Designer

The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Ashley Gilbreath

August 27, 2018 in The New Southern, TNS Spotlight

Ashley Gilbreath, the founder of a full service interior design firm, exemplifies the Coastal New Southern — paying homage to her Baton Rouge roots, incorporating outdoors-in stylistic details into her work, and promoting the idea that most rules are meant to be broken. Spaces styled by Ashley are done in such a way that allow her personality to shine through with a warmth that greets you from the moment you walk in. With a retail storefront, published work in national shelter magazines, as well as a pilot show, “Sweet Home Renovation,” which aired on HGTV this year — she has a true skill for mixing elegance with ease.

Holding onto the virtue that “nothing is more important than family”, Ashley’s rooms are functional and liveable — defined by a warm “take-your-shoes off and stay for a while” sensation. Her design style radiates that beachy, salt-infused, windows rolled down along the coastline feeling. She illuminates every space with a fresh light and natural textures among breezy color palettes that are soft on the mind and eye. Edges are softened, jute rugs are exposed, crisp white bedding and precisely tailored upholstery are front and center — emanating rest and relaxation. She knows how to cherish family (and antiques) ensuring that they both live well in a home that is just as comfortable as it is inviting.

Photo: ©Kevin Palmer — Photo: ©Kevin Palmer

Ashley’s approach to The New Southern is one that we have been on the edge of our seats to share. We chatted with the Montgomery, Alabama-based designer and mom of three to hear her thoughts on being intentional in both design and in life.

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell me about yourself.

Ashley Gilbreath: I am married to the world’s greatest encourager and my best friend, Barrett, and we have three children - ages 7, 4, and 18 months. We started Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design a little over ten years ago, and shortly thereafter we opened a retail storefront called Parish Shoppe. I was born in California, but grew up in Louisiana, where we have parishes rather than counties. Parish symbolizes home to me. It’s filled with items reflecting my passion for mixing timeless antiques with modern trends, reflected also in my design philosophy that grounds the clients’ homes we design. With three children, I understand the need for a home to live well, feel intentionally comfortable, and look amazing at the same time. Our interior design business and Parish Shoppe allows me the joy of creatively expressing the gracious and thoughtful feeling of Southern hospitality for our clients. My desire is to allow our clients to live in the moment by creating for them beautifully comfortable spaces. Life is too short to not enjoy every second.

AR: How are you modernizing or updating southern style when you design?

AG: Southern style is about hospitality and a “lived in,” welcoming feeling. It’s about your grandmother’s antiques, throwing in a great modern painting, and making it your own. It’s a sense of history and pride as well as style and individualism, keeping a space up-to-date with unexpected touches, while appreciating Southern roots.

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with Southern style across the country?

AG: An appreciation of real antiques that are livable and useable. I adore the pieces I have inherited that can take a beating and continue to grow in value, adding a sense of history and sentiment to a space.

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

AG: Parish Shoppe, of course! Montgomery is my home, but my “hometown” will always be Baton Rouge. Fireside Antiques is one of my favorites in BR.

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

AG: My all-time favorite white is “Veranda” by Ralph Lauren, IB-45. It’s a chameleon, since it can take on a different personality depending on the lighting. I’m not a huge black paint fan, but a great gray (almost black) we love to use for base molding is “Off-Black No. 57” by Farrow and Ball.

AR: What’s your life motto?

AG: Love BIG and take advantage of every single second.

AR: The one shade that changes everything? Tell us what mood it evokes and when/how you’ve used it.

AG: Pinks! Corals, soft rose shades, blush tones…nothing very bold, but these hues are impactful enough to pack a punch of warmth to a design. It makes me smile and adds a sense of happy to a space. Whether it’s on the spine of a cocktail table book, a throw over a sofa, interwoven in a fabulous rug, or upholstered on walls, I use these colors often.

AR: The place you go to get inspired?

AG: European buying trips. Not only do we come home with containers full of glorious finds, but the mental growth, creativity, and inspiration is priceless. We could return home with no purchases, and the trip would still be well worth it.

AR: Life advice that you’ve received that made all the difference?

AG: We lost twin baby girls at 30 weeks in 2008. I loved the little happy bubble I lived in up until that point. We are not untouchable…I learned quickly that things happen. Their deaths provided such a blessing in the realization of the moment we live in. We are not promised tomorrow or even the next five minutes. The little lives I have been entrusted with, family, friends, clients, employees, and vendors…these relationships are a gift and I understand the importance of them more than ever before. As much as the loss of those babies will always hurt, the insight I gained was life-changing. Our time here on earth passes in an instant. Love BIG.

AR: What’s the best piece of design advice you could provide for creative entrepreneurs starting out?

AG: Get ready to work hard. More importantly, nothing is more important than family. As a mom of three little ones, I have learned how precious time is. Be intentional with it and don’t apologize for being a parent. Priorities matter, and a client will understand and support that.

AR: Design advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference?

AG: Break the rules, push the lines, add the unexpected. That sets the foundation for making a space unique and thoughtful. Playing it safe is boring.

AR: What’s your advice for mixing old with new?

AG: Do it, always! Find a balance between the two and understand the value of each individually within a space. A great vintage light fixture and antique painted piece mix so easily with new upholstery and a fabulous rug.

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Designer Spotlight with Heidi Caillier, Interior Design of Seattle, WA

The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Heidi Caillier

May 21, 2018 in The New Southern, TNS Spotlight

By honoring the spark in you that loves to create and following your truth, you give others the courage to do the same. Tying together traditional Southern moments from her training in New Orleans and her coastal travels, Heidi Caillier is a Seattle based interior designer that keeps at it — doing the best that she knows how to do. For her full-service interior design firm this means curating a lovely mix of the old and the new, designing custom furniture, cabinetry, space planning and more. Not only does she know beautiful spaces but she cultivates them in such a way that will make you want to cozy up on the couch with a cup of matcha tea and call them home.

Whether it’s a full-blown remodel or a short and sweet room refresh, Heidi integrates color and texture alongside layered pieces to give every room a feeling that it has its own history — one which can be built on for years to come. With a love for pattern (hello Zak and Fox), vintage and raw materials that feel natural her work oozes an effortless and free flowing comfort. Unique spaces crafted especially for clients with the design philosophy that a home should always be lived in and comfortable. Her aesthetic gives attention to imperfections, as she believes it’s these stains and scuffs that will tell your story.

Photo: ©Haris Kenner — Photo: ©Haris Kenner

While it may not be the easiest, waiting for the right piece to come will yield the most beauty...We should all live life this way — the way Heidi approaches interior design. If you love it, she can make it work. It’s this laid-back living and “stick to your vision” attitude which makes me so excited to be championing this creative mother!

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about yourself…

Heidi Caillier: I’m an interior designer based in Seattle, WA. I specialize in residential interior design. I’ve got 2 year-old twins and my husband also owns his own business, North End Social Club in Tacoma, WA. We moved here from San Francisco almost three years ago and love the PNW. We recently bought a home on Anderson Island as a weekend house — which we are renovating currently.

AR: How are you modernizing / updating southern style when you design?

HC: I love to mix styles and I think southern style is all about this mentality. Putting things together that may not seem like a natural fit but somehow work. If you love it, you can make it work.

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with Southern design across the country?

HC: I am seeing a shift back towards pieces with more traditional shapes mixed with modern fabrics and finishes. The effect is anything but stuffy. It also brings in some history and can tell a story, which I think southern design really embraces.

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

HC: I love Totokaelo so much. They have a perfectly curated mix. I also like Stock + Pantry, Red Ticking and Maison Luxe.

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

HC: Benjamin Moore Simply White + Farrow and Ball Off-Black.

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

HC: It has to be comfortable! And filled with the things you love. I’m all for a beautiful room with perfect details but a home needs to be a place you create memories and live life so you can’t be scared to get a stain on the sofa. To me, the imperfections are what tell the story of your life. A ding on the dining table or etch on the marble countertops are normal and what makes a house a home.

AR: Life advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference?

HC: “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” I am a perfectionist and also incredibly hard on myself which can make for a rough combination. I constantly remind myself of this quote from Maya Angelou. As long as you are doing the best you know how, that’s all you can do. We are always learning and as long as you take the lessons with you I think you are in good shape.

AR: Design advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference?

HC: Good design takes time. So many times clients come to us and they are in a rush to furnish everything and make all of the decisions as quickly as possible. I used to buy into this but have found that I am so much happier with the end results when I let myself wait for the right piece to come. It’s not always the easiest approach but it yields the most beauty.

AR: What’s the best piece of business advice you could provide for creative entrepreneurs starting out?

HC: Work hard. It is honestly that simple. I live and breathe my business. It is the consistency of keeping your head down and working hard that brings success. There are so many trips and stumbles along the way that can be discouraging but you just have to keep at it. Also – stick to your vision and remember why you started.

AR: Who are some of your favorite artists/makers? What do you love about their work?

HC: I love Jessica Helgerson, Nickey Kehoe and Commune. They are putting out original work with such incredible attention to detail. You can tell that every little detail is so well thought out. It is so inspiring.

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Designer Spotlight with Leanne Ford Pittsburgh PA Los Angeles CA PhotoCredit © AlyssaRosenheck

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Designer Spotlight with Sara Ruffin Costello of New Orleans, LA

The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Sara Ruffin Costello

May 14, 2018 in The New Southern, TNS Spotlight

Trading in New York for New Orleans — Sara Ruffin Costello, designer, writer and Domino’s former creative director, has allowed the South to teach her just when to work and when to play. She always finds time to stop and smell the jasmine alongside her photographer husband, three children, nine chickens and cat. She has designed a capsule collection of dresses, jewelry and homewares while also styling bohemian spaces in her current city, her old one and Los Angeles, too. Inspired by New Orleans, its heat and good comfort. Her career is built on the foundation of putting things together with the sole purpose to please.

A serious lover of books and following her own advice, Sara willingly and confidently looks past the rules. A little bit traditional and a little bit eclectic. Her curious design is dictated by harmony, pleasure and interest. She gives rooms a soul by highlighting more than just a mix of old and new. Weaving an appealing modern tone no matter how historic or classic the space — she gets provocative with it without losing sight of what is revered in old, Southern taste. Light and dark, curvy and straight, progressive and traditional. If she wouldn’t be comfortable living there, it doesn’t work. Helping to shift Southern design from unapproachable to take your shoes off at the door and come as you are — Sara embodies The New Southern through and through.

Photo: ©Paul Costello — Photo: ©Paul Costello

With a distinct design style which reflects her interesting story — I felt compelled to ask more about Sara’s authentic approach.

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about yourself….

Sara Ruffin Costello: I’m a designer and a writer which seems to keeps both sides of my brain occupied! I was the Creative Director at a magazine called Domino awhile back. After the magazine closed my husband photographer, Paul Costello, and I saw an opportunity to switch to Plan B. So we, and our three children, headed South from New York to New Orleans. That transition has very much defined how I now see the world. We’ve been here for about seven years. We are still as busy as we were, but definitely stop to smell the jasmine.

AR: How are you modernizing / updating southern style when you design?

SRC: Southern style can be vastly different depending on the region, but in a broad sense southern style means knowing how to live — how to kick back in your living room or lie down for a snooze on the porch sofa. Where to keep the booze, the bitters and the wine glasses. No matter the budget, you find these commonalities in every neighborhood around here. Southerners just seem to know when to work and when to play and its reflected in their homes.

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with Southern design across the country?

SRC: Technology is affecting how we live in a big way, so integrated systems are in demand. At the other end of that spectrum, people want to maximize time spent outdoors, that means interesting pergolas, covered porches, covered dining areas, fire pits.

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

SRC: Sunday Shop, Karla Katz, Ann Koerner, Freda, Pilot and Powell, Saint Claude Social Club

SRC Home + Fashion line. Photo: ©Paul Costello — SRC Home + Fashion line. Photo: ©Paul Costello

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

SRC: For exterior: Benjamin Moore Crisp Linen. For interior: white - Donal Kauffman, DKC-100; black - Benjamin Moore Black Jack, 2133-20

AR: What’s your life motto?

SRC: I should get one one of those! I am a curious person so that takes me on an adventurous path. Everyday I read a bit from the Stoics — That reminds me how to be. And finally — Levity, I try to remember to lighten up when we run into problems at the studio...This ain’t life threatening stuff!

AR: The one shade that changes everything? Tell us what mood it evokes and when/how you’ve used it.

SRC: I really like this dark olive color — Benjamin Moore CW-85 Randolph Gray. I’ve used it in my bedroom, in a clients stairwell, and in an entire church renovation. It makes small spaces richer, and giant spaces more comforting. It reminds me of martini olives, flak jackets and wool pea coats

AR: The place you go to get inspired?

SRC: The movies! My son is a budding filmmaker, we are constantly at the theater. I basically watch for the sets! Travel is critical too. We just went to London and hit spots including the John Soane museum which directly influenced my work when I came back home.

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

SRC: Books! But spotting them in homes is getting to be as rare as seeing an old school telephone. Truthfully, making a house a home is more about attitude than anything else. I have friends with disastrous decor situations but their houses are amongst my favorite to hang out in! So who knows?! I will say, we had potential clients with disastrous home decor situations asking if we could send them ideas and they could do the job themselves….in response, we created a “DIY decorating business” where we do a site visit and send you shopping/paint, furniture plan ideas. It’s been really fun and people who couldn’t afford the whole soup to nuts hiring a decorator experience are getting my skills for a fraction of the price!! Go to sararuffincostello.com for more info.

AR: Life advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference?

SRC: Do your hardest work two hours after you wake up.

AR: Design advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference?

SRC: When it comes to decorating, I follow my own advice: Would I want this? Does it interest me? Could I live here? Is it comfortable? If the answer is no, then I haven’t done a good enough job. When it comes to styling a room, place objects as if you are composing elements for a painting. Is it pleasing? Is there harmony? Is there interest?

Photo: ©Nicole LaMotte for One Kings Lane — Photo: ©Nicole LaMotte for One Kings Lane

AR: What’s your favorite housewarming gift?

SRC: Tequila and fresh lemons.

AR: Tell us something we probably don’t know.

SRC: I love babies!

AR: Design book you’ll always have on your shelf?

SRC: Oberto Gili’s books, Diana Vreeland and Vogue books.

AR: What’s your dream project/client?

SRC: My dream client is happening now! We just wrapped. Her house is totally her. It was a beautiful collaboration. She makes quick decisions, trusts me, but is also vocal.

AR: What’s currently on your nightstand?

SRC: Stacks and stacks of books.

Alyssa Rosenheck's The New Southern Designer Spotlight with Liz Harris Caroll and Charlotte Harris Lucas, House of Harris of Wilmington, NC

The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Liz Caroll + Charlotte Lucas, House of Harris

April 02, 2018 in The New Southern

Liz Caroll and Charlotte Lucas grew up in design school — spending hours scouring antique shops, fabric stores, furniture showrooms and flea markets alongside their interior designer of a mother. Today they’ve learned how to use their lessons on mastering color and pattern as an integral tool in their shared passion turned profession. With two successful interior design businesses of their own, the duo desired another creative outlet and so they launched House of Harris, whose title pays tribute to their maiden name — collaborating to create a line of high-end textiles and wallpaper which reflect their combined style. Design certainly runs deep for these two North Carolina sisters (whose younger sister also happens to be in the industry).

Inherently Liz and Charlotte, House of Harris screams all-things The New Southern — modern, carefree and honoring its roots. The vibrant, punchy colors of the prints channel a flair for travel and eclectic taste. Visually hypnotising and cheerful with lighthearted, modernized florals and a less stuffy, more easygoing vibe. The sisters’ patterns can add an element of whimsical delight to any home. One that is ideal for entertaining enthusiasts and fellow interior designers, alike.

Recently named House Beautiful’s 2017 Next Wave Designer, Charlotte has a bold and daring design personality that is perfectly complemented by that of Liz, whose style is grounded in tranquil, soothing colors and natural textures that reflect her seaside Carolina home. Nationally, these sisters are gaining attention for their entertaining style, recently published in Vogue, Veranda, and Domino.

We applaud the two for paving the way for classic prints to be embraced with a modern, Southern twist — inspiring other creatives to bridge their past and their present.

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell me about yourself.

Liz Carroll + Charlotte Lucas: We are sister designers from North Carolina, Liz Harris Carroll of Liz Carroll Interiors in Wilmington and Charlotte Harris Lucas of Charlotte Lucas Interior Design in Charlotte. Using our combined decades of experience building two successful interior design businesses, we have recently joined forces to launch House of Harris, a new fabric and wallpaper line.

House of Harris features whimsical patterns and vibrant colors with a decidedly modern flair. Inspired by the cities and streets we lived and grew up on, the first collection pays homage to our North Carolina roots.

These designs also reflect our eclectic styles and love for travel, taking inspiration from recent trips to France and Palm Beach. House of Harris’ first collection showcases a variety of unique and colorful patterns with interest in high quality, live-able and durable materials designed in-house and manufactured in the USA.

AR: How are you modernizing / updating Southern style when you design?

LC + CL: We identify our Southern style being represented by designs that withstand the test of time using subtle textures, punchy colors, and modern scale.

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with Southern style across the country?

LC + CL: Southern designers and homeowners alike are bringing new life to Southern traditions of entertaining in tablescape design. Our generation is designing and entertaining with our grandmother’s heart and our own modern eyes. Linens for dinner and cocktail parties have been revitalized with impactful color and design, china patterns and silver are being mixed and matched, and it is all so lovely and lively!

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

LC + CL: In Wilmington, we love Protocol and Paysage. In Charlotte, our go-to’s are Darnell, Mrs. Howards, and every antique store.

Photo: ©House of Harris, Personal Collection

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

LC + CL: “Simply White” by Benjamin Moore and “Pitch Black” by Farrow and Ball.

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

LC + CL: Making a house a home is achieved by surrounding yourself with belongings that hold memories—they are yours, your great grandmother’s, or a stranger’s. Homes need less overhead lighting and more entertaining spaces.

AR: What’s the best piece of design advice you could provide for creative entrepreneurs starting out?

LC + CL: The best business advice we would offer is to be 100% proud of your product, as well as being patient in the developing stage—that’s crucial. Leverage your skills to optimize your success. Realizing your strengths helps you in the fundamental stages to learn where you need help from outside sources, partners, or team members.

AR: What’s your advice for mixing old with new?

LC + CL: Vintage furniture can take on a completely new life upholstered in a bold pattern or fun color. Look at the lines of the furniture as the attractive feature and ignore all the rest.

AR: Your momma always said…

LC + CL: Measure twice, make once.

AR: What’s your favorite housewarming gift?

LC + CL: A Bonnie + Bud Box! Local to Charlotte, the Bonnie + Bud boxes are filled with personalized specialties and can be shipped anywhere in a beautiful presentation.

AR: What’s your dream project/client?

LC + CL: We would adore to do a luxury yacht! The industry renovated outdoor fabrics so that every space can be both beautiful and functional.

© 2020 alyssa rosenheck

The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Ashley Gilbreath

The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Heidi Caillier

The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Liz Caroll + Charlotte Lucas, House of Harris

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