ALYS BEACH ALLURE PHOTOS BY PAIGE RUMORE & MK SADLER
Another second home we were excited to peek into was the recently updated abode of sought-after Nashville interior design guru, April Tomlin. Recognized for her relaxed approach to design, use of earth tones, and overall organic natural feel, she has outfitted some of the most beautiful and unique interiors that we’ve visited in town. It is no surprise that the personal beach hideaway she created for her family is a success in seaside living.
One of the things she enjoyed most about this project was that she wasn’t on a big, celebrity style budget but instead kept affordability in mind with every step. With her extended family not being able to visit at much as they would like in the first couple of years, she opted to rent her home out when not in residence with her own brood. That means durability and minimal investment were kept top-of-mind.
“As one of the initial houses built in Alys, it was what you might call a ‘diamond in the rough’—just needed a little love. We didn’t want to do a complete renovation, so we focused on impactful updates,” April shares. “I chose to buy in Alys Beach because I feel like I can breathe here. The atmosphere is kind of like being on island time. I am so happy and at peace here and really cherish the uninterrupted time with my family and friends.” She appreciates the development’s aesthetic as well as the ease of getting there quickly from Nashville. They focus on hitting the beach with the kiddos and enjoying 30A hotspots like George’s and Pescado when not just lounging at the house.
April noted that making her house look more custom without spending a fortune was challenging but fun and one of her favorite aspects of the project. Normally accustomed to a large design and execution team with clients, the design process presented a different set of challenges as she outfitted Alys by herself. “I had a very short amount of time to design and execute it by myself. It really makes me appreciate the talent that we have on our team, especially our business side that has mastered the execution,” she admits.
