Statement Staircases

Today I  put together a post for you that is small on words but big on pictures - all of them featuring beautiful staircases.

Interior design by Steven Gambrel

The catalyst for this post came up on my Instagram feed courtesy of this gorgeous staircase by C Brandon Ingram, an architect out of Atlanta.

I absolutely love the way he used such ordinary materials in a unexpected way.  It feels classic but fresh, which seems to be a recurring theme in his work.

Image from Pinterest - original source unknown

This appears to be an older home, but can you imagine how surprised you would be to walk in and see that bold coral pink runner?  This really works for me.

I think the staircase above is so crisp.  I t has a perfect mix of modern and classic design elements. 

And I don't think it would be possible to post about statement staircases without including these beauties (above and below) by Kelly Wearstler

Here's another brass staircase from Greg Natale below

This staircase by Suzanne Kasler has been at the top of my list of favorite staircases for years.  

as well as this stunner from Melissa Rufty -  which is really about what she did with the space rather than the staircase itself.

 Do you have a favorite here?

The Green Room Interiors provides interior decorating and design services in Chattanooga, TN .  If you'd like to discover the joy of living in a well designed home, contact Kim Lemmon at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com

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Designing with Architectural Salvage

If you have read any of my blog posts over the past few months, you probably know I have renovated several historic homes over the past ten years. I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to bring these rundown houses back to beautiful and useful homes!  Working up close and personal on historic homes gave me a real appreciation for the details that are so special and unique to older homes.  Decorating old houses is a real pleasure because the great architecture enhances whatever you put in the space!

Don't have an old house with great architectural details?  Don't despair - architectural salvage to the rescue! Here in Chattanooga we have a few great resources for finding salvage  - The Architectural Exchange and Estate of Confusion. Either place has a great selection of old mantels, clawfoot tubs, lighting fixtures, doors and hardware.


Here are some great ways to incorporate architectural salvage in your home - 

No working fireplace required!  This salvaged mantel is just propped against the wall in its gloriously timeworn finish!

I love a great antique chandelier!  (be sure to have the wiring check out by a professional!)

Gorgeous antique doors!

Architectural salvage as accessories....

But my favorite place for architectural salvage is in the bathroom ...

Wouldn't you love to start off your day in one of these bathrooms? (Even Monday morning wouldn't seem so bad!)

Wishing you a beautiful beginning to your week ...

Need help pulling your style together?  The Green Room Interiors can make your home a beautiful place to be!  Call Kim at 423.653.3186 or email thegreenroominteriors@gmail.com.

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In Celebration of Easter

             "Architecture is frozen music." - Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

In celebration of this lovely spring Easter weekend, I wanted to share with you some photos of my favorite churches here in Chattanooga.  Since I've spent the better part of the last ten years designing and restoring historic buildings, I have a real love of old architecture and it seemed fitting to showcase the wealth of beautiful churches we have here on this Holy weekend.

Many of these buildings are still being used for their original intentions, some have been repurposed for other uses, all are magnificent.

This is Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church on E 8th St. downtown. I go to church here.  The church was built in the mid 1800's and underwent a total restoration in the 90's.  More improvements are being done on the church basement.

This is the gorgeous detail around the entrance of the church.  Those doors are about 12' tall and weigh a ton!

On the National Register!

This next group of photos are of the church's interior.  Even more spectacular in person!

Enormous stained glass windows are said to be Tiffany.

Intricate detail highlighted by gold leaf - breathtaking!

This stone church is nestled in the St. Elmo neighborhood

Below are exterior and interior photos of Second Presbyterian downtown

May be hard to read- building is circa 1800

Inside Second Presbyterian

Lookout Mountain Presbyterian

St. Elmo Presbyterian

This is St. Elmo United Methodist.  This church suffered a fire in August of 2009.  Parishoners are committed to rebuilding this church, which was originally constructed in the 1920's.

This brick church is located at the foot of Lookout Mountain.  It too fell victim to a fire, but has since been purchased and is now being renovated as a single family home.  I have been inside this church before any renovations were done. The volume of the ceilings and the amount of light the comes into the space make it remarkable.

Wishing you and your family a blessed Easter Holiday!

Chattanooga's Amazing Architecture

"Buildings too are the children of the earth and sun." - Frank Lloyd Wright

The city of Chattanooga is blessed with some amazing architectural gems and I wanted to share some of my faves with you.  Most photos are from Fort Wood, a charming historic neighborhood tucked away in downtown Chattanooga, and from Lookout Mountain.  Hope you enjoy them : )

Gorgeous Victorian in Fort Wood

Stately brick home in Fort Wood

Mayor's Mansion Inn - Now used as a B&B, this used to be a single family hone!

Choo Choo!

Choo Choo Lobby with skylight on steriods!

Fantastic Craftsman home on Lookout Mountain.  The big stone porch wraps around to the north side of the house too.

This is the view they enjoy from the front porch.  At night it's like twinkling Christmas lights all year long!

English Tudor style on Lookout Mountain. 

This magnificent Tudor home is rich in historic detail and is on the western brow of Lookout Mountain.

Homes on the western brow enjoy this view of the Sequatchie Valley.

This century-old home is owned by the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga.  It is used as housing for the Chancellor.  The lady of the house describes it as the best public housing in Chattanooga! :)

This house fits so beautifully into the landscape. 

Another view of UTC Chancellor's house, western side.

This is the Giles house on Lookout Mountain that was sold at auction this past summer.  The current owner is doing a massive renovation on the property.  I will post more pictures of this as work continues - it promises to be an exceptional project to watch!

This is the original stonework that encloses the entire property.  It is just as beautiful as it was 100 years ago. 

Is that the sun I see? ...