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December 29, 2023

2023 in Review
Our interior design team's year of growth, fresh design, and fun travels

Every year brings new growth, new challenges, new friends, and for Rowan Hall Interiors, new homes that we get to make extraordinary! 2023 brought exciting wins and many fun projects that our growing team has loved bringing to life. From basement renovations and living room upgrades right here in Knoxville to Alfie’s adventures around the country, the Rowan Hall team did it all this year! 

Wild, Wild West

Earlier this year, we wrapped up a basement renovation project with Preferred Construction. We’ve been calling it our “Aspen Luxe” project for its modern, western feel, inspired heavily by Alfie’s favorite places. This space might be in a Maryville basement, but these pieces would also thrive in an Aspen ski lodge or a cozy cabin in Montana. Knoxville interior designer, Alfie Rowan, custom living area and basement remodel with custom kitchen design, Farragut TN custom draperies and home renovation, interior finish selection

Read about how we designed this renovation with our friends at Preferred in part I of our project breakdown, and see the beautiful pieces and details filling the space in part II.

Alfie, of course, needed to take a ski trip or two to gather inspiration. She and Mitch hit the slopes several times in 2023–the making of a successful year for the Rowans! No one loves her job more than Alfie, but she is truly happiest on the slopes. It’s why she works so hard all summer and fall! Those winter months in Aspen are her happy place. Knoxville interior designer, Loudon county interior designer, Knoxville, Farragut, Rarity Bay, Wind River, custom draperies, interior finish selection, paint color consultation

Year in Color

Alfie’s 2023 travels also took her to High Point and Atlanta markets where she saw a major resurgence of color in the trend forecast. We’ve also seen Grandmillennial design make a major comeback, which is pretty thrilling when ruffles and tassel trim are your guilty pleasure.

One of our lovely clients desired a great room with a fresh take on the over-the-top grandmillennial style. Ruffles, bows, florals, and plaids are back! Alfie isn’t complaining, and she couldn’t wait to incorporate these fun elements into this project. While this traditional style is certainly current, it’s also timeless, and you can’t go wrong with a fresh take on the classics. We think girly, grandmillennial influences are here to stay, and we can’t wait to see how Rowan Hall gets to incorporate them in 2024.

With 2023’s revival of color, we saw a new rise in warm tones mixed in with the grays and blues of years’ past. A nice blend of warm and cool makes for the perfect cozy living area like the ones we created for this Knoxville family. Warm woods, neutrals, pops of blue and rust tones were the foundation for this design. These separate living spaces flow together, so cohesion was key, and we love how these spaces turned out. Stay tuned for an in-depth breakdown of this project on the blog soon!

RHI Takes NYC

Of course, it wouldn’t be a year-end recap without mentioning our IDS Designer of the Year award! Our colorful, eclectic family room addition built right here in Knoxville, Tennessee was awarded 1st runner up at the national IDS award gala in New York City. We were so honored to be included among some of the most talented designers in the country, and we’re so proud of our team. You can check out every detail of our award-winning design here.

Going and Growing

2023 was a year of growth for the Rowan Hall Interiors business. Our team grew with the addition of a marketing director and paint color consultant. Our leadership grew with our EOS business coach, and most importantly, our clientele grew! We met so many wonderful new clients this year, and we were honored to be welcomed into their lives to transform their homes. 

From bathroom upgrades in Alfie’s very own neighborhood to great room updates for loyal clients, this year brought many happy workdays doing the job we love. Nearly 100 paint consultations kept our color consultants busy, and there were no shortage of furniture refreshes to fill our days. 

On the Horizon

Our 2024 schedule is already booking up, but don’t worry! There’s still time for you to get the Rowan Hall team on board for your project. We’re looking forward to what the new year brings, including many fun projects we’re wrapping up and planning to begin. We’re in the early stages of a backyard poolside refresh and a Tellico Village custom home, and we’re wrapping up several bathroom and kitchen renovations throughout Knoxville.

If you missed Alfie’s adventures on Instagram, she took a trip to our clients’ new Florida farmhouse that we will be renovating in 2024. Our loyal clients have been big fans of Alfie’s for years, and they simply couldn’t move on without her! Her trip was fast, furious and a bit furry… Should make for several more interesting trips south!

Our future is full of custom furnishings, ski adventures for Alfie, more trending colors and styles, and hopefully, you! You may be deciding to stay put in your home for a few more years, and a home refresh will certainly make that more fun. Or, if you’re new to the Knoxville area, maybe you’re in need of a designer’s eye to help you get settled. We can’t wait to meet you and make you feel right at home. Contact us today to get started!

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December 14, 2023

Top Exterior Gray Paint Colors
professional paint color consultant breaks down her most used grays

If we’re being honest, “Fifty Shades of Gray” is a gross understatement. There are at least one million shades to choose from, and they each have different undertones, light reflective values, and color families. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with endless options and factors to consider. When choosing an exterior paint color, “gray” is a classic (and slightly vague) choice that is certainly a great place to start. That’s why our team of interior designers put together a list of tour top gray paint colors for your exterior paint project.

Where To Begin

Unless you’re a professional paint colorist, you probably didn’t realize everything that affects how your exterior paint color will appear on your home. The direction your home faces, its surrounding topography, and even your neighbors’ home choices can cause your paint color to appear differently than you may have envisioned.

As an interior design firm in Knoxville, Tennessee, we staff professional paint color consultants to ensure our clients are selecting the perfect shade for their home. With full-service design projects, our Rowan Hall colorists choose colors for our projects that tie everything together, but when our clients simply desire a professional opinion for their own color change project, we are happy to help with that as well. 

We put together a list of our most-used gray paint colors, but if you’re left with more questions than answers, we’re here to help! Contact us today to schedule a paint consultation for your project. We’ll help you narrow down the best options for your project, and leave you feeling completely at ease about your decision.

Our Most-Used Grays

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015)

Sherwin Williams Repose Gray (SW 7015) is a soft gray-greige with just the right amount of warmth. Versatile enough to cover the entire home inside and out, it appears much brighter as exterior color and more calming and subdued as an interior color. A perfect exterior choice for those searching for something just a touch darker than a classic off-white, Repose Gray can be brightened by pairing with white or accentuated with darker grays to appear as a true gray outside. To achieve the same tone in a lighter shade of off-white, use Eider White (SW 7014).All: The Harper House

Sherwin Williams Dovetail (SW 7018)

Sherwin Williams Dovetail (SW 7018) is a truly classic gray. Balanced in tone and brightness, it achieves a neutral hue with just enough warmth to avoid appearing blue in any lighting. It has enough depth to translate as a gray in bright sunlight while also being light enough to avoid veering into charcoal territory. Dovetail harmonizes with any color palette, cool or warm.Top Left: This House of Dreams;  Bottom Left: How to Nest for Less;  Right: Elegant Painting

Sherwin Williams Peppercorn (SW 7674)

Sherwin Williams Peppercorn (SW 7674) is a dark gray with a true neutral tone. Balanced between warm and cool, Peppercorn has the depth and neutrality to create a timeless exterior or be used as a versatile accent color. Another of Sherwin Williams’ Top 50 Colors, Peppercorn’s deep hue can be utilized to create a striking contrast against any bright color, a bold focal point, or rich, neat trim.

Top Left: The Destiny Formula;  Bottom Left: Heritage Custom Painting;  Top Right: Houzz;  Bottom Right: West Magnolia Charm

Sherwin William Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019)

Sherwin Williams Gauntlet Gray (SW 7019) is a dark gray with greige undertones. Largely neutral with just a hint of warmth, Gauntlet Gray translates visually as a classic charcoal. In bright sunlight it appears lighter and warmer, while in shade it looks deeper and more blue. It pairs beautifully with other warm neutrals while maintaining the versatility of a truly neutral-toned gray when interacting with color.Left: MAGZHOUSE;  Top Right: Robert Thomas Homes;  Bottom Right: Kylie M. Interiors

Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray (SW 7068)

Sherwin Williams Grizzle Gray (SW 7068) is a dark gray with cool blue-green undertones. Like our other gray exterior suggestions, Gauntlet Gray and Peppercorn, Grizzle Gray falls into the charcoal family, but it embraces the cold side of these deep, sophisticated grays. Complex and moody, Grizzle Gray appears more blue or cool green-gray in shadow and neutral gray in direct sunlight. It’s a perfect choice for those who want something deep and cool that skirts the line between flatter, neutral grays and grays that translate as blues or greens in natural light.Left: Elegant Painting;  Top Right: Mary Dowdy via Pinterest;  Bottom Right: Elegant Painting

 

Need an expert’s opinion?

Our color consultant can help you find the perfect shade. Contact us here or book your paint consultation today.

Choosing the perfect paint color is a weighty decision that will transform your home one way or another. The right choice will elevate your home in a flash, but the wrong color will be painful (and expensive) to reverse or live with. Before you call in the paint crew, make sure your choice is the right one! Consult with our team, and we will make sure you make this change with confidence. 

If you’re local to Knoxville or our surrounding areas, we will come to you! We can also consult on your project virtually. Contact us here or give our office a call at 865-585-2945. We can’t wait to bring your vision to life!

Book your Paint Consultation

Get the Rowan Hall party started!

To get in touch with a member of our team, fill out our contact form.

To discuss a potential project and get more information, schedule a discovery call.

To get started making your home extraordinary, book a consultation.

November 30, 2023

Holiday Highlights
Surviving the holiday season with a special offer from Rowan Hall Interiors

Santa is on his way, and the elves are working their magic, so you know what that means! The season is upon us, and the Rowan Hall elves are here to help our wonderful clients and readers master the Christmas spirit. Alfie and the team put their heads together to provide you with a masterclass for surviving the holiday hustle and bustle. Gift ideas, last-minute meals, “homemade” desserts, and Knoxville’s seasonal offerings–you’ll find it all in this blog, along with a special Rowan Hall offer for our readers!

For the Busy, Working Elves

Online shopping is easy and convenient, but there is something nostalgic about searching through a store until you find the perfect present for everyone on your list. Luckily, you can have it either way at Knoxville’s favorite gift shop! Fig and Company is Alfie’s go-to for crossing everyone off her list. We love their home accents, candles, and finishing touches that make a home feel special. Their storefront is the perfect stop when Alfie needs to bring a project to life with personalized details, and we love to support our friends by shopping local.


Straight from checkout to underneath the tree! Fig and Company is basically Santa’s workshop.

Fig and Company’s signature Tennessee Christmas candle

Their unique gifts have a touch of Knoxville, and they even have holiday gift bundles pre-made for everyone on your list. Their signature line of candles is hand-poured in Tennessee and offers the sweetest scents. You can’t get into the Christmas spirit until you’ve lit your first Tennessee Christmas candle of the season! Stop by their storefront or shop online, and don’t forget to let them know Alfie sent you!

For the Extra Thoughtful Elves

Sometimes the most difficult people to shop for are the ones who have it all. When another piece of jewelry or a new sweater doesn’t seem to suffice, a unique, personalized experience is the way to go. Give the gift of luxurious design with a Rowan Hall consultation certificate.

This certificate is good for one two-hour working meeting with principal designer, Alfie Rowan, in the client’s home. This personalized experience will provide your loved one with valuable direction and advice from a seasoned design professional.

If someone you know has been itching for a home refresh but doesn’t know where to begin, a meeting with Alfie will show them what’s possible and leave her with a roadmap for a successful design plan. Or, gift this consultation to your daughter who moved into her first home, and Alfie will help create furniture layouts and hone in on a design aesthetic. Better yet, send this over to your husband and we’ll let him know you’re dropping a hint. (Husbands, here is your hint.) It’s the perfect unique and thoughtful gift experience for the one you really want to impress. Gift a consultation now, and your loved one will be reaping the benefits for years to come!

For a limited time, we’re throwing in a special treat for you when you purchase a consultation gift certificate package. We’ve partnered with our friends at Fig and Company to include a $100 Fig and Company gift card with your purchase. Finish your shopping in one click! Purchase your consultation certificate by clicking the button below, and head to Fig and Company to cross off the rest of your list or pick up the finishing touches of holiday decor.

PURCHASE YOUR CONSULTATION CERTIFICATE HERE

No code necessary at checkout. Contact us at [email protected] with any questions or concerns.

For the Culinary-Challenged Elves

We’re sharing a little secret… Alfie’s most valuable elves during the Christmas season are the ladies at Goodness to Go. These former lunch ladies know how to feed a crowd, and they do it well! Stop by to pick up a quick family dinner during the busiest time of year, or call on them to cater your parties and get-togethers. Their food is so delicious your guests won’t know you didn’t slave all day in the kitchen, but we won’t tell them if you don’t!

For more delicious Knoxville treats, VG’s Bakery has you covered. There’s no need to stress about breakfast on Christmas morning with their sweet rolls and muffins available for purchase! Check out their holiday menu here, and tell your family you’ll be in charge of dessert!

For the Hallmark Elves

It simply wouldn’t be Christmas in Knoxville without a trip downtown for ice skating and hot cocoa! Market Square transforms into a winter wonderland with a limited-time ice skating rink. You’ll feel like the main character in a Hallmark film as long as you don’t forget the warm beverage in hand. We love K-Brew’s tasty holiday treats, but we hear Cruze Farm’s hot chocolate can’t be beat!photo via https://www.threeriversrambler.com/christmastix

Another beloved Christmas tradition in Knoxville is the Three Rivers Rambler Christmas Lantern Express. Your little ones will think they are boarding the Polar Express, but if you leave them at home for a holiday date night, we won’t judge. Get your tickets here, and while you’re there, put in a good word for Alfie. We’re hoping she made the nice list this year!

From Rowan Hall to You

The best part of Rowan Hall Interiors is getting to turn our clients homes into something extraordinary all year long. We have the most amazing team that has worked diligently this month to ensure our clients get to experience the holiday magic again this year. They tied bows and strung lights and fluffed every detail to perfection! We bring the same commitment to each of our projects, from Tellico Lake House remodels to family room furnishings. Our 15-step white glove process has been perfected throughout the years, so we can give our clients the experience of luxury in their everyday.

After the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, Santa’s hardest working elves deserve to be treated! From the projects you have in mind to your wishlist of home improvements, share your vision with Rowan Hall’s team and leave the rest to us. Check out our services and our work, and contact us here when you’re ready to take the leap. We can’t wait to make your dreams come true!

November 10, 2023

Tellico Village Lake House
College Daughter's Retreat

It’s no secret that many folks are fleeing the wild, wild west for a more laid back, affordable lifestyle in Tennessee. This is true for our Tellico Village Lakeside Living clients who hired the Rowan Hall team to renovate their new home last year. We gave their great room a rustic, contemporary new look, brought their powder room into this century, made their primary bedroom an oasis, and even upgraded their kitchen. 

Although their fabulous new digs were purchased to usher them into their new chapter as empty nesters, the kiddos away at college still needed a landing pad–and it didn’t hurt that it would be lakeside! Their son claimed a basement bedroom, and their daughter decided a main level, hunter-green bedroom would be the perfect place to rest during breaks from school.

Gone With the Green

Although shades of green are certainly coming back in style, this particular color really dated this room. Furthermore, the green was only an accent to the two-tone chair rail style of decades past. Alfie is not a fan of this trend, especially not in a bedroom. It’s common to see this in a dining room, and in Alfie’s words, “it’s not a crime, but maybe it should be.”

Instead of removing the trim altogether, we opted to paint the walls and trim one color. The trim detailing is still there, but it’s not as noticeable. The paint job did wonders for this room by making the ceiling look taller and not breaking up the walls like before. With just one simple color change, the molding doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb and the room looks so much bigger. That’s the kind of expertise you get when working with experienced interior designers!

Carpet and Curtains

Next, we upgraded the carpet to something that brings more of an elevated feel. The subtle pattern gives the same effect that an area rug would bring to this space, so we chose to forego an additional rug for now. The existing valances had to go, so we installed custom window treatments in a much more modern style. We opted for our signature pleated panel with simple black hardware–a classic look that will be “in” for years to come!

We decided to give this spacious bedroom a lounge area, primarily for their daughter to use when she’s home from school. Our vision was a comfortable space where she could curl up with a book or sit back and enjoy the views of Tellico Lake. This room can double as a guest suite for other visitors or a retreat for anyone in the household. During the height of Covid, it was prevalent on peoples’ minds to have alternative workspaces in their home, and this would also make a great place for that.

Classic with a Flair

The clients purchased a new bed for the primary suite, but their old one was still beautiful and in great condition. We decided to utilize that bed in this room, while bringing in new bedding and nightstands to make the space feel brand new. 

We wanted to keep the overall space very classic and timeless, but incorporated some retro-inspired elements to give a more modern feel. We brought in custom pieces that were arranged in a way that makes the room feel much bigger. A geometric table with a wood top combines the mid-century vibe with the rustic touches sprinkled throughout the home.

Finally, the finishing touches complete this relaxing bedroom oasis. Calming shades of light green, nature-inspired artwork and natural elements make this room a retreat to be missed while the clients’ daughter is away at school. Something tells us that’s exactly what they were hoping for!

If your kiddos are grown and moved off, their childhood bedrooms might be collecting dust and unsuitable for guests. Maybe you’ve moved and want to give your adult children a place to land that can be useful to you while they’re away. The Rowan Hall team can help turn your extra bedroom into a multi-use space where you can proudly invite guests to stay! Contact Rowan Hall today, and by next Thanksgiving your home will be ready to host the entire family.

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October 27, 2023

Top White Paint Colors for Exterior
a professional paint color consultant breaks down her most used whites

With endless amounts of paint colors, brands and finishes, selecting the perfect hue for your project can feel like a daunting decision. Especially when choosing an exterior color, the decision is one that can easily make you second guess yourself. There are endless details that will affect the look of your home’s paint color, from topography to the neighbor’s house to your trim color. Someone else’s perfect shade may look completely different on your home, so it’s always best to consult the experts!

Factors to Consider

An even more daunting task is picking the perfect hue of white. A bright, classic white home will never go out of style, but the countless undertones and shades sure do make the decision a difficult one if you’re not a professional paint colorist. Rowan Hall lead designer, Alfie Rowan, shared that when she arrives for a paint consultation, she immediately studies the surroundings of the home. She takes note of the roof color, landscaping, backdrop, stone, brick, and even the position of the sun. 

Feeling overwhelmed? Our Knoxville interior design firm staffs professional color consultants who know how to choose the perfect color for your home. They know their paint decks and finishes, have their favorites, and can walk you through the best options for your specific project. To schedule a consultation with a Rowan Hall Interiors paint color specialist, call our office at 865-585-2945 or contact us here today

Our Most-Used Whites

Rowan Hall color consultant, Sylvia, and lead designer, Alfie, put their heads together to narrow down four of their favorite whites for an exterior paint job. They’re letting us into their expert brains, breaking down their picks and pointing you in the right direction for your new white home.

Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008)

Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) is a warm, bright white with beige undertones. It has just enough warmth to soften it without leaning too far into cream territory. Free of yellow tones, it looks clean without being overly reflective or sterile. Alabaster is immensely popular and versatile. Sherwin Williams’ 2016 Color of the Year, it can be used to brighten both interiors and exteriors with a classic neutral shade.Left: Home Bunch;  Right Top and Bottom: Brick and Batten

Sherwin Williams Snowbound (SW 7004)

Sherwin Williams Snowbound (SW 7004) straddles the line between a crisp off-white and a soft true white. With its taupe undertones, it’s slightly cooler and brighter than Sherwin Williams Alabaster (SW 7008) while still sharinging its level of versatility. Delightful against dark colors, it pairs perfectly with blacks, maintaining high contrast without appearing too stark. It coordinates well with cool grays and colors with green, blue, and greige hues, just cool enough to compliment them while also looking at home amongst truly neutral palettes. Receiving natural light as an exterior color, Snowbound will appear brighter and whiter outside than in interior spaces, where slight undertones of pink or greige may be visible depending on adjacent colors. With just a touch of pigment to soften it, it never leans too warm or too cool, avoiding ever appearing yellow or blue.

Top: Brick and Batten;  Bottom Left: Color Wheel by Rugh Design;  Bottom Right: Living Letter Home

Sherwin Williams Shoji White (SW 7042)

Sherwin Williams Shoji White (SW 7042) is a cozy, creamy off-white. Warm and inviting, Shoji White sports beige undertones with just a touch of gray to neutralize it. Against dark charcoals and blacks, it appears more white than cream, while lighter pairings bring out its softer side. Its buff tone is derived from an orange pigment, so it avoids being a yellow-tinged white despite its warmth. This also results in a stunning contrast against cool colors such as light, airy blues. Shoji White has certainly earned its spot on Sherwin Williams’ Top 50 Colors list alongside our other white recommendations, Alabaster (SW 7008), Snowbound(SW 7004), and Eider White (SW 7014).Top Left: Southern Living;  Bottom Left: Whitney Parkinson Design; Right: Mod and Mood

 Sherwin Williams Eider White (SW 7014)

Sherwin Williams Eider White (SW 7014) is a cooler off-white option with soft gray undertones. Perfect for those who want to avoid both creams and whites that look overly stark in direct sunlight, Eider White is reliable in its brightness and versatility. Though it is slightly cool, Eider White is fundamentally neutral, and therefore pairs agreeably with just about any other color.Top Left: homedit;  Bottom Left: Sherwin Williams #swcolorlove Gallery;  Top Right: Making Home Base, Chelsea Coulston;  Bottom Right: Rugh Design

Let’s Get Started!

Even with these picks from a well-trained eye, there are endless factors still to consider. Will you change your trim color or repaint your windows? Do your neighbors have white homes that will affect the brightness of the color you choose? Do you have brick or stone with difficult undertones to match? 

Selecting a white paint color is never a quick pick! Our color consultants are here to help, near and far. If you live in Knoxville, Farragut or any of the surrounding counties we serve, one of our professional colorists can come to you. We will point out things you may not have considered, narrow down your options, and give our best recommendations for your project. Call our office at 865-585-2945 or contact us here today. 

Not local to Knoxville, Tennessee? That’s okay! We are happy to consult with you virtually to help make the best possible choice for your home. Give us a call to organize a meeting today. 

Need more help gaining a vision for your project? Sometimes you know what you want but you’re not sure how to get there, and our Knoxville interior design team is here to help! Schedule a discovery call or consultation with us to start bringing your dreams to life.

Click the button below to get in touch with our team today!

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