Introducing Nashville Modern Living
Nashville Modern Living helps homeowners, builders, and investors navigate renovation, construction, and real estate decisions with clarity and confidence. Through thoughtful planning and experienced guidance, projects become more approachable, more efficient, and ultimately more successful.
Start With the Right Decision
Many homeowners reach a point where they know something needs to change, but aren’t sure what the right next step is. Renovate, expand, rebuild, or sell — each option carries different financial and design implications.
Nashville Modern Living was created to help clients evaluate these decisions clearly before committing to a path. By understanding both the design and market perspective, clients can move forward with confidence, knowing their project or property is positioned for the best possible outcome.
Once the right direction is clear, Nashville Modern Living helps guide the process from planning through completion — ensuring each step supports the overall vision and long-term value of the project.
Our Services
Highest & Best Use Consulting
Renovation Planning & Project Leadership
Renovation Planning & Project Leadership
Evaluation of a property’s full potential before major decisions are made. Guidance on whether to renovate, expand, rebuild, sell, or hold — with a focus on maximizing value and
long-term outcomes.
Renovation Planning & Project Leadership
Renovation Planning & Project Leadership
Renovation Planning & Project Leadership
End-to-end support for homeowners renovating existing properties, including concept development, design direction, team selection, pricing guidance, and oversight through construction.
New Construction & Development Guidance
Renovation Planning & Project Leadership
Real Estate Investment Advisory & Solutions
Support for clients building new homes or developments, including working with architects on plans, selecting builders, managing design decisions, and overseeing the project from planning through completion.
Real Estate Investment Advisory & Solutions
Real Estate Investment Advisory & Solutions
Real Estate Investment Advisory & Solutions
Identification and evaluation of investment opportunities with a focus on cash flow, appreciation potential, tax efficiency, and total ROI.
Residential Design Services
Real Estate Investment Advisory & Solutions
Residential Design Services
Interior and exterior design guidance for homeowners seeking cohesive, functional, and timeless spaces,
from layout refinement to finish and material selections.
Builder Design Services
Real Estate Investment Advisory & Solutions
Residential Design Services
Design and planning support for builders and developers, including floor plan refinement, exterior design direction, and finish packages that improve market appeal and project value.
Real Estate Representation
For many clients, real estate decisions are closely connected to renovation,
development, or long-term investment goals. Nashville Modern Living provides real estate representation as part of a broader advisory approach, helping clients determine not only when to buy or sell, but how to position a property for the strongest possible outcome.
Whether acquiring an investment property or preparing a home for sale,
decisions are guided by design perspective, market understanding, and
long-term value. When selling becomes the right next step, clients benefit
from thoughtful preparation and strategic positioning that reflects both the
property and the market.
Design for Builders & Developers
Construction-informed design with on-site involvement aligned to how projects are actually built
I work alongside builders and developers as a design partner who understands both the creative and construction sides of a project. With a background in development and hands-on construction experience, my role extends beyond finish selection to helping projects move efficiently from concept through installation.
Through established supplier relationships, builders gain access to curated materials and preferred pricing on finishes including flooring, tile, stone, lighting, and fixtures — adding value while maintaining budget discipline. I remain actively involved throughout the process, providing site visits, coordination, and installation oversight to ensure design decisions are executed correctly and consistently.
The result is a smoother building process, stronger design cohesion, and homes that present better to the market while protecting long-term value.
Our Projects
Meet Our Founder & Principal
Daphne Harding-Smith, MBA
Daphne brings together expertise in real estate, development, and design to help clients navigate complex projects with clarity and confidence. She holds an MBA in Real Estate and Finance from the University of Alabama and began her career in corporate real estate before developing high-end residential projects in Nashville, and building a portfolio of short, mid-term and long-term rental properties in the Southeast U.S.
She combines thoughtful design with strong market understanding and a focus on long-term value. With projects featured in publications such as Southern Lady, Daphne is known for a detail-oriented, collaborative approach and a commitment to exceptional outcomes. As both a developer and investor, she brings firsthand experience to every project, helping clients make informed decisions from concept through completion.
Every Project Starts With a Conversation
Whether you’re considering renovating, building, investing, or simply
exploring your options, the first step is understanding what path creates
the best outcome. We’re happy to start with a conversation about your
goals and your property.