Our Nashville location has a brand new designer taking the lead. At Skyline Window Coverings, we love introducing you to the people that make up our team. We took the opportunity to sit down with our Nashville Designer, for an inside look into who she is, where she finds inspiration, and how her love of design influences the way she styles a space.
What do you love about Nashville?
Nashville is by far one of the best places I’ve ever lived. It has an indescribable vibe. If I had to try to put it into words, it’s comfortable, relaxed, and family-oriented. Another incredible aspect of Nashville is its strong sense of community. Simply put, we take care of our own. Neighbors, friends, and even strangers are treated like family.
What places are your favorite for inspiration gathering?
It’s not uncommon to strike up a conversation with someone at an event, or even a local store. My favorite spots to browse the aisles and mingle are Starstruck Vintage and Gas Lamp Antiques. The people you meet at these places become a big part of the fabric of your life. I have so many wonderful people in my life that I met in–what many would say–unconventional ways. And yet, that is Nashville.
It’s that worn, lived-in vibe mixed with the urban contemporary aesthetic. A design style that says “I’m built to last and look good doing it.”
As far as inspiration you can’t pinpoint one thing or one place. Nashville IS inspiration. The food, the people, the communal spirit. To me Nashville makes you want to be a better human. When I travel, its essence and spirit are missed because I recognize that no other place is like it.
What kind of shades are you loving right now?
Oh boy, this is like picking a favorite child. There are so many that I love and because I’m southern, my answer would be to layer. Combine beautiful shades with elevated custom drapery. More is more in the south! I am always looking to add things to my home. If I had free reign, I would choose a roman shade layered with custom window treatments.
What do you see as the “cornerstone” of your design process?
My cornerstone to design is always through the lens of Feng Shui. Simply put, Feng Shui is a tool to improve health and well-being. It’s been described as the way energy enters your home. So my question is always, “How can we elevate your space to promote more joy, relaxation and peace?” Not only do we increase the positive aspects of the design, but we make improvements in how you experience your home that will alleviate pain, frustration, stress, and anxiety. It’s intentional design with successful results.
Are there any style trends that you’ve followed over the years that you come back to?
I rarely follow trends just because they happen to be “in” at the moment. I think trends can be a dangerous slope, in an attempt to follow what someone else tells you is “in” or “out.” When it comes to any improvement in your home, it’s an investment whether you remodel a bathroom or install new window treatments. Most people have something that brings them immense joy like the colors they have in their home and rarely does that change over the years. Whether it’s a hobby, color, style etc, make that your inspiration to elevate your life and home.
With that said, one of my personal favorite design “go-tos” is color. Adding color infuses your energy with joy. If done well, color can uplift and heighten your mood. Most people shy away from color because they are afraid to get it wrong–which is why we see trends of all white or all gray spaces. Boooo! That creates an imbalance to your Feng Shui elements and can cause depression, anxiety, or even mood swings. It’s the old adage, “Something feels off, but I don’t know why.” Lack of color depletes our Chi, or energy. So don’t be afraid to paint your kitchen cabinets green or your mudroom fire engine red. It will excite and delight your Chi!
Who in the industry inspires you?
Dorothy Draper. In design school, I learned a lot about her. She was the first person to make interior design a profession. She started her firm in the 1920s, when it was very unconventional for women to have careers. She became one of the most respected and well-known designers in the world. Few knew of her name until 2004 when modern-day designer Kelly Wearstler mentioned that her colorful designs were inspired by Dorothy.
What I love about Dorothy’s approach to design is that it’s bold, unapologetic and whimsical, not to mention original! She wasn’t afraid of colors and patterns. Design has become very homogenized over the years making it quite boring and stale. As I always say, go big or go home!
We loved getting to know Nashville Designer Amanda Gates, and we can’t wait to see the spaces she curates in the future! If you’ve got a design project coming up in your home, our window covering designers at Skyline Window Coverings would love to work with you the create the ideal balance of light, privacy and energy efficiency. Get in touch with us for your FREE consultation.
