First Place

bohemian chic

Home decor is in Audrey Phillips’ blood. Her dad is Charles Phillips, of the popular Charles Phillips Antiques and Architecturals. Working with her dad at his shop has had a profound impact on her style. “I’ve learned to appreciate antiques, ” says Audrey, left. “Growing up, I never wanted anything old. I was always jealous when I’d go over to friends’ houses and their parents had more modern, clean-lined furniture. But being out at the store has made me appreciate the quality of older furniture.” Her cozy Eastern Shore cottage is chock-full of pieces that she has refinished herself. One of her favorites is the living room coffee table, top left, that she made from an old French door. “It has blue ironwork in it and white — my favorite colors for decorating. When I finished it, I was like, I really want this for my own house.”

Left: The home came with this cute cup rack, ” Audrey says. “It is perfect for my collection of coffee mugs.” Right:  “My headboard is made out of a 14-foot French door, ” Audrey says. “Part of the deal for me to get it was I had to refinish it myself. My linens are white for right now. I figure this is the only time in my life I can pull off such a girly look.”

 

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contemporary throwback

Caroline Beard has found her niche in her Midtown apartment. “It’s a collection of the things that make me happy – a little bit modern and a little bit retro, ” says Caroline, left. A recent graduate of the University of Alabama, the public relations and Spanish major spent six months studying abroad in Spain, so her decor style back home has been greatly influenced by the culture. “The greens and oranges are cheerful and energizing.”

The young advertising professional and Franklin, Tenn., transplant has also filled her first place with personal touches that make the small space homey. For example, her menagerie of sentimental objects includes Don Quixote and Sancho Panza statues that were college graduation presents and a prosperity frog, one of a set of four,   that she and her girlfriends picked up together. “It’s just a comfortable place to be.”

Left: Colors and prints keep Caroline’s bedroom feeling bright and cheerful. Right:  A scalloped white retro-style pendant light fixture is a fresh take on a classic chandelier in the kitchen.

 


Mallory Boykin

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