Southern Home (SH): When did you realize you had a passion for interiors? Is there a memory of a certain space or room that imprinted itself in your mind?
Carolyn Kendall (CK): I have held a deep fascination with interior design from a very young age, starting with rearranging furniture in my childhood bedroom. Many of my most cherished and inspiring experiences have been visits to grand châteaux and country estates during my European travels. The Petit Trianon, Chantilly, Villa Ephrussi are a few favorites.
SH: How do you describe your style?
CK: I’d say my style ranges from traditional with a twist to transitional eclectic mix. In the end, we try to bring new creative interpretations for each client’s home. Many of our clients have multiple homes, so this approach gives some variety into their different environments.
SH: What’s your process for fashioning a design scheme for a new client? Where do you start?
CK: Each design project starts with a thorough understanding of the client’s interests, lifestyle, and current living environment. We consider their household dynamics, such as the presence of pets or children, and how they use their home as a tranquil oasis or a grand entertaining home. Based on these insights, the starting points become evident for the home. We often find a very special rug, a client’s painting, a favorite fabric, or a beautiful architectural feature. And early in the process, we have the clients choose a few cohesive color palettes. Then we curate fabric schemes for the primary rooms of the home.
SH: Are there certain things that you put in a Southern house that aren’t necessary in other regions?
CK: Southern hospitality is truly a part of our environment in Tennessee, Georgia, and the Carolinas. A few things that come to mind when designing a Southern home are creating unique entertaining environments, be it in dining rooms, Carolina rooms (a type of sunroom), or game rooms that become gathering spaces to host friends and family. The offering of a signature cocktail or a glass of iced tea on arrival gives a guest a wonderful Southern welcome.
SH: How has your taste evolved over time?
CK: I have more experience and a clearer understanding of what is possible and becoming as creative as possible to find the resources and contacts that are as passionate about uniquenessas I am.
SH: Are there some colors or patterns you’re especially taken with?
CK: I have been drawn to incorporating more jewel tones, and I am particularly enthusiastic about incorporating shades of purple into a room as an unexpected and distinctive accent color. I am very drawn to organic patterns, such as the tree of life motif or other nature-inspired designs.
SH: What are some design elements you return to again and again?
CK: European antiques are often a prominent element in my designs. Whether incorporating a French desk into a study or placing small Italian nesting tables beside a chair in a bedroom, the artistry and character that antiques bring to a room will never be matched by modern furnishings.
SH: How do you respond when a client is dubious about a choice you’ve made?
CK: I typically provide clients with a selection of options, designating one as the Alcott Favorite. When only a single option is presented, it is due to its high quality of materials, exceptional functionality, and alignment with the client’s primary objectives for the room. Should a client remain uncertain, I will do further research and offer more options until a choice is found that the client is excited about and confident in.
SH: From your perspective, in what way are second homes different than primary residences?
CK: Second homes offer the chance to create a space that has a completely different character than their primary residence, typically more creative and playful. From color palettes to accessories, second homes often embody elements of the climate they are in; light blues and whites with shell detailing for beach homes and dark jewel tones and horn accents in the mountains. On a personal level, many of the second homes we work on are for existing clients, therefore, these houses provide a special opportunity to further understand their interests, passions, and family dynamics.
SH: What are some of your family’s Christmas traditions?
CK: Every Christmas, we have an intimate Christmas Eve dinner with our family, followed by a Christmas Day brunch. I love to create a warm atmosphere by setting the table with my favorite china, crystal, and linens. We then open presents around the fire.
Lightning Round
What’s your go-to sofa fabric?
High-performance indoor/outdoor fabrics for upholstering sofas. They have advanced considerably and offer clients textures that we have used for years but with exceptional durability.
What’s your favorite wallpaper line?
I have always admired the detail and exceptional craftsmanship of de Gournay wallpapers. Their fully customizable process allows us to explore design and color. We work with each client on tailoring the panels to their individual preferences and achieve a personalized result.
What are you always on the lookout for?
One-of-a-kind lighting, be it vintage or antique. The effect of good lighting and beautiful light fixtures make both the room, and the homeowners, look and feel good.
What’s your favorite hotel?
I thoroughly enjoy visiting the Lutetia during my buying trips to Paris. I love the hotel’s Art Deco interior along with the opulent rooms and exceptional attention to detail.
What’s your guilty pleasure?
There is no better indulgence than the Victoria + Albert free-standing soaking tub. It’s the most comfortable and beautiful tub with fully customizable colors for the exterior.
What’s your favorite scent?
I’m particularly fond of the fragrance Moroccan Amber by Nest, a warm yet subtle scent that we diffuse in our Nashville showroom.
What is something you recommend clients splurge on?
I strongly recommend investing in high-quality bedding. Complementing custom-embroidered sheets with a beautiful duvet and coordinating shams will elevate the sleeping experience.
What’s a budget buy you recommend?
Keeping fresh flowers in your home is a modest investment with significant benefits. Floral arrangements bring more life into a room while also offering a personalized touch and an organic element.
What is the perfect finishing touch to a house project?
Draperies and wallpaper provide a final touch to any room. These elements enhance the room’s structure through textures and colors that extend beyond mere furnishings.
