By Christina Davenport
Photo by Ali Atchley/Creative Revolver
Although Jamie and Jason Rehm loved their historic home on Signal Mountain, after their two boys moved out of the house, they found themselves looking to not only downsize but also to be closer to downtown.
“We wanted to be closer to our work, and we also wanted to be able to more easily experience downtown life without actually living downtown,” says Jamie. And so the hunt began to find the perfect property – one that offered convenience while catering to the relaxed lifestyle that the Rehms so adore. Ever the entertaining duo, the Rehms stumbled across a home that had exactly what they were looking for and a stunning view.
“The view is really what got us. It’s amazing,” adds Jamie. “We also came from an older home where everything was kind of choppy and segmented, so it’s been great to finally have a more open-concept space. We can be in our kitchen, on the back porch, eating dinner at the dining table, or relaxing in the living room and never lose sight of the view.”
As guests approach the Rehm home, they are greeted with a beautiful white brick façade. A stacked stone element on the right side of the home subtly works to add texture, and a detail that appears below several of the gables contributes even more visual interest to the home’s exterior. A vibrant royal blue front door beckons visitors inside, and its arched top is a charming touch.
Once inside, the Rehms’ eclectic style immediately comes to the forefront. “We sort of like to have surprise elements throughout our home,” Jamie explains. “There’s just something we really enjoy about mixing modern elements with more traditional pieces.”
In the living room, this looks a lot like pairing a neutral-toned, transitional sectional with an ornate sideboard that serves as a TV stand. This space is rounded out with several accent chairs, wooden side tables, and an upholstered ottoman.
While the blue accent chairs have a bit more staying power, the other instances of color in this room emerge through textiles such as curtains and throw pillows, which allows Jamie to change them out as she sees fit.
“We appreciate and enjoy art, so we wanted to make sure we kept the rooms, especially the walls, pretty monochromatic,” states Jamie. “We have a few exceptions, but for the most part, we really wanted to make sure the art popped against the wall and could speak for itself.”
Perhaps nowhere is Jamie’s personal style more apparent than in the shared kitchen and dining area. Several colorful pieces of artwork draw your eye throughout the space, while the rest of the elements lay the foundation with their white, cream, or gray paint.
Chrome barstools with clear seats and white minimalist dining chairs offer a modern aesthetic. These elements are paired with a traditional coffee bar and more detailed, furniture-style cabinetry for a fun and playful juxtaposition. Recessed lighting works with several pendants and plenty of natural light to keep the space airy and bright.
“This space has been great for entertaining,” says Jamie. “We undoubtedly always start in the kitchen and then drift to our dining table and even outside. The whole space just flows well and everyone still feels really connected.”
Another room primed for connection is a quaint sitting area just off the foyer. With no electronics to be found, this space focuses on conversation and quality time with friends and family or rest and relaxation when enjoyed alone. The near-black walls contribute to the room’s intimate atmosphere, and the vignette is comprised of a sofa and a pair of wingback armchairs. Again, several old-world pieces appear in tandem with a floral rug and Sputnik-style light fixture for the unique blend of styles that is a hallmark of the Rehm home.
Also on the main floor is the master suite. Here, a shag rug and feathered piece of wall art set the scene and soften the room. An upholstered headboard and suite of decorative pillows double down on the gentle aesthetic. The room is cloaked in neutral tones with the exception of a blue bed skirt and a set of spunky bird tabletop lamps.
Steps away in the en-suite, several shades of blue continue to emerge. The majority of the room is painted a pale blue that mimics the color found in the trio of paintings along the far wall. A footless freestanding tub is tucked into an alcove painted a rich chocolate brown, and his-and-hers vanities are placed on opposite walls allowing plenty of space to move about freely.
While the Rehms enjoy the entirety of their home, perhaps the most beloved space is their backyard. With a screened-in porch, open deck, and small turf area, this space is enjoyed nearly year-round. Several fire tables make it easy to stay warm on those cooler evenings, and umbrellas help beat the heat during Tennessee summers.
“We get a lot of use out of this space. When the weather is nice and we have people over, someone is almost always out here, but we also enjoy spending time out here ourselves. It’s really nice after a long day to sit by the fire, have a glass of wine, and enjoy the sunset,” says Jamie.
“Our home isn’t huge, but it functions for the way we live. We’re casual people, and I think we’ve created a space that’s comfortable for us and our guests and is filled with things we love.”
