With her keen eye for detail, creative spirit, and easy candor, designer Jenna Nelson has been an integral part of the team at Cheryl Smith Associates Interior Design in Hendersonville for almost four years. She brings to the firm an interest in texture and fabric and a real dedication to listening to clients and making them feel at home.
How did you start your design career?
I graduated from Middle Tennessee State University in 2018 with my interior-design degree. My husband’s family lives near Clemson, so that’s what brought us to the Carolinas. Upon moving to Asheville, I started working at Cheryl Smith Associates around August of 2019. Working with Cheryl has been an amazing experience. She has been a great mentor and I have learned so much from her.
Do you have a particular design style you gravitate toward?
For my own home, I tend to gravitate toward a transitional style with some rustic elements. But when working with clients, my first priority is giving clients the design they want … so it looks like it belongs to them, but with a designer touch.
What do you feel you offer clients?
I offer a different perspective. This is specifically important when space planning for a renovation or new construction. A lot of the time a client will have a preconceived idea of what they want, but then I am able to make the space more functional from seeing the design in a different perspective. My favorite thing to hear from a client is, “I never would have thought of that!”
Are there things you wish people would know more coming into a project?
HGTV is a fantastic network, but it is not reality. Renovations are not completed in one month, and “the perfect fabric” is sometimes the third or fourth choice. Especially with renovations, there are often unexpected surprises to be worked around. Honestly, this can sometimes be frustrating, but I try to look at these instances as opportunities rather than problems. There will always be unexpected challenges, and it is my job to make the best of the situation.
Do you have any favorite projects you’ve worked on?
Some of my favorite projects involve working with fabrics and wallpaper. When I have a project that involves some quality time in our sample room, I am thrilled. We work with some amazing upholstery workrooms and seamstresses. … I completed a bathroom renovation last summer that I really enjoyed. The client has an older home with a lot of character. We incorporated a bold blue wall paint in combination with bright white tile and granite. I love working with people who aren’t scared to use a lot of color.
Wallpaper has really made a comeback …
Yes — a huge comeback, and I am definitely a fan. And it doesn’t have to be used only on walls. I’ve always liked the idea of applying a grass cloth or other textured paper to drawer fronts or in the back of built-ins/bookcases. This could totally transform the look of any piece of furniture. I am very lucky that our clients are loving wallpaper as much as I am. All of the designers in our office are flipping through wallpaper books very regularly.
Are there any kinds of projects you haven’t worked on yet that you’d love to try?
Designing bedrooms for kids and teens, or nurseries, would be a neat change. Creating a space for children with bold colors, textures, and patterns is something I would love to try. A fabric rep came into our office recently with a Disney-themed fabric line that just made me smile.
What advice would you give upcoming designers?
Please understand that there is so much more to learn after graduation. The stamp of a college degree isn’t the end all and be all. There is still so much more to learn, so be realistic about your expectations — but get excited.
Cheryl Smith Associates Interior Design, 502 5th Ave. West, Hendersonville, 828-697-2012, cherylsmithassociates.com.