My husband and I love visiting historic Franklin, Tennessee and are even toying with the idea of retiring there in a few years. So when last we found ourselves in the historic town, we explored several neighborhoods where we imagined we might feel at home. This gorgeous cottage (built in 2018) made me say STOP THE CAR so I could admire its charms. Would you even suspect it is a new build!?! Breezy Southern Cottage Interiors & Inspiration From Franklin, Tennessee shares glimpses of this straight-out-of-a-fairy-tale home which lives large even while retaining its sweetness through and through.
Listing: 107 Gist St., Franklin, TN Square Footage: 3,499 s.f.
Breezy Southern Cottage Interiors & Inspiration From Franklin, Tennessee
How much will it set you back to score a charming brand new home like this with 4 bedrooms and 4 baths, an open floor plan, custom finishes, and quality construction in downtown Franklin? More than a million in today’s crazy market.
1. Shingle Siding
2. Charming Arches
This ultra-simple board and batten entry reminded me how just a little attention to detail can break up a wall yet still continue the breezy factor.
And it truly doesn’t get more fairy tale like than when the front door has a smiley welcoming arch.
3. Casual and Unfussy Furnishings
Were you maybe expecting the interiors of this cottage to be more vintage/traditional than modern rustic, organic, and coastal?
Because you certainly need not be on the water or even near it to embrace a seaside mood.
These dining chairs have my name written all over them, and the farm table is perfection, oui?
I rarely see a coffee table I admire more than the one in our home, but this one packs so much interest and charm in this Tennessee cottage. I would not mind my husband and kids plopping take-out pizza on it one bit.
And I can’t stop staring at the nubby textures of the pillow and chunky knit throw.
If a rattan pendant is calling to you, here’s my favorite source for woven lighting.
4. Hardwood Flooring
The flooring in a new build is so important to setting a tone and establishing a feeling of lived-in charm.
In this home, all of the variation in tone creates warmth, movement, and a laid back welcoming mood. Just imagine if the hardwood selected was a formal, dark-stained cherry wood with a high gloss finish…
5. Natural Textures Like Rattan
So many folks who love modern farmhouse and modern country style choose gallery-white and bright paint for the walls, and things can feel stuffy without plenty of natural organic accents.
Read this if you need help choosing the right white.
Rugged rock on the masculine fireplace also juxtaposes nicely with the more pristine white of the walls.
6. Open & Casual Dining
I love how cozy this dining area feels even though it is smack dab in the middle of an open plan.
I know that plenty of folks are turning away from open floorplans after so much time sheltering/working at home and feeling the limits of privacy, but it’s still largely a personal matter.
I mean, if we have learned anything in the last couple of years, it is that trends come and go quickly so what’s best for resale today could easily change tomorrow.
Is a Tiny White Cottage More Your Style?
7. Shiplap & Paneled Walls
What say ye? Tired of all the shiplap yet?
Because it’s one of those things that has historical significance behind it which accounts for its enduring charm.
8. White Shaker Kitchen
I seriously need to do a comprehensive post on Shaker style kitchens since there are so many ways to customize them to keep bland factor at bay.
Let this kitchen inspire you to add texture with woven materials rather than the expected iron lanterns. And in lieu of floating modern farmhouse-y shelves, look at the cubbies flanking the range above.
I might use that spot for spices, using THESE SMART CONTAINERS for them.
Additionally, it is smart to create little pockets of privacy when you have an open floorplan. This butler pantry off the kitchen is one such example which could lend itself to any number of functions.
9. Cozy Pantry With Office Space
I have a pair of these exact same stools (above) which I have found endless uses for since they work for seating, tables, and short people helpers.
10. Architectural Interest Inside & Out
What a boon when a newly constructed home isn’t just a series of boxes…
3,499 SF Cottage Floorplan Inspiration
In case you want to build something in the same spirit…
11. Lattice Privacy for Porch
Sometimes the view isn’t ideal and you’re after a little cocoon-like space for fresh air and dreaming.
More Inspiration from a Pretty Franklin Home
Don’t you love the front porch!?!
Come tour this amazing Southern coastal cottage with inspiring, spare, white interiors HERE, and also see a French Gustavian style cottage HERE or a Cotswolds cottage HERE.
Decor Finds for a Breezy Southern Cottage
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
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I’ve never hear of Franklin, Tennessee. What brought you there? Beyond having cute houses is there some attraction? Just curious. I believe you said you rented a cute house there too. You’ll have to share that place. Love the open kitchen/dining area in this cottage. Happy Sunday!
Author
Hi Celia. I discovered the charm of Franklin about 20 years ago on a business trip – it’s not too far from Nashville. A lot of celebrities and musicians have homes in Franklin (Justin Timberlake, Sheryl Crow…), and it is the sort of place where they will never be bothered or hounded. Things are simple and the pace is slow. The Giannettis nearly moved to Leipers Fork which is right next to Franklin so they were charmed too! 🙂
Love me some Franklin, TN & these lovely cottage interiors! You could NOT go wrong retiring to TN, one of the prettiest states there is. You’d only be 2 hrs from our mtn top home in north AL(which is called the TN Valley!)…we really could meet for coffee!🤗 Love open floor plans like this…which we get to enjoy…lends itself to much togetherness & feels so spacious when everyone’s home(we have 5 kids+significant others) or when entertaining friends. Love the warmth/coziness of THAT coffee table too! Organic/unfussy furnishings of rattan, wood, stone, leathered marble, stripped back floors which we chose w your help… help create a lived-in, welcoming mood we love. A covered porch as an extra outdoor room, if possible, to enjoy fresh air & God’s creation even if it’s raining is the cherry 🍒 on top! I didn’t realize the Gianetti’s considered Leiper’s Fork. I know I’m biased being from the South, but there is no better place to live for so MANY reasons. So I hope y’all will join us one day! You would fit in perfectly down here!!❤️
Author
You’re making a strong case, and we were slated to be in TN when Ida had other plans! So we’ll be road tripping there sometime soon, and I would love to meet, girlfriend. Love all these design features you’ve highlighted and amen about the rain! xox
I’ve been to Franklin many times and love it. But if I had the choice, I’d find a place in Leiper’s Fork. I prefer the simple and slow lifestyle there, whereas Franklin can be kind of “busy.”
Author
Thank you so much – we loved Leiper’s Fork. 🙂