A Custom-Made Home With Chic Style

"I cannot believe I live here,” says Chenobia Webster-Hill of her 3,200-square-foot Tennessee home. Chenobia grew up in South Memphis and was a single mom by 14; she had her second child at 17. “Everyone told me I would be nothing.” They were wrong. She became high school valedictorian, graduated from the University of Memphis (while raising two kids) and went on to earn her doctorate at the University of Tennessee. She started a career in social work, met her future husband, trucking company owner Corey Hill, and had two more kids.

The family of six lived in a 1,375-square-foot Craftsman (with one bathroom!) for 15 years while they saved up for this dream home, a custom build in the city’s historic district. To personalize the space, the Hills hired Memphis designer Maggie Clarke, and together they filled the rooms with furniture and artwork the couple loves. “There’s no way this should be my life,” says Chenobia, who’s now a college professor. “But I’ve earned every bit of it.”

The Hills updated the traditional brick house by painting it white (Greek Villa by Sherwin-Williams). They often hang out on the porch, chatting with close friends who live nearby. “It’s very Southern,” Chenobia says.

A purple front door and a herringbone accent wall, painted Rare Gray by Sherwin-Williams, make for a fun entrance. The house is filled with work by Black artists, including these Basquiat prints.

The dramatic chandelier, from Hinkley, was Corey’s pick; Chenobia chose the smoky plastic chairs from Modway. “They bring the drama!” she says. Gray faux-mohair CB2 end chairs and a wood table from Anthropologie anchor the room. The photo of Biggie Smalls lyrics in the gallery wall is Chenobia’s favorite: “My life really is a dream.”

Chenobia and Corey host a lot of parties, and the quartz island is where the fun always starts. “I turn it into one big charcuterie board,” Chenobia says. Under the sleek white top, the island is painted Relentless Olive by Sherwin-Williams for an unexpected pop. Wood pendant lights from Dezaart make a statement in the sleek space; black leather barstools from CB2 tie in with the Jeffrey Alexander hardware.

Tons of seating and a big fireplace make this the ultimate lounge. The velvet couch from CB2 and green chairs from Kathy Kuo Home are where guests go once they have their drinks and cheese plates, Chenobia says. Corey lobbied for the oversize Serena & Lily pendant because it looks like a disco ball. "We wanted a home that was posh but comfy — and made for sharing with friends," says Chenobia.

The kids spend a ton of time in here watching movies, playing video games and listening to Corey’s record collection, so Chenobia wanted everything to feel soft and inviting. The channeled Joybird sofa has a super-plush seat; velvet ottomans from Four Hands serve as coffee tables.

Chenobia always wanted a canopy bed, but not the drapery that typically comes with it. This minimal one from RH lets the Kate Zaremba wallpaper take center stage. A chaise lounge from Four Hands brings in a hit of green and provides a fun perch for daughter Harlem. “It’s where she does all of her TikToks!” Chenobia says.

Layered blue and white bedding from Ballard Designs and a fluffy throw rug over carpeting make this a cozy retreat. Maggie found the gold lamp at a vintage shop and bought a pink shade for it. The custom drapes feature an indigo print by local artist Whitney Winkler. The accent wall, painted Inky Blue by Sherwin-Williams, adds personality.