The story of a traditional Tennessee home is rewritten to reflect a family’s modern lifestyle. Sean Anderson’s Kirby Woods blends traditional charm with organic modern elements for a dynamic design.

Design by Sean Anderson | Photography by Rett Peek

Sean Anderson’s “Inspired Living” Approach to Design

Sean Anderson’s design philosophy is rooted in creating customized, soulful spaces that tell unique stories of their inhabitants. He presents a sense of style that offers enduring interiors for inspired living. Modernist elements provide a foundation while curated details create a beautiful balance. 

Welcome to Kirby Woods

Sean Anderson’s Kirby Woods project exhibits beautiful contrast by expertly balancing texture and form. The exposed wood elements paired with delicate fabrics of linen and wool create a captivating design. 

This moody Memphis home casts a dark, expressive tone that’s juxtaposed with organic silhouettes, clean lines, and an abundance of natural light. 

The walls throughout are painted the palest of grays – virtually white – for a cohesive look that opens up the space and creates continuity in the home. 

Time for a tour!

Foyer

You’re greeted with stunning textures of stone, metals, and woods, combined with a neutral earth-toned color palette. The oversized planter and greenery add an extra warm and welcoming touch.

The crisp white walls contrast beautifully with the organic wood elements and custom-made artwork: a dark, nail-studded canvas by Atlanta’s Ashley Finnemore.

Living Space

This welcoming room, ideal for morning coffee or afternoon cocktails, features a Currey & Company tete-a-tete to establish two intimate gathering areas.

The surrounding neutral furnishings permit conversation-sparking pieces – like petrified-wood stump side tables and a mixed-media piece by Sean Anderson himself.

Organic Modern Fireplace

Fireplaces elevated with sleek applications of plaster add an organic modern feel to the home.

A cedar mantel beam, antique folding screen, and rugged medicine chair create contrast against the freshly plastered fireplace wall

Dining Room

The dining room combines classical architecture with traditional forms to further contribute to the cohesiveness of the overall design. The sleek black folding screen breaks up the simplistic and calming color palette.

Office

An acrylic-encased brass sculpture by Nashville’s James Worsham is the perfect personal touch in the homeowners' office. Made of 42 tiny “paper” airplanes, this work of art nods at homeowners' passion for flying.

The clean lines and ample amount of natural light balance out the darker and masculine elements. The intricate details such as the gray paneling, cowhide pillow, and vintage-inspired pieces provide a collected yet cohesive feel.

Primary Bedroom

The primary bedroom's iron canopy bed draws the eye toward the vaulted ceiling which features an antique statement chandelier. For a  more organic feel, Sean Anderson stayed with neutral tones but combined contrasting textures.

From Belgian linen to salvaged wood to matte black finishes, these rich textures invite rest and relaxation.

Primary Bath

In the primary bath, a custom cabinet by Old City Millwork provides plentiful storage while incorporating a monolithic vanity clad in a seamless slab of Cambria quartz.

The tassel-inspired sconce illuminates the stone's finish while the vintage rug brings warmth to the room's cool color palette.

Guest Bedroom

Overnight guests are welcomed by warm natural light and comforting textures. The channel-tufted headboard and green throw pillow complement the organic elements providing a cozy space for guests to relax and unwind.

Powder Bath

The wood-inspired wall treatment is the focal point of this powder bath.

The natural wood wall art and rope light fixture add to the dark organic feel while the marble sink adds a touch of brightness.

Storytelling Through Art

Sean Anderson approaches design projects with livability in mind, focusing more on collecting memories than belongings.

He tells a story through art and objects. This home’s neutral palette allows guests to be drawn to artwork, textures, and one-of-a-kind objects. For every new item brought into the home, Sean counterbalances it with historically and artisanally inspired pieces.

Kirby Woods may share many stories about its owners, but it never takes its narrative too seriously.