Interiors of a StorytellerNow 10% Off$50 $45 at WalmartMy clients, Eric and Eileen Evans, love their animals and at last count were the parents of two cats, Olive and Hazel, and a rambunctious golden retriever named Waffles. By Nashville standards, their home, a 1930s bungalow, is not huge, so using every square inch was very important. Its in Richland Park, a historic neighborhood filled with modest-sized, character-filled homes. Sidewalks line the streets, and every Halloween they host a huge, neighborhood-wide pumpkin-carving contest. Both young attorneys and somewhat newly married, the Evans were a delight to work with from the beginning. The animals were considered in most of our conversations, including the design of the upholstered window bench in the formal living room (the perfect cat perch). The cats were cats and pretty much hated us from the start, proving it by scratching out the bottom of a brand-new upholstered ottoman shortly after install. But not Waffles. Waffles was our best friend and constant companion, whether we liked it or not. FAST FACTSStephanie Sabbe of Sabbe Interior DesignerDesigner: Location: Nashville, TennesseeThe space: A 1930s bungalow gut renovated and expanded by architect Michael WardThe cats were cats and pretty much hated us from the start, proving it by scratching out the bottom of a brand-new upholstered ottoman.SITTING ROOMIt needed to be a feminine gathering spot. Joseph BradshawJoseph BradshawEileen envisioned this as a space to host book club meetings. No stranger to book clubs, I cannot imagine a better spot to host. The entire room wraps tightly around the original fireplace. Its charming scale is something you rarely find in new-construction homes. When the contractor suggested striping off the ornate details, I looked at the client over the brim of my Covid mask with a look that said, Its him or me. The custom-framed intaglios mounted on hand-made marbleized paper are sourced from our Nashville-based retail shop, Heirloom Artifacts.Joseph BradshawThe fanciest cat bench in all of Nashville. Seriously, try and sit down, they will audibly say in a Forrest Gumpaccent, Seat taken. Ask Jessica from my officethese are not normal cats.KITCHEN & DININGNew architectural details create character.Joseph BradshawWe kept the newer, open area of the home fairly neutral. I explain our approach to design and color like going from a hot bath to a cold pool. You do not appreciate one without the other. This example of moving from the saturated green sitting room to the airy neutrals is a good example of that concept. Joseph BradshawFAMILY ROOMThis pattern-filled space is still calming.Joseph BradshawAs I mentioned above with the selection of the dining table, Eileen loves ovals. We landed on a custom oval plaster table for the family room, and I love the way the two shapes, in very different materials, play off each other. LAUNDRY ROOMIt needed to cater to all family members.Joseph BradshawTheres built-in litter-box cabinet for Olive and Hazel on the right. On the left, the cat door allows them to go and hang out on the screen porch whenever they choose.OFFICEA moody contrast to the sitting room.Joseph BradshawErics office is off the sitting room, connected by a set of French doors. I love the abutting mix of feminine and masculine spaces. PRIMARY BEDROOMPerformance fabrics will grow with the family.Joseph BradshawWe love using polyester velvet for high-use upholstery pieces. After raising four toddlers with a pair of chairs in the same fabric, its a material I can personally vouch for.Joseph BradshawSister Parishs Burmese fabric used on the bed is a favorite of ours for scale and versatility.PRIMARY BATHROOMIts a mix of antiques and modern fixtures.Joseph BradshawAgain, with the antique mirrors. Cant stop, wont stop.GUEST BEDROOMThe rooms have color themes, like at an inn.Joseph BradshawThe Evans hosted many of their young friends for long weekends and wanted the second floor to have a bed-and-breakfast vibe. We chose different wall coverings and trim colors for each space to really ring in the individuality, imagining guests saying, I call the purple room! Most of my colleagues had sworn off all shades of purple when I designed this room, still recovering from the obsession with Monicas apartment in Friends. So, this space looks sweet, but its also kind of rebellious.GUEST BATHROOMTheres a sweet sentiment behind its design.Joseph Bradshaw This sweet guest bath was designed for our clients late mother, and I will always think of her and how much thoughtful care they put into creating a space that she would love.BATHROOMBlue walls set off the brass finishes.Joseph Bradshaw I found this antique sconce from an online antique dealer in France.About the DesignerStephanie Sabbe of Sabbe Interior Design is a House Beautiful Next Wave designer who has also been named to Traditional Homes New Trad and been featured in Veranda, Southern Living, and The Wall Street Journal, among other publications. When shes not in her Nashville design studio, Stephanie is chasing her four kidsRemi, Wells, Georgie, and Coraor giving a hard time to her husband of 18 years, Bryan. You can find her at her design shop, Heirloom Artifacts, or on Instagram.Follow House Beautiful on Instagram and TikTok.