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Her funky living room, especially, is a feast for eyes used to minimalist everything. For me, it paid for itself in the quality we can deliver and our ability to build our inventory. We of course have those budget spreadsheets, and we’re specifying all the furniture along the way, but there are always those line items at the bottom of the spreadsheet—things like accessories or bedding. I hate to see something and then say, “I should have bought that.” If you have big home installations all year like we do, it’s worth it for me.
Is there one project where you defied all those rules and it paid off?
The first collection was named the Cardinal collection in honor of him, and the fabrics are really inspired by those old suit pieces that he used to wear. So it really just came full circle for me, and I’m so grateful—I could not be happier with the partnership. I’m a little ADD, so I like to do a lot of things at one time, and this career, it works for me. I can jump from project to project, I can have my thoughts in many different places, and it somehow turned out to be a gift. As you’ve gotten busier, how has your role in the firm changed?
Nashville Designer Crush - StyleBlueprint
Nashville Designer Crush.
Posted: Sat, 06 Jan 2018 13:17:16 GMT [source]
Studio
Or, what does success look like for you in this moment? I used to think about that a lot, but now I feel like I’m just enjoying it. I feel like every day is successful in its own way. I get so much joy being in the studio with the girls here. I’m really happy and I feel like the work we’re doing is excellent. I feel a lot of gratitude when I see how happy we’re making our clients and partners.
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When is the right moment to take on something like that? I think a warehouse space is always a good investment in thriving cities. We’re looking to buy one, but it’s impossible—there’s nothing available. But if you’ve been in business in your community for three to five years and are continuing to get work, and are really excited about where your career is headed, I would say now’s the time.
Despite roots in Charleston, no project is too far for Cortney to dig in.
Other kitchen updates included new appliances, like the built-in fridge by Thermador, and cabinetry, some of which is painted in Ball Green by Farrow & Ball. The original cabinetry had a lot of doors, so Bishop wanted to swap some for more drawers to hold pots and pans. Wallpaper by Zak & Fox, vintage pendants, and the checkered gray and white marble flooring by Exquisite Surfaces all enhance the room's charm. In my mother’s generation, the green in the wallpaper had to match the green in the fabric. It’s been fun for us to break out and not play by those rules.
Cortney Brown
But the team that I have here, they’ve been with me awhile—one for 10 years, others for seven and five. “I knew we were going to be left without a pantry once I got everything I wanted out of the kitchen,” Bishop says. “I didn't want a heavy wall of cabinetry, and I wanted to display a collection of beautiful pottery from a friend of mine.” The only option left was to use a deep corner on the opposite side of the kitchen.
After getting married, my husband and I relocated to Knoxville, TN, where I found myself in a new environment with a fresh start. It was then that I decided to pursue my interest in either fashion or interior design. Ultimately, I chose interior design as a career path because I believed I could make a lifelong commitment to it and receive support from the community. Plus, I felt I could bring something to the community that was a little edgier for that time. Cortney Bishop’s full-service design studio is admired for bringing a relaxed yet uplifting energy to homes, boutique hotels and restaurants.
Dream client or project
The original galley setup didn't function as the family hub she desired, so she renovated to transform the small area into the heart of the house. “I’m drawn to celebrating individualism and essentially anything that’s the antithesis of the same old, same old,” she says. “The quirk works.” The resulting combination of funky antiques, fresh colors and modern pieces gives each of her projects a joyful look and an easy, livable feel. Treasures discovered in thrift stores, art fairs, and antique markets can add unique charm and personality to your space, reflecting your taste and aesthetic sensibilities.
We did a two-week workshop to find the holes in the system and [figure out] how to create a safety net for our clients to feel comfortable. Then we created the templates and the spreadsheets. We all go by the same process and everybody is aligning to that budget spreadsheet at all times.
Placing them around the fireplace in the sitting room seemed like the perfect way to share the story of our family. My wish is that spending time in that room will evoke a sense of our life journey together. 'We want the design we are creating for our clients to last a lifetime.
We are getting to know them even better than before - their needs, their personalities, their lifestyles, their joys. Personalities start to shine, and I believe that’s why our portfolio is so diverse. Now more than ever, we're reminded that our homes need to feel like us. Our goal is to design a home that speaks to our client’s unique personalities, all while balancing comfort, function and beauty. "Start off with a soft palette and ground the space with a great rug so you establish a foundation to build upon," says Cortney. "Once the functional furniture pieces are in place, go for it and liberally mix in new shapes and textures. As long as one style is not overly represented and the look feels more collected than cluttered, your story will unfold."
"We are big music lovers and I saw one of the company's first console prototypes years ago and begged them to let me purchase it for my husband's 40th birthday." In addition to a home that harmonizes with its surroundings, the owners hoped for an elegant and sophisticated space for entertaining, especially hosting holidays. To make that a reality, Bishop carved out hardworking areas, like the scullery and mudroom, to help everyone stay organized. Plentiful storage in these spaces allows the kitchen to double as a sleek gathering spot.
