Photography by Ben Finch, Finch Photo
Story by Casey Perfetto

Tucked into the rolling hills of Knoxville's Rudder Lane area, the home of Lori and Bob Stryer sits quietly behind meticulously trimmed hedges and tiered limestone steps. The property spans 1.8 acres, bordered by a canopy of mature trees and is visited often by deer and wild turkeys.

For the couple, who previously lived along Cherokee Boulevard, this move marked a new chapter, a chance to simplify, embrace single-level living and create a sanctuary that sparks joy. When Lori first stepped inside, she knew this was the one. "We heard about it before it even hit the market, and once we saw it, it was love at first sight," she recalls. The home offered everything they wanted: elegant bones and the potential to infuse it with their signature sense of style. Since moving in five years ago, the couple has transformed the home from a neutral canvas into a vibrant reflection of their personalities. A longtime television producer and CEO of RIVR Media, Lori brings the same creative energy to her home that she does to her work. Every room has a rhythm, a sense of place and a little bit of play. "I wanted it to feel happy," she says. "Coming home from traveling, I wanted to walk in and feel uplifted."

The kitchen, anchored by a dramatic waterfall-style marble island and flanked by custom glass cabinetry, opens into a breakfast nook that looks out over the backyard pool. It’s here you’ll find Lori on warm days, floating with a beverage in hand while Bob plays bartender. The outdoor fireplace and seating area make it an ideal space for hosting, but most of the time, the couple keeps things quiet.

Throughout the home, furnishings mix clean-lined modernity with eclectic touches. Art collected over time, including pieces from Italy and playful, contemporary works, speaks to Lori’s belief that "art is what speaks to you." Statement light fixtures float like sculptures from the ceiling. In the living room, soft pink pillows and rich textures add warmth to a clean palette, while a pair of white recliners marks the couple’s favorite hangout spot.

The primary bedroom suite is layered with visual interest and tactile comfort. A coffered ceiling and sculptural chandelier give the room height and presence, while soft hues, textured rugs and gilded accents add a sense of luxury. The en suite bath continues the look with a full marble double vanity, contemporary gold fixtures and a sculptural tub. Pops of orange and blush in the artwork and rug infuse the space with joy.

Two additional bedrooms continue the design story with refined finishes, curated art and luxurious touches like fur throws, tailored upholstery and gold accents. One bedroom pairs blush tones with organic shapes and soft lighting, while the other introduces cheerful illustrations of tropical birds over a neutral palette of grays and creams.

The home’s interior was designed by Merri Lee Fox of Gift, Gourmet and Interiors, whose touch brought cohesion and sophistication to each space. Outside, the hardscape and landscape architecture designed by Stephen W. Hackney adds dimension and structure to the front approach. A geometric layout of trees and hedges frames the home’s white brick exterior and slate-colored shutters. The layout is formal, but the effect is anything but stiff. Ongoing maintenance of the property is handled by Brandon Stooksbury and his team at Superior Stripes Lawn Care.

Bob, a retired executive with decades of experience in the textile sampling industry, now lends his talents to Lori’s team at RIVR Media. A seasoned entrepreneur, he brings a calm steadiness to the home, balancing Lori’s creative energy with quiet routine. "You’ll find him in the white recliners," she laughs. "That’s his spot."

Their life together spans 35 years and a career in television that has taken Lori from UGA to Channel 13 in Knoxville, to producing Emmy-nominated programming for HGTV, TLC, Food Network and more. But at the end of the day, home is where they recharge and reconnect.
"What makes a home for us? I think it’s the weird, the wonderful, the stuff that makes you smile," Lori says. "It’s coming back from a trip and being happy to be here. That’s the best feeling." From the artfully curated details to the unexpected bursts of joy in every room, this is a home that tells a story layered, lived-in and deeply personal.