--- title: "The Practical Decorator — Interior Designers & Decorators | Houzz" canonical_html_url: https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/the-practical-decorator-pfvwus-pf~1544016705 markdown_url: https://www.houzz.com/md/professionals/pf~1544016705.md entity_type: LocalBusiness business_name: "The Practical Decorator" category: ["Interior Designers & Decorators"] image: https://st.hzcdn.com/fimgs/3b83a52101792e84_7252-w400-h400-b0-p0--.jpg address: "Check website for up coming classes or set up an appointment, Nashville, Tennessee 37062, United States" latitude: 35.9755 longitude: -87.1321 phone: "(615) 645-5140" website: http://ThePracticalDecorator.com rating: 4.9 review_count: 34 best_of_houzz_awards: 6 followers: 236 last_updated: 2026-08-27 --- # The Practical Decorator Original Houzz profile: [The Practical Decorator](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/the-practical-decorator-pfvwus-pf~1544016705) ## Professional summary - **Primary category:** Interior Designers & Decorators - **Location:** Nashville, TN - **Serves:** Nashville, Franklin, Brentwood, Fairview, White Bluff, Kingston Springs, Pegram, Burns, Bon Aqua - **Houzz rating:** 4.9 out of 5 (34 reviews) - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2023), for Service. ## About ### Houzz Badges - Star Houzzer - Houzz Influencer - Recommended on Houzz - 1,000 Ideabook Saves Carol Bass is the owner of The Practical Decorator, a master professional trainer and co-founder of The Decorating and Staging Academy™. The DSA is the longest running independent training program in the country, training talented individuals in the fastest growing facets of the decorating industry: Decorating, Redesign, Styling, Real Estate Staging, both Basic and Advanced, and Seasonal Decorating. Call Carol today to get started! ### Services Provided - Living Room Design - Color Consulting - Space Planning - Furniture Selection - Playroom Design - Nursery Design - Home Staging - Downsizing - Holiday Decorating ### Areas Served - Nashville - Franklin - Brentwood - Fairview - White Bluff - Kingston Springs - Pegram - Burns - Bon Aqua ### Typical Job Cost $500 - 5,000 ## Business Details | Field | Value | | --- | --- | | Business Name | The Practical Decorator | | Address | Check website for up coming classes or set up an appointment, Nashville, Tennessee 37062, United States | | Phone | (615) 645-5140 | | Website | http://ThePracticalDecorator.com | | Followers on Houzz | 236 | **Social profiles:** - Facebook — http://facebook.com/thepracticaldecorator - X (Twitter) — https://twitter.com/BassCarol - Blog — http://thepracticaldecorator.com/blog-carol-bass-nashville-new-jersey/ ## Offers 10% Off Professional Classes ## Contact - **Houzz profile:** [The Practical Decorator](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/the-practical-decorator-pfvwus-pf~1544016705) - **Website:** http://ThePracticalDecorator.com - **Phone:** (615) 645-5140 ## Credentials **Certifications & Awards** - Certified in Interior Redesign, Real Estate Staging, Color, One Day Decorating. - Dale Carnegie Graduate - **Best of Houzz:** 6 awards (2014–2023), for Service. **Affiliations** - [Real Estate Staging Association](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/schools-and-organizations/real-estate-staging-association-pfvwus-pf~92455693) ## Reviews **Overall rating: 4.9 out of 5 — 34 reviews** *Aspect averages:* - Work Quality: 50.0 - Communication: 50.0 - Value: 50.0 ### Reviews **★★★★★ — Casey, April 2022** > Carol exceeded all expectations while decorating our home. She worked with me to define the overall style and colors to work with. She came back in a couple weeks and set up something I couldn't have done myself in a million years. **★★★★★ — Ashley Lyle, Feb. 2022** > Carol did a great job and was so fun to work with. My husband and I really enjoyed her and she totally NAILED what we were looking for even though I think I only provided her 6 pictures. **Comment from The Practical Decorator:** > Thank you Ashley I loved working with you and Hunter and my thoughts for the bedroom are keeping me up at night.. **★★★★★ — Tonesha Allison, July 2021** > I enjoyed every moment of learning under Carol. I loved how she was able to coach me through decorating the space. You can see her love for what she does and her students. Very great teacher! ❤️ **★★★★★ — Clyde Allen, Oct. 2019** > Carole was extremely professional and creative. My house was overwhelming me and she turned it into a refreshed mansion. I'm thankful for her work and would highly recommend her. **★★★★★ — StagingAndStylingSpaces dba Elizabeth Vinciguerra, Nov. 2018** > Received my Home Staging Certification from The Decorating & Staging Academy and instruction with hands on training from this highly qualified professional instructor Carol Bass. She is truly amazing and I appreciate the opportunity to have learned from one of the best in the industry. Thank you for all your guidance, teachings, and support! I look forward to continuing my training with you and The DSA in the future. > Best Regards, > Liz Vinciguerra **★★★★★ — ilivelucy, Oct. 2016** > Good morning Carol, > Sheila and I want to thank you so much for an incredible week . > It is obvious that your rich knowledge of design concepts, colors and patterns is only exceeded by your passion to share what you know with your DSA students. My sister and I find ourselves fully equipped to create a business out of the education taught in the academy. The opportunity we had to work "hands on” in real homes was invaluable. You encouraged us with your wit and wisdom making the week of intense information overload, a doable task if we apply ourselves to the principles learned and stay focused on our personal goals and talents that brought us to the class. > Thank you Carol for not only being our teacher but becoming our mentor and friend. > Sheryl Ramey, Sheila Salagaj > class of Oct 2016 **★★★★★ — VanDerveer Design, June 2016** > Starting a new business, I was extremely fortunate to have Carol Bass as my mentor! It was a most rewarding, informative and motivating experience! Carol is not only extremely knowledgeable but incredibly enthusiast about her role as mentor! I have gleaned so much critical and pertinent information in our session together, that I feel empowered and much more confident to move forward in my business endeavor. It has been a perfect fit! > > Pamela VanDerveer Pearson > VanDerveer Design **Comment from The Practical Decorator:** > Thank you Pam, I love helping others realize their dream. Call anytime. > Carol **★★★★★ — chriswise, June 2016** > near Nashville Tennessee and I was fortunate enough to sign up for one of her week-long decorating and staging classes. > > It was by far the most informative and interactive weeks of my career. She is an incredible teacher, but beyond that, she was able to take us out of the classroom setting and into some real life staging situations. Her teaching techniques were great in that she let us take the reins as students and just watched us execute everything she had taught us. > > Because she gives you all the tools you need, by the end of the week, you are ready to "hang your shingle" as a decorator and stager. > > Carol is hilarious in her presentation and sense of humor, but at the same time, gets the point across. > > I would highly recommend taking the Decorating and Staging academy class from Carol Bass. > > Check her out at > www.thepracticaldecorator.com > > Chris Wise > Franklin, TN **Comment from The Practical Decorator:** > Chris you have so much talent I know you are going to do well in this industry. I enjoyed having you in class. Carol **★★★★★ — 1kyoung, June 2016** > Carol and her class were amazing professionals!! They came to our house listened to our wishes and went above and beyond our expectations!! They were incredibly detailed in every part of the job. The results of their work took our breath away!! We are still over the moon grateful of how she created the perfect room for us. Her skills and work ethic were so impressive!! We would love to use her expertise to redo our whole house!! **Comment from The Practical Decorator:** > Kim, thank you for your kind words. The class loved your project and it was such a pleasure to be a part of making a dream space for your family to enjoy. **★★★★★ — pwaldo, Aug. 2014** > I consulted Carol while we were doing construction on our home in preparation for listing it for the second time. We had been listed for a full year 2 years ago and did not sell. When Carol came, we were finishing the job of opening out the kitchen to the family room, two rooms that were not at all alike in color or design when we started and I was lost on how to make them come together. We also wanted to update our look to something more family friendly and youthful for the sale, reflecting the new set up in the home. Carol is amazingly talented, focused and respectful of your time, resources and abilities. As we walked through the home, she had me write down her suggestions and allowed me to work at my own pace until we were ready to gear up. As we neared the end of our construction, I asked her to finish staging the home, since tweaking decorations and furniture placement is not something I really know how to do. She brought in former students of hers and worked for a few days creating magic! My home has never looked so together. It is warm, usable and feels like I am living in a magazine spread. What I loved about watching her work is how respectful she was with the women she brought along. If they had an idea, or felt something they had worked on wasn't quite right, she encouraged them to go ahead and redo it. What amazed me even more was how she repurposed things from my home. Most of the things I had previously removed were used somewhere else and looked perfect in their new use or placement. I plan on using her again for our new home. I really do want to live in a home that is as put together as the one she has created here! Whether staging your home, redecorating, or taking one of her classes, you will not be disappointed! **★★★★★ — sstallsm1, April 2014** > Taking Carol's class was inspirational, motivating, and lots of fun! Her class was a hands-on learning and meaningful experience that empowered us with confidence and knowledge in becoming business owners. Carol has been more than an instructor, she has become a mentor and has made me feel that I can contact her at any time for additional educational and moral support. Since class, she continues to stay in touch. Thanks, Carol, for everything! > Susan S. > Nolensville, TN **★★★★★ — Signature Redesign, LLC, March 2014** > I have been a professional trainer with Carol Bass at The Decorating and Staging Academy for over 10 years. Carol has a very practical approach to training and decorating. She is professional while bringing a sense of humor to the classroom. Her students love her and I have so enjoyed any team teaching opportunities. Carol and I have worked together at The Decorating and Staging Academy's staging certification program, taught over 40 Showhomes franchisee and shared the stage speaking at National Conferences. ## Selected projects - [Certification Class: Franklin Condo Redesign](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certification-class-franklin-condo-redesign-pj-vj~279148) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 7 - [Certification Class: Franklin Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certification-class-franklin-makeover-pj-vj~229774) - Location: Brentwood, TN - Photos: 6 - Description: This is a project that is done with my certification class as a field project. New house. Homeowner needed color, and new furniture. The works. We completed the makeover in just one day. - [Certification Class: Franklin Dining Room Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certification-class-franklin-dining-room-makeover-pj-vj~278776) - Location: Nashville, TN - Photos: 6 - Description: This project was a project with my One Day Decorating and Staging Professional class. Our project was to add drama, life, and softness to this dining room. - [Certification Class: Franklin Bonus Room Redesign](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certification-class-franklin-bonus-room-redesign-pj-vj~279113) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 4 - Description: Here the homowner had a slightly empty bonus or media room. So together with my class we transformed it into more of a usable and invinting space. - [Certification Class: Franklin Redesign](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certification-class-franklin-redesign-pj-vj~279077) - Location: Brentwood, TN - Photos: 4 - Description: This homeowner wanted the space to be more friendly and warm. Lovely furniture just needed the right arrangement. and the room also needed a rug, don't you think? - [Certification Class: Franklin Redesign](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certification-class-franklin-redesign-pj-vj~279282) - Location: Brentwood, TN - Photos: 4 - Description: Homeowner just want a new look more current rug and feel. - [Princeton, NJ: Little Girl's Room, Before and After](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/princeton-nj-little-girl-s-room-before-and-after-pj-vj~279337) - Location: Princeton, NJ - Photos: 4 - Description: Family moved into new home and ten year old girl needed a new look. After interviewing her she decided she wanted her room to look like a college dorm room - [Staging of Brentwood House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/staging-of-brentwood-house-pj-vj~278874) - Location: Brentwood, TN - Photos: 11 - Description: Staging, $600,000 house sold in one day. Staging makes the difference. - [Certification Class: Franklin Redesign](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certification-class-franklin-redesign-pj-vj~279233) - Location: Brentwood, TN - Photos: 4 - Description: Homeowner just moved into new home needed help with furniture placement and accessories. Class to the rescue. - [Certification Class: Franklin Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/certification-class-franklin-makeover-pj-vj~233807) - Location: Franklin, TN - Photos: 2 - Description: This is a before photo of a family room for the hands on portion of a certification class project. This room included shopping, window treatments, furniture placement, art placement. - [Staging Before and After](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/staging-before-and-after-pj-vj~278940) - Location: Franklin, TN - Photos: 8 - Description: This home was going on the market soon and class came in and Staged several rooms in just one day. - [One Day Room Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/one-day-room-makeover-pj-vj~279190) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - Description: Homeowner just wanted a new fresh look. - [Flordia House](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/flordia-house-pj-vj~229789) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 1 - [Field Project for Professional Class](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/field-project-for-professional-class-pj-vj~279305) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 5 - Description: Some of the heaviest furniture I have ever worked with from the middle east where the homeowner lived for a few years. We managed to keep every piece in the room with some creative furniture placement. - [Class Project One Day Makeover](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/class-project-one-day-makeover-pj-vj~1128397) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 11 - [Decorating with Professional Class](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/decorating-with-professional-class-pj-vj~1128098) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 13 - [Bookcases](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/bookcases-pj-vj~1128058) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 2 - [Teen Military Bedroom](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/teen-military-bedroom-pj-vj~395632) - Location: Not specified - Photos: 8 - [New Condo Project](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/new-condo-project-pj-vj~395777) - Location: Nashville, TN - Photos: 23 - Description: Nice new Condo, furniture is nice, but no style was in place yet... My class had this space as a project and what a difference a day makes. - [Vacant Houses Don't Sell](https://www.houzz.com/hznb/projects/vacant-houses-don-t-sell-pj-vj~395732) - Location: Nashville, TN - Photos: 16 - Description: We as staging professionals are not there to set the price of the house. However, we are there to validate the price the homeowner hopes to get. [See all 34 projects](https://www.houzz.com/professionals/interior-designers-and-decorators/the-practical-decorator-pfvwus-pf~1544016705) ## Ideabooks - [Cleint search](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22349760/list/cleint-search) — 3 ideas - [Bathrooms I love](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11782938/list/bathrooms-i-love) — 4 ideas - [Window treatments I like](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22314752/list/window-treatments-i-like) — 10 ideas - [Now that is Clever](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/14768597/list/now-that-is-clever) — 6 ideas - [Fireplaces](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22313070/list/fireplaces) — 1 idea - [Rugs for clients](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/22000847/list/rugs-for-clients) — 3 ideas - [dressers under consideration](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21938771/list/dressers-under-consideration) — 2 ideas - [Wallpaper I like](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/21937560/list/wallpaper-i-like) — 14 ideas - [carol\_bass1697's ideas](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/11782700/list/carol-bass1697-s-ideas) — 1 idea [See all 9 ideabooks](https://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/users/carol-bass1697) ## Community Q&A **Q: Round leather ottoman** *(in Photo Questions)* Do you remember where you got the ottoman? Or the dimensions? A: She got most of the furniture from Sprintz... I think however she already had the ottoman. Carol **Q: love the wall paint. what color is the paint and trim?** *(in Photo Questions)* A: This room was already painted before I arrived so I am not sure of the color. Carol **Q: Alcove need something to make it "Pop".** *(in Design Dilemma)* The Alcove in just inside front door, had a light installed in top with dimmer, The mirror was a family piece (gold) and I painted one coat so far. Any suggestions on how to make this area more of a focal point? Felt would paint different wall color that will go with space. Wondered if there is any (flexible) molding hat could border 3 sides.. Would putting some type shelf across the bottom be good idea, or over kill. . Thanks for suggestions and advice! A: Try killing two birds with one stone and make sure what is across from the mirror is good looking. That way the reflection works for you not against you. Then think layering something else one the ledge **Q: ugly wall with too many light switches, thermostat, electical plugs...** *(in Design Dilemma)* I have a wall that I look out at every time I sit on the couch in the family room. I thought about floating shelves and leaning items against it, to hide some of the electrical stuff...but I really do use the light switches all the time. "Found" Mike's grandfather clock wrapped in the garage one day and listened to the story of how Mike's estranged grandfather made it as a peace offering for Mike's mom (who is now deceased) and I knew that I wanted it in the new house. I love the sound that it makes every time it chimes, and I love the story behind it. I put it in the corner of my ugly wall, so I would have something to look at. Then I found this picture on Houzz http://www.houzz.com/pro/susanbetweennapsontheporch/between-naps-on-the-porch (not sure if this link will open or not) and it got me thinking. He had this cool picture of his paternal grandfather cycling (MIke's also a cyclist) and I knew that I wanted to incorporate it near the grandfather clock wall. One picture just didn't seem to do it for me, so he dug up some more old pictures and I found 2 more that I liked. I'm trying to detract from the electrical...but with the plate switches etc, this is the best I could come up with. I thought of mixing up the mirror wall with the photos like in the inspiration picture, but my mirrors are too big and not quite right for it.. (probably a whole different dilemma)... The portraits are visible when sitting on the couch, and when you walk down the staircase. Is this a total no go and should I just find a different spot for them? They could go in the short hall leading to the clock, but that doesn't fix the problem of the ugly light switches. Thoughts? A: Okay, place nice wooden free hanging shelves like the ones from Pottery Barn. then lean the are up on the shelves. This way you can still get to the light switches but they are not yelling are you. Saying "Look at me" **Q: Awkward Living Room Layout** *(in Design Dilemma)* I have a house built in 1962. Nothing is centered and each wall has some type of obstacle (window, fireplace or door). I’m a simple person that needs help with some type of decorating ideas. The living room is 13ft wide and 26’ long. One wall is a stone fireplace, two walls have windows (not quite centered), and another wall has a doorway (from kitchen – again, not centered). I have 2 walls painted with a rustic orange and one will painted beige, all with white trim. My furniture is fairly new and would like to incorporate it into any ideas that I may receive. CAN ANYONE HELP ME?? Regards, KLG A: First let me say when you paint a few wall and not all it is going to make the room appear smaller. I you paint the fireplace that would be great. However if you choose not to paint it then pick a color closer to the color of the brick. You want to create a shell for the room. I think you will like it better. Furniture arrangement in this room is critical. Right now the chair is blocking the fireplace. I did not see the sofa in these pics. where is it? Or is there one? I need to see more. **Q: Choosing mirror above fireplace** *(in Design Dilemma)* Hello, just finishing up my family room redesign. I want to mount a round mirror over the fireplace. I need help in deciding whether I should go with a silver framed mirror or a mother of pearl/ivory shell framed mirror. The colors in the room are: BM Granite on the fireplace accent wall, BM Revere Pewter on the other 3 walls and BM White Dove on the fireplace surround and trim. The carpet is Karastan Rossana in Coastal Sands (a light beige more towards taupe than a golden/sandy color). My sofas will be a medium gray tweedy/textured fabric, very clean lines with espresso wood. The chandelier in the center is chrome and crystal. My accent colors for accessories are dark teal and silver. My initial thought was to get a silver framed mirror, but I hesitate because of the different silver tones in the room (chrome chandelier, mercury glass vase, etc.) I am including pictures of the room and some mirrors I like. A: Careful with a mirror over the fireplace. Remember, if the room is a room that most people are sitting in, then the mirror will be viewed from a seated position and will reflect very differently than if standing. Make sure you know what it will reflect. Love mirrors in rooms but not a fan of over the fireplace. Tip let it tip down into the room and perhaps capture something lovely on the coffee table instead of the kitchen across the room. --- *Source: Houzz professional profile. Reflects the profile as of 2026-08-27.*