As the saying goes, "You can't judge a book by it's cover", and that is exactly the sentiment behind today’s home tour. When you pull up to SK and Kevin's south Knoxville apartment building, it doesn't look much different than any other apartment you may find in Knoxville--- however, when the door to their unit opens it feels like you've been transported into the mid-century flat of your dreams.

Full of character, well picked vintage furniture and decor, and with an all-encompassing sense of coziness, SK and Kevin have transformed a cookie cutter apartment into a magical home. They've somehow managed to create a cozy, sultry, low key party vibe in the sense that it's easy to imagine that it's often filled with friends, fancy cocktails, and jazz music. Everything feels thought out and intentional.

There's a love story involved- and you can feel that in the house. SK and Kevin met at the beginning of the pandemic and fell fast. It's apparent that SK and Kevin think the world of each other and inhabit their space in a way that honors the desires and preferences of each of them. They make a great team, and while SK is the mastermind behind the decor, Kevin certainly has an eye for flair as well.

With a desire for everyone that enters to feel welcomed and invited, they've styled the space with a nod towards comfort and moveability. There is a natural flow between rooms in part due to paint colors and blips of black and white spread throughout the colorful prints and patterns.

SK, originally from Asheville, grew up treasure hunting with her mom. She's quick to point out that her style is pretty different than the style of the home she grew up in but that she's always had an appreciation for beautiful spaces. While her childhood home was more formal and antique heavy, she’s always gravitated towards more modern, minimal, vintage pieces and decor.

One of the first things I noticed in their home was all of the incredible art. SK is a big proponent for supporting collegiate artists- (if you’ve never been to one of the UT College of Art and Design sales, you are missing out) and noted that she bought several pieces from friends in her former undergraduate art program. As I continued to ask about art, I found out that SK is quite the artist herself! With paintings, sketches, and photographs of her own adorning the walls as well, SK brings creativity and beauty wherever she goes.

Aside from the design and decor elements that make up a home, there are practical things to think about as well. One of the things that HYD strives to help clients figure out is how to make each person’s home work best for them specifically. SK knows herself well and knows that in order to feel peaceful and really enjoy and feel at ease in her home, she needs and loves order. She created drop zones for things like keys, wallets, papers and mail etc. Having a bin and a specific spot for these items reduces the visual clutter that inevitably ends up on a coffee table or countertop when there isn’t a designated home for an item. She’s quick to note that having systems in a small space can make all of the difference.

One of the biggest challenges in a small space is storage. SK and Kevin are pretty mindful about the items they bring into their home. They always ask themselves before a purchase, where will this item live? Am I willing to give something else up in order to have this? etc. She’s also learned to get creative about holding on to really special pieces. If she doesn’t have space for something that she’s not ready to let go of, she will often loan it out to a friend until it works in her space again. Being smart about multi-purpose furniture is super helpful when you don’t have a lot of closet space. She has touches of black and white in every room and notes that having a neutral color that connects everything helps things feel more cohesive. If she’s a collector of anything, it’s mid-century bar and glassware. She’s sold or parted ways with the bulk of her collection over the years but it’s her weakness when it comes to treasure hunting.

Tips for customizing an apartment? SK recommends talking with your landlord to see what the limits are. She gave their kitchen a major upgrade by painting the cabinets, switching blinds for curtains, and adding in her decor and art. Any time you can swap a light fixture, change cabinet hardware, faucets, shower heads, paint, or add to the property value in general it’s always a win. Make sure to keep the old fixtures so you can take yours with you when you move out.

On finding your style: Not everyone has a strong sense of personal style, but if you want one, pay attention to what you resonate with. SK started collecting furniture when she was still in college and living at her parents’ house. Her style hasn’t changed with the trends because she’s always bought what she loves- so it always stays relevant to her.

Having grown up in Asheville, some of SK’s favorite places to shop for furniture and decor are Regeneration Station, Screen Door, Atomic Furnishings, and WNC Bridge Estate Sales.

Kevin, Bruno, and SK. SK recently painted the modular black and white mural on the wall.

Thanks so much SK and Kevin for inviting us into your beautiful home!