“I have to say it, Less is More,” remarks designer Caroline Smith. The quote, by famed architect and designer Mies van der Rohe, isn’t mean to evoke images of austerity or minimalism. “To me, its true meaning extends beyond simplicity. It emphasizes the importance of clarity, purpose and restraint in design. And in my projects, I think about my clients having a calm retreat to unwind from the busyness – and business – of day-to-day life,” Caroline continues.
A recent client pushed her to use more color and bold patterns in a home renovation. “Personally, I gravitate towards a more neutral palette, but each project is so different. Collaboration is key. It was my job to incorporate the color and dial up the patterns, but it was just as important to adhere to my design principles and sensibilities creating a sophisticated home,” says Caroline. “It’s about balancing scale, clean lines, simple shapes, thoughtful architectural elements and an organized space.”
Growing up in Atlanta, Caroline was surrounded by a vibrant design culture. Her mother worked for design legend Dottie Travis and she learned the thrill of the hunt at monthly antique shows like Scot’s and Lakewood. “I was constantly rearranging my room, looking through my mom’s Architectural Digest magazines and drawing floor plans. After my first trip to New York City in seventh grade, I knew I wanted to be an interior designer in the city,” she recalls.
After graduating from the University of Georgia with a BFA in Interior Design, she did just that with “a couple of bags and no job,” she smiles. Caroline soon landed a gig at Gomez Associates under designer Mariette Himes Gomez and worked on projects across the country. After five years, she accepted a senior designer position with Nathan Egan Interiors designing apartments and brownstones in the city. In 2009, she launched Caroline V. Smith Interiors. Not long after, Caroline made the move to Memphis with her husband, while six months pregnant. “I’ve been designing homes in Memphis ever since. I still go to New York to source. I love going to the D&D and exploring all 18 floors for endless inspiration. While grateful for my experience in New York, I would take the logistics in Memphis any day!”
While attending a design meeting, she met a client’s mother who was visiting from Houston. “Next thing you know, I am headed to her mother’s house - around the corner. She had purchased this second home in Memphis to be closer to her daughter and precious young family. The client had begun construction but wanted to hand it over to a designer to complete construction with finishes and design elements. New bathrooms, a closet overhaul and a kitchen refresh - plus all of the pretty. So, we planned.” Caroline explains. She created a cohesive design plan to guide the entire journey from construction to final finishing touches.
For most of the living spaces, Caroline began with a backdrop of Sherwin Williams Alabaster, a warm inviting white that enhances the natural light and allows for space to breathe. The front door and exterior shutters are painted a custom blue with green undertones that travels throughout the entire house.
“The Chinoiserie murals were one of the first items we purchased. They perfectly fill the large wall in the living room and were a great source of inspiration for colors to pull from,” Caroline notes. She updated the client's sofa—originally her grandmother's—by reupholstering it with Schumacher's mini leopard print fabric, adding a linen tassel fringe.
The primary suite’s bedroom and bathroom are awash in a soft blush and muted blues inspired by the Oushak rugs that tie the rooms together. “The primary bathroom was the biggest transformation and became the definition of a retreat for my client,” notes Caroline.
Caroline creates spaces that feel both fresh and personally meaningful. For this second home, she curated almost an entirely new collection of furnishings and accessories. “It was important to still make it personal. My client is an avid needlepointer, so I designed a room around one of her needlepoint projects. For a guest room, we started with her mid-century headboard and mirror. By bringing in a modern Ferrick Mason fabric for a bolster and drapes, the room became current and really vibrant. We even added local art from Catherine Erb and Sarah Robertson to commemorate the client’s move to Memphis,” she adds.
Her goal was to craft a modern and sophisticated environment, with the right balance of design elements. With Caroline’s eye, the home has plenty of punch and personality. It’s proof that restrained design - when executed with intention- can create the most inviting of spaces.