Nashville Couple Downsize Without Sacrificing Charm

Designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy helps the Voigts fit decades of treasures into a smaller home.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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When Missy and John Voigt decided to move from their longtime Nashville family home to a smaller place nearby, they enlisted designer Debbie Mathews LeRoy to help them navigate the downsizing process. Debbie ensured the new home felt just as much like home by incorporating the couple's beloved furnishings and heirlooms, while also making the space functional for hosting guests and aging in place. The designer breathed new life into the Voigts' treasured belongings to create a cozy, personalized space without sacrificing style or purpose.

Why it matters

This story highlights how thoughtful design can help homeowners successfully downsize without having to give up the comforts and personal touches that make a house a home. As more people look to simplify their living situations, this provides a relatable example of how to approach the challenge of fitting a lifetime's worth of belongings into a smaller footprint.

The details

Debbie Mathews LeRoy worked closely with the Voigts to determine which of their existing furnishings and decor to keep, repurposing and refreshing pieces to fit the new, more compact floor plan. This included incorporating the couple's beloved baby grand piano, 20-year-old armchairs, and a family secretary desk. The designer also helped the Voigts overhaul the kitchen, trading dark built-ins for bright white cabinetry and a cozy breakfast nook. In the primary bedroom, Debbie embraced Missy's love of pink, covering the walls in a soft, muted shade and bringing in complementary fabrics and patterns.

  • The Voigts decided to downsize from their longtime Nashville family home in 2026.
  • Debbie Mathews LeRoy worked with the couple to design their new, smaller home in early 2026.

The players

Missy and John Voigt

A Nashville couple who decided to downsize from their longtime family home to a smaller place nearby.

Debbie Mathews LeRoy

A local designer who worked with the Voigts to help them navigate the downsizing process and ensure their new home felt just as much like home.

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What they’re saying

“They wanted their new house to feel like home, so whether it was a piece they'd purchased when in England or heirlooms they'd received, that's what we prioritized.”

— Debbie Mathews LeRoy, Designer (southernliving.com)

“I like it when a client has sentimental pieces that tell a story. When you're the designer, it might be easier to source them new, but I think you lose something if you do that.”

— Debbie Mathews LeRoy, Designer (southernliving.com)

What’s next

The Voigts plan to host their first family gathering in their new, downsized home this Thanksgiving.

The takeaway

This story demonstrates how thoughtful design can help homeowners successfully downsize without having to sacrifice the personal touches and comforts that make a house a home. By repurposing and refreshing beloved furnishings, the Voigts were able to create a cozy, functional space that still felt like theirs.