Modern Alchemy

A young Franklin family strikes the perfect balance of contemporary and classic in their home.

Written by Melissa Mahanes / Photos by Allison Elefante

While in the early stages of building their dream home in Franklin, artist and producer Tommee Profitt and his wife Angela wanted help with paint selections for his new music studio. They were already partially through the design process, but when they met with Tanya Hembree, Principal Designer and owner of Onyx + Alabaster in Franklin, they quickly welcomed her expertise to help finalize their finish selections. Tommee and Angela had been making choices with the builder’s guidance but were not excited about the project’s direction. After connecting with Tanya about their dream home, they presented her a list of their wishes and concerns. It took some thought to pair two varying styles, his sleek and modern and hers more farmhouse chic, to create a space where their young family could thrive and host friends and family. They wanted something unique, casual, and welcoming for entertaining not only friends and family but artists and clients. Tanya expertly incorporated their ideas and implemented new ones to create a beautifully well-balanced home for their family of five.

Tommee’s studio would become Tanya’s favorite space of all. The challenge he presented was to create a studio that had a “bat-cave, meets movie theatre and Tesla.” She loved the challenge! Black was essential and utilized Black Magic from Sherwin Williams for the walls and ceiling. Layering that with textures of heavy velvet black draperies for sound management and sultry seating in leather, she created a cool vibes-hang for artists and musicians to come to write and record. Tommee added his personal touches with sound response light panels along his workstation walls for that inside-of-a-Tesla feel.

Tommee had his strongest opinions about two rooms: his studio and the media room. These were the two spaces he would spend most of his time working or with the family. The media room is dressed in the same dense velvet black draperies to help block out light and to retain sound for the ultimate movie theater experience. The sectional sofa was brought from their previous home and paired with some new pieces like a modern media console and leather swivel chair. With plush white carpet and shiplap walls, this room is a perfect marriage of Tommee and Angela’s design preferences—sleek yet cozy.

Transitioning into the living room and kitchen, Tanya created a space where their young family could hang out and be comfortable. This expansive space offers comfortable parallel linen sofas and leather swivel chairs anchored by a substantial whitewashed coffee table and a gorgeous stone fireplace. Casual elegance and comfort were the goals in their home, and this room embodies just that. The rug is soft and sumptuous underfoot so that young little feet would feel welcome to come and hang out with the family. Tanya styled the built-ins throughout the home with chic objects and sleek hardware.

The breakfast nook is their everyday go-to eating area as a family. The custom built-in banquette allows seating for everyone with faux leather cushions and styled pillows to make this part of the kitchen feel as well-designed as the adjoining living room. The views from this seating area overlook their stunning multi-acre backyard and outdoor living space.

The outdoor living room is Angela’s favorite space. It was designed to be a spot for sipping morning coffee, enjoying the expansive views, and serving as an open-air casual conversation area to gather with friends and family. With a similar layout as the living room just inside, Tanya paired sofas and swivel chairs to make this space feel balanced and synonymous with its adjoining gathering space.

Tanya and her team at Onyx + Alabaster consider The Profitt’s home one of their favorite design projects. They loved working with this beautiful family and felt the Profitts truly welcomed their input and trusted them with the outcome. Tanya says, “So often, clients are afraid to let go and let creativity in, fearful that they may not like it. What I have learned most is that those clients who truly trust us and are willing to let go and allow us to create a design end up loving their homes the most.”

Onyx + Alabaster / 234 Public Square, Franklin, TN 37064 / 615.628.8253 / www.oafranklin.com Monday-Thursday 10:00am-6:00pm / Friday + Saturday 10:00am-8:00pm (First Fridays + Saturdays 10:00am-9:00pm)