Designer Lynn Brookshire of Hendersonville-based Benson & Babb Interiors believes that our homes should be filled with equal parts glamour and earthy practicality; we do, after all, have to live in them. She recently sat down with Carolina Home + Garden to talk about Hollywood style, cold condos and ultimate comfort.
CH+G: What is Benson and Babb’s specialty?
Lynn Brookshire: The majority of what we do is residential interior design. We have done commercial design, but the focus tends to be on creating beautiful homes for our clients.
How did you personally get into design work?
It’s all I’ve ever done, in some capacity or another. I’ve worked at every aspect of interior design over the years — and it’s been a lot of years now, really — from botanical design, to retail sales, to furniture sales, to interior design.
What’s the most innovative project you’ve ever been involved with?
Sometimes you have to be innovative based on people’s needs. I think I’m always in the process of being innovative, because I tend to be a really good problem solver for my clients. I once took a concrete loft condo in downtown Atlanta and filled it with beautiful fabrics and made it into a warm, inviting home. When I stepped into it the first time I thought, “What am I going to do with this place?” It simply felt like a big, cold box.
As a designer, what moves you?
I truly am passionate about creating an embracing and comfortably enveloping environment for my clients. My passion is having someone walk into their home and say, “This is me! You did it.” I really want my clients to feel good in their homes, because it really is their sanctuary in the end. In that way, design rules are certainly made to be broken.
And which rules absolutely should be?
Colored trims and things like that change with the season. I don’t think that you should choose a color palette for your home that you’re not happy with just because it’s the latest thing. What do you like to see around you, color-wise? Don’t necessarily follow what the industry tells you is popular right now. That’s one of the biggest rules. I don’t tend to be trendy; I tend to guide my clients to choose classic pieces when it comes to their investments. If you want to follow some design trends, do it on a smaller scale with accessories.
Are there trends you would like to see go away?
I would like for people to understand that the “green” movement is very important, but that they should be very cautious in buying green materials these days. Not every item that’s labeled green is necessarily environmentally conscious, especially when it comes to the way it was processed. I would suggest that people do research, get back to the true meaning of green, find out how products are made.
Any trends you’re actually into right now?
I’m fascinated by old Hollywood glamour right now — classic, sparkling, glamorous interiors. Very monochromatic, very subtle in color, but with lots of texture and shapes — lots of fluffy rugs and mirrors and lots of wonderful mood lighting.
What are the best tips for working with you?
I would like for my clients to be completely honest with me and convey how their home needs to work for them. Comfort is key in somebody’s home. Don’t fall into the trap of looking at pretty magazines; be honest with your designer about what your true needs are.
What are good design tips for revamping a room on a budget?
You should spend your money wisely. If you’re purchasing furniture for a room, you want to buy quality pieces that are going to stand the test of time. Then you can fill in with less expensive pieces like accessories.
Any parting words of wisdom?
Be true to yourself as a client so that your home is decorated from your heart.
Call 828-693-4909 or visit www.bensonandbabbinteriors.com to learn more about Benson & Babb Interiors.