The Jaenicke Home
By Tory Irmeger / Photography by Jimie Luangrath/Creative Revolver
From mountaintop to waterfront, there is no shortage of variety in Chattanooga area homes. This diversity of architectural styles drew the eye of Monica and Ben Jaenicke during their house hunt, landing them in a coastal-inspired home on the river.
Brought to Chattanooga for work, the family move was a bit of a whirlwind. Monica recalls searching for a home that was move-in ready but not necessarily brand-new. “I wanted a house with some history,” she says. “This house was only built in 2006, but it lends itself to a lot of classic elements that I find very attractive in a home.”
The house features cedar shake siding in a dark stain, establishing its quintessential New England charm. This style befits the riverfront home, accompanied by cheery white trim, columns, and decorative mullion windows. After moving in, the family christened the house “Hawk’s Nest.” It’s easy to see how the house lives up to its name; guests only have to look out from the porch to spot the eagles, hawks, and other birds swooping low over the waters. The traditional charm of the house, alongside the surrounding natural beauty, made Hawk’s Nest a stunning new home for the Jaenicke family.
The inspired architecture of the home lends itself to traditional trimmings, although Monica brings a modern twist to the design. “We have small children, so I never wanted anything to feel stuffy or untouchable,” she says. “I have a sense of whimsy in my approach to decorating and styling the house, adding in little elements of surprise.”
The trick, Monica finds, is balancing the casual coastal vibe of the house with its formal features. One way to bridge the gap between breezy and elegant is through the use of color. “Being on the water, the house has this easy entertaining feel,” she says, “but it also has a more sophisticated element that the blue and white palette can create.” Inspired by chinoiserie, the living room features wallpaper, upholstery, and chinaware with organic motifs in blues and whites. The preexisting coffered ceiling adds depth to the space, while lighting fixtures and décor layer in gold accents throughout.
Passing through an archway with detailed millwork, guests enter the formal dining room. Here, traditional elements of the home shine. In lieu of hanging artwork, the walls themselves become the focal point with picture-frame molding inlaid with floral wallpaper. Interspersed are decorative mirrors, which help to amplify the space. Furnishings with rounded and ornate silhouettes complement the décor, creating a dynamic, Rococo-inspired atmosphere.
While Hawk’s Nest offers the characteristic elements of a historic home, it boasts the comforts of 21st-century amenities. This is evident in the bright and spacious kitchen, outfitted with high-end appliances and a central island. Overhead, double-tiered chandeliers illuminate the space, while bamboo barstools emphasize the room’s airy ambience. Glass-front cabinets repeat throughout, offering ample opportunity to display beautiful ceramics.
Stepping into the butler’s pantry reveals a unique feature in the home. The chinoiserie motif repeats on decorated walls – but they are painted, not wallpapered. Wispy bamboo stalks frame the doorway alongside pagoda-inspired lanterns and two birds hanging up a banner. “I met a local artist, Lydia Reynolds, who was available to paint custom murals,” Monica explains, pointing out an inscription under the initial “J” which marks the Jaenicke’s wedding anniversary. “The artist was so creative, painting in our family and house into the mural,” she adds.
In a nearby powder room, brilliantly painted walls once again are the star of the show. This playful space displays flower vases painted against a pink backdrop, with wall sconces bringing the garden to life. Here, Monica also incorporated wainscoting to emphasize the historic feel of the home.
In tandem with the name “Hawk’s Nest,” birds and organic shapes repeat throughout the house, tying together the indoor-outdoor ambience of the home. This appears in a small lounge area Monica dubs the “Birdcage.” The lounge is a casual, vibrant space with richly saturated colors and patterns throughout. Roman shades, colored glassware, and tasseled furniture give this room an unmistakable flair, making it the perfect place to unwind or gather with friends.
Meanwhile, the primary suite features more muted and calming colors to create a peaceful space. Lush fabrics add to this feeling of relaxation, including a stunning canopy with velvet trim above the bed. The room is flush with warm, natural light, and a walk-out porch offers tranquil river views.
Another favorite space in the home is the laundry room, which saw a heavy remodel during the moving process. Monica transformed the space into a beautiful and functional room that can accommodate the busy family. Featuring new countertops, cabinets, and décor, the laundry room is an extension of the house’s elegant design while also offering extra storage and a workspace.
From start to finish, Hawk’s Nest reflects the beauty of the riverfront property with inviting interiors and spirited design. Settling into the home and making the space their own has been a joy for Monica and her family, and they can’t wait to make new traditions with family and loved ones.
