Where the Heart Is

Five Local Women Share the Most Treasured Spots in Their Homes

Photography by Creative Revolver

Our homes are filled with cherished memories of celebrations, home-cooked meals, and quality time with loved ones. Yet, there is often one special room or space that stands out as a sanctuary, providing extra comfort and tranquility. Here, five local women share the areas in their homes that hold a special place in their hearts.

Renee Craig

Of the numerous spaces renovated in our 1950s home on Lookout Mountain, my open-plan sitting room, dining room, and kitchen is by far my favorite.Rooms which were once closed off and uninviting are now a single shared space that can accommodate large family gatherings or create an intimate setting for a small family meal or a quiet place to read while looking out over the terraced landscaping and stream below.

The memory of this past Christmas remains strong in my heart as generations of family gathered to celebrate. The kitchen island was filled with delicious holiday foods and desserts, adults were laughing and playing board games at the dining room table, and grandparents were lounging in the sitting area to catch up on the recent activities of their children and grandchildren. I knew in that moment that we had created a space that welcomes love and laughter.

Natalie Paulsen

Rocking back and forth as I gaze into her sweet eyes, in a space that will grow with her for many years to come, my daughter’s nursery is our own little sanctuary. The core inspiration for Scout’s room was a red heart chair inherited from her great-grandmother, who sat in it as a little girl.

Traditionally beaded molding and playful Lulie Wallace floral roman shades set the tone for a relaxing and inviting space. The nursery is color-drenched in Malted Milk by Sherwin-Williams, and the custom maple closet doors by Cambium Craft offer a nice contrast in Evergreen Fog. A keepsake trunk displays Scout’s first-year milestones and will preserve heirloom pieces. Within these four walls, many memories have already been created, and we are excited to see her beautiful story unfold!

Sarah Cantrel

The dining room in our Litchfield Lane home is my family’s happy place. Over the last 15 years since building this home, this room evolved a few times.

As time passed and my style grew in new ways, I did a full install, taking what was a very masculine-styled home and making my dining room more feminine. We share weekly meals, holiday meals, and parties from this table and room. There are countless memories of showers, dinner parties, Mahjong tournaments, or even my husband doing paperwork on a weeknight in a room filled with texture and color. The room is situated on the back side of my home – very opposite of how most Southern dining rooms are – because we wanted to be able to enjoy the view of our duck pond in the back during all seasons.

Stacy Wharton

My favorite area of our home is the open-concept living and dining room. It’s the heart of our home and where we spend most of our time together – enjoying meals with my husband, hosting family and friends, and making memories.

This was the first room we painted and furnished when we moved into our first home nearly eight years ago, so it holds a lot of sentimental value. I love how, despite being an open space, the wallpaper subtly divides the two areas, creating a sense of coziness and character. What makes it even more special are the antiques and thrifted items scattered throughout, each with its own story. I enjoy curating these pieces and creating a collection that gives our home a unique, personal touch. It’s a space that feels truly ours, a perfect blend of function and sentiment.

Mary Tomás

Our entryway living room holds an abundance of history, which is why this is one of our favorite rooms. Filled with all the things we love and have collected over time, the cozy space with a low ceiling and large picture windows invites us to view the water below, tree lined vistas, and open sky. One wall with a fireplace is fashioned with a selection of beautiful sandstone slabs from Crab Orchard, TN, making this room the best place to perch in the cooler months, gather as a family for special occasions, or just greet our guests for a chat.

As artists, former gallery owners, and lovers of art, architecture, and nature, this mid-century house hits all our buttons aesthetically. The living room is the heart of our home and perfectly displays our eclectic mix of modern and vintage furniture along with an array of contemporary art that dons the walls. Comfortable, colorful, and serene, the room sets the vibe for the rest of our home. Built in 1952, the space reminds us of our childhood homes, linking us to fond memories of place and family. Every day feels like we are on vacation as we continue to write our own history in this amazing location.