Get to Know Interior Design Darling, Jonathan Savage
The South is a more beautiful place because of Jonathan Savage. Bridging traditional and contemporary styles to create memorable, art-driven designs, the renowned interior designer has been gracing us with his aesthetic for decades.
Jonathan built his career in New York with a prestigious firm specializing in residential projects in Manhattan, the Hamptons, and nationwide. Then, in 2010, he founded SAVAGE Interior Design. His most recent projects include a new book that offers a glimpse into his exquisite work — from Nashville to Rosemary Beach, FL, Kiawah Island, SC, Palm Beach, FL, and even London, England. Get to know our longtime Interior Designer Crush, Jonathan Savage!
We’ve been following your career for a long time, but tell us a bit about your background for good measure.
I was born and raised in Tennessee. I graduated from the O’More School of Design in Franklin, TN. Since then, I have served on the board and headed the alumni committee. After years in New York City working at a design firm, I found myself back in Nashville in 2010 and have called it home ever since. I have worked mainly on residential interior projects throughout the country, and I opened a second office in Palm Beach in 2022.
How did your Southern upbringing influence your design style, and how has it changed over the years?
I was raised in the utmost Southern-style home. As we do traditional design today, most of our work features clean lines and varies between transitional and modern styles.
We’re excited for your new book. Tell us all about it!
The Savage Style features eight chapters that showcase my work throughout the years. The chapters focus on eight interior projects ranging from Nashville to Palm Beach to London. Much of the work in the book has never been seen before, even on Instagram. I can’t wait for you to get your hands on the book and take a flip through it yourself.
What’s your favorite design project in the book, and why?
Part One of the book, “The Savage Way,” walks you through all the bits and pieces that make up a home. I feel this particular chapter is the most educational read you’ll find in the book. Unlike most design books, I wanted people to understand my thoughts on design. It ranges from architecture and walks you through the front door to the back of the home while giving examples of each room throughout.
What piece of design advice can you offer to elevate our homes?
The first impression is everything, so make your front doors count! Whether it’s a pop of color or a beautiful wood stain, first impressions matter, so choose wisely.
What is your favorite space or design element in your own home, and why?
In both of my homes, I refer to my bedroom as “my chambers.” My chambers consist of a living space and a sleeping space combined into one. So, whether I’m catching up on sleep or relaxing with my favorite book, it’s a place I can unwind and do both.
What is currently influencing your designs?
As cliché as it may sound, travel. I [was just] in Paris, shopping in the flea markets and procuring beautiful objects and treasures for clients, which always seems to make an impression on my projects.
You work on a lot of projects across the South. When you return home to Nashville, what do you look forward to most?
Being with my dog Artie and making the best reservation I can find. The food in Nashville is unreal!
If you could capture the essence of your design aesthetic in five words, what would they be?
Timeless, curated, collected, intentional, edgy.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
Best travel spot for inspiration? Istanbul
Favorite color to incorporate in your designs right now? Black
Favorite local artist? Kit Reuther
Favorite boutique for gifts or decor? Nashville’s new Schumacher store
What was your most recent memorable meal, and where were you? Monaco Yacht Club — pommes frites with caviar dipped in crème fraîche!
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Jenna Bratcher
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