Jonathan Savage, owner of SAVAGE Interior Design, is known for his prestigious projects across the United States. Savage was honored as Nashville’s top designer in 2016 and recently his expertise was requested in the 45th Kips Bay Decorator Show House in New York City. Read more to learn about how his incredible travels inspire his work and even get his best tips for entertaining!
Southern Home (SH): Who or what is your biggest design influence?
Jonathan Savage (JS): I am lucky enough to be able to travel around the world. While traveling I can see different designs in each place I visit, so a lot of my design aesthetic is influenced around my travels. Whether I’m working on a project in Kiawah Island and London or going to Amsterdam and Mexico, I am always looking to each culture to soak up what is indigenous.
(SH): Where do you go to spot new style?
(JS): When I visit Paris each winter, I go to Maison & Objet and Déco Off. I seem to find more and more trends each time I visit. I spot the latest and greatest trends every year on that trip. There is everything from antiques and fabrics to art and furniture.
(SH): What’s your go-to classic color choice?
(JS): Black and white are definitely my go-to choices. They both can work in such different styles, ranging from Hollywood Regency to Transitional. I love how versatile the colors are, and they complement each other so well. By varying the amount of black and white in any given scheme, you can really change to the mood and overall effect you want to achieve.
(SH): You mix modern with traditional to keep things fresh. What is the secret to a good balance?
(JS): To have a great balance, the secret is finding a common theme. Whether it is using all the same colors in different styles or using all silvers or all brass, those pull from different time periods. This makes it one cohesive look.
(SH): You have a line of linens (napkins used in this shoot), what inspired this line? Do you have other lines on the horizon?
(JS): For years I spent hours sourcing different linens for clients, and I found myself often disappointed. I then decided it was time for me to design my own options. At this point in my career, I have a color collaboration of wallpapers with Carleton V Ltd. and a few custom pieces with other manufacturers.
(SH): You have a nice pop of orange with your flowers, which plays nicely with your blue chairs in this table setting. What inspired your color scheme? Please elaborate more about your thought process.
(JS): I chose to use orange and blue in my dining room because I always keep a print in my library by J. Robert Scott called Confetti. After purchasing my own home, I knew I had to incorporate the print in some way. The dining room was the perfect focal point with the right pops of color and varying patterns.
(SH): What is your favorite way to entertain?
(JS): Nothing makes me happier than just having a few close friends over and using my Richard Ginori china. Using pieces I love and sharing them with people special to me makes me enjoy it even more.
(SH): Do you have any entertaining tips to share with our readers?
(JS): When I entertain, I actually like to spend time with my guests rather than cooking while they are there. I usually keep it very simply and manageable when I am able to. In the summer, I choose a simple cold appetizer ranging from prosciutto and melon to gazpacho followed with a divine salad filled with the freshest ingredients and a little protein. I like to retire to an outdoor area and finish it off with something sweet and an after-dinner drink. To keep the flow of the evening moving, I like to have drinks in one area, dinner in another area, and then dessert in yet another.
