Nashville ranch transformed: color and light breathe new life into historic estate
A once-neglected ranch in Nashville’s Forest Hills neighborhood has undergone a dramatic rebirth, injecting a vibrant palette and an abundance of natural light into its sprawling five-acre grounds. What began as a renovation project for painter Elizabeth Stern quickly blossomed into a full-scale architectural and interior design transformation, guided by Pfeffer Torode and brought to life by Liz Bonesio.
A strategic shift: bridging private and public spaces
The original 1950s structure, largely untouched since its construction, presented a unique challenge. Stern envisioned a fluid, inviting space – a canvas for entertaining and gatherings. Lead architect Erin Cypress masterfully implemented this vision by creating cased openings that connected the private bedroom quarters with the expansive, open-plan living and dining areas. “Now it’s a space that pulls you into the outdoors,” Cypress explains, “Even when you aren’t physically outside, it almost feels like you are because there are so many windows and the ceiling height is so gracious.”
Color as a defining element
Bonesio and Stern embraced a cohesive color scheme, anchored by a rich, earthy pink-toned terra-cotta. This warm hue is expertly complemented by Farrow & Ball Skylight, a pale blue-gray that subtly enhances the terracotta’s depth. “From the beginning, we had fun with it,” Bonesio recalls. “It’s a space that pulls you into the outdoors.”
Architectural details: a showcase of craftsmanship
Beyond the color palette, meticulous attention to detail defined the project. Wood ceilings in the kitchen introduce warmth and texture, while the sunroom extension – seamlessly connecting the house to the garden – boasts expansive windows and a soaring ceiling. The kitchen itself features a custom oak island, eschewing plumbing to maximize counter space, alongside Cristallo Azul quartzite countertops and Barber Wilsons & Co. pendants. The transformation culminates in a space that is undeniably personal, even down to the chicken roost meticulously outfitted with its own chandelier. Cypress notes, “Her perspective made it so beautiful.”
Fast facts
Designer: Liz BonesioArchitect: Pfeffer TorodeLocation: Nashville, Tennessee
Key materials & finishes
Kitchen: Wood ceilings, Domingue Architectural Finishes cabinetry, Cristallo Azul quartzite countertop, Barber Wilsons & Co. pendants.Butler’s Pantry: Stone floors, Zak + Fox wallpaper, Kohler sink, Triton Stone Group countertop.
Sunroom highlights
A standout blue ceiling dominates the sunroom, emphasizing its impressive height and connection to the surrounding landscape. Custom shades in Zak + Fox fabric with Bruder trim provide privacy while maximizing natural light. The banquette – upholstered in Casal and Perennials fabrics – creates a comfortable seating area, affectionately dubbed “the catbird seat.”
Dining & living rooms
The dining room serves as a dynamic display space for Stern’s Art collection, while the living room incorporates colorblocking for a playful touch. Flush-mount lighting from Remains Lighting Company illuminates the space, complemented by a Materia chandelier and custom Lee Jofa curtains. Built-ins flank the original marble mantel, adding a touch of classic elegance.
Mudroom charm
The mudroom maintains a vintage aesthetic, anchored by a repurposed sink. Benjamin Moore paint – Seapearl for the walls, Pilgrim Haze for the trim, and Blue Note for the door – create a cohesive and inviting atmosphere.
Primary bedroom retreat
The primary bedroom blends modern furniture with chintz florals, creating a sophisticated and comfortable sanctuary. Nightstands from Brett Design and sconces from Soane provide ambient lighting, while bedding in Rose Tarlow fabric adds a touch of luxury.
Guest room elegance
The guest rooms feature shapely headboards adorned with vibrant green paint, adding a dramatic flair to the space. Osborne & Little wallpaper inspires a natural palette, balanced by bold splashes of color on the bedframes and blankets.
Bathroom serenity
Café curtains offer privacy while allowing natural light to flood the bathrooms. The primary bathroom boasts a gilded papier-mâché Fisher Weisman chandelier and a Victoria + Albert bathtub with Barber Wilsons & Co. tub filler. The greenhouse, a charming A-frame structure, serves as a potting shed and prep zone for herbs, completing this transformation of a historic estate.