Step Inside: A Quirky & Colorful Tennessee Abode
Sometimes you get one glimpse of a house and know that it’s home to someone very creative. That was the case for this modern and lively abode in Tennessee, where photographer Kristen Chambers lives with her husband, dog, and two boys.
The home was built in the early 2000s, and looking at it now, you’d be surprised to learn it was very traditional in style when Kristen and her family first bought it. Thanks to many careful renovations and Kristen’s eye for design, it now has a playfully modern vibe with art and color at every turn.
Just ahead, Kristen shares how her space came to life — in both words and photos.
Can you share a little bit about your background?
I have been a creative for most of my adult life. I started a career in photography back in 2008. I shoot all kinds of things, from interiors to families to senior photos. I hate to limit myself to one category to shoot. I’ve recently gotten into shooting more film — medium format and 35 mm — and love the nostalgic look of it.
I love interior design and all things colorful. Being surrounded by fun shades is a mood elevator for me. I also enjoy quirky art. I rely on Schoolhouse to help bring my house to life with timeless and bright designs.
Tell us about your home. How did you know it was the right one for your family?
Our home was built in the early 2000s. What drew us to this home was the number of windows and the awesome natural light throughout the home. It is an instant antidepressant in the form of nature.
What has the renovation process been like?
The kitchen was dated when we purchased the home, with a very traditional style since we live in the South. We were able to change out the door fronts to a sleek modern slab, add bookshelves to the existing cabinets, remove the crown molding, and add new knobs from Schoolhouse to totally change the vibe.
The kitchen was also very wide with no island in the center, so it had some awkward negative space. We had a custom island made to help with functionality and added bookshelves for some personality. The next project will be tackling the bathrooms.
How would you describe your interior style?
Playful, quirky, fun, modern, bright.
To you, what makes a house a home?
Family Polaroids laying around, kids splashing in the pool, belly laughs, family time on the couch watching a good show, the warm sun coming in through the windows.
What advice do you have for someone who’s considering renovating their home?
Patience! And prepare yourself. It's probably going to take longer than expected, but it's all worth it in the end. Get a mood board to gather ideas, and figure out what common thing you like best in the photos to help decide which direction to go on the design.
Last but not least, can you tell us about a few of your Schoolhouse favorites and why you chose them for the space?
I love that all of the Schoolhouse products are timeless and things I will never get tired of. They have great versatility and can be styled in many different interior styles as your style evolves and changes over time.
The Teig Lamp is probably my favorite. I like it so much I have two different colors and really want another one. It pulls on my heart strings with its bold fun colors and easily adds a pop of fun to any room.
Also, Flip Clocks. I probably own 5 different Schoolhouse clocks, but the Gino Flip Clock in light blue is my favorite. I just have a hard time deciding which room I want it to live in, so it moves around from time to time.
Finally, the Swedish Utility Rack. This rack has created one of my favorite little nooks of the house, and it’s so handy to have at the back door. I love its simple clean design.
