European-Inspired Elegance

Feature Home

By Ali Lemmons / Photography by Bekah Berry/Creative Revolver

 

Clean lines, refined detailing, and timeless proportions define this modern, European-inspired home by Project Eighty-Eight Designs. From the striking exterior to the resort-style backyard, every detail was carefully considered to balance sophistication with livability.

“One of the primary goals for this project was to create a home that feels like a true retreat – warm, welcoming, and thoughtfully designed for gathering with friends and family,” shares Laura Sewell, founder and principal designer. “It was important that the space support both everyday living and entertaining while maintaining a sense of comfort and ease.”

Crisp white brick, natural stone accents, and steep gabled rooflines lend a sense of old-world charm, while expansive windows and open gathering spaces bring a fresh, contemporary feel. Outside, a spacious covered patio, masonry fireplace, and a serene pool create an inviting extension of the home, offering the perfect setting for relaxing afternoons and evenings spent entertaining guests.

 

Architecture and interior design: Project Eighty-Eight Designs

Builder: RiverBirch Homes of Chattanooga

Pool: Mike Finley, Aquarium Pools of Chattanooga, Inc.

A beautiful exterior of a European inspired home

 

Exterior of home with pool

 

Entryway with bright windows and stairs

 

Blue built-in bookshelves with sitting chairs and a side table

 

 

A Cohesive Palette

An entryway rooted in natural tones creates a crisp, welcoming atmosphere that carries throughout the home. White and soft tans establish a sense of warmth in the interior, while subtle blue and green accents complement the home’s surrounding landscape.

“The palette was intentionally chosen to create a seamless dialogue between the interior and exterior, allowing the home to feel grounded in its environment all while maintaining a timeless, elevated aesthetic,” adds Sewell.

In the nearby study, a rich navy coats the walls, ceiling, and custom built-ins, adding a subtle yet cohesive contrast to the main color scheme.

“The more private spaces allowed for a bit more mood and personality,” adds Sewell. “Deeper tones paired with a vibrant color, intentional trim work, and layered textures create a retreat-like atmosphere – comfortable, personal, and slightly more expressive while still aligned with the overall palette.”

 

To see more from Project Eighty-Eight Designs,
visit projecteightyeightdesigns.com.

 

Interior doors and trim: Interior Trim & Supply, Inc.
Ironwork: Beaty Fabricating, Inc.

 

 

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Living room with beautiful natural stone fireplace

 

Stone: Real Stone Veneers of Tennessee

 

A natural stone fireplace immediately draws the eye in the main living area, complemented by warm wood tones and soft, layered textures. Custom built-ins offer plenty of space for storage and displaying décor, while an intimate seating area with soft blue velvet chairs encourages guests to gather and stay awhile.

“In the main living areas, the architecture and interiors speak to one another. Thoughtful millwork, balanced proportions, cohesive colors, and subtle transitions in materials create depth without overwhelming the space. These areas were designed to feel calm and lived-in, while still carrying a sense of quiet luxury,” adds Sewell.

 

 

Kitchen with natural white oak cabinetry and blue center island

 

Blue Kitchen cabinets

 

Tile: The Tile Store

 

“The kitchen stands out as a centerpiece. It’s both highly functional and visually grounded, with layered materials that bring warmth and contrast – natural wood tones, soft neutrals, and refined stone selections all working together. It was important that this space felt elevated but still inviting, as it naturally becomes a gathering point for family and friends.”
– Laura Sewell, Project Eighty-Eight Designs

 

Natural white oak cabinetry, paired with one-of-a-kind White Rhino marble countertops, establishes a warm, organic kitchen. An oversized plaster range hood and wood-paneled ceiling further complement the natural tones of the kitchen, adding sculptural and textural details to the space.

Toward the edge of the kitchen, the cabinetry shifts to a deep navy, complete with soapstone-inspired leathered granite for a more durable prep area. Gleaming brass hardware and cabinet pulls, geometric pendant lights, and woven-back barstools tie the two-toned design together, while an expansive island, a wet bar, and a wall-mounted pot filler add modern conveniences for cooking and hosting.

 

 

Dining room with beautiful chandelier

 

 

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Primary bedroom with floor to ceiling windows and drapery

 

Primary bedroom

 

 

A soft blue shade envelops the primary suite, creating a serene, restful retreat. Neutral furnishings with subtle blue and green accents in the bedding and décor add layers of color and texture. Transom windows and French doors allow for stunning views of the water, while tan patterned drapery offers privacy when needed.

 

 

En suite bathroom with walk in shower and subway tile

 

Walk in shower

 

In the en suite, a walk-in shower stuns with blue vertical subway tile, and a freestanding soaker tub placed beneath a bubble chandelier evokes the feelings of a spa day. Warm wood cabinets with brass pulls and faucets draw in warmth to the space, perfectly complementing the marble countertops.

 

 

Light blue Bunk beds in kids room

 

 

Built with family in mind, the guest room houses three sets of custom, built-in bunk beds in a light blue shade, offering plenty of room for grandchildren to spend the night. Matching baseboards, trim, and bookshelves add playful color and character to the space, while thoughtful details ensure both comfort and functionality for visiting family members.

“Beyond function, the home was envisioned as a personal reflection of the family,” finishes Sewell. “A place that tells their story and represents where they’ve chosen to put down roots. Every design decision was grounded in understanding their needs, wants, and long-term vision, allowing us to translate those ideas into a home that feels both deeply personal and enduring.”

 

 

Other suppliers:

Appliances and plumbing fixtures: Ferguson
Boat dock: Todd Long
Brick: General Shale
Cabinetry: Geren Custom Furniture & Cabinetry
Closets: Geren Custom Furniture & Cabinetry; Joe Gosselin
Countertops: Kitchen & Bath Center LLC
Custom installs: Wickham Walls
Drapery and window treatments: Graber Design Studio
Exterior doors: Window & Door Gallery
Fireplace and outdoor kitchen: Hearthside Hearth & Home
Florals: Summerfield Studio Floral Design
Hardscaping: SCP Distributors
Landscaping: Rebecca Scoggins
Tile: Louisville Tile
Windows: Window & Door Gallery

 

 

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