Historic Waverly Addition/Renovation Project By Sara Ray Interior Design

Architects: Allard Ward Architects
Interior Design: Sara Ray Interior Design
Photography: Allison Elefante
Neighborhood: Historic Waverly
City: Nashville, Tennessee
Country: United States

The Historic Waverly Home residential renovation and two-story rear addition, designed by Allard Ward Architects with interiors by Sara Ray Interior Design in Nashville, has transformed a circa 1914 residence while maintaining its historic identity. The project reconfigured the original layout and introduced a new two-story addition, enhancing the home’s functionality while preserving early twentieth-century architectural elements such as stained glass, millwork, carved wooden mantels, and fireplaces. Sara Ray Interior Design directed the selection of custom cabinetry, marble surfaces, brass fixtures, and bold color palettes to create a cohesive, layered interior. The kitchen was redesigned with sage green cabinetry, a marble backsplash, a butcher block island, and a brushed brass range hood. Living spaces incorporate restored fireplaces, mid-century furnishings, and curated art, while new bathrooms feature marble finishes, custom vanities, bold tilework, and brass hardware. The project balances preservation requirements with updated layouts and finishes, creating a residence that respects its historic context while supporting contemporary living.

Historic waverly addition/renovation project by sara ray interior design

Sara Ray Interior Design shaped the interiors around custom cabinetry, mid-century furnishings, and carefully layered textures to reflect the homeowners’ interests in art, plants, and vibrant color. Key decorative elements such as brass hardware and fixtures appear consistently throughout each area, providing visual cohesion throughout the residence. Historical architectural details, including carved columns, original mantelpieces, doors, and stained glass panels, were thoughtfully preserved and featured as central aspects of the design.

The kitchen was a significant part of the renovation, shifting from its original dated layout into a modernized central space. Custom cabinetry in a subtle shade of sage green is accented by brass hardware, providing warmth and contrast against marble countertops and backsplash. A distinctive brushed brass range hood and open shelving complement a retained brick accent wall. Central to this space is a butcher block island designed to accommodate seating, paneled appliances, and mid-century style pendant lighting, emphasizing functionality and visual interest.

The kitchen was a significant part of the renovation, shifting from its original dated layout into a modernized central space. Custom cabinetry in a subtle shade of sage green is accented by brass hardware, providing warmth and contrast against marble countertops and backsplash. Central to the design is a distinctive range hood, which acts as both a utilitarian feature and a defining focal point. This brushed brass hood, with its smooth texture and European-inspired silhouette, introduces a sculptural quality that ties together the surrounding wood, stone, and cabinetry. Its muted luster reflects the brass elements throughout the room, unifying the palette while offering a bold vertical anchor against the backsplash.

Open shelving complements a retained brick accent wall, echoing the interplay between historic materiality and modern restraint. The butcher block island, designed for both utility and sociability, incorporates seating, paneled appliances, and mid-century style pendant lighting. The overall composition responds to Nashville’s ongoing residential dialogue, where traditional Southern charm converges with a clean, contemporary sensibility. This kitchen is a testament to that synthesis, offering a warm yet edited space rooted in material richness and contextual nuance.

Adjacent to the kitchen, the dining room includes a solid wood dining table surrounded by brown leather chairs beneath a geometric brass chandelier. Colorful framed artwork and a low, dark wood sideboard accented with brass provide additional depth and functionality to the room.

The living room features neutral colored walls and large bay windows, allowing natural light to illuminate the space. Seating includes a sectional sofa upholstered in caramel fabric, patterned accent pillows, and curved chairs upholstered in a subtle floral print. A restored fireplace retains its glossy white tile surround and original carved wooden mantel, anchoring the space with authenticity. The careful integration of contemporary artwork and indoor plants complements the historical setting.

The sitting room maintains original architectural components such as dark-stained wood columns and trim. Built-in shelving surrounding a black subway tile fireplace now houses curated collections of books, ceramics, and decorative objects. Furnishings include a teal upholstered sofa, a classic Eames lounge chair, and a Noguchi-inspired glass coffee table positioned over layered rugs. Brass lighting fixtures add warmth and refinement.

A custom-designed bar is built into the area beneath the staircase, featuring walnut cabinetry, brass hardware, black marble countertops, and decorative brass sconces. Connected to this transitional area, the sunroom offers casual comfort with floor-to-ceiling windows, a terracotta sectional sofa, textured white ottomans, and shag rugs layered on tile flooring, creating an inviting lounge space.

Each bathroom space is given a unique yet complementary design approach. Guest bathrooms include custom vanities with marble tops, round or elongated mirrors, and carefully selected tile treatments. One bathroom features teal cabinetry combined with teal shower tiles arranged vertically, alongside hexagonal mosaic flooring. Another bathroom highlights dark green zellige-style tilework complemented by brass fixtures. The powder room provides a distinctly playful look with botanical wallpaper, a marble floating vanity, brass fixtures, and sculptural wooden pendant lights.

The primary suite combines subtle color schemes of neutral linens and mustard colored pillows placed against a tufted cream upholstered headboard. The adjoining primary bathroom introduces a luxurious clawfoot tub finished in deep blue, a glass-enclosed walk-in shower lined with marble tiles, dual marble-topped vanities, and brass-framed mirrors, producing a sophisticated and calming retreat.

Transitional areas within the home, such as the upstairs nook and office space, employ minimalistic seating arrangements and abstract art. The home office emphasizes natural textures through its burl wood desk, linen-faced cabinetry, and abundant greenery. At the entryway, original stained glass panels, dark stained wood doors, and preserved hardwood flooring ensure a clear link between the past and present. Each area of the Historic Waverly Home renovation thoughtfully preserves the original architectural integrity of the residence, while effectively addressing contemporary needs through carefully integrated modern elements.