A Whimsical Work of Art

Upon stepping into the home, visitors find themselves in the middle of an energetic foyer beaming with character. To the left is a formal sitting room, while the space to the right serves as the primary dining area. Here, just like with the remainder of the home, traditional pieces appear in tandem with more contemporary selections for a unique look that transports guests through time.

A stately crystal cabinet bookended by antique wall fixtures works with the wooden dining table to deliver one aesthetic while a series of black framed artwork and a sleek, flush mounted chandelier flip the script. The entire room is swathed in glossy Mount Etna lacquer which gives the room a rich and intimate atmosphere.

Back on the other side of the foyer is formal living space. Grounding the room is a grand player piano, and a similar musical motif can be found in the vibrant artwork hanging behind the room’s blue velvet sofa. A pair of chocolate brown armchairs offer yet another seating option, and their peacock throw pillows pull in the olive green hue from the euro-pleated drapery just behind.

“When we throw parties or host events, the entire first floor gets used, and people really enjoy this space,” says Vaughn. “We also have coffee in this room each morning. It’s a great place to slow down and unwind.”

Adjacent to the formal living space is the Eden Hollow family room. “This is probably my favorite room in the entire house because it’s the most personal,” says Vaughn. “It’s really the only room where we have any personal photos, and everything on the bookshelves tells a story.”

The Sailor’s Coat fireplace features a brick surround which harkens back to the home’s exterior, while the built-ins exude an almost museum-like aura.
A nearby bay window lets in plenty of light, and the casement feature means the room can also be flooded with fresh air when needed. In addition to the layered tokens of a life well lived, this room also expertly combines materials and textures. From the leather studded wingback chairs to the velvet chaise and glass top coffee table, this room is as thoughtful as it is unique.

Special in its own right is the home’s kitchen which rightfully serves as a gathering place for friends and family. Golden Splendor granite dominates the room with its high contrast pairing of onyx and white and smoky quartz. More subtle is the high gloss backsplash and white shaker cabinetry which sports honey bronze hardware.

“One of my favorite traditions we have in our home is our annual friendsgiving,” explains Vaughn. “We usually have about six couples, and we’ll all contribute to the meal. We spend a lot of time here and in the other common rooms just enjoying each other’s company. We have dinner and go see the Rock City lights together.”

Also on the main floor is a delightful guest room. A floor-to-ceiling padded headboard serves as the backdrop in which other fun pieces appear. Yellows and blues emerge from various textiles throughout the space, and a baroque pendant light and set of iron equestrian tabletop lamps add in a distressed element.

In contrast to the guest room is the master bath which trades the colorful and airy aesthetic for one more glamorous and bold. Black walls are paired with marble floors and wooded wallpaper, while an image of the queen hangs above the tub. Chrome plumbing fixtures add continuity with a heated towel warmer, and a tiered crystal chandelier augments a feeling of luxury.

Kevin Vaughn

“What I love about this home is that every room has something special in it,” says Vaughn. “Each space has its own distinct character that we’ve worked really hard to create.”