Cherokee Country Club Renovations

Knoxville, TN

Located in Knoxville, TN, Cherokee Country Club draws inspiration from the soft green and blue hues of the Smokey Mountains and the adjacent Tennessee River that passes along the property. The Johnson Studio at Cooper Carry incorporated the colors of nature, while also drawing inspiration from the rich history of the club and its French Country architecture. We wanted a timeless design story that seamlessly wove through the three food and beverage spaces, each with its own unique feel.

A once dark and compartmentalized space, the client challenged us to create a more open environment that invited natural light and views into the spaces. To mitigate the low ceilings and existing conditions, we lightened the color palette and maximized the ceiling height where possible to create the illusion of more height. We created a pub, private dining room, fine dining venue, casual restaurant, and new tiered patio within the more expansive space and newly added outdoor area.  Walnut wood paneling in the pub and entry areas add warmth, while deep tones of green and ebony reinforce a more masculine feel. A central bar features a metal and antique mirror overbar, while a wine room with custom-cut glass provides a backdrop for both the bar and fine dining space.

White tracery ceilings and bleached white oak wood paneling were incorporated in the fine dining space for a light, fresh feeling. In the family-friendly dining room, the paneling becomes a sophisticated pale gray green and a translucent antiqued mirror with blackened steel accent wall gives the feeling of privacy. We created a new tiered patio off the back of the restaurant to capture views of the river and city beyond. The pale gray-green tones of the interior palette continue outside and are incorporated into the furniture and fabrics.

What Others Are Saying

• Inside Cherokee Country Club’s Major Renovation
• Golf Inc.'s Golden Fork Awards 2023: Most Improved Facility