Home & Garden

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By Susan C. Nieman
Photos: Kathleen Ransom

Moving into a new home is demanding enough, but uprooting a family and moving 400 miles across country can be downright stressful. So finding someone who knows the city is certainly a step in the right direction.

Lucky for Michael and Lisa Oppenheimer, they met Memphis interior designer Fran Winstock – just in the nick of time.

“I was attending a work function when I met Fran and mentioned that I was commuting while my wife and our two teenagers were still in Tulsa,” said Michael, who was transferred with Clear Channel in October. “Fran offered to help us look.”

With a price range in mind and knowing that the couple wanted their children to attend public schools, Fran set out to find the perfect location. Lisa and the kids came to Memphis to house hunt on several occasions over a four-month period.

“We were really serious about a few houses, but when we walked into this house Lisa said, ‘I found it,’” said Michael. They loved the flowing floor plan and the newly landscaped backyard with its pool and arbor.

From there it was smooth sailing. From the minute they closed on the home in February, Fran lined up the contractors and aligned their schedules so that when one project was finished, another could begin. Except for the kitchen, which had recently been remodeled, they replaced all of the bathroom countertops with granite and changed the faucets and sinks. Using a faux finish in the dining room, on the fireplaces in both main living areas, and in a small hallway nook, created warm, interesting areas throughout the house. “It’s all in the little elegant details,” said Fran.

“Fran was great to work with,” said Michael. “We talked about each room and what pieces we had that might work from our Tulsa home. Fran listened to our suggestions and offered her own. She even shipped a goody package to Lisa full of granite, hardwood and paint samples.”

Lisa sent Fran photos of their furniture, and Fran kept Lisa informed of their progress through e-mail. Most of the time Lisa would tell her, “I trust you. Go with it.”

After 30 years in the business, Fran has developed a list of competent, reliable workmen and incredible resources that help her meet the needs and desires of each of her clients. “Every night, despite all of the workers coming in and out, the house was spotless,” said Michael. He even stopped by at lunch to check on the progress and chat with the crew.

When the furniture and boxes arrived at the end of May, Lisa put everything where she thought it might go and left the details to Fran.

“Lisa and Michael already had beautiful accessories that just needed to be placed in the perfect spot,” said Fran. “Even pieces that once belonged to Michael’s mother now look fabulous in their new setting.”

With the help of artist, Tom Clifton, who also makes Fran’s frames, all of the pictures were hung throughout the house in one day. She even commissioned Tom to create a set of four small pieces to go above the living room mantle. She surprised the couple by having them hung before they got home.

“The Oppenheimer’s eclectic look brings interest to each room,” explained Fran. “It creates excitement and makes good conversation. When you walk into each room you don’t know what to look at first.”

Meanwhile Lisa and Michael and the kids feel at home. “I love this house and look forward to coming home every day – more than I ever have before,” said Michael. “We spent the entire summer in the pool, from sunup to sundown.”

“Fran created a gorgeous home for my family, which reflects our taste and sensibilities while respecting our budget,” said Lisa. “After working with various interior designers in several states over the years, I can say definitely, Fran Winstock is one of Memphis’ greatest treasures!”

But Michael’s biggest thrill, “was seeing the look on Lisa’s face when she got to see the final project,” he said.

 

Photos:

1)  Lisa and Michael Oppenheimer

2)  The faux finished dining room adds interesting texture to the walls and compliments the furniture, fabric and art work.

3)  The stained glass above the desk, a piece belonging to Michael’s mother, adds a unique and eclectic lighting element.

4)  Sink and faucet from Powers Fine Hardware

5)  Living room

6)  A relaxing sitting area in the master bedroom encourages conversation and reading