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Lynch Orr has been renting this Nashville two-bedroom place for two-and-a-half years: During one of the early “pauses” in the pandemic, I decided to look for a new place. That Sunday morning, I found a new listing for a compact craftsman bungalow in a great neighborhood. By Monday, I had a move-in date.
I love vintage spaces, and this one is near perfect (for me). At almost 100 years old, it’s full of original details like oak floors, windows with old, wavy glass, plaster walls, and high ceilings. It’s got all the quirks a century brings, too — not a straight line anywhere, an eccentric bathroom, and only one real closet. I converted the second bedroom to a walk-in closet and it’s actually kind of great.
There’s plenty of room to entertain, despite the small footprint, and great work-from-home space (I work remotely for a provider of continuing education for medical professionals). The neighborhood is charming, leafy, and full of beautiful old homes. Some have been renovated and some are still waiting for their turn.
I studied visual art from childhood through college, with primary interests in drawing, photography, and graphic design. I think that experience shows up in my choices of art, lighting, and furnishings. I tend to compose vignettes like a photograph. Each object in my home was hand selected and displayed with intention.
Tone and scale really impact how I experience a space.
Describe your home’s style in five words or fewer: Collected, tailored, layered, textural, inviting.
What is your favorite room and why? I spend most of my time in the den. It gets the best natural light in the house, plus that’s where my work space is located and where I watch television. However, I really like my living room for entertaining, reading, or listening to music — especially when cold weather comes and I can enjoy the fireplace.
What’s the last thing you bought (or found!) for your home? I like browsing 1st Dibs, maybe more than is healthy, and picked up a very old grain storage jar (ca. 1500) from Tokoname in Japan. It’s holding pride of place on my dining room table at the moment.
Any advice for creating a home you love? I’m probably not qualified to advise anyone about decorating their personal space, but these tips worked for me.
