Most Middle Tennessee homeowners have a covered porch they barely use. In April, bugs and pollen take over. In July, it’s too hot. In November, it’s too cold. After a few seasons of fighting the weather, the furniture sits empty and the space becomes storage. John Freund, owner of Tennessee Shade Co., built his business around fixing exactly that. His team installs custom motorized screen systems that transform underused porches into the rooms families actually live in, year-round.

With nine years of industry experience, Freund brings extensive expertise in custom motorized shade solutions designed to help homeowners enjoy their outdoor living spaces comfortably. Having completed projects on more than 1,000 homes in Middle Tennessee, Freund said, “Most of our customers come to us after years of not really using their outdoor space. They spent real money on that porch, and it’s just sitting there with covers on all the furniture. We come in, design something that fits the house perfectly, and suddenly they’re out there every evening. That’s the whole point.”

Tennessee Shade Co. approaches each project as both a functional solution and an aesthetic opportunity. By integrating their work with existing architecture, matching finishes, and considering design principles, a shade solution is created that enhances a home rather than merely attaches to it. “When it’s done right, you shouldn’t be able to tell we were there at first glance. Then the screens come down, and your porch becomes a completely different space. That’s what we’re going for every time,” Freund said.

Your covered porch should be one of the best rooms in your house. Instead, most families abandon it by Memorial Day. They’re chasing bugs off the table, dragging cushions inside before a storm, giving up when the afternoon sun makes it unbearable. Tennessee Shade Co. helps families take back their porches. Imagine hosting friends on a July evening without a single bug. Thanksgiving dinner extended onto a warm enclosed porch. Kids outside after school instead of on a screen. One button changes all of it.

Freund and his team guide every project from the first conversation to the final install. It starts with a free in-home consultation where Freund and his design team assess the space, walk through the design options, and make sure the solution fits both the home and the way the family actually uses it. “The result,” Freund added, “is a system that disappears into the architecture until you need it.”

Every system is built for Tennessee weather. The screens are water-resistant and engineered to handle heat, humidity, and the kind of storms that roll through with no warning. Mesh options can be customized for airflow, privacy, or shade density depending on which direction the space faces and how the family uses it. “We use products built to last, and we stand behind our work with responsive service long after the install is done,” said Freund.

Tennessee Shade Co. serves the greater Nashville area and surrounding Middle Tennessee communities. Consultations are free, and the team comes to you, no showroom visit required.

Your outdoor space is waiting. Schedule a free consultation with Tennessee Shade Co. and find out what it could become. Call or text (615) 492-3139 or visit tennshade.com. Every day is patio weather                            

The post Transforming Porches Into Year-Round Escapes appeared first on Williamson County Living.

PHOTOS PROVIDED

Let’s face it, furnishing a home, or even updating a single room’s décor, can be a daunting task. Selecting furniture for a home is much more than filling a space with beautiful, stylish pieces  — it is about creating an ambiance that reflects the people who live there. From the texture of a cozy chair to the impact of a perfectly placed statement piece, every selection has the opportunity to tell a story of intentional living. The Design Program at B.F. Myers Furniture & Mattress takes the stress out of buying furniture and accessories for your space, blending curated design with functionality to create a beautiful, personalized home.

B.F. Myers Furniture & Mattress, with locations in Goodlettsville and Franklin, is one of Tennessee’s oldest family-owned furniture retailers. For more than 170 years, they have built a reputation rooted in quality, value, and exceptional service. Driven by their customer-first approach, competitive prices, and trusted brands, the retailer has experienced remarkable growth over the past five decades.

The showroom in Goodlettsville is a 60,000-square-foot space filled with indoor and outdoor furnishing, along with a large selection of mattresses. The showroom features a full-service Design Center and the B.F. Myers Outlet is next door. Thus, making it a furniture shopper’s paradise. In May 2025, the 40,000-square-foot Franklin showroom opened and also includes a full-service Design Center.

Like the Goodlettsville store, the nearby Franklin store is filled to the brim with stylish, high-quality indoor and outdoor furniture, as well as a wide selection of comfy mattresses. One could spend hours walking the floors, admiring the tastefully selected furniture, accessories, and art on display, pondering where to place these finds in your home.

The Design Center in Franklin houses thousands of fabric samples and rugs, giving designer Caitlin Newman unlimited options for customizable combinations for any room. Newman has more than 10 years of design experience and is happy to use her skills to craft the perfect designer home you would be proud of. No job is too big, nor too small.

B.F. Myers offers two design programs to choose from — a free in-store consultation or a $500 in-home appointment. The in-store consultation is a fantastic way to get ideas from Newman and peruse the showroom floor. Plus, the online Room Planner lets patrons use the same tools professional interior designers use. It lets you easily visualize furniture placement, map conversational areas, arrange rugs, and determine focal points without the hassle of moving furniture. You can even create the room floor plan on mobile and desktop devices and receive a complete shopping list of all items in the room. So, grab your coffee and start designing today!

The other option for consideration is the full-service in-home design consultation with Newman. “The B.F. Myers Design Program is centered around collaboration. We take the time to understand how our clients live, entertain, and use their spaces,” Newman said. “So we can create rooms that are not only beautiful, but comfortable and practical for everyday living.”

The in-home consultation allows Newman to personally connect with clients and effortlessly design the perfect space. “Whether your style is classic, modern, transitional, rustic, or somewhere in between, our goal is to simplify the design process while delivering a finished space that feels timeless, inviting, and uniquely yours,” said Newman. As a note, the personalized in-home consultation fee of $500 is applied to your purchase if you place an order, making it a smart option to add that custom look to your home.

As part of the in-home design service, Newman and a sales associate visit your home to measure the space and create a customized floor plan tailored to one or more rooms. During the visit, the team will also gain a sense of your personal style, discuss your goals for the space, and learn about any specific preferences you may have. Whether you already have a vision in mind or are starting from scratch, the consultation provides an ideal foundation for designing a space that feels both functional and beautifully curated.

After the visit, Newman will create two different floor plans that include furniture options, fabric selections, rugs, art, and accessories. At a follow-up meeting in the store, clients review the design presentation and work together to refine the plan, creating a home that’s thoughtfully inspired and personalized. “Finally, to ensure a smooth and stress-free design process from start to finish, B.F. Myers offers free delivery and installation,” concluded Newman.

Rooted in integrity, B.F. Myers believes in everyday low pricing and a seamless shopping experience — before, during, and long after the sale. Your satisfaction is their promise. For additional information, call the Franklin store at (615) 606-3679 or visit bfmyersfurniture.com. To inquire about the Design Program, email Caitlin Newman at cnewman@bfmyersfurniture.com.

The post Thoughtfully Inspired, Beautifully Furnished appeared first on Williamson County Living.

Cover photo by Ross Jaynes Visual Media Co

I’ve always believed a home should do more than simply look beautiful — it should welcome people in. It should tell your story, invite conversation, and make everyday life feel a little more gracious and meaningful. That philosophy has shaped everything I’ve done through Amy Montgomery Home for many years, and now, after several months away, I’m incredibly excited to reopen our doors in Columbia at the Columbia Plaza on West 7^th Street.

Truthfully, it never really felt like we left! Even while the shop was closed, our customers and community continued to support us through social media, in-home events, magazine work, and countless kind messages asking when we would return. That loyalty and encouragement have meant more to me than I can say, and this reopening feels less like starting over and more like coming home to old friends.

This next chapter of Amy Montgomery Home will still reflect everything I’ve always loved most — timeless interiors, layered collected pieces, flowers, entertaining, tabletop details, and creating spaces that feel warm and welcoming rather than overly formal. But there are some exciting additions as well, including a carefully curated fashion collection featuring women’s clothing and accessories chosen with the same lifestyle-driven approach we bring to the shop.

I want the store to feel inspiring, yes — but also deeply personal and approachable. I’ve often said I’m less interested in perfection and more interested in how a home makes people feel. Some of my favorite moments happen around a table with flowers freshly arranged, candles glowing, music playing softly, and people lingering long after dinner is over. Those moments of gathering and connection are something I hope this new space will encourage even more intentionally.

We’ll also be hosting events like Dinner & Flowers and Brunch & Blooms, centered around entertaining, floral design, and simply enjoying being together again. The dining room inside the shop is being designed as a gathering place as much as a retail space — somewhere for Mahjong groups, Garden Club meetings, celebrations, and conversations over coffee.

There’s something special happening in Columbia right now, and I feel very grateful to continue being part of it. This town still values hospitality, relationships, beauty, and supporting local businesses in a way that feels increasingly rare. There’s a warmth and authenticity here that I don’t think you can manufacture.

After more than 30 years in design and lifestyle retail, I still believe beauty matters — not in a flashy or unattainable way, but in the way fresh flowers on a kitchen counter or a thoughtfully set table can quietly change the atmosphere of a home and the people inside it. That’s the heart behind this reopening. Not simply reopening a shop — but reopening a place to gather, to be inspired, and hopefully to make life feel a little more beautiful along the way.

During the reopening of my shop in mid to late August, I am excited to continue working on Project Open House, benefiting Folds of Honor Tennessee. I invite all of you to join me on Thursday, August 27, 2026, to preview the house and the projects I have curated to make the house feel like a home. Additionally, at 2:30 p.m., join me for a special flower-arranging demonstration.

I look forward to seeing all of you and am proud to help support this very worthy cause. Check social media @amymontgomeryhome for open house updates.

Amy Montgomery, owner of Amy Montgomery Home, has spent more than 30 years helping clients create homes and events centered around beauty, hospitality, and gracious living.  Her Columbia shop is set to reopen in mid to late August 2026.  Learn more at amymontgomeryhome.com.

The post The Heart Behind Reopening appeared first on Williamson County Living.

In 2022, Autumn and Joe Harrier relocated their family from Minnesota to Tennessee to put down new roots. Joe, being a bassist, had some musician friends who moved to Tennessee and recommended making the move. Autumn, having grown up on a farm, always dreamed of returning to farm life. The couple found their new home in Columbia, and although the property was heavily wooded, they began exploring ways to turn Autumn’s vision for a farm into reality.

About a year after moving to Columbia, the EF-3 tornado hit, and the tornado’s path completely took out the wooded area on the Harrier’s land. Autumn explained, “We took shelter in the basement, and when we came up after the tornado, my husband said, ‘Well, you got your farmland you wanted!’ Everything was entirely flattened, and we could see the sky where we couldn’t see it before because the trees were leveled.”

The cleanup after the destruction was a massive undertaking, and to this day, there is still a lot of work to do on the property. “Honestly, we are still living in tornado destruction because there was just so much. We couldn’t afford to clean it all up, but we have been picking away at small sections at a time,” Autumn said. “Once we finally got an area of land cleaned, I wanted a garden, and that’s when we decided to plant flowers.”  And just like that, Rocky Top Flower Farm blossomed.

One might ponder how the name Rocky Top Flower Farm came to be, and the explanation makes complete sense. As the planting began on the farm, the topsoil was covered with rocks. “My goodness! We have been hand-digging the holes because we literally have thousands upon thousands of rocks in our topsoil, since it is a rocky top,” Autumn said. “And we are at the top of the hill too, so we thought it was fitting with Tennessee, so we decided on the name — Rocky Top Flower Farm.”

That first year, while the initial cleanup was underway, they used raised beds to test whether their plan would work for growing a small selection of summer annuals, and set up an itty-bitty garden off to the side to see what the soil was like. Even though they began their endeavor in 2025, it was a trial year, and the Harriers consider 2026 the first true year.

Rocky Top is a small operation that is now producing flowers, and this spring, they planted snapdragons, vernacular, statice, ranunculus, and calendula. A larger selection of summer annuals, including zinnias, cosmos, basil, mint, sunflowers, and strawflowers, is now available. Going into the fall months, succession planting keeps flowers producing, with additions of eucalyptus, zinnia, and dried arrangements available for purchase.  

The Harrier’s flower farm currently operates on around an 1/4 acre of land. However, as they continue to grow and turn the Rocky Top Flower Farm into a steady business, there is plenty of room for expansion. “We have so much yard left that we could expand into,” Autumn said. “So, the goal obviously is to plant more and sell more, but we are trying to figure out how we want to do that at the moment because it all takes time.”

At present, bouquets are available at Kedron’s Little Loafery (@kedronslittleloafery) in Columbia and The AWAKEN House (@theawakenhouse) in Spring Hill. There are also plans in the works for a roadside stand near their house where their premium cut-flower bouquets will be available.

For additional information on Rocky Top Flower Farm, follow on social media @rockytopflowerfarm. Be sure to stop by and pick up a beautiful bouquet for yourself or someone special today — it’s sure to brighten your day!

The post Blossoms on the Rocky Top appeared first on Williamson County Living.

But this year’s surprise isn’t just about the garage itself — it starts with the floor. A professionally finished surface from OrangeRhino Concrete Coatings transforms an ordinary garage into a clean, durable, and functional space Dad can truly enjoy. No more dusty concrete, stubborn stains, or worn-out surfaces. Instead, he gets an easy-to-maintain foundation that looks fantastic and is designed to handle everything from weekend projects to everyday life.

While kitchens and living rooms often get the design attention, the garage is quietly becoming one of the most transformed spaces in the modern home — starting from the ground up. A professionally finished garage floor has become the standard of a smarter, cleaner, and more functional space, turning what was once a dusty catch-all into an extension of the home itself.

OrangeRhino specializes in creating impeccably finished concrete floors that offer both striking visual appeal and durability. Every project begins with a meticulously profiled concrete surface, followed by the application of industrial-grade coatings, never the thin, quick-roll alternatives, ensuring a finish built to endure.

There are 16 colors in stock to choose from, and the industrial-grade coatings resist peeling, cracking, and discoloration. The result is a garage floor that feels curated, with a high-performance surface that enhances your home’s overall appeal and value. Additionally, each installation is backed by a true lifetime warranty.

What distinguishes OrangeRhino is the strength of its team. No sub-contractors. No temporary labor. Each project is assigned a trained lead installation associate. OrangeRhino safeguards your investment by being fully insured, providing peace of mind.

“The service was right on target with the date and professionalism. The garage floor looks awesome, and the men explained everything about how long to let it cure and how to clean it. What a difference it makes in the look of a concrete floor! Very classy garage and I love it!” -Customer Testimonial

There’s something satisfying about opening the garage door and seeing a clean, finished space rather than unfinished concrete. For many dads, today’s garage serves a multitude of purposes. One day it’s a home gym, the next it’s a DIY headquarters, and by Saturday afternoon, it might be the gathering spot for neighbors watching the big game. As homes continue to adapt to modern lifestyles, homeowners are realizing that comfort and durability matter just as much in the garage as they do inside the house.

OrangeRhinospecializes in transforming ordinary concrete into a finished surface that looks refined while performing under pressure. A professionally finished floor elevates the entire experience. Lighting reflects better, storage looks sharper, and the space feels more like part of the home rather than an afterthought. It’s about luxury and usability. The result isn’t just cosmetic — it’s practical. Just what Dad needs, and Mom, too!

The garage isn’t the only place where OrangeRhino’s concrete coatings make an impact. Areas such as front porches, driveways, basement floors, and pool decks are also ideal spaces for the durable finish. Adding color, texture, and lasting protection to them is the perfect way to enhance curb appeal and make outdoor spaces feel more welcoming.

Consider giving Dad that new garage floor this Father’s Day. It’s something he will cherish for years to come, and it’s a gift that says thank you in a meaningful way — because sometimes the best Father’s Day gifts aren’t wrapped in a box.

OrangeRhino is committed to delivering better-looking concrete and providing a great experience throughout the process. Visit goorangerhino.com for additional information or call (855) 30RHINO to schedule a free consultation.

The post A Father’s Day Surprise — Dad Will Actually Use appeared first on Williamson County Living.

For most of us, the garage is a place we are in and out of every day. It’s an extension of the home, one that deserves to look as good as it functions. With OrangeRhino’s premium concrete coating system, that dull, dirty garage floor can be transformed into a clean, sophisticated showplace — often in just one day.

OrangeRhino specializes in creating impeccably finished concrete floors that offer both striking visual appeal and durability. Every project begins with a meticulously profiled concrete surface, followed by the application of industrial-grade coatings, never the thin, quick-roll alternatives, ensuring a finish built to endure. There are 16 colors in stock to choose from, and the industrial-grade coatings resist peeling, cracking, and discoloration. The result is a garage floor that feels curated, with a high-performance surface that enhances your home’s overall appeal and value. Additionally, each installation is backed by a true lifetime warranty.

What distinguishes OrangeRhino is the strength of its team. No sub-contractors. No temporary labor. Each project is assigned a trained lead installation associate. OrangeRhino safeguards your investment by being fully insured, providing peace of mind.

“The service was right on target with the date and professionalism. The garage floor looks awesome, and the men explained everything about how long to let it cure and how to clean it. What a difference it makes in the look of a concrete floor! Very classy garage and I love it!”

-— Customer Testimonial

“They arrived on time, very professional, clean, and transparent about what they were going to do. What we really like about the product is that it is strong. We had hairline cracks throughout the garage floor, and Orange Rhino filled all the cracks, ground the whole floor smooth, and now, when you look at the floor, there are no cracks. We would definitely recommend Orange Rhino concrete coatings to anyone looking to do this. I would even consider doing my patio and even our front porch. It’s just such a great product, and we are really happy with the results.”  

-— Customer Testimonial

For homeowners who want a garage that feels more like an extension of their living space, and not a dirty storage zone, OrangeRhino offers a lasting solution. These beautiful finishes are also perfect for concrete decks, porches, and around pools, and are built to stand the test of time, delivering a professional-looking concrete finish.

OrangeRhino is committed to delivering better-looking concrete and providing a great experience throughout the process. Visit goorangerhino.com for additional information or call (855) 30RHINO to schedule a free consultation.

The post Orange Rhino Concrete Coatings — Elevate Your Garage to a Luxury Space appeared first on Williamson County Living.