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Embracing the charm of a historic home
For interior designers who thrive on the challenge of preserving history, few projects are as rewarding as breathing new life into homes filled with character. Maggie Clarke, the lead designer at Maggie Clarke Interiors, faced such a challenge when she entered her client’s 1914 Italianate residence in Memphis, Tennessee. Despite the house showing its age, with only a few original details like cracked Moroccan tiles and a vintage chandelier remaining, Clarke saw potential. Her mission was clear: integrate modern functionality while honoring the home’s rich history.
Balancing history with modern needs
Clarke’s vision centered on enhancing the home’s functionality without sacrificing its historical integrity. “My primary goal was to incorporate updates that cater to contemporary living while maintaining the home’s architectural essence,” she explains. Instead of reducing the expansive 40-foot by 20-foot living room, she cleverly segmented it into three distinct areas. This approach respected the original layout and provided a more functional space for modern family life. Clarke preserved the entryway’s original Moroccan tile, despite its imperfections, stating, “I couldn’t bear to see it go.” In the primary bathroom, she encouraged the homeowners to indulge in luxurious marble tiles to enhance the space’s historical significance.
Modern updates for a contemporary lifestyle
While Clarke was committed to preserving the home’s historical features, certain updates were essential for the clients’ modern preferences. The primary bathroom underwent a complete renovation to reflect their style, while the kitchen received minor updates in preparation for a future renovation. Clarke collaborated with MTC Painting to refresh the home’s color palette and updated nearly every light fixture. Some outdated elements, particularly early 2000s technology, were removed to streamline the space and enhance its historical charm.
Creating a harmonious blend
The renovation resulted in a beautiful juxtaposition of modern touches against traditional spaces, showcasing Clarke’s talent for creating engaging contrasts. “I love introducing quirky contemporary art into classic settings,” she shares. This approach was perfect for the family, who sought a balance between historical charm and modern style.
Designing functional and stylish spaces
One of the standout features of the home is the expansive living room, now segmented into three functional areas: a cozy TV nook, a conversation space, and a dining zone that doubles as a gaming area. To draw attention to the stunning windows that dominate the wall, Clarke employed symmetry in her furniture arrangement and opted for floor-to-ceiling drapery. “We placed two consoles together to create a unified look in front of the window, filling what would otherwise be dead space,” she explains.
Incorporating family heirlooms
Clarke also focused on integrating pieces of sentimental value into the design. For instance, the dining table and side chairs, inherited from the homeowner’s grandmother, were refinished to a lighter wood tone, merging history with contemporary aesthetics. “Incorporating meaningful items adds soul to the space,” she emphasizes. To highlight the family’s personality, she showcased a duck-themed artwork by artist Nate Renner above the dining table, adding a playful touch that resonates with one homeowner’s passion for duck hunting.
Innovative solutions for unique challenges
No significant renovation comes without challenges, and the creation of a breakfast nook was no exception. Clarke faced numerous logistical hurdles while designing a custom built-in bench with a quartz table. After months of waiting for the bench’s completion, her team discovered there was only a one-centimeter gap between the seat cushion and table. “We had to shave down the bench and repaint it, learning valuable lessons along the way,” she recalls. Ultimately, the nook has become a cherished dining space where the family enjoys meals overlooking beautiful magnolia trees.
Crafting personalized children’s spaces
During the renovation phase, the clients welcomed their first child, prompting Clarke to design a nursery that reflected their traditional taste. She chose striped wallpaper and an overhead light fixture, creating a whimsical circus-like ambiance. The room features custom cornices that enhance its polished look, perfectly suited for their baby boy. To fulfill the client’s request for hot air balloon decor, she sourced prints from the High Point Furniture Market and had them altered to include blue watercolor accents, achieving a balanced aesthetic.
Brightening dark spaces with fresh ideas
Upon moving in, the home presented a dark and dated environment with brown floor tiles and countertops. Clarke envisioned a brighter, more inviting atmosphere. The team demolished the recessed ceiling soffit and extended the mirror glass up to the ceiling, framing it to create a custom look. “The room now feels ten times larger and significantly brighter,” she asserts, showcasing her successful transformation.
Creating seamless indoor-outdoor living
Clarke also designed an outdoor living area that mirrors the comfort of indoor spaces. Situated under a covered patio adjacent to the pool, she segmented this area into three sections: a cozy dining spot, a living area, and a longer dining table for gatherings. “We aimed for an old Hollywood glam vibe, allowing the space to feel like a resort,” she explains, emphasizing the importance of creating a harmonious flow between indoor and outdoor living.
Honoring original features while embracing modernity
As guests enter the home, they are greeted by the intricate Moroccan tiles that inspired the overall design. Clarke highlighted their vibrant orange tones with a velvet bench and incorporated yellow accents throughout the stair runner. A commissioned Elvis piece by local artist Frances Berry pays homage to Memphis, enhancing the home’s character. The combination of historical elements with contemporary design creates a unique narrative within this stunning residence.
The journey of a passionate designer
Maggie Clarke, CEO and lead designer of her Memphis-based firm, has a deep-rooted passion for design. With a Master of Arts degree from the University of Memphis, her journey into interior design began almost serendipitously while flipping historic homes into boutique AirBNBs with her husband. This venture propelled her into the spotlight, leading to a flourishing business centered around projects that celebrate tradition while infusing personalized aesthetics. Today, her designs resonate with clients seeking a blend of history and individuality.