Southern Hospitality Inspired Design with Ashley Hanley
In this episode, Ashley Hanley is invited as a guest to the Slow Style Home Podcast. Born and raised in Richmond, Ashley attributes a large inspiration for her design ethos to the Southern hospitality she was exposed to growing up. She describes her style as 'collected, not overly decorated', featuring rich textures, comfortable spaces intertwined with family heirlooms and collectibles, and a unique mix and match of patterns – a result of her personal background in apparel design.
KEY TAKEAWAYS - Photos Provided by Ashley Hanley
Today, I had the pleasure of talking with Ashley Hanley, an accomplished interior designer with a unique perspective influenced by Southern hospitality. In this conversation, Ashley shares insights into her personal style, the importance of incorporating meaningful pieces into your home, and the art of creating a space that is both beautifully designed and deeply personal. For more info, check out her website.
Southern-inspired Style
When asked about her personal style, Ashley describes it as "collected and not too decorated." She reminisces about the inviting and comforting atmosphere of Southern homes, where warm hugs and friendly greetings abound. Ashley incorporates this Southern influence by blending antiques with lighter colored walls and softer furnishings, resulting in a timeless and welcoming aesthetic.
Dark Wood Antiques
Ashley loves the ubiquitous dark wood antiques that have been found in Southern homes for generations. She often makes them feel fresh by pairing them with vibrant colors and free flowing patterns.
Mixing Styles & Eras
What makes this wall feel fresh, even though it’s dominated by an ornate, antique mirror that could have come from a darker room filled with fussier furniture? It’s all in the mix. First, it’s on top of a garden-inspired trellis patterned wallpaper, making you notice that the mirror also has floral motifs. It’s also paired with a more masculine, flame stitched bench and an overly feminine floral fabric in the curtain. And finally the mix is really emphasized by contrasting the predominate brass in the mirror with what appears to be lucite legs on the bench.
The Art of Mixing Patterns
Ashley and the host delve into the art of mixing patterns, a signature feature seen throughout Ashley's portfolio. She emphasizes the importance of striking a balance in scale and color and grounding the patterns with solid elements. Drawing inspiration from her background in apparel design, she compares pattern mixing to creating unique and unconventional outfit combinations.
Scale & Color
The busiest of the patterns is in the exuberant, nature inspired wallpaper filled with organic shapes. It’s bookended with two geometric prints on the ceiling and curtains, which draw their colors from the main pattern on the walls, pulling it all together.
Feminine But Not Saccharine
The details that feel feminine are the sofa fringe, the polka dot wallpaper and the pineapple sconce. But the pinks in the curtain and pillow piping are hot rather than pale, the mirror adds some glam, the dalmation polka dotted rug cuts the somewhat fussy sconce, as do the use of hot pink candlesticks. I picture a woman in a strappy black dress lounging here, not a girl with bows and ruffles.
The Beauty of Details
Details make a significant impact in any home, and Ashley's design philosophy is no exception. She shares her love for incorporating intricate details, such as piping on furniture and decorative trims on curtains, emphasizing how these thoughtful additions bring intentionality and a sense of cohesion to a space. Ashley also explains her preference for avoiding an overly designed look, aiming instead for a collected home that feels loved and lived in.
Piping & Pattern Mix
Ashley often uses piping in contrasting or coordinating colors to give a crisp definition to her patterns. This is especially useful when mixing patterns like these that have a similar scale. What makes it work here is the white space in the chair pattern next to a tight pattern found on the ottoman.
Linear Details
Any one of these details would be nice. You’ve got stripes on the arched ceiling, a thin pipe of black tile outlining the white subway tile and a chinoiserie patterned roman shade with a geometric trim. All together, they really take this bathroom over the top.
Small Detail - Bold Choice
The trim isn’t just a classic, bold choice, it’s also electric pink on a deep, bright turquoise. What an impact!
Preserving Family Heirlooms
As an interior designer, Ashley often encounters clients who possess cherished family heirlooms or sentimental pieces that may not align with their personal style. She navigates this challenge by finding ways to incorporate these pieces into the overall design while honoring their clients' desires. Ashley recognizes the importance of treasuring family history while ensuring the space feels authentically theirs.
Using Your Hand-me-downs
I love that the silver tea set is displayed as the artwork it really is, along art-art that brings a vignette together.
Embodying Personal Style
The conversation takes a turn towards Ashley's own home, as she describes her living room as a Victorian parlor room. This space represents her values, passions, and love for collecting meaningful items. With a combination of antique pieces, family photos, and design coffee table books, Ashley has created a room that encapsulates her favorite elements.
The Beauty of Blue and White
Blue and white ceramics, such as Flo Blue and Famille Rose, hold a special place in Ashley's heart. She shares her love for collecting these pieces, describing them as essential components of her design aesthetic. The timeless appeal of these patterns, their versatility, and the sense of borrowed history they evoke, all contribute to their prominent presence in Ashley's work.
Blue & White
Ashley loves the timeless combination of blue and white, especially blue & white pottery in all eras of Chinoiserie patterns.
Splurging Wisely
As the episode nears its conclusion, Ashley shares two instances where she made intentional splurges. She highlights the transformation of her girls' playroom, where she used exquisite wallpaper and explained the significance of investing in craftsmanship. Ashley also discusses her forthcoming butler's pantry, where she plans to showcase a remarkable 1700s bookcase found in an antique store. Both examples emphasize Ashley's dedication to creating spaces that not only reflect her clients' values but also stand the test of time.
Southern Hospitality and Entertaining
The discussion concludes with a focus on Southern hospitality's role in creating memorable gatherings. Ashley believes in encouraging clients to collect a variety of linens, dishware, and glassware, urging them to embrace the mix-and-match approach. She also insists on incorporating fresh flowers and candlelight for a touch of romance and ambiance, accentuating the Southern host's art of bringing people together.
Conclusion
Our conversation with Ashley Hanley has been a true delight, offering valuable insights into her unique design perspective and the impact of Southern hospitality on her work. Through her personal anecdotes, we've learned the importance of blending cherished family heirlooms with modern design, balancing patterns harmoniously, and appreciating the beauty of intricate details. Ashley's passion for creating welcoming spaces that stand the test of time resonates in her work, leaving a lasting impression on both clients and guests.
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Introduction and Background
00:07 Influence of Southern Hospitality on Design
01:36 Identifying Southern Design Elements
02:49 Mixing Patterns and Colors
03:59 The Importance of Details and Avoiding Over-Design
06:01 Incorporating Personal Elements and Heirlooms
07:19 Ashley's Personal Style and Home
09:23 The Role of Blue and White in Design
10:57 Value and Investment in Design
14:13 The Art of Hosting and Entertaining
16:53 Upcoming Projects and Design Trends
18:05 Conclusion