DESIGN

OUT OF THE BLUE

DESIGN LINDSEY BLACK INTERIORS | STORY TERRI GLAZER PHOTOGRAPHY SÉLAVIE PHOTOGRAPHY

With a unique, cocktail lounge vibe, this retro chic pool house is ready for fun.

the phrase “pool house” might not usually evoke images of a space described as “lounge-y” or “cool,” but those words kept popping up on a recent visit to this East Memphis pool/guest house. Renovated by Lindsey Black of Lindsey Black Interiors, the structure has a style that’s a bit unexpected, but a perfect fit for the homeowners and their young teenage children.

The owners renovated the main residence when they moved in a few years ago, but they had yet to give the pool house the same attention. They brought Black on board in early 2020 to put their stamp on the space. Before she and her team started the creative work, she met with the couple, as she does with every client at the outset of one of the large-scale projects in which her firm specializes, to get to know them and understand their needs. During the session she learned a few things. The wife wanted to use the pool house for year-round entertaining and for overnight guests. She wanted it to be a spot where kids could hang out, and one that adults could also enjoy. And it had to be cool, with a cocktail lounge vibe.

The designer recalls that the initial meeting happened just before one of her semi-annual buying trips; fortunate timing because it allowed her to select items at market specifically with the pool house in mind. Every project starts with a jumping off point. For this one, Black says, it was the large color photograph of a swimming tiger that now hangs in the living area. “The water tied into the pool nicely,” she says, and the animal’s deep orange color influenced other design choices. Next came the fabric for pillows on the sofa and the dining banquette. The retro print in bold colors has just the right degree of old Havana flair.

pillow fabric might seem a minor detail in a full-scale redesign project, but Black says each feature is important to making a room, and a whole house, come together with a cohesive look. “We really do put thought into every little detail we choose in a room and how it all works together,” she says. “Even though a pillow is a small element, it inspired most of the color choices in the room.”

And, thanks to the introduction of a wealth of new high-performance textiles and fabric treatments, Black had plenty of choices when selecting upholstery. Gone are the days when pool houses had to be furnished in vinyl and hard plastic. Today’s advanced materials come in a myriad of options and can stand up to catastrophes from wet swimsuits to spilled drinks, no worse for the wear. Everything from the clean-lined living area sofa to the dramatic tete-a-tete chaise by Ray Booth for Hickory Chair to the stunning blue/green velvet banquette is covered in fabric that is as durable as it is beautiful.

In the dining area Black removed a large round dining table at the homeowners’ request. The family tends to entertain more informally, however, if a larger group wants to gather, the new game table, with an extra leaf installed, can accommodate.

Nestled under a handsome work by West African artist Kader Boly, the banquette, paired with a trio of small round cocktail tables and wood/woven leather chairs makes a perfect spot for a group conversation, an intimate drink—or for kids’ post-swim snacks and sodas.

black enlisted Greg Hampton of Hampton Fine Finishes to paint the kitchen cabinets in the same saturated gray/green as the living area. The existing copper vent hood is perfectly warm, juxtaposed against the cool-toned cabinetry. Poster-sized photos of iconic Memphis neon signs jazz up the kitchen and provide a funky hometown touch when the space is used as a guest house for out-of-town visitors. “It’s fun to put things like that in here that you might not place in the main house,” says Black.

It’s a toss-up as to who loves the new game room more, the teenagers or their father. During the initial conversation, Black learned that the man of the house is a huge Marvel Comics fan, so she turned to local artist Daniel Tacker to create a custom multimedia work featuring the superheroes. The art seems to fly off the wall, with Wolverine, dad’s favorite character, leading the way. The designer commissioned the painting and chose all the art for the project with deliberate care and with local talent in mind. A figure painting by Memphis artist Heather Howle hangs in the dining area.

The pool house has a lot of wall space, so Black was tasked with finding multiple pieces. She explains, “You have to be careful about how you mix artwork. I think it can make or break a space so you have to consider the style of the art, who the artist is, color versus black and white, media, but also scale is so important. These are all statement pieces. They stand on their own, but they complement instead of competing with one another.”

it's clear that Black loves the way her concept came to completion for these clients, but she stresses that it’s not all about appearances. “As important as it is that a space looks good, for me it is critical that it works for the client, that it meets all their needs and it checks all the boxes they give us.” This chic backyard cocktail lounge/teen hangout with the unexpected ambiance checks those boxes perfectly for the homeowners, their children and their guests.

moms are gems

& MAY IS THEIR TIME TO SHINE

Spring is here and special events like graduations, weddings and family gatherings are beginning to fill our calendars. Welcome signs that winter is behind us, the joys of springtime reminds us that the carefree months of summer sunshine and vacations are arriving soon.

There’s no question that May is a special time of year, but it’s especially true as we find unique ways to celebrate what motherhood means. While the special mother figures in our life deserve the entire month (and more!) to be celebrated, Mother’s Day falls on May 8 this year and presents fresh opportunities to celebrate moms with colorful generosity—like a selection from the Sissy’s Log Cabin Color Collection.

Moms are fabulous multitaskers, and their jewelry should be, too!

A fashionable piece to be worn casually or dressed up, this three-tiered 14K yellow and white gold ring features 1.07cttw ruby and 0.20cttw diamond. Mom will complete any chic look and spring into step with seasonal trends when she wears this piece. Yellow/White Gold Ruby and Diamond Fashion Ring

Every mom is unique. Let’s celebrate what makes each one special.

This extraordinary necklace features a 13.69cttw blue topaz center stone that only rivals the beauty of a clear blue sky. Accompanied by a 1.08cttw diamond halo, this piece is the perfect accessory for spring. The pendant dangles from a paperclip chain, offering a delicate yet eye-grabbing addition to any warm-weather outfit. Sky Blue Topaz Pendant on Paperclip Chain

Moms are golden, and we can help you find a piece that complements their style.

Golden beryl earrings for a woman with a heart of gold. These mixedmetal earrings are striking in their presentation and feature 18K yellow and white gold with a 0.60cttw diamond drop, spotlighting 10.79cttw pearshaped golden beryl. White And Yellow Gold Diamond and Golden Beryl Earrings

Make time management a glamorous pursuit.

Moms are masters of bending time to fit a long list of activities into just 24 hours. With this modernretro inspired Breitling Chronomat Automatic 36, she’ll slip on a versatile, sporty and chic watch in the morning ready to tackle the day in style. CHRONOMAT AUTOMATIC 36, Stainless Steel & 18k Red Gold (Gem-set) - Copper

A classic and effortless style that is timeless for modern moms.

This 18K white gold Roberto Coin bangle bracelet is a stunning addition to any wrist stack. As part of the Love in Verona Collection, the repeated four-petaled floral motif features 0.15cttw diamond. With a nod to gems, the designer exclusively signs each one of his pieces with a small, hidden ruby cast inside the bracelet, representing his message of good wishes to every woman wearing one of his creations. White Gold Diamond Verona Bangle Bracelet

Moms are gems, and Sissy’s Log Cabin is ready to help you honor them with thoughtfully curated jewelry. Keeping these gifting tips in mind will help you honor their uniqueness, helping them feel just as dazzling as the eye-catching pieces they’ll be wearing. As you shop to honor the mother in your life, consider letting Sissy’s Log Cabin show you the way.

Ready to find the perfect gifts for the mother figures in your life? Browse our selection of jewelry, timepieces and more at Sissy’s Log Cabin in Memphis or online at SissysLogCabin.com.