic tiling maintain a continuity with the rest of the home.  Soft gray tones mix with warmer neutrals and a few white accents to blend seamlessly with the home’s colors. A walk-in shower adds a luxurious element to the space.

Upstairs are two mirror-image guest suites. Both are decorated in cheerful, unique styles and warm colors. To the front of the house, this guest room features a queen bed and some mid-century modern pieces like the end tables, table lamp, settee, and writer’s desk. Both guest suites also feature two inviting window seats on either side of the bed. “I think those are very Southern farmhouse,” Brooke says.

In between the guest suites is a bathroom in quintessential modern farmhouse style. A free-standing soaking bathtub and patterned tile flooring evoke a more old-world aesthetic. Meanwhile, the gray vanity and marble countertop maintain consistency in materials used throughout the house.

The screened-in back porch offers a more private retreat for Brooke and Stanley, with black and white furnishings and a wooded view. Brooke also spends a lot of time on the front porch. “I just really like to sit in the swing and watch the neighborhood activity,” she says.

After putting her unique touch into every nook and corner of this house, she and Stanley have a happy, warm, and welcoming place to call home.