Text by Hannah Nance
With its vintage-style trimwork, porch swing, and white picket fence, this charming cottage may seem like it’s straight out of a storybook, but you’ll find it nestled in the small town of Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee.
Much like the town it calls home, the tin-roofed cottage is full of history but with an updated twist. Built in 1892, the home’s original craftsmanship is beautifully maintained. Detailed woodwork and arches draw visitors in and give a peek of the unique home through the doors.
Homeowner Holly Williams, Nashville singer-songwriter and proprietor of White’s Mercantile, found inspiration not only in Leiper’s Fork but also from her family history and rustic country style. Much like the store, the home displays a variety of timeworn treasures and mementos of days gone by.
Entering through the antique-style double front doors, you’re welcomed into a romantic yet rustic living room. Holly honed her creative expertise and designed the small space to feel as large as possible without forgoing a cozy atmosphere. An L-shaped sofa sits in the corner of the room, and though it’s new, the rounded arms and tufted back give it an antique look. Holly used an aged tobacco crate as a side table that grounds the space with a pop of dark wood. Along the walls, sepia-toned photographs hang in frames and even on a set of small box springs.
The kitchen of the humble cottage is the gem of the home, with an aqua SMEG fridge, arched window, and for a contemporary element, a floral-wallpapered accent wall. Butcher block counters and a jute runner bring natural warmth to the space, while the ceiling-height subway tile backsplash and light fixture above the sink add that signature modern flair. Of course, Holly brought in plenty of antique elements to enhance the beautiful original architecture, such as the gold-trimmed mirror above the stove.
Right off the kitchen, the breakfast nook is a quaint space that is best suited when family is gathered for a hearty meal. The exposed brick wall and paneled ceiling add to the intimate feel of the room, and the crystal chandelier and gallery wall of collected dishes bring in the perfect amount of sophistication.
Upstairs, the bedrooms of the home mimic the coziness of the common areas but with a softer approach. In the master, two blush velvet armchairs are the only pop of color, adjacent to the queen bed laden in plush white linens. Across the hall, the loft-style guest bedroom has a touch more color with a vintage green stool and green and mauve bedding.
Floor to ceiling, the cottage’s ethereal and romantic interior welcomes visitors from all over with warm hospitality. Though the small town outside the doors is the main attraction, guests might find themselves spending a little more time indoors than they had planned.
