Right at Home: The Cantrell Family

You guys, this could be the start of something awesome! I’m introducing what could be a series, we’ll see! I love peeking into the lives of other families (starting with Savannah Cantrell) and their houses around town. I’ll be sharing some pics, the best part!

The Right at Home Series focuses on Memphis (area) families and their homes, giving East Memphis Moms readers a glimpse into the lives and abodes of Memphis families.

This week I’m featuring Savannah Cantrell, the owner, and designer of Cantrell Interiors. She is an Interior Decorator, Realtor, and mom! Her business offers design, assisted shopping, and staging. To learn more, visit her at Website | Facebook | Instagram Photos that are marked as such are credited to Kyle Kelley Photography.

Tell me about your family, and your home!

Hi, I’m Savannah Cantrell. My husband, Jack, and I met through mutual friends seven years ago and were married within eighteen months. He already owned a home, so to make it feel more like our home, we renovated and I redecorated which really kick-started my love of all things interiors.

Three years ago we decided to sell our home and move into something a little bigger in the middle of a Memphis summer…. whose idea was that again? After the birth of my son in 2014, I left my much-loved office job, to stay at home with Henry full time. It was a rough transition, and to be honest, I missed the interaction with other adults on a daily basis! I didn’t want to go back to work full time, so I decided to pursue my love of home design and start my own interior decorating business, Cantrell Interiors.

Why do you love your work? What’s the best part of your job?

Cantrell Interiors was just what I needed. It has the flexibility to allow me to still be with my son most of the time but also gives me a creative outlet to pursue my passion. Just in the time I’ve had this business I have learned so much and met some amazing people. Doing interior decorating also led me to become a Realtor and take my love of homes to a whole new level.

(Similar pillows | similar lamp )

What the? You moved at 8-months pregnant?!

I mentioned earlier that we moved when I was eight months pregnant. I was in full-blown nesting mode, and it just made sense to put that energy to good use and pack up and move. I don’t regret it one bit. We love our home, and more importantly, we live on the BEST street. Moving is always a gamble. You never know what your neighborhood or neighbors are going to be like, and we feel like we hit the jackpot!

My son Henry, soon to be three years old, has so many kids to play with on our block. We have made lifelong friends and watching Henry play with all the little boys on the street brings a new joy to our lives. We joke that our neighborhood is like a country club; everyone starts coming outside in the early evening, and it is cocktails for the adults and playtime for the kids. We have the kind of neighbors you borrow sugar from in a pinch, or call and ask to check make sure you remembered to lock your doors. It is incredible, and we feel so thankful to be a part of this community.

 

(Similar pouf | similar coffee table | similar chairs)

What were you really looking for when you moved?

When we were house shopping, our biggest priorities were something that gave us more space, was already renovated and move-in ready. Well, nothing is ever move-in ready, and we’ve done quite a few home improvement projects, but it has made the house feel more like our home. We completely renovated our upstairs bathroom, which was so much fun for me and gave me an opportunity to practice my design skills. We also added on a huge covered patio in our backyard. We love being outside, and Henry could live outside, so it was really essential for us to have an outdoor living space where we could hang out and relax while Henry ran around. We also like to entertain and who doesn’t love dining alfresco? We have learned since we bought the house that we now value the importance of good neighbors as much as having the perfect house.

(Similar patio chairs)

Another great thing about our home is that we are centrally located. We are very close to Avon Park, which we visit often. We are right down the street from my favorite grocery store. Botanic Gardens is just a few minutes away, and Henry can spend hours exploring My Big Backyard. Both grandmothers are just a mile in either direction, so we always have a babysitter on hand.

(Similar bed | Blabla | Sheepskin rug)

Why style is your home? What style is Savannah Cantrell?

Our house was built in the 1950’s and completely renovated in 2013. I like to think the style is transitional-an updated take on a traditional style home. I am thankful the builder left the original doors and hardware; the brass knobs have a story to tell and add charm and history.

My style is always evolving. I would say right now I am leaning more towards the transitional style. I like things light and airy and clean with traditional undertones. My husband is so easy going when it comes to décor, he gives me full reign and has always loved what I’ve done. Of course, he would prefer that I didn’t redecorate as often as I do, ha-ha. It is challenging to be working in interiors designing rooms and decorating and styling on a daily basis and then come home and not want to incorporate some of the new ideas I’ve come up with for clients in my own home.

What are some of the best things about your casa?

Another thing I love about our home is that there is a lot of living space. We have a large living room as well as a more formal living room where we spend a lot of time in the winter because of the fireplace. I also love that there are two bedrooms downstairs. It is important to us to have Henry close by, and it was a relief not to have to go up and down a flight of stairs while he was an infant.

My favorite room in the house is Henry’s room. It is so cozy and calming. We spend hours in there every day cuddled up reading and playing.

(Cat & Bunny book | Similar coverlet)

During the warmer months, we spend most of our time outdoors. We love to grill and relax on our back patio, or hang out on our Adirondack chairs in the front and push Henry in his swing hanging from our big oak tree. During the colder months, we like to spend time in the kitchen (I love to make chili in the fall), or cozy up by the fire in the living room.

Anything on your wish list?

My wish list for my new home would include a larger kitchen. I love to cook, and the kitchen is where everyone always ends up gathering. We have a decent-sized kitchen, but an island with enough seating for 4-6 would be ideal. Other than that, our current home fits our needs well for this season of our lives.

(Similar jars)

What makes a home a home?

The most important thing to me in a home is the initial feeling you get when you walk through the doors. The kind of house you want to come home to and miss when you’re away.

(Blocks)

What shopping tips do you have for our readers?

I shop ALL OVER for items for my home. I’m a big bargain shopper, and I love to make something look beautiful without having to spend a fortune. My go to spots are Home Goods and Frugal Home Finds. I love that Frugal Home Finds is locally owned, and I can get the things that I would spend twice as much for online. That being said, I also do a ton of shopping online from McGee and Co, West Elm, Domino, Ballard Designs, the list goes on.

One thing I could probably stop buying is blue and white bowls. I have this weird love for blue and white and always get blue and white bowls because I enjoy eating cereal out of a bowl that is beautiful. I always buy decorative boxes if I see them in a store. They are hard to come by locally and especially ones that are affordable, so if I see them, I buy them, even if I just store them for a future client. Then, of course, there is always the item you’re looking for but can NEVER find, and for me right now that is a vintage runner for my master bathroom.

What’s your favorite memory of being at home?

This home will always be precious to me. I’ll never forget the day we brought our baby home, nights I was up every hour nursing and rocking my son. During those precious newborn days, I would spend hours being content, laying on the floor watching my little one discover his new world.

Thank you, Savannah Cantrell! If you’re interested in submitting a house-tour or have someone you think I should ask, contact me here!