The Nashville Edit asked ten of Nashville’s most sought-after interior designers to elaborate on their art curation process, and have even shared a few insider tips for readers to apply to their own homes.

Scarlett James

of The Mix Interiors

On defining a statement piece:

A really interesting antique, cool rug, original art, or a unique collection.

On where to find them:

Patina & Co, Woven Goods, Gas Lamp Antiques, Robin Rains.

On current obsessions:

I’m currently obsessing over Catherine Erb’s Cloud Studies. Catherine is an artist out of Memphis whose work is found at David Lusk Gallery. Her clouds are ethereal.

Frank Ponterio

of Frank Ponterio Interior Design

On defining a statement piece:

A statement piece is one (or in some cases more than one) decorative element that the owner is passionate about. Something with a great story that elicits strong emotion and leaves a memorable impression with visitors every time they see it.

On where to find them:

There’s a couple of small galleries in Leiper’s Fork I enjoy buying from. I also sometimes make the trek to Atlanta to visit A. Tyner’s Antiques – their warehouse is even better!

On current obsessions:

We’ve been incorporating lots of rare hides like Shagreen and Vellum. These take a great craftsperson but when done right there’s nothing better!

 

Julie Couch

of Julie Couch Interiors

On defining a statement piece:

I would say that a fabulous antique piece that tells a story makes such a statement in any space. Whether it’s a fabulous pair of antique chairs that you’ve had recovered or an antique mirror, aged pieces add such character to a home. I also think that original art makes a huge statement. This could be an investment piece of fine art or simply postcards, sketches, or prints collected from travels and framed beautifully.

On where to find them:

There are several fabulous shops around Nashville, many belonging to talented designers, like Redo, The Iron Gate, Providence Home, and Market Place Interiors to name a few.

On current obsessions:

I have always loved adding in a sculptural element, whether that be a unique vintage chair, a gorgeous vase displayed on a pedestal, or a fine art sculpture.  The movement of sculptural pieces can really elevate the look of a room.

Kristen Holscher

of TWO for Home 

On defining a statement piece:

A statement piece is one that stands out in the room, reflects your inner style, and anchors the look. It doesn’t have to be bold, but we encourage our clients to take a leap and they are always glad they did! A perfect example of stand out statement pieces that we love are upholstered chairs. You can make them truly unique in the fabrics and the details that you choose. Whether they are modern, traditional, or anywhere in between, they can express your personality. If paired with neutral pieces, they can create awe-inspiring spaces.

On where to find them:

Of course, we shop TWO for home located in West Meade. Our boutique furniture store and design space create an environment for all interior design lovers to come create and play. We have a broad range of price points and options to meet the needs of all our clientele. When we need fabulous tablescapes we head to Corzine & Co. For original art, we call our friends at The Nashville Artist Collective.

On current obsessions:

I am obsessed with the Brewer Dining Chair from Gabby Home Decor. It is the perfect example of a chair that would be a statement in a neutral color or fabulous in a bold print!

 

Ashley Meier

of Ashley Meier Interiors

On defining a statement piece:

A vintage or antique piece always adds depth and soul to a space. I have always had a bit of a textile obsession, so I tend to use vintage rugs and textiles as focal pieces. In this living space, the deeply hued vintage Moroccan rug is stunning – the wool is a mix of black and deep lavender.  The shapes in it are spectacular.

On where to find them:

For a true statement piece – Robin Rains at the Design Collective has the best of the best when it comes to European Antiques.  Ironware International has its headquarters in Nashville and they manufacture gorgeous lighting and other iron pieces after having them hand-forged in France. I also look at the many stores on Bandywood in Green Hills – Marketplace Interiors has great pieces, Providence Interiors has a huge selection of amazing art. For smaller accessories there are several places I love to go – for cool midcentury modern I’ve shopped from Paige Flynn and Junk is the New Black over at Gas Lamp Antiques.  For fun seventies and boho finds, I buy from a dealer in East Nashville named Kate Mills. For more traditional finds, I go to The Shoppes at Belle Meade, Clearinghouse, and Canterbury Antiques.  I also sometimes sell on Chairish and you can click on the “local” tab to find some really great finds that way.

On current obsessions:

I found a vintage 1970’s Italian Sofa on Chairish in its original sage velvet. The shape of it, the curves, the arms, I just love it.

 

Robin Rains

of Robin Rains Interior Design

On defining a statement piece:

I’ve always had a soft spot for incorporating Architectural elements that would have been found or utilized in the exterior and transporting them to the interior for a strong visual statement. A great limestone column, urn, or weathervane demands attention. In my opinion, large scale items always draw the eye.

On where to find them:

The hunt is a major part of the process. One of the reasons I started importing containers from Europe is to have unique pieces readily available to use in our design projects. Our showroom is a curated mix of 17th, 18th century, mid-century and vintage finds. We are very excited to be moving to the Nashville Design Collective this month, where we will have more space to showcase our offerings. Gas Lamp Antiques in Nashville and Serenite Maison in Leipers Fork, TN are two of my local favorites.

On current obsessions:

Oversized mirrors and art are our go-to statement pieces. They immediately draw the eye in and really pack a punch in large and small spaces.

Ray Booth

of McAlpine

On defining a statement piece:

For us, lighting is always a chance to use a statement piece. These fixtures, be they lamps, floor lamps, or chandeliers animate any space with the way they deliver light to an interior. For example, the Arteriors Piloti Floor Lamp is very functional in a room setting, but it creates its own sense of architecture and scale to space.

On where to find them:

One of our favorite places for making a room often leads us to a nursery! No room is complete without a living thing in it. Hewitt’s and Bates’ nurseries are two of our favorite stops for that final layer of life.

On current obsessions:

I am a little obsessed with the Tete a Tete Chaise from my Hickory Chair line. Perhaps because it became the landing spot for my husband and me just days before the crisis set in. It was there that we spent every evening during the shutdown discussing all that was transpiring over a cocktail.

Jonathan Savage

of Savage Interior Design

On defining a statement piece:

Coffee tables are important to make a statement as most living spaces are arranged around a central table.

On where to find them:

I look to Ironware International Inc. frequently.

On current obsessions:

The Jonathan Table by Ironware International is my go-to right now.

 

Blaire Murfree

of Blair Designs

On defining a statement piece:

A statement piece is either that one item that ties a space together or that item that adds the contrast needed to keep things from being boring or too “expected”. A statement piece should speak to those who live in/use the space and demonstrate their aesthetic or help tell the story of their life and home. For us, it is often art or lighting. We also love a bold color /textile application that is a more contemporary touch to a traditional space or an antique family heirloom in space intended for a modern lifestyle.

On where to find them:

Locally, we love shopping ironware international for statement lighting and Bennett galleries David Lusk for art. additional lighting favorites include urban electric, apparatus. For antiques or vintage items Robin Raines, Belle Meade antiques, Gaslamp are some of the staples. We also source through Chairish, 1stDibs, and Urban electric.

On current obsessions:

Right now I’m dying to use the Celine light from Ironware international… I’m also loving vintage lighting/Murano glass like the fixture in the dining room image below. My favorite dark moody color is studio green, farrow, and ball. Also, the bunny Williams hourglass table is a forever favorite. The statement piece in the library space is, arguably, the portrait which is a family heirloom that is made much more interesting by the dark walls and more modern apparatus sconces.

 

Providence Interiors

On defining a statement piece:

We consider a key piece of furniture to be the statement piece in a living space. In this photo, two key pieces serve as statement pieces the coffee table and the leather chairs. The coffee table is handsome and unique.

On current obsessions:

We are obsessed with good throw pillows right now. We are seeing a lot more bold colors today even from six months ago. Pillows of different textures and patterns always make a strong impact in a room.

 

Arhaus

 Kristian Stanford, Design Consultant

On defining a statement piece:

A properly scaled sofa or sectional is the perfect centerpiece for your living space. It serves as a functional gathering place and the form, pattern, and personality help set the tone for your entire home.

On current obsessions:

I’m currently telling all of my clients about our new Telluride Dining Table! It’s a thoughtfully designed piece that exhibits high-quality construction while showcasing fun material combinations.