Today we continue our new series in which we spotlight some of our favorite interior designers (click here for the first installment). Our second featured designer is Meredith McBrearty who is based out of Atlanta and offers full-service residential interior design around the country.  She currently has projects in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Birmingham, San Diego, and Nashville. Read on for a Q&A with her and inspiring photos of the gorgeous interiors she has created.  

Q: How would you describe your design sense/style/aesthetic?

A: My home is much like my personal style - it is casual, a great mix of old (antiques) with new (contemporary).  My goal as a designer is for the end result to reflect my clients' personalities, not mine!

Q: How did you get into design?

A: I always took art lessons as a young girl and loved it. My parents gave me a "new room" for a Christmas gift one year and the designer did a color rendering of my new space and I loved it so much I put it by my bedside for years.

Q: What’s your design philosophy?

A: Buy things you love and stay true to a design that feels like home to you.  If you are comfortable in your home and feel that it reflects you, you will be happy!

Q: What’s a typical day like for you?

A:  I've already lived a full day by the time I get my three kiddos out the door for school - then, I begin the work day which is, of course different every single day.  I always have an agenda and then my phone rings and a client or builder needs this or that, and voila - my to-do list is de-railed just like that. 

Q: What’s your favorite part about being a designer?

A:  The best part of this job, other than the great fun of experiencing the creative process from start to finish and watching your vision come to life, is by far the great honor of helping families create a lasting home environment for years to come.  It's very personal, and a true honor when you're chosen to enter someone's life in this way.

Q: What do you do when you have a creative block?

A:  Go back to the drawing board of simple inspiration - I read a LOT of design books and magazines.

Q: What keeps you sane?

A: I'm not exactly sure I'm sane. :)

Q: No home is complete without...

A: Things that are meaningful to you

Q: What's a color you never tire of?

A:  celadon blue or purple

Q: What are some of your dream home must-haves?

A:  I would love a larger closet, a wonderful library that I have already designed in my head, and a butler's pantry!

Q: Are you a morning or night person?

A: Night

designer spotlight meredith favorites

 1. No-regrets home splurge: Probably the Urban Electric Co "Cosy Lantern" that I had custom done in eggplant purple - it's so fun and makes me happy.

2. Favorite Arianna Belle pillows: Glimmer Peacock, Golden Yellow Velvet, and  Heat Wave Palm

3. Restaurant: Le Bilboquet 

4. Go-to paint color: Benjamin Moore Ballet White

5. Design books: Haute Bohemians by Miguel Flores Vianna, Atelier AM, Piet Boon

6. Travel destination: I recently went to the Hamptons for the first time and fell in love...

7. Style Icon: Lauren Santo Domingo, Gwenyth Paltrow

8. Flower: peonies

9. Guilty pleasure:  Chips and queso!!  I lived in Texas for seven years!! :)

10. Design tip: A clean, uncluttered house and fresh flowers go a LONG way - so if you don't have the budget, get-to-cleanin'!!!

----

To learn more about Meredith, visit her website and Instagram profile: 

Website: www.meredithmcbrearty.com

Instagram: @meredithmcbrearty 

Are you an interior designer or decorator?
Join our Trade Program for exclusive benefits!

----

Cheat Sheets