By Alexandra Hruz
Photography by Med Dement
The beauty of nature was the inspiration for this home perched on the edge of the Tennessee River. Feelings of comfort and serenity make the riverside retreat an oasis for both relaxing and entertaining.
Contractor: Hagaman Construction Company
Architect: JCC Design Studio
Interior design: Adele James Glascock, Adele James Interiors
In the heart of North Chattanooga, charmingly beautiful homes line nearly every street, and this dynamic riverfront residence is no exception. The home seamlessly blends European flair with country charm, resulting in a unique space inside and out.
“The plans evolved from an initial concept inspired by a Belgian-style cottage,” architect Josh Cooper explains. “A sketch of an exterior view became the catalyst for the design of the entire home.”
The exterior of neutral-colored stone with Siberian larch wood accents, along with the pine shake roof, creates a nature-inspired look. From the front door on, it’s evident that great detail was taken to create an amazing home atmosphere. Horizontal tongue and groove boards, painted in a neutral off-white shade, line the walls. Natural light floods each space, creating a cheery vibe.
Through rounded arches to the right of the entrance is the dining space, with large windows looking out to the river. Vertical tongue and groove boards add height to the room, and a textured wall covering fills the space between the wood boards and reclaimed beam ceilings. A mixture of new and vintage décor completes the look, with high-back fabric chairs surrounding a rectangular table and patterned draperies flanking the windows. In this space, and throughout the home, natural colors, fabrics, and accessories come together to create a cohesive design.
“The river setting guided my design approach with a rustic, elegant palette,” interior designer Adele Glascock says. “I used reclaimed materials, vintage pieces, and antiques whenever possible to create comfort and character.”
Down the hallway, the home opens into the kitchen and living area. In the living area, an Isokern fireplace bisects the wall. Double doors flank each side of the fireplace, allowing plenty of natural light to magnify the beauty of this room’s design. Vaulted pine ceilings with stained pine beams highlight the unique architecture of the home. Various types of seating including a sofa, a plush armchair, ottomans, and a matching pair of sitting chairs create a cozy space. A two-tiered iron chandelier casts a warm glow.
From the living area, the two sets of double doors lead to a porch. A magnificent view of the river makes it a great place to entertain guests, while comfortable seating allows for hours of talking and entertaining. Cedar shutters can be raised and lowered to allow for shade and privacy.
“The driving concept for the porch was to provide a sense of privacy while still offering unlimited views out to the river and landscape beyond,” Cooper says. “It’s a dynamic, yet peaceful outdoor living area. The combination of the morning sun reflecting off the water onto the ceiling and the play of the shade and shadow create a wonderfully animated space.”
Back inside, triple arches lead into the gourmet kitchen. The color scheme is reflective of the nearby river. Dark soapstone counters and muted teal-painted custom cabinetry accent the back wall, and a large hood, buffed to look like zinc, is a showpiece in the space. A brick backsplash adds a hint of Old World character. A large island has a graceful curve that mimics the architectural arches, and it is split between a concrete counter and a heart pine bar table. High-grade appliances add to the gourmet kitchen.
Through a small butler’s pantry from the kitchen is a breakfast nook. Windows wrap around the space, bringing a warm and inviting feel from the outside. A banquette fits perfectly beneath the windows, and bursts of coral give the space added panache.
The master suite is cozy and perfectly proportioned. Earthy shades of grays, browns, and greens accent the room through the linens, décor, and color palette. The walls are painted a darker shade than the main house, adding warmth and intimacy. Lamps made from selenite bring an extra hint of nature to bedside tables, while sheer window treatments enhance the room with softness. A door leads out to a backyard, further integrating the outside into the indoors.
“The owner wanted the master bedroom to feel cozy, unlike so many other overscaled modern bedrooms,” Glascock says. “I used gauzy, sheer linen panels on the windows and a dreamy landscape oil painting above the bed to soften the room.”
From the pine shake roof and perfectly appointed rooms to the graceful interior arches, this home features unique details and encapsulates a feeling of natural comfort. For magnificent homes like this to come to fruition, it takes more than one might imagine. Builder Ben Hagaman sums it up simply: “It’s all about picking the right team. We had a very hard-working team, and this home is the result of everyone’s dedication and attention to detail.”
Home suppliers:
Appliances: Ferguson
Backsplash brick and tile work:
The Tile Store
Cabinetry: Scarlett’s Custom Cabinetry
Concrete counters: Set in Stone
Concrete: Aubrey Black Construction
Craftsman: Sammy DeRusha
Exterior: Coffey Construction Co.
Fireplace stonework, masonry:
Jennings Blevins
Heat and air: Reliable HVAC
Iron: Black Sheep Forge
Landscaping: Fischer Landscapes
Lighting fixtures: Ferguson,
Adele James Interiors
Roof: In His Hands Construction
Siberian larch provider:
Stein Wood Products
Soapstone counters and tile supplier:
Stone Source
Tongue and groove, crown molding, trim: Interior Trim and Supply
Windows: East Chattanooga Lumber
