Inside the Enchanting Nashville Home of T Bone Burnett and Callie Khouri

For screenwriter Callie Khouri, the Tudor-style house she now calls home was a beacon of hope long before she ever set foot inside. Back in the 1970s, while she was still dreaming of Hollywood, Khouri would drive by the charming residence and fantasize about one day entering its doors. Today, that dream is a reality, as she shares this historic abode with her husband, T Bone Burnett, the acclaimed musician and Oscar-winning soundtrack producer.

Their home, steeped in musical history and adorned with awards, showcases a meticulous design led by Nashville-based designer Roger Higgins. The living room features a stunning Zuber wall covering that has remained intact since the house was built, complemented by walls painted in Sherwin Williams’s Favorite Tan. Custom brass sconces and an original chandelier add to the ambiance, creating a space where 'everybody looks better,' as Higgins puts it.

Khouri’s emotional attachment to the house only deepened when she returned to Nashville to helm the Emmy-winning show named after the city. After two seasons spent in hotels, the couple seized the opportunity to buy the property, with Khouri asserting, “The wallpaper’s not going.” This sentiment encapsulates her reverence for the home’s original features, from the ceiling paneling to the ornate mantelpiece above the fireplace, where their Oscars stand watch.

Burnett, known for his collaborations with legendary artists like Bob Dylan, has crafted a space that resonates with creativity. In their living room, the couple’s dachshunds, Ike and Mamie, lounge comfortably on a George Smith sofa, surrounded by vintage decor that blends seamlessly with the home’s rich history. The library showcases Morris & Co’s Snakeshead wallpaper above quarter-sawn oak paneling, while reclaimed glazed brick from Atlanta lines the fireplace.

Higgins, who specializes in historic preservation, worked alongside architect Blaine Bonadies on a two-year renovation that aimed to enhance the home’s existing charm rather than transform it into a museum piece. The dining room, lacquered in a warm PPG Amaretto, features a ceiling adorned with hand-laid gold leaf, providing a romantic glow for intimate dinners. Khouri’s Royal Crown Derby china is elegantly displayed in a vintage breakfront, emphasizing the couple’s affinity for artistry.

In the kitchen, custom metalwork adds a touch of modernity, while vintage fixtures and dim lighting create a cozy atmosphere. The space is designed for both functionality and beauty, embodying Khouri’s vision for a home that reflects 'artistic energy.' The utility kitchen, a cherished feature even before the renovation, serves as a nod to the practicality of country-house living.

Throughout the house, the couple's eclectic collection of furnishings and art tells their story, with pieces sourced from their pasts and travels. Vintage tube equipment and a turntable in Burnett’s studio evoke a sense of nostalgia, while the primary bedroom features walls painted in Escape Gray, harmonizing with the garden view even during winter months.

The couple’s journey to create a space that celebrates their artistic spirits is palpable in every corner of the home. From the thoughtful design choices to the careful preservation of history, Burnett and Khouri have fashioned a sanctuary that not only houses their belongings but also serves as a backdrop for their creative endeavors. In a city known for its musical legacy, this home stands as a testament to the couple's shared passion for storytelling through music and film.

Source: www.architecturaldigest.com