The Nashville Edit asked eleven of Nashville’s most sought-after interior experts to elaborate on updating personal spaces. If you’re looking for art curation help, you can read our first roundup of interior design tips here.
Scarlett James:
On elevating the space:
Pretty lighting, custom drapery, nice bed linens, and a delicious Farrow & Ball paint color on the wall.
On favorite linens:
A favorite brand for bed linens is Peacock Alley. They just opened their store in Nashville!
On trends for personal spaces:
Cozier spaces and more patterns. I just incorporated a great Schumacher print on a custom upholstered bed for myself.
Robin Rains
of Robin Rains Interior Design
On elevating the space:
A chaise lounge! It’s truly one of those iconic furniture pieces that have withstood the test of time. This classic ‘part-chair, part-sofa’ can make any space feel more special and exceptional in the most comfortable way. It’s the first place I go to with my morning coffee, where I’m able to lounge back and soak in my thoughts for the day instead of getting back in bed. I love to pair a chaise with a small drink table and a cozy alpaca throw to curl up in. This is definitely one of my favorite spots in a home!
On favorite linens:
I’ve loved using Leontine Linens and C&C Milano Linens in recent projects. Leontine Linens puts such a modern twist on your typical monogrammed linens. The stitch details and unique designs is truly an art form and completely elevates a bedroom, especially since beds are typically the focal point of these spaces.
On trends for personal spaces:
Never underestimate the luxurious impact drapery can have on a space! Drapes are typically the strongest vertical in a room and one of the best ways to add romance and play with scale, even in a neutral setting. They provide an intimate and cozy setting that’s inviting yet still puts the room at ease. Needless to say, drapery has a wonderful effect on most spaces and can provide a luxurious cocoon atmosphere.
Frank Ponterio
of Frank Ponterio Interior Design
On elevating the space:
Great linens! Everything from the visual to the actual feel of the linens, mattress, toppers, etc. Hitting the bed should be a wonderful reward at the end of every day!
On favorite linens:
C&C Milano… of course, Italian. They have VERY heavy and high-quality linens and towels that are totally customizable.
On trends for personal spaces:
Most recently it’s something we don’t see, which is great air filtration. People are wanting the air quality of their sleeping spaces to be as “clean” and pure as possible. They’re making very large investments to ensure this feature and are huge believer’s in the health effects.
Julie Couch
On elevating the space:
There are so many items that can take your bedroom to the next level in terms of making the space truly feel luxurious. One item that’s always necessary and a great layer of elegance is a gorgeous table lamp, bedside. We almost always opt for 30″ or taller as a rule of thumb to really add some height and a little weight to bedside tables. I’d also say to never underestimate the power of down-filled pillow inserts… Trust me, it may seem like a small change, but swapping your polyfill inserts for down-filled will add extra volume and comfort to your bed.
On favorite linens:
We like to shop locally at Peacock Alley and we also order lots of things from Annie Selke, PomPom at Home, and Matteo. Each brand has a different look but all have great options that are both high-quality and timeless.
On trends for personal spaces:
I think people are investing more in their personal spaces with more luxurious linens, art, and furniture, but also features like coffee bars, private balconies, or his and her baths as part of the master suite.
Jonathan Savage
On elevating the space:
Every bed screams for fine linens. Not only does it aesthetically look beautiful but like a million bucks. There are many types of bedding and everyone has a preference, ranging from Linen to Percale to Sateen and beyond. I personally change them out by seasons, using linen in the summer and sateen in the fall and winter.
On favorite linens:
I have a few favorites depending on the type of bedding I am specifying. I most often use brands like Yves Delorme, Sferra, and Frette. All make exceptional quality bedding.
On trends for personal spaces:
Elevating linens by introducing color where white can seem ordinary. For the past few years, every advertisement showcases a white bed and we are fighting the trend and showing clients how color can add a lot of pizazz to their bedding.
On designing bright and vibrant kitchens:
Read Jonathan’s Top Tips for Designing and Vibrant Kitchen.
Ashley Meier
On elevating the space:
I love block printed linens – they bring an artisanal quality to a bedroom. My favorite block prints are all done by hand, and they use no electricity in the process – the same way it has been done for thousands of years. In order to make an authentic block printed textile, craftsmen dip hand-carved teak blocks in natural dyes and apply each block my hand with a high level of skill. Every piece is a unique piece of art.
On favorite linens:
Les Indiennes is by far my favorite line for bedding and linens. I also produce my own line of organic sheets and duvets for simple foundational pieces that are better for the environment. All are available through my website.
On trends for personal spaces:
Trend-wise, I have been seeing a lot of large scale headboards that go all the way behind the nightstands – and I love the look. Overall, 2020 has been a year where people are needing a luxurious and relaxing sanctuary more than ever – so the bedroom is finally getting the attention it deserves. Mixing textures, and starting with a neutral base on the bed sets a relaxing tone. From there, bringing in a statement rug and some live greenery can really elevate the space. And lighting – making sure there are layers of light available is very important for making the space more luxurious and functional.
Beth Haley
On elevating the space:
Homeowners are often daunted by the prospect of decorating their bedrooms. After all, the bedroom is the most personal space in the home. Since there is no need to consider how others will use the space, embrace the opportunity to make the room all about you. First, we suggest you identify the meaningful items you have collected over your lifetime, editing and replacing any outdated items. Our tastes change throughout our lives and so should our décor. The next step to achieving a room that feels complete is to layer textures, patterns, shapes, and colors while keeping in mind scale, proportion, and balance. Add plush rugs, bedding, throws, and pillows and top off the look with eye-catching art, accessories, and lighting. Above all, make your bedroom a comfortable retreat to rest, relax, and recharge.
On favorite linens:
To achieve a modern, tailored look of fine bedding we often choose Ann Gish, Peacock Alley, or Signoria Firenze.
On trends for personal spaces:
We have recently seen a movement towards soft, beautiful, feminine colors, in luxurious fibers that endure daily use. Velvets, wools, and linens in color combinations that are both interesting and pleasing to both the eye and the touch.
Ray Booth
On elevating the space:
I look to lighting to often be the “jewelry” in a bedroom. To have the scale and beauty of a lamp like the Arteriors Stanchion Table Lamp at the bedside gives you a beautiful, rich, and functional light.
On favorite linens:
I do love working with Peacock Alley for a lot of our bedding needs.
On trends for personal spaces:
I always steer clear of most trends. But I do think that more and more in these crazy times, with the state of the world and our needs to be safe at home, that many people are ever more conscientious of how important home is. They are keen to make their spaces personal by making choices that are rooted in meaning and not random trends.
Blair Murfree
On elevating the space:
Layers of linens and good lighting! Personal space has been more important than ever in recent months. Many of us are now using our homes for both work and school, creating the opportunity for more family “together time” than we ever dreamed possible. My bedroom as truly become a retreat from the chaos- and I know many others are feeling the same way. I love a bed with layers of linens and a variety of textures offering many different ways to curl up and relax.
I like a bedroom that has a variety of lighting sources. I’m always a fan of an overhead light to elevate a space and, oftentimes, I’ll put both a lamp and a reading light bedside. Table lamps on a dimmer help create that perfect amount of ambient lighting and that swing arm a once or reading light is irreplaceable when you are sharing your space with another who might not be on exactly the same sleep/wake schedule as you (insert my husband who is watching CNBC or the golf channel in the dark or a newborn still snoozing in your room). In a children’s room or guest bedroom, it’s essential that there is a good bedside lighting source for reading and helping one find their way when they need to get out of bed in the middle of the night.
On favorite linens:
We use Matouk bedding-I love the variety of colors and styles they offer. Leotine linens are the ultimate bed splurge, always creating something personal and unique. Personally, I’m a big fan of the John Robshaw coverlets for that “old quilt feel” when the old quilt look doesn’t quite fit the vibe of the room.
On trends for personal spaces:
Monogrammed linens are certainly back. We have been adding this detail to beds more and more this last year. Leotine and Matouk are wonderful resources for this. In general, I think the trend is “more luxurious bedrooms and personal spaces.” A few years ago it seemed that bedrooms were the last place people allocated money in their home budget towards. Recently, bedrooms have often been the first priority in a project. Maybe it’s part of the self-care movement or it’s a reaction to people craving personal space in newer homes with more open floor plans.
Amber Thomas and Julie Brown of Providence Interiors
On elevating the space:
We believe two ottomans or bench at the end of a bed can elevate the look and feel of a bedroom. Make a statement with this selection and it will speak to the character of the room. Also, matching lamps on bedside tables. Custom drapes with trim.
On favorite linens:
Our favorite bedding brand is Matouk.
On trends for personal spaces:
We are seeing more Rattan furniture and warm wood tones. Vacation influences are also popular for linens. Many people like to bring their vacation home with them and linens are the perfect way to succeed in that effort.
Arhaus
Kristian Stanford, Design Consultant
On elevating the space:
Switching out your light fixtures is an easy way to elevate your space.
On favorite linens:
Arhaus has a wide variety of incredible bedding options that range from bright white linens to elegant patterned throws. As we approach the colder seasons, I’ll most likely find myself gravitating towards velvets and furs.
On trends for personal spaces:
A trend I am seeing is styling furniture with very specific usage of throw pillows. Layering textures, colors, patterns, and sizes give your space an elevated and personalized touch that can be switched out as your style develops and evolves.
