Houzz Tours
My Houzz: Minimalist Style in a Bright and Airy Nashville Home
This Scandinavian-inspired home with a sprawling rooftop patio is a peaceful respite for a hardworking couple
Sally and Patrick, pictured, are both passionate about people, art and play, and they bought their home because they knew it embodied all three of those things. “We fill our home with things we love as much as possible, try to buy slow and also try to be practical with our time and money,” Sally Ward says. The couple are focused on creating a beautiful home they can love and enjoy together, but they also know it’s necessary to strike a balance when it comes to these things.
Sofa: Crosby midcentury two-piece chaise sectional: West Elm; coffee table: Ikea; armchair: vintage; floating shelves: Lack, Ikea; media console: Besta, Ikea; art: JoAnne Oliver; Globe floor lamp: West Elm; solid rug: Threshold area rug in silver lurex natural, Target; patterned rug: Colca wool rug, West Elm; find similar area rugs
The couple’s decorating style can be described as clean and minimal yet warm and inviting. “We are both drawn to items that tell stories, and I attribute that to both of our mothers,” Sally Ward says. “Every piece in both of their homes seem to have a story. … I love that.”
At least one Paddywax candle can be found in every room in the home along with various small treasures, like the glass case full of a collection of Polaroids on their coffee table.
At least one Paddywax candle can be found in every room in the home along with various small treasures, like the glass case full of a collection of Polaroids on their coffee table.
Sally Ward says she has a penchant for Scandinavian design. “I always find that my favorite brands are all in Norway, Denmark or Sweden,” she says. Simple wood and white pieces from Ikea that fit in with the couple’s clean, minimal style are used throughout the home.
Deep indigo paint: custom; bar stools: Skogsta, Ikea; pendant lights: Cedar & Moss
Deep indigo paint: custom; bar stools: Skogsta, Ikea; pendant lights: Cedar & Moss
As part of her job at Paddywax, Sally Ward is always looking at products online and at retail stores, and she believes that influences her own style. “Patrick and I have taken our time and added things as we have found them. We collaborate around function, quality, aesthetic and affordability and make decisions together,” she says.
Dining table: Dot & Bo; white chairs: West Elm; black chairs: flea market; art: JoAnne Oliver; Concrete Hanging Vessel: Wrk-shp; rug: eBay
Dining table: Dot & Bo; white chairs: West Elm; black chairs: flea market; art: JoAnne Oliver; Concrete Hanging Vessel: Wrk-shp; rug: eBay
The couple bought this pink marble table that sits adjacent to the kitchen from their friend Elise Joseph of Pennyweight. Above the table hangs artwork by Patrick’s mother, JoAnne Oliver.
A calming neutral color palette keeps the downstairs bedroom’s style simple.
Bed frame: Malm, Ikea; bench: vintage; art: JoAnne Oliver; floor lamp: Everything But the House
Bed frame: Malm, Ikea; bench: vintage; art: JoAnne Oliver; floor lamp: Everything But the House
Another piece of art by JoAnne Oliver hangs above the guest bedroom’s bed. Patterned pillows atop the white bedspread add a polished finishing touch to the serene and inviting space.
Blue pillows: Etsy; pink pillow: Marine cushion cover in blush, Poketo
Blue pillows: Etsy; pink pillow: Marine cushion cover in blush, Poketo
The master bedroom echoes the vibe of the guest bedroom, with white walls, a white rug and a white bed frame. The leather director’s stools were a vintage find.
Mid-Century bed, West Elm; bedding: Belgian flax linen duvet, West Elm; leather stools: vintage; Tuscan wool Moroccan shag rug, Rugs USA; table lamp: Target
Mid-Century bed, West Elm; bedding: Belgian flax linen duvet, West Elm; leather stools: vintage; Tuscan wool Moroccan shag rug, Rugs USA; table lamp: Target
This midcentury modern-style dresser across from the bed is where Sally Ward displays her jewelry, a snake plant and a few decorative objects.
Modern 6-drawer dresser, West Elm; Shop similar dressers
Modern 6-drawer dresser, West Elm; Shop similar dressers
The two art pieces in their classic black matte frames that hang above the dresser are vintage prints that Sally Ward’s mother gave her. The wooden bowl was made by Sally Ward’s grandfather.
The upstairs hallway includes a cozy and welcoming seating area. The vintage wooden bench with carved details is one of Sally Ward’s favorite furniture pieces. A friend in Kenya gave Patrick the wall tapestry. “I love the tonal color palette, modern boho vibes and the function of the space,” Sally Ward says.
Table lamp: Olson Collection two-head task lamp, Target; rug: TJ Maxx
Table lamp: Olson Collection two-head task lamp, Target; rug: TJ Maxx
The upstairs guest bathroom continues the white-on-white look in the home but with a bright accent color thanks to the vintage rug. The couple bought the framed artwork on the wall on a visit to New Orleans, Patrick’s hometown.
Rug: vintage; shower curtain: CB2; curtain: Anthropologie; browse similar curtains
Rug: vintage; shower curtain: CB2; curtain: Anthropologie; browse similar curtains
The house features a sprawling rooftop patio the couple have furnished with a lounge and dining area. The couple love to entertain, and the treetop views make this is the perfect spot to do so.
Sectional: West Elm; black lounge chairs: TJ Maxx; ottoman: vintage
Sectional: West Elm; black lounge chairs: TJ Maxx; ottoman: vintage
“We love getting home in time from work to watch the sunset on the roof. Friends come over to share a bottle of wine and talk about life,” Sally Ward says. “Our space feels restful, and I’m thankful for that.”
Dining table and bench: Ikea; dining chairs: eBay
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
Dining table and bench: Ikea; dining chairs: eBay
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: Sally Ward Woodyard and Patrick Woodyard, and their Bengal kitten, Parker
Location: East Nashville, Tennessee
Size: 2,050 square feet (190 square meters); 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms
Year built: 2014
Sally Ward Woodyard and Patrick Woodyard dreamed of owning an old historic home in Nashville, but they knew they couldn’t handle a fixer-upper given their busy lives. Sally is the creative director at Paddywax Candles and Patrick is the co-founder and CEO of Nisolo. So instead of chasing their historic home dreams, the couple bought what Sally describes as their “big white rectangle.” Their new build features great lighting, and the couple have worked hard to personalize their interior.