Showcasing Your Aesthetic

Living Spaces That Reflect Local Women’s Styles

By Lindsey Clute / Photography by Creative Revolver

While a Southern aesthetic might evoke images of traditional charm and rustic décor, women in Chattanooga are blending styles to create spaces that express their unique tastes and personalities. From modern minimalist layouts to bold, alternative flairs, these designs demonstrate that Southern living is all about individuality and creativity. Here, we feature five local women whose distinct traits and talents are beautifully reflected in their living spaces.

Brandy Riley

While Brandy Riley’s aesthetic has evolved over time, she has always gravitated towards the eclectic energy present in her Swedish farmhouse-style home. “It’s a unique blend of thrift finds and new items, creating a space that feels both nostalgic and contemporary,” she explains. “I have a deep appreciation for the well-made items of yesteryear, which bring a sense of history and character to my home. At the same time, I enjoy incorporating modern pieces that add a fresh and updated touch. This mix of old and new creates a harmonious and inviting atmosphere that truly reflects my personal style.”

Although yard sales and thrift stores are to thank for many beloved pieces in her home, Riley’s own works of art are often the stars of the show. Her home studio serves as the creative playground for her pastime of eight years – encaustic art, a painting technique that uses heated wax mixed with colored pigments. “Before I got into encaustic, I didn’t like hanging my artwork in my home, but now I proudly display my art,” Riley explains.

Working from home full time, Riley emphasizes the importance of a personalized setting. “It’s crucial for me to feel comfortable in my space to be myself and stay productive,” she says. “That’s why maintaining my home’s aesthetic is so important to me. It allows me to continue evolving and growing within my environment.”

Ashley Greenberg

As a big lover of the outdoors, it’s only natural that Ashley Greenberg’s home incorporates nature in every nook. Where earthy-modern collides with wabi-sabi, a traditional Japanese aesthetic that encourages imperfection and authenticity, her home showcases a creative labor of love. “It all started out as vision boards back in 2014,” Greenberg shares. “Whether it was Pinterest, magazine clippings I stored in a ‘one day’ folder, or taking photographs in nature and capturing those here-and-now moments to bottle up, I wanted to bring that into this space.”

From stones, foliage, turkey tail mushrooms, and an entryway water fountain, Mother Nature is present in every area of this spacious and relaxed atmosphere. “I would take detailed photos of nature and then search for the textiles and fabrics and colors that could bring that into the home,” she says. Crystal quartz, calcite, and floating clouds are also incorporated throughout the home, adding to its serene ambience. A most intriguing aspect, however, are the crystals placed within the walls and floors throughout the house, as well as under the foundation. Greenberg explains, “These intentions and energies promote a sense of love, connection, laughter, and ease for anyone that we can welcome.”

Brooke Maclellan

Within Brooke Maclellan’s 100-year-old Tudor-style home, you’ll find two nurseries fit for princesses. “Both of my girls’ nurseries feel like how I imagine a classic fairytale princess like Cinderella or Sleeping Beauty would design their daughters’ rooms,” Maclellan shares. Drenched in “pastel fairytale frivolity,” the nurseries exude timeless elegance and royalty, ongoing themes throughout Maclellan’s life. “I’ve always gravitated towards frills, fanciful, femininity, and fantasy,” she says.

As if straight out of a storybook, tufted velvet furniture, ruffles, and Victorian detailing in each nursery highlight sanctuaries of treasured keepsakes. Ella Snow’s winter fairytale-themed room features baby blue hues, a window seat, fireplace, hand-painted bows on the walls, and snowflakes. In contrast, Scotlynn Rose’s room includes pastel pinks, hand-painted roses on the walls, a rocking horse, family heirlooms, and tea décor. “Every item is thoughtfully placed and holds significance to the girls and their stories,” Maclellan explains. “I think these little trinkets and treasures add such delight and magic to the stories of the rooms.”

The significance of the nurseries’ designs extends beyond Maclellan’s fondness for all things royal. “Their rooms are my love letter to who they are and who they’ll become,” she shares. “I want them to know their home is their castle and their rooms their sacred, safe sanctuary where they can dream, wish, imagine, and feel treasured beyond belief.”

Chas Barnes

One would never guess that Chas Barnes’ 1960s home was once “lacking character.” However, for the past 10 years, she has created a vibrant haven of warm rustic charm and hygge-quality coziness. From soft, plush fabrics to reclaimed wood, diverse colors and textures are the foundation of her aesthetic. A stacked-stone backsplash, teal cabinets with gold-brushed hardware, and a painted brick fireplace stand out as focal points that project the home’s character. “I’ve never been a fan of full matching sets or monochromatic pallets,” Barnes explains. “I’ve always wanted variation and textures, patterns, and colors that complement each other in an interesting way.”

While her aesthetic is a combination of ideas and concepts, there are a few themes that stick out as inspirational. “I love the character of early 1900s colonial-style homes,” she shares. “I also love the open concept of more modern-built homes.” Barnes also credits Southern Living magazine and the cottagecore trend for influencing her home’s rural character, adding, “I absolutely love the rustic, warm feel of wood and metal. When you pair those strong elements with soft and fluffy textiles, to me, it’s magic!”

“At the heart of our aesthetic is hospitality and generosity,” Barnes continues. “Every space we create is considered for not only ourselves, but for the family and friends that we know will share life with us.”

Ellen Franklin

From Martha Stewart-inspired themes with checkered patterns, geese, and cross-stitch projects to more recent tastes influenced by Rachel Ashwell’s Shabby Chic collection, Ellen Franklin’s Lookout Mountain home is a melting pot of inspiration. “I think my current aesthetic is just a continuation of the things I have loved my whole life,” Franklin shares. “I still have issues of Country Home magazine from the 1980s.”

Walls of painted white shiplap create a perfect foundation for a clean, relaxed look that complements Franklin’s artwork and antiques. Additionally, she has always had a fondness for slightly worn, painted furniture with “texture and dings,” providing a hint of vintage comfort. “I guess I like for my home and furnishings to appear to be well loved,” she explains.

While her aesthetic is largely made up of curated pieces, Franklin emphasizes what’s most important to her home’s ambience. “Antiques and family heirlooms are important to me because they are a daily reminder of the wonderful influence my parents and grandparents had on my life,” Franklin says, adding that as an artist, her aesthetic also holds significant importance to her career. “My home is more than just a place where I live and sleep. It’s an extension of my creative spirit … I would say my artwork makes my home a very personal space. Every room has something I’ve created.”