My Houzz: Modern Personality for a 1905 Family Home
Patterned wallpaper, modern lighting and colorful furnishings energize this creative couple’s home
“It needed a lot of work, but the bones were very strong,” Genie Lockwood says of her family’s 1905 two-story home in Nashville, Tennessee. Genie, who owns a children’s boutique called Arcade, and her husband, Alex Lockwood, an artist who specializes in sculptures made of repurposed materials, updated their home’s interior to reflect their family’s quirky and fun energy.
The entryway leads into a bright family room. The Lockwoods spend most of their time in this light-filled room. The statement turquoise velvet sofa is a family favorite.
Sofa: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; rug: West Elm; Capiz Shell pendant: Restoration Hardware; white lamps: West Elm
Sofa: Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams; rug: West Elm; Capiz Shell pendant: Restoration Hardware; white lamps: West Elm
“We love pieces that tell a story in our home, and we wanted to choose things that could hold up on their own. That was really important to us,” Genie says.
The armchairs, coffee table and midcentury console are vintage. “We used to be huge vintage and antique collectors before having kids. We even had a booth at a local antique mall,” she says. “That hobby has taken a backseat, but when the boys get a little older we will absolutely pick back up with collecting.”
The armchairs, coffee table and midcentury console are vintage. “We used to be huge vintage and antique collectors before having kids. We even had a booth at a local antique mall,” she says. “That hobby has taken a backseat, but when the boys get a little older we will absolutely pick back up with collecting.”
Genie and Alex are enamored with patterned wallpaper and have added it to many of the interior walls. The downstairs half bathroom features paper with an Art Deco pattern from Graham & Brown.
The couple needed a functional space to hang coats, bags and shoes. They found the perfect spot in the original butler’s pantry between the kitchen and living room. “We love the dark charcoal paint color,” Genie says.
Open shelving in the kitchen helps keep things easily accessible. “The mornings are the most energetic around here. Getting the boys ready, fed and off to school requires a lot of energy! It takes a long time to literally pick up the pieces when they leave,” Genie says.
The dining room walls feature an Arts and Crafts floral wallpaper designed in 1906 and printed by Trustworth Studios. A modern pendant provides a contrasting element.
Wallpaper: Essex Rose, Trustworth Studios; Satellite chandelier: Design Within Reach; art piece: vintage
Wallpaper: Essex Rose, Trustworth Studios; Satellite chandelier: Design Within Reach; art piece: vintage
The original features — like the beautiful wooden staircase that leads to the bedrooms on the second floor — are what makes Genie and Alex’s home so special. “We also love the sliding pocket wooden doors when you enter the dining room and living room,” Genie says.
Upstairs, the landing features a midcentury console filled with framed family photographs.
Rug: Design Within Reach
Rug: Design Within Reach
Four-year-old Roman’s room is the first bedroom off the hallway upstairs. Bold color accents have been brought in through accessories and a mix of new and vintage toys.
Bed frame: Oeuf; rug: West Elm; dresser: The Land of Nod; sconce and lamp: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
Bed frame: Oeuf; rug: West Elm; dresser: The Land of Nod; sconce and lamp: Schoolhouse Electric & Supply Co.
“One of our favorite features in the home has to be the Vitsœ shelving in Roman’s room. It’s such a simple way to display toys and games while also providing an amazing storage solution,” Genie says.
Nelson Ball pendant lamp: Design Within Reach
Nelson Ball pendant lamp: Design Within Reach
When it came to designing the boys’ shared bathroom, the couple didn’t shy away from using a pattern. They added a garden-inspired pattern designed in 1926, which both boys love, above the tile on half the wall. The framed self-portrait was drawn by Alex as a child.
Wallpaper: Apothecary’s Garden, Trustworth Studios
Wallpaper: Apothecary’s Garden, Trustworth Studios
In 2-year-old Oscar’s bedroom, the couple added star-patterned wallpaper to the ceiling.
Wallpaper: Stars Navy, MisseMai; light fixture and rug: West Elm; midcentury dresser: vintage; The Northern Sky print: Pottery Barn Kids
Wallpaper: Stars Navy, MisseMai; light fixture and rug: West Elm; midcentury dresser: vintage; The Northern Sky print: Pottery Barn Kids
Oscar’s room is uncluttered and features art prints, favorite books, a vintage car bed frame and a tepee to play in.
Rocking chair: Design Within Reach
Rocking chair: Design Within Reach
The master bedroom is also upstairs. It has a high ceiling, and the windows let in plenty of light.
Genie and Alex took a minimalist approach when it came to designing their bedroom. The room is uncluttered and open, and is a relaxing space to retreat to at the end of the day. The fireplace is original to the home and features a striking emerald green tile surround.
Chair: Vitsœ; rug: West Elm
Genie and Alex took a minimalist approach when it came to designing their bedroom. The room is uncluttered and open, and is a relaxing space to retreat to at the end of the day. The fireplace is original to the home and features a striking emerald green tile surround.
Chair: Vitsœ; rug: West Elm
Genie chose a calming but contrasting coral color for their bedding, and added a modern light fixture.
Light fixture: Etsy; bed frame, nightstands and bedding: West Elm; sconces: Schoolhouse Electric Supply Co.
Light fixture: Etsy; bed frame, nightstands and bedding: West Elm; sconces: Schoolhouse Electric Supply Co.
“If we splurged on one thing in this home, it would be our Calacatta marble countertops in the master bath,” Genie says. “They put us a little over budget, but we love them.”
Floral art print: vintage
Floral art print: vintage
Genie and Alex recently added a walk-in closet off the master bathroom. It features built-in cabinetry and is ideal for keeping things neatly tucked away.
The home also features an attic that the Lockwoods converted into a guest room.
Bed frame: vintage; bench: George Nelson; Eames leather chair and ottoman: Design Within Reach
Bed frame: vintage; bench: George Nelson; Eames leather chair and ottoman: Design Within Reach
“Our house is the second oldest on our street. The owner of a larger house up the street from us built our house for his daughter in 1905. Our two houses were part of an estate — pretty special,” Genie says, seen here with Alex and their two sons.
“It’s such an exciting time to live in Nashville. As artists and business owners, we feel very supported by our community. People truly want each other to succeed here. It’s such a different feeling than NYC. This is home,” Genie says.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
“It’s such an exciting time to live in Nashville. As artists and business owners, we feel very supported by our community. People truly want each other to succeed here. It’s such a different feeling than NYC. This is home,” Genie says.
My Houzz is a series in which we visit and photograph creative, personality-filled homes and the people who inhabit them. Share your home with us and see more projects.
Browse more homes by style: Apartments | Barn Homes | Colorful Homes | Contemporary Homes | Eclectic Homes | Farmhouses | Floating Homes | Guesthouses | Homes Around the World | Lofts | Midcentury Homes | Modern Homes | Ranch Homes | Small Homes | Townhouses | Traditional Homes | Transitional Homes | Vacation Homes
Who lives here: Genie Lockwood, owner of Arcade; Alex Lockwood, an artist; and their two sons, Roman, 4, and Oscar, 2
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Size: 2,802 square feet (260.3 square meters); four bedrooms, 2½ bathrooms
Year built: 1905
The front door opens to a welcoming foyer with a 10-foot-high ceiling. Original built-in bookshelves display special trinkets and a collection of books. “The floor downstairs has original detailing in each room. The designs are so intricately beautiful,” Genie says.
Genie is from Nashville but met Alex in New York City, where they both lived for 10 years. They moved back to Tennessee and this home five years ago and have spent the time filling the space with nostalgic treasures, bold colors and modern details with flair, such as patterned wallpaper that complements the original architectural details. “We love our home. The location, size and layout are perfect for us. We often talk about how we see us here forever,” Genie says.
Wall weaving: Etsy; bench: vintage; pendant light: Hollywood, Rejuvenation