An Afternoon with Amy

 

Tastemaker: Amy Berry
India Amory Linens used: Peony Tablecloth and Mughal Jardin Dinner Napkins

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in design? I have always loved design, but I didn't consider it as a career until my husband and I got married. We moved to London shortly after where I attended the Inchbald School of Design. I loved every bit of it. I had always been tearing things out of magazines growing up, with my nose in design books, but I didn't pursue it until after college. It was a little accidental that I even went out on my own. My husband's travel schedule at the time was getting busy, I started doing some things here and there and it happened a little organically which I am grateful for in retrospect.

What are your go-to colors when setting the perfect table? It's hard to go wrong with blues, but I love greens in the spring time just as much.

Describe your design style in three words. Relaxed, Traditionally Rooted, Happy (if that counts for one!) I always hope to create spaces that make people smile. There really isn't anything better than that.

Where do you find your design inspiration? Almost anywhere to be honest - traveling, instagram (more instagram these days with two little ones at home =) books, magazines....

Favorite summer travel destination? Harbor Springs, Michigan. It's the perfect escape from Texas heat in the summer.

Do you have a particular favorite room to work on when designing a home? We do a lot of nurseries, but I really love designing family spaces. It's always so rewarding to work on a room that the whole family can live in comfortably.

What is the best piece of design advice you have ever received? Don't take yourself too seriously.

Favorite design book you would suggest one to have on their coffee table? Everything Gil Schafer ever wrote.

You opened your store within the last year, have you seen the business grow since then? What is next for you? I have, it's been a really fun little journey we've been on. We kept our design business separate from the retail space, but I have loved it more than I even thought I would. I have learned so much too in the process, I think at the end of the day it has made us a stronger business. In curating the store, I've come across so many talented people and artisans. It's pushed the boundaries a bit with our design business.

Who is your design idol? Too many to count... Sister Parish, Stephen Sills, Madeline Castaing, Mario Buatta, Bunny Williams...

Who is your dream dinner guest? Oh that's hard too! Bunny Mellon maybe.... or Erika Jayne =)