Belle Meade, TN March 2024

go beyond the ordinary to create the remarkable.

Happy Homes

Home. So much contained in that little four-let ter word. Home is our grounding. Our base. Our launchpad. It’s where we start and end each day. And while the particulars look different for each of us, the meaning and value it holds for all of us is undeniable.

Author Wendy Wunder stated: “The magic thing about home is that it feels good to leave, and it feels even better to come back.”

As we thought about home, we wanted to highlight what makes it special to you, the readers. As you flip through the pages of this edition, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you, and most all of your home.

Every month, we hear from readers who keep this magazine for longer than just the month labeled on the cover. They say they hold onto it for months as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that is valued in our community and strive every month to deliver the value you expect. Thanks for letting us be a part of your home.

Happy March!

March 2024

Jennifer Kaufman | jennifer.kaufman@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

ACCOUNT MANAGER

Stephanie Krejci | Stephanie.Krejci@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Julie Brown Patton, Myra McEntire, Sue Baldani, Angi Hockett

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Caitlin Floyd, Mary Craven Photography, Ross Group

Creative, Allison Elefante, Janie Jones, James Byrd, Joan Morrison, Kris Rae, David Dobson, Wade

Payne, Morgan Nagle, Christy Hunter, Leslie Parrott

Steven Schowengerdt

Matthew Perry

Jennifer Robinson

city scene

WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN

1 - 14: Meagan Benson’s Pretty Lovely Teas Galentine’s Day event at Magnolia Acres.

Photography

Illicit Elixirs Now Working Through Lipman Brothers As Distribution Partner

Managers of a newly launched line of healthy and functional beverages, Illicit Elixirs, expanded the beverage's rollout in brick and mortar locations throughout Tennessee via distribution partner, Lipman Brothers. The brand’s four inaugural fizzy, flirty and fruit-forward flavors, Let’s Party Peaches, Watermelon Lime Thirst Trap, Late Night Fruity Call, Vegas Debauch-A-Berry, are being made available in wine, beer and spirits stores throughout the state, and are available in Nashville at several select locations.

Photography by Illicit Elixirs

APRIL 11TH 2024 NASHVILLE ,TN

Travel back in time to the enchanting 1920s, where secrets are whispered, jazz flows like liquid gold, and every step you take helps make a difference for kids in need in our community.

soles4souls.org/solesandsecrets

PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

Telling Each Home's Stories

JFY Designs' Professionals Enjoy Décor Treasure Hunts, Eclectic Plans To Delight Clients

Establishing home décor is a fabulous opportunity to create fresh, current personal ambiance while also remaining timeless and flexible, proclaims one Nashville team of full-service interior design experts. The broad range of design and interior services of JFY Designs' professionals can be accessed at Le Studio, 2826 Dogwood Place, in Berry Hill, along with furniture, home accessories, original art and curated gifts.

Marie-Joe Bouffard, Le Studio founder and principal designer, reveals that her driving force is to create classic designs uniquely tailored to each client's story and style. "We enjoy getting to truly know our clients and determining what makes them feel great within their homes," she explains.

"Each JFY Designs' project, no matter its scope, is truly a one-of-kind experience,"

she assures. "We love to think outside of the box and rise to any challenge, but we take the time to listen to our clients and understand them so we can express their true points of view through our custom-designed spaces and homes."

Marie-Joe affirms that bespoke designs, color preferences and the range of sought-after materials or finishes enable them to add innovative personalizing options for family activity hubs.

"A few years ago, cooler decoration tones, such as white and gray, were popular. Now those have shifted to ivory and creams to make cozy, warmer homes. Chocolate brown is probably the strongest color this year so far," she adds.

While Marie-Joe says it's important to stay "in touch with what colors and trends are in," she and her team encourage clients

“

Our designs help clients feel happy with a great sense of well-being in their homes.

Photo By: Leslie Parrott

“Each JFY Designs’ project, no matter its scope, is truly a one-ofkind experience.”

to lean into end results that are neither too warm nor too cold. She believes it's best to create a neutral base of furniture and accessories, ones that are meaningful to each client, followed by incorporating pops of accent colors into rooms. She says her go-to base color is greige because it's not too taupe and not too beige.

"This year is a good time to add deepgreen pillows, lush chocolate rugs or jewel-toned accessories into living spaces as ways to freshen already comfortable and desired looks," she states.

She also says artwork can really set the mood in various rooms, so that is a quick option for freshening home vibes. "Art has the power to move us, educate us, provoke us. I cannot imagine my life without art, and I love sharing that passion with my clients."

JFY Designs' stylists do quite a bit of planning and work for newly constructed homes. Marie-Joe says one of the primary motivators in design selections this year is self-care. For example, she's been designing bathrooms with attached infrared saunas. She says she's also been handling outdoor showers and cold plunge setups.

"It's about creating sophisticated spaces that allow people to go in and out seamlessly, as well as to open up large doors for expanded entertaining," she adds.

Because people's homes reflect who they are, Marie-Joe suggests that modern-day interior design focuses on balancing styles and choices that make homeowners happy while still being pleasing to others who visit their homes.

"Most people are concerned about eventually reselling their homes. So, whether someone is an uber minimalist or someone who likes to display multiple collections, we like to design plans that are meaningful to them but still tasteful to others," Marie-Joe says. "One of the facts that make our design team elated is that homeowners often don't have to change much of their interior to put their houses on the market. Homes that we've designed often sell fast and with the furnishings requested and included in the sales."

615.730.6915

JFY-Designs.com/Le-Studio

broad range of design and interior services of JFY Designs’ professionals can be accessed at Le Studio, 2826 Dogwood Place, in Berry Hill, along with furniture, home accessories, original art and curated gifts.

The

ARTICLE BY MYRA MCENTIRE

PROVIDED BY MURPHY MAUDE INTERIORS

REFRESHING HOMES

Murphy Maude Interiors Offers Infinite Possibilities, Turnkey Design Process

Nashville area homeowners and commercial location managers eager to refresh their homes or offices can tap into the professional guidance of Leslie Murphy, owner and creative director for Murphy Maude Interiors.

As for spring and summer trends, Leslie says, “We are trending toward darker-toned woods after a significant love affair with light, almost raw wood tones in kitchens.”

She sees a resurgence of chocolate browns and deeper natural hues, such as almond, flax and other earth tones. “It’s only a matter of time before we start embracing poppy color and wild patterns again as the norm. Cool and icy gray is now a thing of the past, as is the all-white kitchen trend.”

Leslie also sees curvier, sexier lines and more organic shapes replacing the modern, clean lines in furniture from recent years.

CONTINUED >

Leslie Murphy

Photo by: Caroline Sharpnack

To avoid getting caught in any specific trend, Leslie recommends choosing “enduring furniture silhouettes in neutral tones,” and adding accents with pillows, throws, art or accent rugs. She also suggests using wallpaper. “Our team of designers at Murphy Maude Interiors uses wallpaper from our sister company, Mable Originals, in this way to add color and pattern to neutral rooms. Wallpaper is a great way to add a punch and is now offered in peel and stick, but even the "permanent" options are much easier to install and remove than the wallpapers of the past!”

Her quick design tip for any space? An antiqued mirror. “We love using a lightly antiqued mirror even in contemporary designs!”

Leslie says her favorite spaces to design for clients are unique. “I love to design specialty areas that are custom and specific to the client and intended to improve their quality of life. Think meditation rooms, home gyms, wine-tasting rooms, dressing rooms, music-listening rooms and recording studios. Anything that is designed specifically with an eye toward improving the life of the client is my happy place!”

203.841.9361

MurphyMaude.com

Murphy Maude Interiors' owner Leslie Murphy says she loves to design specialty areas specific to each client.

Photo by: Selavie Photo

DESIGNED For Living

When Kate Figler of Kate Figler Interiors in Nashville designs a home, she says she focuses on how it will make her client feel when the project is finished. “It's never lost on me that I’m creating a home that they come into every night to rest and recharge for the next day,” she says. “That's very important.”

First, she determines what the client's goals are for the space in relation to how they live. “If it’s for a busy family that likes to entertain and has three dogs, I would not create a very formal space that needs lots of maintenance or has to be treated with kid gloves.”

Once Kate has this information, she then finds out what their likes and dislikes are in terms of colors and fabrics. Sometimes she and her other designers are starting from scratch, while other times there are a few things that clients really love and want to incorporate into the space. That may be their grandmother’s breakfront or a treasured piece of art.

KATE FIGLER:

is a Nashville-based designer specializing in layered, timeless interiors that speak to her clients’ unique personalities and taste. A lover of color and pattern, Kate strives to create spaces that mix luxurious fabrics, natural textures and both traditional and contemporary elements.  She understands the importance of merging beautiful design with functionality, a practice she believes defines her approach.

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

Sanctuaries Of Beauty, Calmness And Light

By Kate Figler Interiors

Photo by Ross Group Creative

Photo By: Leslie Parrott

Kate, who's originally from Connecticut, says the move to Nashville definitely influenced her current style. “Here in the South, they're displaying Grandma's china on the wall, so there's an appreciation for tradition,” she says. “There’s also a bit more of a feminine edge, which I really gravitate toward.”

One of her favorite projects in Nashville took place in the Esteswood neighborhood. “That client really loved color and patterns. She also lived with three boys and wanted to bring a lot of femininity into her home. She loved traditional items too, but kind of funked up a little bit.”

They took a lamp the client found in her attic, which she believed belonged to her aunt or her grandmother. “It was an old chinoiserie-style lamp, and we put a cool modern lampshade on it which brought it into the 21st century,” says Kate.

CONTINUED >

“That client really loved color and patterns. She also lived with three boys and wanted to bring a lot of femininity into her home.”

Esteswood project: Photo by Allison Elefante

“She also knew she wanted to hang plates on the wall in her entry, but instead of going with an old school pattern, we went with a new hot pink pattern from Richard Ginori. This porcelain company is a little bit more modern, more current, but with that traditional feel to them. Mixing the old with the new was something she really wanted to do and it was very successful in her home.”

Another project she really enjoyed was in Memphis. “We renovated the kitchen,” says Kate. “The old one was a galley kitchen and it was very closed off from the rest of the house. We took down a bunch of walls and blew up their kitchen. It functions really well for their family now.”

Photo by Ross Group Creative

Esteswood project: Photo by Allison Elefante

Kate Figler Interiors also redid the primary bath, replacing the salmon pink marble and adding beautiful plumbing from Kohler and a freestanding tub. “The client wanted a pattern to be brought in with the window treatments and the artwork, but with very traditional lines and lots of crisp white. Overall, she wanted everything to be really soothing and calm, which it is now.”

Sometimes, people don't realize the impact of what she and her designers are doing until everything is completed. “It’s really rewarding to see them living in their homes after we worked hard to create that for them,” says Kate.

KateFiglerInteriors.com

Esteswood project: Photo by Allison Elefante

Uniquity To Spaces

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MARY CRAVEN

Lizzie Pogue Interiors:

Shades, Fabrics Can Offer New Personality, Freshness

Lizzie Pogue / Photo by Caitlin Floyd

Mixing layers of established and new colors or patterns is what interior designer Lizzie Pogue is known for via her full-service, boutique design firm Lizzie Pogue Interiors in Nashville. She's also fond of layering textures and incorporating antiques or family heirlooms into her design work to create unique, charming and welcoming spaces.

Lizzie professes a deep appreciation for traditional architectural design style. As a lover of exterior Georgian and Colonial design, she says she strives to incorporate this traditional feel inside clients' homes to create classic, timeless spaces with contemporary elements mixed throughout.

"Reupholster, reupholster, reupholster," she recommends. "I'm a firm believer in investing in quality furniture pieces that can live with you for 10-15 years. If there's a way to give new life to an existing piece, the budget's usually able to stretch further and allow clients to splurge on the wallpaper or that dream fabric."

Two investments that always seem to surprise clients with satisfaction are a custom-cut rug and drapery, Lizzie adds. "It's wild how even a solid colored panel with a simple trim can elevate a space, giving you the feeling of  a 'cozy elegance.'"

"I think when designing any space, it's so important to balance old with new. You want your home to feel fresh, while also still a reflection of you. I think others like to feel that, too, when they walk into your home. There's a sense of comfort because the space reminds them of you; a friend, a mom, a grandparent."

540.525.8342

LizziePogueInteriors.com

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Lizzie Pogue / Photo by Leslie Parrott

As a fully irrigated equine race course meticulously maintained, Percy Warner Park is known for providing perfect racing conditions. Nashville's exciting annual race started in 1941. A range of event ticket options are available, spanning tailgating, VIP areas and private hospitality suites, (boxes currently sold out). For details, visit IroquoisSteeplechase.org.

OFF TO ICONIC JUMP RACES MAY 11

IROQUOIS STEEPLECHASE'S 83RD ANNIVERSARY PRESENTS

EXCITING SPORTING EVENT, HOSPITALITY, SOUTHERN FASHION

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Photo by James Byrd

Photo by Joan Morrison

Photo by Kris Rae

Nashville's Rite of Spring is galloping in via the Iroquois Steeplechase on May 11 at Percy Warner Park. Gates at 2500 Old Hickory Boulevard open at 8 a.m. with an anticipated attendance of approximately 25,000 for a fun day of racing, parties, community and fashion.

Tod Marks, contributing editor to the National Steeplechase Association, writes that the race creates an unprecedented onetwo punch for the NSA, with Grade 1 stakes running on consecutive Saturdays. "On May 11, seven days after the Commonwealth Cup, Percy Warner Park in Nashville plays host to the $200,000 Calvin Houghland Iroquois, the centerpiece of the spring calendar. Unlike the Commonwealth Cup, the Iroquois is contested as a weight-for-age event and, at a distance of 3 miles, making it the longest hurdle stakes of the year."

Tod indicates this is the first time the NSA has had back-toback G1s (Grade 1 as the higher designation among two grades) in the spring.

To increase participation from equine owners and national trainers in this two-state racing extravaganza, Tod shares that Tennessee officials bumped up total purses to $475,000, including two $40,000 Sport of Kings maiden special weights hurdles and a $45,000 handicap for horses rated at 120 or less (up from $35,000 last season). Other card highlights include the $75,000 Green Pastures novice stakes and $50,000 Margaret Currey Henley filly and mare stakes.

“We're hoping for our biggest turnout yet,” says Dwight Hall, chairman of the Iroquois Steeplechase Race Committee and 1977 winner. “Our patrons are eager to enjoy a full day of horse racing, food, fashion and music at the beautiful Percy Warner Park. There really is something for everyone out here, and we encourage everyone to purchase tickets and tailgating packages early, as tickets are limited.”

Iroquois Steeplechase participants are reminded to print parking passes at home and display on dashboards. Guests can enjoy innovative food trucks and full-service bars throughout the

grounds for their convenience. Coolers are still allowed but no glass containers, pets, propane grills, pyrotechnics, fireworks, firearms or amplified music. Children 12 and younger are free in the tailgating areas.

SCHEDULE OF RACE DAY:

8 a.m.: RV Tailgating opens.

8:30 a.m.: Inside the track tailgating opens (Topside, Centerfield, Midfield and Railside Tents).

9 a.m.: Stirrup Club tailgating and Family Area tailgating opens.

9:30-11:30 a.m.: Royal 615 Lounge opens for pre-party drinks.

10:30 a.m.: RV and ‘inside the track’ tailgating vehicles must be in place.

11:00 a.m.:  Stirrup Club and Family Tailgating vehicles must be in place. Turf Club, Hunt Club and Paddock Club tents open.

Noon: Opening Ceremonies.

1 p.m.: The first race begins.

1:40 p.m.: Race 2 begins.

1:55 p.m.:  Stick Horse Race; a time-honored tradition at the Iroquois Steeplechase is watching kids compete in the Michael Stanley Stick Horse Race. Signup is located at the 99.7 WTN Tent in the Family Area.

2:20 p.m.: Race 3 begins.

3 p.m.: Race 4 begins.

3:40 p.m.: Race 5 begins.

3:55 p.m.: Parade of Hounds.

4:20 p.m.: Race 6 begins.

Approximately 5:30 p.m.:  Iroquois Society, Paddock Club, Royal 615 and Hunt Club tents close 15 minutes after the final race ends.

Since being designated as one of the Steeplechase-related primary beneficiaries in 1981, Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt has received more than $11 million from The Volunteer State Horsemen's Foundation proceeds. In addition, the organization supports other nonprofits and charities, such as Friends of Warner Parks, and the Foundation for the Horse, whose supporters are dedicated to improving horse health and well-being.

Photo by Joan Morrison

Photo by Christy Hunter

Photo by Wade Payne

GET YOUR TICKETS NOW

Each year, 25,000 people attend Percy Warner Park for a day of racing, parties, and fashion at the Iroquois Steeplechase. This year, Nashville’s Rite of Spring is excited for our expanded 2024 ticket options!

IROQUOISSTEEPLECHASE.ORG

BEST SEATS IN THE HOUSE

This is one of my constant “go to” DIY projects. It’s fast, it’s easy and it looks oh so professional. I love displaying photos, but I don’t necessarily love a lot of photo frames. These canvases create a crisp, clean look... All in about 30 minutes! Let’s get started.

DIY Photo To Canvas In A Snap

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

STEP 1:

First things first, grab your supplies.

• Photo on photo paper

• 1 ½ inch thick wrapped canvas

• Mod Podge in Matte finish

• Black spray paint in Satin finish

• Clear spray paint in Satin finish

• 4 inch or 6 inch foam paint roller

• Small paint tray

Place your photo on the clean, dry canvas to make sure it fits correctly. Trim if necessary.

STEP 2:

Spray paint the canvas sides and a little of the top with the black spray paint. It is VERY important to let this dry completely.

STEP 3:

Using your foam roller, roll Mod Podge over the entire top of the canvas. Center your photo on top of the wet Mod Podge. Smooth the photo with your hands starting in the middle and pushing out toward the edges

STEP 4:

Roll a thin even layer of Mod Podge over your photo. This is a little scary “painting” over your photo, but I promise it will dry clear. Once it is covered with a thin layer start at one side and roll straight rows from side to side, in the same direction, as to avoid roller lines once it dries. If you see small bubbles in the wet Mod Podge, it is too thick. Thin it out by taking an almost dry roller over the photo to lift some of the Mod Podge. Repeat until the bubbles are gone. Let this dry completely.

STEP 5:

Spray the top and sides of the entire canvas and photo with satin spray paint. Dry…Hang….High Five. Congratulations on your new Photo Canvas!

This same technique can be used on 4x4 tiles of your choice to create custom coasters. You will add a bit of Peel and Stick Cork or felt to the back of the tile so the coaster doesn’t scratch. Cheers!

Handmade Soap

Add a spa-like feel to your home with this refreshing soap recipe that's simple to make at home.

ARTICLE BY ANGI HOCKETT | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

lavender honey lemon soap

ingredients

• 2 lb. goat’s milk melt-and-pour soap

• 1 lemon rind, zested

• 3 tablespoons of dried lavender buds

• 2 tablespoons of honey

• 15 drops of lavender essential oil

• 6 drops of lemon essential oil

• jar or bowl for melting soap base

• Silicone mold

directions

Chop soap into smaller pieces. It will melt faster this way. Place in bowl and microwave (or double boil). Be careful to watch soap and not let it burn.  If you are using microwave, heat in 30 second increments, stirring frequently. Once soap is melted add your essential oils first. Once essential oils have been added and mixed thoroughly, add the lavender buds, lemon zest and honey. Have your mold ready to go, on a flat, even surface. You’ll want to move quickly before the soap cools too much. Mix everything thoroughly again, and pour mixture into mold. Let the soap cool for 2-3 hours until bars are completely solid. Wrap or package however you like.

Recipe from Sisoo.com

Electrify every drive with the BMW iX, i7, i5, and i4. A whole generation of electric vehicles built like no other.

Choose from the comfort of the spacious BMW iX, the impeccable luxury of the BMW i7, the uncompromising power and style of the BMW i5, and the agile handling of the BMW i4.

Each has its own unmatched performance that will give you unwavering confidence at every turn.

That’s what you’d expect from the Ultimate Electric Driving Machine.

THE iX

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