We recently sat down with Will Huff and Heather Dewberry of design firm Huff Dewberry to chat about their design approach, a few of their favorites and a little bit of this and that. We also chatted about the upcoming Southeastern Showhouse as we’ll be neighbors! Huff Dewberry will be tackling the fabulous master suite and we’ll be taking on the master vestibule and veranda.
What first sparked your interest in interior design and how did your career take off?
Heather: A college summer internship at Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles magazine was my introduction to the design world and interior design as a career choice. Luckily, I landed a job with the immensely talented Dan Carithers a year after graduation. Working for Dan was like getting a graduate degree in design, and every day was an adventure.
Will: I grew up with a father who was a decorator, so I was always interested. My career started off by working for Dan Carithers, where Heather and I met, but I would say my career “took off” when Heather and I made the decision to start our partnership…over 18 years ago!
How would you define your design aesthetic or style?
Our design aesthetic is fresh traditional. We love incorporating antiques and classic patterns in ways that are updated and suit today’s lifestyle. We tend to use color, but also create smashing neutral rooms when asked.
Where do you find your inspiration?
Heather: Traveling provides me with the most design inspiration. Seeing design elements in their historical context is a wonderful reference point. Once you have that knowledge you can better bring those concepts into today’s world. It’s also interesting to see how other people live and bring some of the everyday luxuries they enjoy back to your own life.
Will: My wife and I have a pop-up camper that we take all over the country with our kids. I love to find inspiration in the nature around us.
One piece you think every room needs?
Heather: I believe every room needs something to show the personality of its owners. Really interesting rooms have a family antique that has been passed down or a piece that has been collected on the owner’s travels. These are the items that take a room beyond decoration and make it a home.
Will: A place to set down a drink. We want all our rooms to look beautiful, but they also need to function well.
Dream project?
Heather: My husband is from L.A. and we’ve fallen in love with Santa Barbara where we were married. I’d love to work on a charming Spanish Mediterranean home there.
Will: One of my favorite places is Ketchum, ID (Sun Valley). I would love to have a fantastic project there.
Three designers you’d love to lunch with:
Heather: Ashley Whittaker, Celerie Kemble and Bunny Williams
Will: Kelly Wearstler, Suzanne Kasler, Alexa Hampton
Latest Tricky Design Challenge and how you solved it:
Every day brings another tricky design challenge! It’s our job as designers to try to find beautiful solutions.
4 Design Favorites:
Heather:
- Fabric: My current favorite fabric is the custom colored damask from Peter Fasano that we are using at the Southeastern Showhouse.
- Artist: Cezanne
- Piece of Furniture: Painted Louis XVI Chair
- Scent: Flora by Gucci Gracious Tuberose
Will:
- Fabric: Cowtan & Tout “Malabar”
- Artist: I recently placed a Marcy Gregg painting and fell in love with her work and her inspiring story.
- Piece of Furniture: The high boy in my Dad’s living room that belonged to my grandmother.
- Scent: A crisp fall morning
This or That
Heather:
- Beach or mountains? Beach
- Room service or café down the street? Café down the street
- Text or Call? Text
- Book or Magazine? Book
- Champagne or Vodka? Vodka
- Shopping on-line or in-store? In-Store
- Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
- Podcasts or Playlists? Podcasts
Will:
- Beach or mountains? Beach
- Room service or café down the street? Café down the street
- Text or Call? Call
- Book or Magazine? Book
- Champagne or Vodka? Champagne
- Shopping on-line or in-store? In-Store
- Facebook or Instagram? Instagram
- Podcasts or Playlists? Podcasts
Thanks so much for chatting with us, Heather and Will! If you want to see more of their fabulous work check it out here. Be sure to save the date for the Southeastern Showhouse, May 9 – June 2 and check out our spaces.
I so enjoy reading your blog…every new post is similar to the joy I get when I find a favorite magazine in my mailbox!
Thanks, Tricia. That’s lovely to hear.