Style gallery lets buyers ‘see, touch, feel’
Nashville Business Journal-Linda Bryant
The design gallery for The Manning at Belle Meade is a 1,400-square-foot home on Woodmont Boulevard that’s been remodeled to simulate the luxurious features of the 34-unit development.
The style of living offered at the elite condominiums is hard to relay without a three-dimensional representation, says LaRawn Scaife Rhea, who’s co-developing the project with her husband Richard.
“We wanted buyers to be able to see it, touch it and feel it,” she says.
The kitchen was overseen by internationally renowned kitchen designer and cabinetmaker Christopher Peacock.
Peacock, who has reached a near rock-star status in designer circles, was featured in a full-length article in the New York Times in April. His kitchens are known for their expansive, elegant designs and emphasis on white marble and white cabinets.
Peacock came to Nashville in September when The Manning’s design gallery was unveiled.
Pop culture author and analyst Faith Popcorn says Peacock’s sophisticated brand is selling because ostentatious brands are not popular during an economic downturn.
“While big show-offy things like the big SUV would be uncool to have right now, the one thing it’s still OK to spend on is authenticity,” Popcorn said in a recent news report.
The Rheas are going for a similar low-key, but extremely toney branding at The Manning.
“It’s a top-realm product,” Rhea says.
The grounds and gardens are designed by Gavin Duke, a partner with Nashville’s Ben Page Associates. Architecture is by Houston-based Don Meeks of Meeks + Partners, and interiors are by Nashville’s Marjorie Feltus-Hawkins of Feltus|Hawkins Design.
