Living in Art

Many Nashvillians live in a home with one or two distinctive exterior design touches, a quirky room filled with an eye-catching collection of art, or an attractive interior flourish represented by, say, a bold sculpture piece, a vintage musical instrument, or a dramatic aquarium. Few, however, dwell immersed in spaces defined by architectural genius and/or visual magnificence. For these Nashvillians, home is not unlike a cutting-edge museum of contemporary art or the studio of an eccentric painter—or both. Indeed, these folks reside in special places, spaces filled with design and art elements that define lifestyle and style of life. In short, these Nashville residents truly “live in art.”

Clean-lined and industrial, these high-tech residences loom like eyesores to some and the positive future of a more design-daring and cosmopolitan Nashville to others.

Such living may not be appealing to most people. Truth be told, most Nashvillians likely would be, well, uncomfortable if they were hypothetically to move into this type dwelling. Even a walk-through of such homes—with their avant-garde art, spiral staircases, stark color schemes, and “lack of normal everyday stuff”—could unnerve Nashvillians unfamiliar with cutting-edge design and décor. Yet, the fact that these bold, even experimental, homes are of interest to most folks only as “unusual neighborhood landmarks” or “architectural curiosities” is perhaps the defining characteristic of each. These homes are cool, in part, because most people would not relate to them. Yet while few of us are suited to “live in art,” for those who are, there is no other way to live.

1106 Woodland Street, Five Points

year built: 2000

square feet: 3,600

style: contemporary

residents: Bill Brimm and Andrew Krichels

At quick glance, the exterior of this strikingly contemporary home in East Nashville’s Five Points could be confused as, well, a recent extension of the adjacent U. S. Post Office building. Soon after their 2000 move-in, owners Bill Brimm and Andrew Krichels were dining with friends on the second floor (the home’s main space and with a kitchen, no less) when a nicely dressed couple appeared. “They thought that our place was a restaurant,” says Brimm, a stained-glass maker/furniture builder/photographer. “We informed them that it was a private residence, but they could join us if they liked. Their faces turned red; they made their apologies and quickly left.”

A stroll through the Brimm-Krichels residence, designed by Nashville-based Politico, reveals nothing ordinary or traditional. For example, a metal locker (the type found in schools and YMCAs) is used for storage. A bedside night table is partly constructed from a suitcase. Two mummy-like figures (the work of local artist Adrienne Outlaw) hang from a ceiling. Radical stuff.

Of note, the first-floor rooms are used primarily for Krichel’s Pilates business. A catwalk (very cool) spans a lush courtyard/garden and connects the main building to a back structure accommodating Brimm’s studio.

Initially, Brimm and Krichels fielded criticism from neighbors. “I think some saw it as an invasion, a modern structure that could not work in a historic neighborhood,” Brimm says. Nowadays, most neighbors dig this metal and brick mini-masterpiece, its sharp lines and industrial vibe offering a dramatic contrast to the area’s handsome bungalows and Victorians. “I think overall most people love the place,” Brimm says. “They get it.”

801 Russell Street, Historic Edgefield

year built: The property is believed to have been constructed some time between 1969 and the early 1970s, though Metro records are unclear.

square feet: 1,860

style: industrial/modern/contemporary

residents: Julie and Ben Sistrunk

If they chose to do so, Julie and Ben Sistrunk could spend as much time lounging on their home’s roof — yes, it’s an amazing outdoor living space — as they do inside.

The rooftop deck, accessible via a spiral staircase, spans the entirety of the house, the interior of which offers patina concrete floors, concrete spandeck ceilings, exposed cinderblock walls, sliding track doors, Venetian walls, metallic paint, a giant, walk-in shower and bathroom (boasting a faux fireplace), and some of the coolest art found in any Nashville home. Dominating the front yard are three massive pieces of outdoor sculpture, the type work that might mortify reserved types whose art tastes lean toward the dignified and historic.

Of note, previous owner Will Hendricks bought the property in the 1990s and did a fine job, Ben Sistrunk says, of improving its appearance and functionality and transitioning it from commercial to residential usage.

Then in 2003, the Sistrunks bought the home from Hendricks and began the process of radically transforming it so as to, as Sistrunk says, “truly live in art.” Sistrunk says the couple spent “a considerable sum to overhaul the home,” with the interior highlight perhaps being a kitchen that is situated within the main living space’s center yet spans from the east wall to the west.

The Sistrunks own Urban Living Design, a design-build company that reinvents existing homes (including this gem). Julie’s sister Leslie is the wife of renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. No doubt, the Sistrunks know their art and architecture.

“While we truly enjoy ‘living in art,’ it’s not for everyone,” Ben says. “I believe most of our neighbors enjoyed the transformation of our property but not all liked it—nor would they want to live in it. And yes, I would dare say some people don’t think our ‘cute little art gallery’ belongs in an historic neighborhood. But isn’t this what art is all about? It invites opinion, critique and open interpretation.” As does the Sistrunk home.

3811 Harding Place, Forest Hills

year built:  2001

square feet: 4,500

style: modern

residents: Kim and Richard Fletcher

Open, airy and no need for color. So is the home of Kim and Richard Fletcher, who have elevated the art of living without excess to a radical level. Other than a small library filled with books, the couple’s 4,500-square-foot abode is furnished in a Spartan-like manner. Clutter? Nowhere to be found (well, except in the bedrooms of the Fletcher boys, Andrew and Nick).

In terms of color, white dominates. The home’s exterior, clad in Hardie siding, is white (except for the black asphalt-shingled roof and a dramatic red door). Inside, every wall is white. With soaring ceilings, light ash flooring, and amazing pendant lighting, the effect is nothing short of stunning. Designed by Washington, D.C.-based Hugh Newell Jacobsen, the home features no baseboards, no crown molding, no unnecessary architectural embellishments. This is clean-lined, contemporary living at its most beautiful and breathtaking, with the Fletchers’ art collection—including some massive pieces—the crowning element.

“The house is full of very large spaces, and many of the smaller pieces were more difficult to work into the house because of scale,” Kim Fletcher says. “But we have tried to incorporate them everywhere possible.” In the home are works from Anton Weiss, Will Berry, Nancy Cheairs, Paul Harmon, Jason Saunders, Michael Shane Neal, Kelly Gaidos and Ed Rode, among others. Local art is emphasized.

Adding to the flavor are various classic, modern furniture pieces, including Knoll womb chairs, a side table by Saarinen, a Florence Knoll credenza, a Mies van der Rohe daybed, and Bruno dining chairs. “We have mixed these pieces with several Indonesian antiques and comfortable upholstered furniture, some of which we will upgrade once the teenagers are gone,” Fletcher says with a smile.

Opinions of the home vary wildly. Some think the structure resembles, for example, an Amish church. Others likely find the place jarring for the conservative Forest Hills. But Kim Fletcher says the house has “fostered an interest in modern” in Nashville. “We have now met and talked to many fans of modern,” she says, “some of whom have now done their own modern homes.” Thus adding to Nashville’s “living in art” culture.

4211 Idaho Avenue, Sylvan Park

year built: oldest part, circa 1930; newest addition, 2000

square feet: 2,000

style: experimental purism

residents: Lanie Gannon and Rob Ogilvie

Upon first viewing this insane-looking residence, one is tempted to blurt, “What the —-?” Those who embrace the bungalow, foursquare or Victorian might even be offended.

“Our house is made with the most humble, dignified and least expensive materials: plywood and paint,” says Lanie Gannon, an artist who owns the property with husband and furniture maker Rob Ogilvie. Various geometric-shaped windows, an expressive (putting it mildly) paint job, and two front doors define the exterior. A giant barbell sculpture anchors the house’s front.

Inside, art and mid-century-modern furniture highlight the small rooms. A circular wall encloses the “master bedroom,” its confines closely situated with the main living space. Almost every room, hallway and outdoor space is distinctively shaped and defined; most walls and doors are positioned in an unconventional manner.

“Most of the neighbors really like our house,” says Gannon, a sculptor. “We have a lot of gawkers on the weekend. There are a few dissenters that find our design aesthetic disturbing.”

Gannon said Sylvan Park residents who pressed for an historic overlay a few years ago pointed to the house as an example of what the historic overlay, had it passed, would have prevented. But the Gannon-Ogilvie home—the original part of which was built as a garage—has survived criticism and now stands as a symbol of sorts for the bohemian culture found among some Sylvan Park residents.

When asked why it is important for some homes to be visually and functionally distinctive compared to neighboring houses, Gannon notes, “I am not sure I can answer this question, because it involves too many gray areas dealing with issues related to society, economics, politics, environmental concerns and personal taste.”

by William Williams | Photography by Matt Coale