Music City, TN March 2023

Shawn Booth & Caleb GamblinNashville's B|G Home Team

Home, Happy, Home

Home. So much contained in that little four letter 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 the concept of homes, we wanted to highlight what makes them special to our readers. We feel lucky in that we get to learn more about the businesses and individuals that comprise this region and hope the small lens into their lives and work brings together people in this community.

As you flip through the pages of this edition, we hope you’ll feel encouraged and connected to the people around you.

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 as coffee table art or an accessory in their home. We feel proud to create a resource that’s 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,

JENNIFER KAUFMAN, PUBLISHER

March 2023

PUBLISHER

Jennifer Kaufman | j.kaufman@citylifestyle.com

COPY EDITOR

Julie Brown Patton | julie.patton@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Sue Baldani, Julie Brown Patton, Myra McEntire, Delia Jo Ramsey, Haley Williams

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

David Bailey, James Williams, Cedrick Jones, J.A. Stenger Photography

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry

CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore

DIRECTOR OF SOCIAL MEDIA Mindy Hargesheimer

ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor

OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard

Learn how to start your own publication at: citylifestyle.com/franchise

Proverbs 3:5-6

city scene

Where neighbors can see and be seen.

LIGHTING THE WAY FOR WOMEN SURVIVORS

For over 25 years, Thistle Farms has lit a pathway of healing and hope for women survivors of trafficking and prostitution. Your support helps survivors find their way home.

thistlefarms.org

1: (L-R) Cherie Benner Davis, Digby Palmer, Susan Tinney at Tempter Launch Party at Bobby Hotel. 2: (L-R) Erin Malone and Meg Jarratt at Tempter Launch Party at the Bobby Hotel. 3: (L-R) Howard Stern,Veronica Stern, Katheryne West, Carolyn Miller at Tempter Launch Party at Bobby Hotel.

Photography by Cedrick Jones

This Domestic Diva Goes the Extra Mile

PROVIDING HOMES AND BUSINESSES WITH A SPARKLING CLEAN (AND SOMETIMES EVEN A PIE)

ARTICLE BY SUE BALDANI

When Allie Williamson was a young girl, her grandmother and mother would give her a long list of cleaning chores. Unlike most kids, she couldn’t have been happier.

After graduating from college and moving to Nashville from a small town in Mississippi, Allie had a successful career, but she still felt unfulfilled. So, after work, she started picking up some cleaning jobs, and in 2014, left the corporate world to open Southern Domestic Diva. Today, she employs 75 people and has 800-plus clients in Nashville and Monticello, Mississippi. Here, she shares more about her approach.

WHAT SERVICES DOES SOUTHERN DOMESTIC DIVA PROVIDE?

“We do residential, vacation rental, commercial and construction cleaning. We work at the new Four Seasons and a few restaurants in town – the Fable Lounge being one of our main restaurants. We're available seven days a week, day and night.”

AS A BUSINESS OWNER, WHY IS IT IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO HELP YOUR EMPLOYEES REACH THEIR FULL POTENTIAL?

“Once I started employing women, I saw how I was changing their lives for the better. They were able to purchase cars and homes, and now their daughters are my interns. That was really the drive and passion behind getting our women-owned, small business certification and bringing together this powerhouse of divas and thriving off of each other's successes. They're my family. I'm a single girl in the city with no children, and when we're not together, I miss them.”

HOW DO YOU ENSURE YOUR EMPLOYEES’ SUCCESS?

“We're building something really cool and bringing a different approach to the cleaning industry. I don't allow clients to call them cleaners – they are divas (and sometimes divos). I encourage them to wear red lipstick and give them nice uniforms and nice company cars to travel in. They feel proud of what they're doing and that they're making a difference in this great city.”

WHAT'S THE FEEDBACK YOU RECEIVE FROM CLIENTS?

“I have a lot of interactions on social media, so clients love to comment about their favorite divas. Some of these women have been with these clients for seven or eight years and they’ve become part of their families. They water their plants and always go that extra mile. I pride myself on employing people with strong work ethics.”

“Once I started employing women, I saw how I was changing their lives for the better.”

WHAT ELSE MAKES SOUTHERN DOMESTIC DIVA UNIQUE?

“In addition to cleaning, another thing my grandmother instilled in me is a love of cooking. We make Southern pecan pies, which is the trademark of the business. Every new client gets a pie and anytime we do a sponsorship or an event, we serve these pies and mimosas. That’s a big staple and sets us apart from other companies.”

WHAT ARE A COUPLE OF NONPROFITS YOU’RE INVOLVED WITH?

“I employ a lot of people from the Hispanic and Latin communities, so I do a lot of nonprofit work in sectors that give back to them. The one that I have the most involvement with is HOLA, which is the Hispanic Organization of Leaders and Achievers. We host a monthly salsa night at the Plaza Mariachi in hopes of doing some mentorship programs and trying to help with whatever challenges they might be facing, whether that’s citizenship issues or finding jobs. We also help other employers here in town with staffing and make them aware of the Hispanic community. I also do some work with the Boys and Girls Scouts of America, but HOLA is the one that really has my heart.”

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE?

“I have to pinch myself sometimes. I wanted to grow something big and make a difference, and I did, and I have hopes of franchising the Southern Domestic Diva brand.

I also just finished writing the Southern Diva Cookbook. It's a lot of Southern traditional recipes from women who have had influence in my life and some of the sweet little ladies from my hometown and church. It also teaches how to use and care for cast iron pans. The book can be found on Amazon, our website, and at our offices.”

629.800.5134

SouthernDomesticDiva.com

“I encourage them to wear red lipstick and give them nice uniforms and nice company cars to travel in. They feel proud of what they’re doing and that they’re making a difference in this great city.”

A GAME PLAN FOR RETIREMENT

LIVEWELL BY BLAKEFORD OFFERS CALMING

LIVING SOLUTIONS

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAVID BAILEY

When Nashville spouses Hannah Paramore Breen and Bill Breen reached their mid-50s, they decided to remake their lives and priorities. "We already had purchased traditional long-term care insurance because we didn't want to put any burdens on our children," Hannah shares.

However, when they learned about the Nashville-based amenities offered through LiveWell By Blakeford and the organization's lifetime memberships for older adults who want to live independently at home as long as possible, she says they bought into the security of knowing they could have personal support and an advocate to coordinate their care.

She says she appreciated the positive vibe of the LiveWell program, which left her knowing she wouldn't be alone in facing life's curveballs.

LiveWell's care coordinators support members, and take a pre-emptive approach toward healthy aging through home safety assessments, nutritional counseling, fitness programming and patient advocacy. Essentially, the program incorporates a myriad of wellness initiatives and holistic approaches to aging while offering a lifelong guarantee of care.

In dealing with her mother's Alzheimer's-related care needs, Hannah says she already knew the value of having a solid financial plan. "But even with my mother's long-term insurance being in place, it took months to activate it. My sister and I had to tag-team the process because it involves coordinating assessments from doctors, neurologists and cardiologists, plus someone reviewing health records and medications, along with our mother going through home assessments more than once. And then, the people we were dealing with claimed some records got lost, and we essentially got delayed again. I felt like we were often at a disadvantage."

She says she ended up moving her mother's living location three times in a year and a half.

"With the LiveWell program, we have one trusted person to coordinate our needs and we won't have to suffer through a 50-day wait policy or lose any health benefits," Hannah says.

She says she and Bill like the idea of having a familiar location as an alternative in case their needs change, which will allow them to work with people with whom they already have relationships. "We're focused on fitness and healthy diets, and work out first thing right after breakfast. So, while we have no current interest in going into a facility, fear of unknown things that might happen can discourage people from planning. Now, we feel more in control of our lives and can enter our next stage of living in a different, reassuring frame of mind."

AGING IN PLACE BENEFITS:

RETIREMENT PLANNING

LiveWell combines long-term care insurance, private home care and retirement community living into an innovative package.

PEACE OF MIND:

LiveWell gives members independence; reduces anxiety from managing home and health care alone.

YET EXCITING SENIOR

Hannah and Bill Breen

Blakeford's solutions help senior citizens plan for "flexibility and individual assistance, not cookie-cutter conditions," Hannah says.

"Discussing these age-related matters can be extremely emotional and hard, to the point that people avoid this type of planning. But, my personal experience is that it's best to identify and take care of options before decisions are imminent," she adds. "And now we won't have to deal with strangers on the phone if we need medical or daily living assistance."

In the event a member requires nursing or assisted living care, a LiveWell membership not only ensures priority access to that level of care but also covers it financially, protecting members against potential care costs that could surpass $100,000 per person per year on average. The program incorporates wellness initiatives and holistic approaches to aging while offering lifelong guarantees of care.

While LiveWell members live at home, they have access to Blakeford’s Green Hills campus. During 2023, a fully renovated, on-campus Wellness Center will reopen, including a new indoor pool, fitness gym, salon, dining room, art studio and event space.

615.665.0694

Blakeford.com/LiveWell

FINANCES:

LiveWell membership assures clients' non-medical health care costs are covered/contained, and aren't increased due to health status.

FOR HEALTH/WELLNESS:

LiveWell members enjoy Blakeford at Green Hills, a 10-acre Continuing Care Retirement Community campus.

HANNAH AND BILL BREEN

As active adults, Hannah and Bill Breen say they became Blakeford LiveWell members to secure all-encompassing support if and when they ever need it. As a former digital business owner, Hannah reminds us how essential it is to properly plan for life's stages. With Bill being a professional golfer and local instructor, the couple wanted the security of an active, organized retirement community, services and relationships.

“NOW, WE FEEL MORE IN CONTROL OF OUR LIVES AND CAN ENTER OUR NEXT STAGE OF LIVING IN A DIFFERENT, REASSURING FRAME OF MIND.”

Hannah and Bill Breen

Honest Guidance

B|G Home’s Shawn Booth And Caleb Gamblin Celebrate Stellar Year As Real Estate Team

ARTICLE BY MYRA MCENTIRE

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JAMES WILLIAMS

Whether selling to first-time homebuyers or those interested in luxury properties, Shawn Booth and Caleb Gamblin say they seek to provide their clients with an experience that rises above expectations. The pair joined forces in February of 2022 to form The B|G Home Team, and had more than $15 million sold/pending properties in their first year of business. Their hard work appears to speak directly to their aptitude for success.

Shawn and Caleb each had real estate experience before they connected at Shawn’s gym, BoothCamp. “We started chatting about real estate,” says Shawn, who readers might recognize as the winner of season 11 of The Bachelorette. “We were both interested in working as a team. Since we found a home at the Parks Brokerage, we’ve been focusing on residential, small

commercial, new developments, investment properties, a little bit of everything,” he continues. “We’re very proud of our first year and our success, and we’re picking up some major steam for 2023.”

“Shawn’s great at marketing,” says Caleb, “and I need that, as well as somebody who’s a little more direct. So it was a perfect fit from day one. And we’re in a great market. This market has options for every buyer from one-bedroom condos up to $10 million-plus luxury estates. A big driver for us is social media. We tend to show off fancy luxury homes there –  because that’s what people enjoy seeing. More often, we’re working with firsttime homebuyers at an entry-level price point. They’re green to the process and put their trust in us. When you get to the closing table with a first-time homebuyer,

that’s special. They’re so appreciative of our work, and we appreciate them.”

The B|G Home Team offers the bonus of an active and engaging Instagram account, including the video reviews and walk-throughs featured there.

Shawn explains, “Social media has helped for sure. We’ve used it to put out some feelers, which is the first step,  but then we have to close the deal. With his background, Caleb is fantastic at this. When we’re listing a house and we put it on social media, that home gets hundreds of thousands of views within days. It’s a huge advantage and free promotion.”

Sometimes the two say they compete to see which homes are the most popular. “I’ll pick my favorite house, Caleb will pick his favorite house, and we’ll post walkthroughs on social media and have people pick which one they like.”

Caleb says they drum up business through their networks, social media and word of mouth. “Referrals are key. Real estate is a huge purchase, the biggest some people make in their lifetime. I connect with most by building that relationship and trust with clients. It’s 100% about the relationship for me.”

Shawn agrees. “Building connections is a big deal; we’re great at solving problems. No experience is the same, everything presents challenges, and that’s where Caleb and I excel, coming up with solutions.”

“Homebuying can be a stressful process,” Caleb says. “Circumstances around moving can be challenging. It could be because of divorce, death, job loss or the need for a sudden downgrade. So having someone involved in that situation who’s strong enough to handle it for you – to encourage, push, drive and console you when you’re feeling overwhelmed – that’s a big thing for us.”

My background in construction and development opened the doors for strong relationships with builders and developers in the area,” continues Caleb, “allowing us to identify opportunities not currently listed. The Nashville market can be extremely fast-paced. When it's hot and stable, like 2020 and early 2021, we saw homes sold within hours of going live.

Insider knowledge of off-market deals is key. Through our relationships with Nashville's most reputable developers, builders and agents, we can present our buyers with a larger inventory list and potential opportunities before they've reached the public eye. We can control the added pressure of other buyers, minimize multiple offer situations and negotiate deals that work best for our clients without added stress.

We love the feeling of knowing we got a deal no one else knew about...that's why the strong relationships we've built over the years have played such a key role in our success with representing buyers, especially on new construction.”

Shawn says what separates The B|G Home Team from other real estate professionals is, “One of our strong suits is that we believe in being honest and upfront. We're not oversellers, we're confident in our knowledge of the market and in determining accurate pricing for each home. If it's not a fit or doesn't make sense for an investor's portfolio, we bring that to light. At the end of the day, we try our best to make this process a lot easier, less stressful, and most importantly we want our clients to have fun with it."

Instagram: @thebghometeam

Shawn Booth: @shawn_booth18

Caleb Gamblin: @gamblinsince1993

“NO EXPERIENCE IS THE SAME, EVERYTHING PRESENTS CHALLENGES, AND THAT’S WHERE CALEB AND I EXCEL, COMING UP WITH SOLUTIONS.”

- SHAWN BOOTH

(L to R): Shawn Booth and Caleb Gamblin first met in BoothCamp.

EFFICIENT, SIMPLIFIED TITLE SERVICES

Experienced Closing Agents At Tressler Title Handle Residential And Commercial Transactions

Purchasing a home or business property can be an overwhelming experience. When Todd Tressler II founded Tressler & Associates/Tressler Title, he recalls intentionally establishing an overall process to title and escrow management that enables services to be straightforward, thorough and simplified. Unlike deeds, titles represent the legal right to own and sell a property. Here, he shares important notations for Music City City Lifestyle readers.

Todd Tressler II

HOW ARE TITLE COMPANIES SELECTED?

"Many people are unaware they have the legal right to choose who helps them close their real estate transactions. You should choose your most trusted legal relationship to assist in what most consider one of the top financial investments you’ll ever make."

WHAT TITLE/ESCROW SERVICES DOES TRESSLER PROVIDE?

"Tressler Title provides title and escrow services from contract to close, meaning from the time you sign your contract until all funds are collected and disbursed and all legal terms of the contract are fulfilled. Our team works to ensure every step of closing processes runs smoothly, all documentation is carefully managed and prepared, and your interests are insured and protected."

"Because Tressler is attorney-owned and operated, the firm's professionals can provide legal guidance to keep title transactions progressing, should any legal questions arise. We thrive on providing peace of mind to our clients."

WHAT CHALLENGES MIGHT COME UP IN THE PROCESS?

"There are several challenges that could arise and call property ownership into question or keep you from purchasing a property. While some challenges may require amending clerical errors, others may require more time and resources to resolve. Unknown liens and easements, missing heirs, and even forged documents can be missed even after an extensive search of public records. This is why owner’s title insurance is so important. It provides you peace of mind beyond closing day and protects you from financial loss should a title issue or defect arise after you purchase your home. "

WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE IN WORKING WITH TITLE AGENTS VERSUS REAL ESTATE ATTORNEYS?

"An experienced real estate attorney can guide you through purchasing and selling real estate property, including empty land, residential homes, and commercial buildings. Unlike title companies who may need outside legal assistance, Tressler Title is attorney-owned and operated. This means when difficult title problems or disputes arise, you have a legal team in-house to identify the best way to move things forward. A title company is not authorized to provide legal advice or draft, negotiate or make changes to legal documents. Working with a real estate attorney helps you mitigate risk and implement timely solutions to prevent or delay your settlement."

As a purpose-driven law firm with 83 years of combined experience in complex real estate challenges in both residential and commercial real estate, Tressler & Associates, PLLC handles real estate law; estate planning and probate; and business law matters.

615.444.2345

TresslerAssociates.com

Organized Homes With Compassion

Through Simplify615

Simplify615 is a home organization company that helps clients, truly, get it together. Brentwood neighbors and friends, Lauren Thurman and Courtney FraserMason, met a few years back when Courtney moved just across the street. Simplify615 founder Lauren, born and raised in Little Rock, Arkansas, worked as a licensed clinical social worker, serving grieving children and families through a local nonprofit hospice in Nashville after attending Vanderbilt. Born and raised in western Canada, Courtney has become all too familiar with the moving process over the course of her life.

Courtney says her constant, long-distance moves necessitated a minimalist lifestyle, but settling in for a few years in Brentwood had led to a well-known struggle — the overwhelming accumulation of stuff. The chaos of 2020 led Lauren to look for what was next professionally, and with that plus a desire to nurture her creative side, plus a lifelong knack for organization — Simplify615 was born. The two women agree that it’s in their DNA to help others.

"Creating order out of the chaos of everyday life grounds me, and the opportunity to share this joy and peace of mind with others sounds like the perfect job for me. I'm passionate about helping others in a way that I can relate to," explains Courtney. "Sorting through clutter can be overwhelming, and this is where a helping hand can move mountains. Whether it’s organizing a closet, a pantry or a junk drawer, eliminating unneeded 'stuff' in our lives helps us to make room for

what’s important, literally and figuratively. We're here to help you make decisions about what to keep and how to keep it well, so you can focus on what really matters."

The Simplify615 team say they provide personalized home organization services to create functional, enjoyable spaces for their clients. Many people don't know where to start when it comes to home organization, and Simplify615 helps break the process down by helping customers select a starting point and focus for their home organization projects. Then, they divide projects into manageable steps and solutions.

Simplify615 helps edit out items no longer loved or needed, then organize those items into categories and store them in beautiful storage solutions for easy maintenance.

Lauren certainly understands the importance of meeting each client exactly where they are. "We love helping people in this way so much. When people respond to it and feel like they’ve been helped, it truly makes my day."

The two offer a few steps for those looking to start their own home organization projects:

1. Start small. That’s one of our main things. Start small, choose a corner or a specific item like shoes, and go from there.

2. Use all of your vertical space. Using all your closet space up to the ceiling in the form of shoe bins, hanging hats, etc. Using vertical space helps keep clutter off of the floor and maximize small space.

Instagram/Facebook: @simplify_615Simplify615.com

New Seamless Roofing

PEACE OF MIND PERMADEX ROOFING: DESIGNED FOR DECADES OF TROUBLE-FREE USE

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

Due to when many flat or low-slope roofs in Nashville were completed, local industry professionals indicate those roofs are nearing the end of their reliable lifespans. Roofs sealed with commonly used Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) are covered by only a single-ply roofing membrane. Now, there's an alternative roofing solution, Permadex, created by Nashville general contractor Russ Mabry.

"I was handling a lot of historic renovation projects, with flat or below-pitch roofs covering critical spaces, such as master bedrooms and kitchens. When TPO roofs leak, they can cause both cosmetic messes and structural damage. So, I wanted to identify a better, longer-lasting roofing solution for my customers," says Russ, who formulated Permadex as a Fiberglas-based product to provide seamless roof coverings.

Permadex is a new, reliable solution especially for roofing over other parts of homes.

Russ says Permadex works by applying specific flashings and trims, covered by a matting and then applying specific resins. Those layers are topped with a gel-coat finish to establish a less penetrable, durable roof without seams, he adds.

He says he originally saw a similar application in Europe. But when he couldn't find a U.S. distributor for that product, he created Permadex about two years ago.

"We use materials widely used in the marine industry, which are resistant to the harshest chemicals and years of UV exposure," he says.

Russ also is working with two other Nashville construction pros to develop a manufacturing and franchising business model based on the product. Childhood friends and local combat veterans, Lelan Williams and T.K. Thomas, parlayed Lelan's knowledge of composite systems and T.K.'s dedication to craftsmanship to develop the Permadex System.

Lelan, owner of the residential siding and roofing company MJ Exteriors, says he's been looking for an economical product to replace residential use of the TPO roofing system. T.K., luthier and owner of a high-end residential service company, says he was dedicated to improvements in products and processes that delivered utmost quality.

Lelan and T.K. indicate an annual cleaning, inspection and application of flooring wax is all the care necessary to ensure the maintenance of the Permadex System. They're also willing to provide complimentary consultations, and confirm their crews are able to clean up any remediation work necessary from replacing prior roofs.

"Additionally, we believe Permadex is the perfect solution for Nashville's rooftop decks, because it's designed for decadeslong use," says Russ.

615.246.7710 / 615.207.8074

Permadex.com

LUXURY year-round lighting

BLINGLE: LOCAL OUTDOOR LIGHTING INSTALLATION PROFESSIONALS FOR ALL SEASONS

ARTICLE BY JULIE BROWN PATTON

PHOTOGRAPHY BY PROVIDED BY BLINGLE NASHVILLE WEST

Blingle

Blingle's Nashville West Tennessee lighting specialists and design team are more than eager to bring personalized, quality-driven lighting projects to life, assures franchise co-owner Todd Lawrence.

"We handle all the steps, from design and installation, to ongoing service. We support our customers every step and every light of the way," he says.

Todd says their premier lighting projects are anchored with innovative, computer-based technology. "Blingle professional grade lighting products and technology not only make homes, businesses or events shine, they keep the lights on longer, brighter and more efficiently. Our lighting fixtures and bulbs are designed to withstand even the worst of Nashville weather."

A variety of lighting colors can be provided, and there are even three variations of white to create certain ambiances:  warm, pure and cool.

Blingle installations include low-voltage LED lighting; residential and commercial lighting; dock lighting; landscape and architectural lighting; string lighting; deck outdoor living lighting; patio chandeliers; accent lights; accessibility lighting; and path lights.

For landscape reasons, they light patios, decks, porches, gazebos, grills, fire pits, outdoor pools, outdoor spaces for bars or restaurants, steps and outdoor walls. For permanent lighting, they handle rooflines, patios, decks, gazebos and commercial areas.

"For events, we're happy to set up lighting arrangements for weddings, mitzvahs, fundraisers, grand openings, special events, corporate parties, graduations and parties. We can handle designing the lights, or work in conjunction with wedding or event planners," shares Todd.

They also can provide decorative, light-accompanying wreaths and trees, such as fanciful cherry blossom and birch.

"And we keep customers off of teetering ladders by designing, installing, maintaining, taking down and storing lighting for holidays, such as Christmas, Hanukkah, Valentine’s Day, Halloween and Fourth of July," he adds.

Anchored from a large warehouse, Todd says holiday lights are leased to customers and custom-cut to each home's rooflines. "We then store them for customers in organized, QR-coded boxes."

Todd and his wife/co-owner, Shannon, make a cohesive business team, based on their relationship that actually began in preschool. Todd has 25 years of corporate experience in sales and leadership roles, and he passionately supports Make-A-Wish Middle Tennessee as a board member. Shannon's volunteerism often is provided to schools and other community endeavors. They also are members of the Williamson County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development. They say they enjoy Nashville's live music, boating, traveling and watching SEC football.

The Lawrences' daughter, Maddie, also contributes to the Blingle team as a lighting design consultant. She earned a bachelor's degree in marketing at Mississippi State University.

Blingle of Nashville West Tennessee is a member of the Association of Outdoor Lighting Professionals.

All three Lawrences indicate community isn’t just at the core of why they do what they do at Blingle. "It’s the life and soul of our operations. Making events and spaces lively and bright isn’t possible without a community dedicated to fellowship and compassion for others. Our community members, neighbors and friends coming together in the name of celebration and unity not only gives us business opportunities, but a chance to help turn events or homes into unforgettable experiences," says Shannon. "So, host that business outing. Invite that neighbor to the barbecue. Celebrate that birthday. We can’t wait to help you elevate the experience along the way."

615.581.2274

Blingle.com/Nashville-West-Tennessee

3 Hot Trends in Kitchen Design

ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY J.A. STENGER PHOTOGRAPHY

When designing your dream kitchen, it’s important to balance timeless features with elements that reflect your personality and design aesthetic. You may not plan to remodel your kitchen each year (does anyone do that?), but that doesn’t mean there aren’t creative ways to keep your space feeling modern and fresh.

We spoke with interior designer Brooke Cover about the trends in kitchen design she’s seeing this year, touching on everything from cabinet colors and lighting to tile and countertop combos she’s loving.

TAKING THE COUNTER MATERIAL UP THE BACKSPLASH

Although the iconic subway tile backsplash is timeless in its own right, Brooke says she is seeing a big shift toward marble slab backsplashes — which add drama and depth to the kitchen. Not only is it easier to clean than tile, but a marble backsplash and countertop also sets the tone for the entire space and makes a big statement.

WARMING UP THE WHITE

We doubt the classic white kitchen will ever completely go out of style, but trends show people are going away from the white kitchen and gray cabinets. They’re opting for white mixed with warmer wood tones, dark greens and blues. Some homeowners are mixing vintage in with the new and modern through butcher block islands or other unique cabinetry choices. Black is making a bold comeback in some kitchens, while others usher in warmth through painted islands or other darker contrast tiles in the bar area. You don’t have to leave behind the timelessness when you warm up your space if you opt for equally timeless black and wood-stained accents. If you want a quick refresh, consider adding pops of wood through cutting boards or other decor accents on countertops or open shelves.

CONTRAST, CONTRAST, CONTRAST!

From painted and stained islands to dark lower cabinetry with bright white uppers and mixed lighting fixtures, contrast is the name of the game this year. You’ll see this juxtaposition between clean white and darker colors or even this year’s favorite - greens and blues - all over newly designed kitchens. You’re not breaking any rules by coordinating sculptural pendants over the kitchen island with more vintage-inspired gooseneck sconces over the standalone bar or a chandelier over the eat-in kitchen.

I suggest viewing countertop slabs in person vs. a small sample piece because each slab has unique movement and colors. They are all so beautiful and works of art. Taking a trip to the warehouse will really help a client to understand the different types available and see the difference in the look of the material.

A peek at what’s ahead: bold cabinet colors, statement hardware and swaths of stone.

Brooke’s Pro Tip: SCAN QR CODE FOR BROOKE’S FAVORITE COUNTERTOPS THIS YEAR.