Karen’s Mid Century Modern Nashville Home

published Apr 14, 2015
We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.
Home Type
N/A
Style
N/A
Bedrooms
N/A
Square feet

3500

Sq ft

3500

Post Image
(Image credit: Monique Larroux)

Name: Karen Hollywood
Location: Nashville, Tennessee
Size: 3,500 square feet
Years lived in: 9 years

House tour cover

Can't-Miss House Tours Straight to Your Inbox

Keep up with our latest house tours each weekday with our House Tour of the Day newsletter

You may recognize Miss Hollywood’s home from Toby Keith’s Red Solo Cup video, or maybe Rhonda Vincent and Dolly Parton’s video for Heartbreakers Alibi, or maybe Miranda Lambert’s Dead Flowers video, or perhaps Martina McBride’s Teenage Daughters video. And if that’s not enough, Karen’s home has also hosted photo shoots for Cage the Elephant, Carrie Underwood, and Karen’s all time favorite, Wanda Jackson for her The Party Ain’t Over album.

(Image credit: Monique Larroux)

Karen owns Pre to Post Modern in Nashville. Pre to Post Modern specializes in Mid Century furnishings, vintage clothing, and vinyl records. If you have an itch for kitsch, this is your place. Like all store owners, Karen keeps the best items for herself. Her home is filled with the best the mid-century can offer. But Karen doesn’t crowd her home; she likes things clean and simple. She’d rather sell a piece she loves than create too much clutter.

(Image credit: Monique Larroux)

Apartment Therapy Survey:

My Style: Mid Century Modern

Inspiration: St Louis’ Gateway Arch designed by architect, Eero Saarinen. It’s my arch— I just allow it to reside in St. Louis. The 1959 film “Pillow Talk” staring Rock Hudson & Doris Day. The designs of Charles & Ray Eames, & Vladimir Kagen also provide tremendous inspiration.

Favorite Element: Wood, Glass, & Stone

Biggest Challenge: Time

What Friends Say: Can you help decorate my home?

Proudest DIY: Decorating & furnishing my home with no outside design help or advice.

Biggest Indulgence: Harris Strong Ceramic Art Tiles

Best Advice: Less is more

Dream Sources: Atomic Ranch Magazine, various Mid Century Modern Design books

(Image credit: Monique Larroux)

Resources of Note:

DEN

  • Room length built in Credenza; original to home
  • Red Bertoia Bird chair & ottoman by Knoll
  • Eames Lounge Chair & Ottoman by Herman Miller
  • Herman Miller side table (beside Eames Lounger)
  • Saarinen Side table by Knoll (beside bird chair)
  • Saarinen Marble top dining table w/ Pop style Hounds-tooth cup chair
  • 1970s Electric Fireplace
  • George Nelson Chest
  • Adrian Pearsall coffee table
  • Various Harris Stong art tiles (throughout home0
  • LIVING ROOM

  • Danish Modern Sofa & Chair (maker unknown)
  • Wood & tile coffee & end tables by Lane
  • Harris Strong Art tiles (throughout home)
  • DINING ROOM

  • All dining Furniture Brasilia by Broyhill
  • George Nelson Clock (others throughout home)
  • Modernica George Nelson lighting
  • Custom designed bar by Tim Nance of Nance Furniture – Nashville
  • KITCHEN

  • Eames Dining Table w/ Eames molded Plywood Chairs (DCM) for Herman Miller in ebony
  • CatherineHolm enamel cookware – Made in Norway 1960s
  • Dansk enamel cookware by Jens Quistgaard
  • George Nelson clock
  • BEDROOM (guest room downstairs)

  • All bedroom furniture by Heywood Wakefield
  • Eames Shell Rocker
  • Lamps by Moss Lighting of San Francisco – 1950s
  • Bedspread and curtains circa 1950s
  • Various 1950s Asian style flare
  • BEDROOM (master)

  • Furniture Showcase by Bassett – 1961
  • Lamps by Moss Lighting of San Francisco
  • BATHROOM

  • Autographed photo of silent film actress Carla Laemmle
  • Original Hand painted Pastel artwork by Sascha Brastoff
  • LOUNGE

  • Curved wet bar/spiral staircase original to home
  • 1960s custom upholstered – 4 piece sectional sofa by Kroehler
  • Isamu Noguchi coffee table
  • Electric 1960s fireplace
  • Portable record player – Third Man Records
  • Vintage record table by Lane
  • George Nelson Marshmallow Sofa by Herman Miller
  • Ed Wormley Sofa for Dunbar
  • Various lamps by Moss Lighting of San Francisco- 1950s
  • (Image credit: Monique Larroux)

    Thanks, Karen!

    • HOUSE TOUR ARCHIVE: Check out past house tours here.
    • Interested in sharing your home with Apartment Therapy? Contact the editors through our House Tour Submission Form.
    • Are you a designer/architect/decorator interested in sharing a residential project with Apartment Therapy readers? Contact the editors through our Professional Submission Form.

    Updated daily with fresh tours full of photos for you to pin & enjoy!