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Assummer begins its slow transition toward fall, August invites us to appreciate the moments that often pass too quickly. It’s a season of golden evenings on the porch, backyard gatherings with family and friends, and making the most of the long, warm days before the pace of autumn returns.
At At Home Memphis & Mid-South , we believe every home tells a story. In this issue, we’re excited to share a Collierville home that a couple had had their eyes on for quite some time. Now transformed to suit their family, it is the perfect place to make new memories with their children.
As you flip through these pages, I hope you’ll find ideas that spark your imagination, introduce you to new local favorites, and encourage you to enjoy every corner of your home—inside and out.
Thank you for making At Home Memphis & Mid-South part of your home each month. We are grateful for our readers, our advertisers and our community, and we’re honored to continue sharing the people, places and projects that make the Mid-South shine.
Here’s to savoring the final days of summer and looking ahead to all that the new season will bring.
- Margaret Monger, PUBLISHER
Feels LIke Home
BY TERRI GLAZER | DESIGN BY WAREHOUSE DESIGN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY STEFANIE RAWLINSON PHOTOGRAPHY
"Hehad been in love with this house for years,” says Christine Meisenheimer.
Her husband Hunter admits how much he’d wanted to live in the Collierville home ever since he saw it and looked at its online listing. “I just loved the yard and the pond and all the home's potential.”
The couple had known for a while that they’d eventually move to accommodate the needs of their growing family, but Christine was still reluctant when the time came to look for a new place. Until she saw this one. “I walked in and I was like, ‘Okay, Hunter, you were right.’”
It’s no wonder she changed her mind. Set back from the road on a multi-acre lot, the white brick French Provincial is not only beautiful on the outside, it features a light-filled interior with a casually traditional style, plenty of room, and was in mint condition. Not to mention the exterior features that originally drew Hunter’s attention. The idyllic setting belies the fact that the home is located on a thoroughfare in the Memphis suburb. Just outside the back door, an inviting covered patio leads to a pool, then past a grove of trees to a pond; a tranquil scene worthy of a painting.
Boththe Meisenheimers were sold: the family, including two school-age children, moved in early last year. The team from WareHouse Design came on board right away to help the couple transform their new house into their dream home. Luckily, that transformation didn’t have to involve major renovation. “The house was in great shape,” says Hunter. “The previous owners had taken great care of it.”
The decision to bring in WareHouse Design owner Lauren Ware and lead designer Jessica Risinger was a comfortable one; Ware had helped with a couple of projects in their former home. The couple had a clear vision of the direction they wanted to go designwise; they just needed professionals to guide them on how to get there. “I knew what I wanted. There were just too many choices, and it overwhelmed me,” says Christine.
One of the features the new owners wanted most to play up was the home’s abundance of natural light. To that end, Risinger placed in the entry a pair of gracefully arched mirrors that flank the double front doors. Their reflections not only multiply the light, they also offer additional angles of the view that extends from the foyer all the way through the house to the scenic backyard.
The entry opens to the dining room, where Risinger skillfully updated an architectural feature and lighting, then helped the Meisenheimers blend their existing furniture with new acquisitions. With pink tile and a white surround, the original fireplace looked dated. New marble and dark wood project a more timely style, as does a chandelier with metallic leaves that echo the home’s natural setting. The designer added wallpaper to provide a bit of texture and color; its soft blue tone is one of the couple’s favorites and reappears throughout their home’s design.
Acheerful sunroom serves as Hunter’s home office. Although not a fan of its cobalt blue tile floor when he first saw it in online photos, he has since embraced the vibrant feature, thanks to Risinger’s design expertise. She explains, “We found this rug locally, at Heavenly Oriental Rugs, and it fit well with their style. It just made sense, pulling out that little bit of blue. It covers enough, but also leaves enough edge exposed to appreciate the floor, too.”
The heart of this home is the family room that stretches across the back. Its expansive size and the fact that the space is punctuated in its center by doors leading to the patio created a conundrum for the couple as to furniture layout. The owners knew they wanted to change its dark “hunting lodge” feel, as Christine describes, but weren’t sure how to best set up the rectangular structure. Risinger solved the dilemma by creating dual seating areas, each with a distinct purpose, but sharing a design aesthetic.
To the right is a zone that defines the concept of a family room. A massive sectional sofa sourced from Wilson’s Furniture provides more than enough space for the whole Meisenheimer clan to watch TV together. It’s upholstered in a soft blue fabric that’s as rugged as it is beautiful—kid- and dog-friendly. That’s a big plus according to Kevin and Maisie, the home’s resident Bernese Mountain Dog and Golden Retriever. Risinger set out to make the spot truly personal, filling the built-in bookshelves with sentimental pieces and embellishing the back wall with a dozen family photos matted in simple white and framed in black. “Having a little bit of structure happening amongst all the other things with softer edges created a nice contrasting element,” says the designer.
Theother half of the room has a bit more elegant feel thanks to a sophisticated tuxedo sofa from Millennium Home Furnishings. Covered in pretty light blue velvet, its exposed turned legs with casters and graceful curved arms add interest. A cozy chaise lounge nestled in a corner in front of two walls of windows fulfills Christine’s request for a comfortable reading spot.
As in the rest of the home, the decor is a mix of mostly new with a few special pieces, like a chest of drawers that was a wedding gift from Hunter’s grandparents. The heirloom looks as thought it was made to be placed in its current location, a niche in the family room. Above it, a series of water-focused landscapes reprises the coastal feel and colors to which the homeowners are partial.
The two sections of the room seem a bit like fraternal twins—different, yet the same. Risinger saw to that by formulating a consistent color palette. Accent pillows are interchangeable, working nicely in either space. Full-length neutral draperies mounted on lucite rods with gold hardware flank the room’s window walls, softening the atmosphere and uniting the halves into a cohesive unit.
The decision to let ocean-inspired blues and greens give way to more saturated earth tones in the primary bedroom involved careful consideration. Hunter remembers, “That was the last room we did, and it was in the fall. I didn’t want [to go with darker colors] just because of the season, so I was kind of skeptical. But I really like the way the paint turned out.”
A new warm wood bed, nightstands and dresser accentuate the room’s handsome vibe, while a pair of wide armchairs define a separate space in the large bedroom. Perhaps the most remarkable feature, however, is one that’s not readily noticeable. Motorized, remote-controlled blackout shades on the windows ensure that not a smidge of light comes through when it’s time for sleep, a requirement that was important to Christine. The Meisenheimers are thrilled with the setup created by Budget Blinds. “The view from this room is amazing, looking out to the pool and pond. We didn’t want to have a bedroom where we never opened the windows, so these automated shades are great,” Hunter says.
Risinger
freshened up the adjoining bathroom without having to start from scratch. New, lighter stone countertops brighten the room, as do large mirrors with a geometric detail. Those changes mark the completion of what the couple refers to as “Phase One” of the renovation of their new place. Redoing the upstairs is in their future plans.
The designer credits the project’s success to the fact that Hunter, and eventually Christine, had fallen in love with this gem of a home. “I feel like the key was using the great base that they’ve loved for so long and bringing it back to life in their style. No super big renovation happened; we just used what was here to fit their family’s needs now,” she says. “The downstairs feels complete.” Hunter agrees, “Christine and I have both said this feels more like a home than our old house did after 12 years."
CREATING CHARACTER
BY TERRI GLAZER | DESIGN BY EMILY CHASTAIN INTERIOR DESIGN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH VOIGT PHOTOGRAPHY
BEYOND
merely updating colors and finishes, this kitchen renovation involved creating character. Says designer Emily Chastain, “My top priority for this project was to create architecture where there wasn’t any.” Keeping in mind her client’s love for French style and New Orleans, Chastain reimagined the space into the perfect combination of beauty and practicality.
Tiffany Turner built the Hernando, Mississippi, home in the early 2000s and now shares it with her husband Matt and their two-year-old son. When she decided it was time to change the kitchen from its original form, she reached out to Chastain, whom she’d followed on social media for some time.
Chastain based her concept on a series of observations she made when she visited the Turners at home early in the process. The designer set out to learn exactly how her clients used their kitchen, even watching Matt, the family cook, prepare a meal.
One of the first things she realized was that the existing island wasn’t functional and needed to be reworked. Drawing inspiration from a photo Tiffany found on Pinterest, Chastain conceived a new version that features graceful curves and reeded wood detail. Constructed of walnut by Old City Millwork in Memphis, it holds a large apron-front sink, dishwasher and a clever indentation with room for a trio of barstools.
Across the way, a custom curved arch finished in Roman clay instantly gave the room character and a focal point. It also conceals the vent hood above the new commercial-style range from Cafe Appliances. Thoughtful details like the slab quartzite backsplash, gold knobs and handles on the range, and twin alabaster sconces further elevate the elegant look. A pot-filler faucet and an alcove to keep spices handy are examples of more practical details Chastain included.
The awkward flow of the kitchen’s overall layout presented the designer a challenge. Just inside the space from the hall, a built-in desk looked dated and went largely unused. By removing the desk and building out the cased opening between the kitchen and living area a few inches, she created the perfect place for a Cafe refrigerator/freezer, resulting in a more efficient work triangle.
During her initial visit, Chastain also noticed Tiffany’s wine collection, acquired during vacations over the years. “The wine was displayed throughout the house, but there wasn’t a dedicated place to showcase something that clearly meant so much to her,” Chastain recalls. “I wanted to create a feature that was both beautiful and functional—a custom wine bar that celebrated those memories while giving her collection a permanent home.”
The result is show-stopping, built in against a wall in the casual dining area. The arch motif Chastain created above the range continues here with a sweeping curve that holds a pair of purpose-built, glass-front cabinets precisely the right depth to house wine bottles. Backed in antiqued mirrored glass imported from Italy, the space between them features brass-and-glass shelves. Below, deep drawers and a pair of cabinets provide a wealth of storage space.
Astunning new chandelier over the dining table punctuates the vignette. “Lighting can make or break a space,” Chastain says. “I love using lighting as art, so I’m always searching for something unique.” She found a gem in a glass bubble-style fixture with a bit of funky style.
The family seldom enters their home from the front door; they usually come in from the garage entry that opens into a hallway adjacent to the kitchen. “The entryway is a handshake to the home,” Chastain says, noting the importance of including the rear entrance in the overall design plan.
It was an ideal spot to introduce pattern and color that she would repeat throughout the spaces. Chastain paired a botanical wallpaper with soft green trim in the entry area, then pulled from its deep blue background to bring drama to the kitchen and bar cabinetry. Sherwin Williams Moscow Midnight is saturated, yet bright enough to not feel heavy. Color and interest also come from the oversized checkerboard tile floor, as well as deep red accents in new textiles and rugs.
Chastain couldn’t be more pleased with the project’s end result. “This kitchen feels collected rather than sterile. We created beautiful character by balancing rich walnut with jewel-toned cabinetry, warm unlacquered brass, creamy plaster walls, marble and antiqueinspired lighting. Every finish adds warmth instead of competing for attention.”
Emily Chastain is the founder and principal designer of Emily Chastain Interior Design, a full-service firm based in North Mississippi. She comes by her talent genetically. “My dad was a decorator when I was growing up, and he owned a painting business. I get my talent for color from him. My grandfather was an architect, and my uncle was a cartoonist, so art and design run in my family; we all have a knack for it,” she explains. After honing her skills working in property management, project management, and design for multifamily and short-term rental spaces, she opened her studio in 2023. Chastain points out that her multi-faceted background equipped her with the skills to successfully guide projects from first concept to final installation.
INTIMATE , IMMERSIVE AND EFFORTLESS: WHY SMALL GROUP
TOURING IS CHANGING TRAVEL
STORY AND PHOTOS COURTESY OF BARBARA MAY, OWNER OF TRAVEL LEADERS
TRAVEL HAS EVOLVED.
Today’s travelers are looking to do more than simply check destinations off a bucket list. They want meaningful experiences, authentic connections and the freedom to enjoy a destination without the stress of planning every detail themselves.
That shift in priorities is one reason small group touring has become one of the fastest-growing trends in travel. Offering a balance between independent exploration and expertly guided excursions, small group journeys provide an experience that feels both personal and effortless.
Among the companies leading this movement is Globus, whose Small Group Discoveries collection has reimagined what escorted touring can be. With intentionally limited group sizes, these journeys create opportunities for deeper cultural immersion, more personalized service and a pace that allows travelers to truly experience the places they visit.
For those seeking richer experiences without sacrificing convenience, small group touring may be the perfect way to see the world.
THE RISE OF MORE MEANINGFUL TRAVEL
In an era when travelers have endless options at their fingertips, many are discovering that more choices do not always create a better vacation. Planning a multi-country itinerary can quickly become overwhelming, considering details from transportation and accommodations to navigating language barriers and local customs.
Vacationers are becoming more intentional about how they spend their time away. Rather than rushing from one landmark to another, they want opportunities to connect with local culture, savor regional cuisine and appreciate the smaller moments that often become the most memorable.
Small group touring addresses both needs. Travelers experience the confidence of knowing they have an expertly planned itinerary. They can explore destinations in a way that feels authentic and unhurried. With the logistics handled by professionals, guests are free to focus on discovery rather than details.
This balance between convenience and immersion has become increasingly appealing to couples, solo travelers, retirees and multi-generational family groups seeking a more rewarding way to travel.
WHAT MAKES SMALL GROUP TRAVEL DIFFERENT?
The most obvious distinction is size.
While traditional escorted tours can include dozens of participants, Globus Small Group Discoveries are intentionally limited, creating a more intimate experience. Fewer travelers mean less time waiting, smoother transitions between destinations and more opportunities for meaningful interaction with guides and fellow guests.
The advantages become apparent almost immediately.
Boarding transportation takes less time. Hotel check-ins move more efficiently. Attractions can often be explored with greater ease. Those small time savings accumulate throughout the journey, creating opportunities to enjoy what guests came to see in the first place.
The smaller format also allows tour directors to provide more personalized attention. It becomes easier to ask questions, engage in conversations and gain deeper insight into the history, culture and traditions of destinations.
Instead of feeling like one face in a crowd, travelers become active participants in the experience.
JERONIMOS MONASTERY IN LISBON, PORTUGAL
THE GLOBUS DIFFERENCE
Globus has built a reputation for expertly crafted escorted vacations spanning destinations around the world. The Small Group Discoveries collection takes that expertise and enhances it through an intimate approach. Rather than simply reducing the number of travelers, Globus designs these itineraries specifically for smaller groups. This opens doors to experiences that may not be practical for larger tours. Boutique hotels, family-owned wineries, local workshops, hidden restaurants and unique cultural encounters become accessible in ways they wouldn’t be with a larger number. Travelers enjoy many of the same iconic landmarks while also discovering places and experiences that feel less commercial and more personal.
The result is a trip that feels immersive without being complicated and structured without feeling rigid. For many travelers, it represents the best of both worlds.
WHO BENEFITS MOST FROM SMALL GROUP TOURING?
One of the greatest strengths of small group travel is its broad appeal. Couples appreciate the balance between shared experiences and personal time. They can enjoy romantic moments together while also benefiting from the social atmosphere that naturally develops within a smaller group.
For solo travelers, small group tours offer an ideal combination of independence and companionship. Traveling alone can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel intimidating in unfamiliar destinations. Small group journeys provide built-in camaraderie, security and support while still allowing personal freedom.
Multi-generational families are increasingly discovering the advantages of guided travel. With transportation, accommodations and sightseeing arranged in advance, family members can spend less time managing logistics and more time enjoying one another’s company.
Even seasoned travelers who typically prefer independent vacations often find value in small group touring. The opportunity to access local experts, unique experiences and carefully curated itineraries allows them to see familiar destinations from a fresh perspective.
WHY THE EXPERIENCE FEELS MORE PERSONAL
The difference between traditional touring and small group travel is often less about the destination and more about the experience. On larger tours, efficiency naturally becomes a priority; the destination itself takes center stage when the group number is limited. Travelers have more opportunities to engage with local culture, ask questions, linger over memorable meals and absorb the atmosphere around them. Conversations with guides become more meaningful. Interactions with local residents feel less rushed. Even transportation can feel more relaxed and comfortable.
Rather than moving through destinations as spectators, guests become immersed participants in the story of a place. That subtle difference can create the most lasting memories.
FIVE SMALL GROUP JOURNEYS THAT SHOWCASE THE POSSIBILITIES
One of the most impressive aspects of Globus Small Group Discoveries is the diversity of experiences available. The collection spans multiple continents and travel styles, proving that intimate travel can be enjoyed almost anywhere in the world.
Italian Mosaic
Italy has long been one of the world’s most beloved destinations. Experiencing it as part of a smaller group allows travelers to appreciate its charm on a deeper level. Guests can wander through Rome’s historic neighborhoods, enjoy Tuscan wine country and navigate Venice’s winding canals without feeling rushed. Smaller groups can take advantage of more authentic local interactions and a greater opportunity to embrace the Italian lifestyle known as La Dolce Vita.
Enchanting Portugal
Portugal’s appeal lies in its rich history, vibrant culture and welcoming atmosphere. This itinerary takes travelers from Lisbon’s colorful streets to the scenic vineyards of the Douro Valley. Small group travel allows access to family-owned wineries, boutique accommodations and local experiences that provide a clearer glimpse into Portuguese life.
Kenya: A Classic Safari
Africa offers some of the most unforgettable travel experiences on earth, and a small group safari enhances every moment.
Exploring Kenya’s legendary wildlife reserves with fewer travelers creates exceptional opportunities for animal viewing and fosters a greater sense of connection to both the landscape and local communities. Whether witnessing the Great Migration or spotting the
SPANISH STEPS IN ROME
Big Five, the experience feels more intimate and immersive.
Spirit of the Rockies
Closer to home, the Canadian Rocky Mountains deliver spectacular scenery and outdoor adventure. Travelers journey through iconic destinations such as Banff and Jasper National Parks, where turquoise lakes, soaring peaks and abundant wildlife create postcard-worthy views at every turn. A smaller group allows for greater flexibility and more opportunities to appreciate the breathtaking landscape.
Tropical Costa Rica
Costa Rica’s famous "Pura Vida" lifestyle is perfectly suited for small group exploration. From cloud forests and volcanoes to rainforests teeming with wildlife, travelers enjoy a deeper connection to nature. Smaller groups can move more quietly through natural environments, increasing opportunities to spot sloths, toucans, monkeys and other remarkable creatures.
A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES
Beyond these examples, Globus Small Group Discoveries extend across Europe, Asia, Africa, North America and Latin America. Travelers can explore the villages of Provence, experience cultural traditions in Japan, discover the natural wonders of Yellowstone or enjoy immersive culinary experiences throughout the American Southwest. Each itinerary is thoughtfully designed to combine iconic attractions with meaningful local encounters. The emphasis is not simply on seeing a destination but on experiencing it in a way that feels genuine and memorable.
MANUEL ANTONIO NATIONAL PARK
THE FUTURE OF TRAVEL MAY BE SMALLER
As travel continues to evolve, one thing is becoming increasingly clear: guests are prioritizing quality over quantity. They want experiences that feel personal rather than crowded, authentic connections rather than rushed sightseeing, the confidence of expert planning without sacrificing discovery.
Small group touring answers those desires beautifully. By combining the convenience of escorted travel with the intimacy of a more personalized experience, Globus Small Group Discoveries offer a compelling way to explore the world. Participants enjoy the comfort of knowing every detail has been thoughtfully arranged and feel connected to the places they visit.
In a world where trips are often measured by how much we can see, small group touring reminds us that sometimes the most meaningful journeys come from slowing down, looking closer and experiencing a destination one unforgettable moment at a time. While small group touring offers an effortless way to explore the world, choosing the right travel advisor can make the experience even more rewarding. As a preferred Globus partner, Travel Leaders Collierville brings decades of travel expertise, personalized service and firsthand destination knowledge to every vacation. Experienced travel advisors take the time to understand each group’s interests, travel style and goals, helping them select the Globus Small Group Discovery that best matches their vision. From answering questions before departure to assisting with flights, travel protection, pre- and post-tour arrangements and special requests, Travel Leaders pros serve as guests’ advocates every step of the way.
In today’s world of online booking engines and endless travel information, working with a trusted professional can save valuable time, reduce stress and provide peace of mind before, during and after a journey.
For more information on a Globus Small Group Discovery, contact Travel Leaders Collierville at 901.853.6200 to schedule an appointment. Located at 1125 Poplar View Lane South, Suite 3, Collierville, TN 38017, the team helps turn travel dreams into unforgettable memories.
VINEYARDS OF THE DUORO VALLEY
TomatoCheesyPie
CHEESY TOMATO PIE
Served on Bordallo Pinheiro Cabbageware, courtesy of Southern Avenue Company
As summer comes to a close, there’s no better way to savor the season than with a Southern classic. Made with fresh summer tomatoes, creamy cheeses, crispy bacon and a buttery checkerboard crust, this cheesy tomato pie is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of summer.
INGREDIENTS
2 refrigerated pie crusts
4–5 fresh tomatoes, sliced
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
½ cup mayonnaise
1 cup freshly shredded cheddar cheese
½ cup freshly shredded white cheddar cheese
10 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
1 egg, beaten with 1 tablespoon water (for egg wash)
2 green onions, chopped
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
INSTRUCTIONS
Preheat the oven to 375°F. Arrange sliced tomatoes on paper towels or a cooling rack, sprinkle lightly with salt, and allow to sit for 20-30 minutes to remove excess moisture. Pat dry before assembling. Combine mayonnaise, cheddar cheese, white cheddar cheese, spinach, salt and pepper in a bowl.
Place one pie crust into a 9-inch pie dish, prick the bottom with a fork, and parbake for 10-12 minutes. Layer half of the cheese mixture, bacon and tomatoes into the crust. Repeat layers, finishing with a light sprinkle of cheese. Cut the remaining pie crust into strips and weave into a checkerboard lattice. Brush with egg wash and bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the filling is bubbling. Allow to cool slightly before slicing. Garnish with green onions and freshly cracked pepper.
Instagram: @___madebymolly
TikTok : @_madebymolly
Transformations and Meaning in Our Homes
STORY BY MICHELLE JOHNS MA, LPC-MHSP (TEMP), NCC, 200 HR E-RTY, 500
Whatcomes to mind when you think of home? For me, home embodies three integral parts, the physical space of home that is the building, the physical home that is my body, and the home that is my spirit. Each is a unique space of sacred value unto itself and all are parts of one another.
In each home reside pieces of the family from which I came and pieces of the family that includes my husband and children: photographs, furniture and other memorabilia. My body carries DNA and genes from generations before me, and my spirit holds thoughts and patterns passed down or learned from navigating the experiences of those who helped shape my early development. Each home houses my sacred life experiences, given, developed and transformed.
I have lived in my current home for over 24 years and while it is not the first home I have lived in, it is the home I have lived in the longest. I have remodeled it twice, and with each transformation I have discarded some items, reorganized existing things differently, and incorporated new pieces. Fox hunt trophies from my husband’s great grandfather have a place in our den alongside our modernday sofas, a marble top table from my great grandparents’ house, and a reupholstered stool from my husband’s mother. Our home, as a personal museum of our lived experiences, continues to transform in a sacred and honoring way.
I have lived in my body for just over 55 years. My resting facial expression is a replica of my mother’s and yet I have my own unique look and style. Through the decades my body has experienced transformational changes. My
HR RYT
tonsils were removed when I was three years old, however, I do not make a practice of discarding body parts. I acknowledge that sometimes our health depends on removing parts to help the body function better. My body has experienced short-term injuries and illnesses. Each time it has faced repair and restoration, sometimes in ways that make it stronger and more resilient against future illnesses and sometimes in ways that make it more fragile and require a longterm lifestyle change. Having had Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever once, I’m now immune to future infection; my body grew stronger through that illness. The herniated disc in my neck requires physical therapy to manage flare-ups, a permanent adjustment rather than a resolved one. My family history includes diabetes and cancer, making me predisposed to these diseases. According to research, I can transform the expression of genetic dispositions through healthy choices. My body carries me through life experiences unique to me and transforms through each one, finding rest and solace in the home that I have curated as a sacred dwelling place.
The spirit housed in my physical body is an expression of beliefs, experiences and values that I have inherited from my family of origin, my culture, and perceptions I have developed from life experiences. My belief in God as a Protestant Christian
was passed on to me from my family of origin. The work I do as a mental health therapist is driven by my childhood belief that if my family had greater understanding, listened more, or asked more questions, things could have been much better in our home.
The belief that God is omnipresent passed on to me by my grandparents helps me navigate life with personal accountability to treat others fairly and hold myself to a standard of “walking my talk.” Throughout my adult life I have spent years examining the beliefs and values passed down to me and developed on my own. It has been helpful to reflect on my lived experiences to see how they influence who I am today, what I should abandon, what I can transform, and what needs to be restored to help me reach my goals for faith, family, and life. My spirit is God-breathed and given; it is a private sacred sanctum housed in my physical body. It is conveyed through the decor that makes the home in which I dwell a personal museum of my ancestors and my lived experiences. Our homes are what we make them physically and spiritually. We are constantly changing, and as we evolve, we should take inventory of what we have, how we got where we are, and what needs to be transformed to live the life we desire.
Michelle Johns mjohns@transformingwellness.com Club Pilates
Lp.clubpilates.com
IN THE KITCHEN
Special ThanksMade by Molly @__madebymolly
ON A GOOD NOTE
Special ThanksHabitat for Humanity habitat.org
Two Stores, One Mission: Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis ReStore
STORY BY JESSICA HORD | PHOTOS COURTESY OF HABITAT
The name Habitat for Humanity likely brings to mind a picture of a construction site filled with volunteers and the sound of hammers. Here in the Memphis area, that picture should also include the ReStore.
Owned and operated by Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis, the Memphis ReStore is a nonprofit home improvement store open to the public, selling new and gently used furniture, cabinets, appliances, home goods and building supplies at affordable prices. The Memphis ReStore exists to serve as a daily fundraiser for Memphis Habitat.
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis was founded in 1983 and serves the community through two programs – a homebuying program that helps aspiring homebuyers build and buy homes with affordable mortgages, and an Aging In Place program that provides free repairs and modifications for senior homeowners. Since its founding, Memphis Habitat has served over 640 homebuyer families and more than 1,800 seniors.
The organization’s work is ongoing, and the Memphis ReStore plays an important role in daily operations. Every purchase, every donation and every hour volunteered helps Memphis Habitat serve more families.
“We’re always looking for ways to help more people discover the Memphis ReStore because it’s one of the easiest ways to support Memphis Habitat,” says Dwayne Spencer, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Greater Memphis. “Whether you shop, donate or volunteer, you’re helping create more affordable homeownership opportunities for local families and providing more repairs for seniors. That’s a win for our customers and our community.”
Spencer emphasizes the three ways local residents can support Habitat Memphis through the ReStore. “Just remember: Shop. Donate. Volunteer.,” he says.
SHOP
The Memphis ReStore offers a constantly changing selection of new and gently used furniture, appliances, decor and building supplies, as well as new butcher block countertops and custom cabinets. A small selection of items is also available online.
DONATE
Put the “good” into “goodbye” by donating new and used items
FOR HUMANITY
to the ReStore. Whether you are remodeling, redecorating or decluttering, the ReStore makes it easy. The organization even works with companies that want to donate excess inventory in order to clear warehouse space! There are three ways to donate:
Drop Off - Both Memphis-area ReStore locations have donation centers where you can drop off donations during business hours.
Pick Up - The Memphis ReStore offers a pickup service for large residential or corporate donations. Free and paid priority pickup options are available.
Deconstruction - The Memphis ReStore’s skilled deconstruction team can uninstall and remove cabinets, fixtures and more for homeowners, contractors and builders. It’s a fantastic way to stretch your renovation budget.
VOLUNTEER
If you love design and decor, the ReStore offers the perfect volunteer opportunity for you or your group. Volunteer groups help ReStore staff prepare the store for shoppers by opening, assembling, organizing and arranging merchandise. Currently, the Memphis ReStore is also seeking volunteer leaders, affectionately known as “Blue Hats,” who can contribute time on a regular basis and assist staff in leading groups.
The Memphis ReStore’s flagship location at 7130 Winchester Road opened in 2011. Habitat expanded in 2024 with a second ReStore location at 920 W. Poplar Ave. in Collierville. Both local ReStore locations include the donation centers and are open Tue.-Sat. from 11 a.m.-5 p.m.
To learn more or schedule a pickup, call 901.737.8673, visit www.memphisrestore.com, or scan the QR code below. For sneak peeks at Memphis ReStore inventory and sales, follow the Memphis ReStore on Facebook and Instagram.
