Designer Lauren Sullivan has had a passion for antiques since childhood, often exploring second-hand shops with her grandmother. Her love for European aesthetics also began young, inspired by the unique homes depicted in fairy tales.
In 2020, she embarked on a significant project to build her dream home in Tennessee. The challenge? Craft a brand-new residence thousands of miles from Europe that fuses her appreciation for charming architecture with her antique collections.
This home design exemplifies how to harmonize the old with the new, creating a residence that feels like it has stood for ages. "While the home was recently built, my vision was for it to feel timeless," Lauren shares.
Lauren aimed for a subtle grandeur inspired by European traditions, incorporating antiques and aged materials to give the interiors depth. From reclaimed stone to vintage textiles and art that tells a story, she wanted every room to feel as if it had a rich history.
This endeavor was a true collaboration between Lauren's design studio and the architects who helped bring her vision to life. She describes the aesthetic as "Modern European," blending her Southern roots with whimsical European influences.
"Designing your own home comes with unique pressures; there's an expectation for it to be flawless and endlessly inspiring. But I know perfection doesn't exist in design. The possibilities can feel overwhelming," Lauren admits.
She found it challenging to balance her vision, often checking in with her architects to ensure she didn't overdo it. "We infused intricate details throughout, and I would ask, 'Is this too much?' I believe in the power of restraint and wanted to keep things in check," she says.
Lauren explains that there wasn't a formal brief; instead, the design evolved through a strong partnership with her architects. "We envisioned a Modern European home that felt grounded yet transportive—timeless yet never dull," she states.
Rather than starting with a complete furniture plan, she let the interiors develop organically over the four years of construction. Her childhood love for antiques guided her decision to incorporate them, believing they add character and warmth to new builds.
This home is a labor of love, with Lauren and her husband dedicating years to perfecting it, from choosing a slate roof inspired by a fairy tale to curating all-vintage decor throughout each room.
"I emphasize slow curation in my design approach. This project unfolded over time, allowing spaces to evolve naturally rather than rushing to complete them," she explains.
Lauren collected items over the years that infused the home with warmth and character, leading to the launch of Well Found, her platform for sourcing antiques and vintage treasures crafted on the belief that personal homes take time to curate.
From the outside, the home's storybook charm is evident with steep roofs, limestone walls, quaint dormer windows, and copper gutters that add an enchanting touch.
Inside, the layers of textures and materials create inviting spaces. According to Lauren, the key to her design is mixing styles and shapes. "Begin with contrast instead of coordination. Interesting spaces arise from tension between materials or eras," she advises.
"Older pieces need room to shine. Restraint is crucial; a space can feel flat if everything is either old or new. The magic lies in the blend, which is central to my design philosophy," she adds.
Lauren's style is heavily influenced by her upbringing, recalling trips to antique markets with her grandmother and the storybooks that shaped her architectural vision.
"Beyond books, I developed a sense of place early on. I remember walks through my neighborhood, admiring homes with slate roofs and stone walls. That appreciation for quality materials and craftsmanship guided many decisions in this house," she reflects.
Her favorite space, the entryway, embodies her vision, showcasing a fresh yet distinctly European aesthetic.
"The entryway was an unexpected triumph. It began with a French tapestry I searched for months and culminated with an 18th-century Italian console that perfectly tied everything together," she shares.
"Along with a vintage travertine table and a neoclassical iron bench, the space came together seamlessly. The entryway sets the tone for the entire home, reflecting its unique aesthetic," Lauren adds.
The living room is equally sophisticated yet relaxed. "I started with pieces I loved, like a vintage rug and Schumacher Fox Hollow fabric, and built from there. The Dudouyt chairs followed, providing a perfect canvas for the beloved textile," she recalls.
"The mid-century Scandinavian light fixture was the first purchase for the house, and it continues to feel just right. I focused on how shapes and materials interacted, aiming for a space that feels grounded yet timeless," Lauren explains.
"Invest in what you genuinely love; it enhances the personal touch of your space," she advises.
The living room, dining area, and kitchen flow together without barriers, creating a cohesive atmosphere.
"For the kitchen countertops, we chose Calacatta Paonazzo and integrated the sink for practicality, fitting our lifestyle which isn't heavily focused on cooking," she notes.
"Vertical storage was maximized, even in upper cabinets, and we incorporated recessed toe kicks for high-traffic areas. The kitchen islands were designed with a furniture-like approach, featuring brass feet and decorative moldings at the ends," she explains.
"To keep the ceiling visually engaging, we opted for Ralph Lauren flush mounts instead of standard recessed lighting. The aim was a kitchen that balanced aesthetics with functionality without adhering too rigidly to trends," Lauren adds.
Starting a new build during a global pandemic posed challenges, but Lauren found it beneficial for thoughtful decision-making.
"Building during the pandemic brought its own hurdles, but the delays allowed me to ensure each choice was deliberate. Weekly meetings with our architects and builder kept progress moving. Although it sometimes felt endless, that timeline fostered a level of intentionality. Every detail was meticulously considered, teaching me patience alongside design," she reflects.
"Designing this home revealed that good design requires time and heart. My family helped with everything from moving furniture to hanging art, creating lasting memories," Lauren shares.
"This house feels deeply personal; every corner holds a memory. My grandmother, mom, and I spent countless nights finalizing decor, transforming exhaustion into laughter and joy," she recalls.
"My husband was always ready to help, and those exhausting months became unforgettable. I'd choose to create like this with my family over strangers any day. That made the experience truly special," she states.
Lauren expresses gratitude for the collaborative effort with her architects, saying, "This home was built from the ground up, infused with love, memory, and the belief that a home should evolve slowly and be deeply lived in."
Shop the look
Wayfair Hive Accent Table LampLamps are present in every room. In the entryway, darker lamps ground the light palette, adding texture. Swap the shade for a pleated shade for a stylish touch.
McGee & Co. Delphi Footed VaseYou'll find vases with fresh flowers in each room. This simple vase would fit into any decor, but its height makes it ideal for adding a focal point on a kitchen island.
Lulu and Georgia Normandy Wood Riser Footed TrayChopping boards add texture to kitchens, and footed designs elevate a vignette. Similar to those used for displaying pastries.
Lulu and Georgia Nicholas Side TableA similar table is positioned between the armchairs, perfect for holding a coffee or book. Available in black and cream marble options.
Wayfair Amber Lewis X Loloi RugWhile Lauren features mostly vintage items, Amber Lewis's collection has a vintage aesthetic. Though new, it resembles aged decor.
McGee & Co. Astrid Fringe StoolLauren's living room offers multiple seating options, with two brown velvet stools providing flexibility and easy mobility throughout the space.
