Lily Barfield
Founder of Lily’s Vintage Finds and The Marlene
lilysvintagefinds.com & themarlene.com
What does style mean to you?
I think style comes down to confidently standing behind your choices. The most stylish people I know are those deeply rooted in their own point of view and don’t feel the need to constantly explain or justify it.
Everyone has a unique perspective. When you commit to that perspective and trust your instincts, whatever you create becomes meaningful because it’s an expression of you. It’s what separates something that feels designed from something that feels personal.
When are you most creative?
I’m most creative when I’m having new experiences. There’s something about seeing a place for the first time that sharpens your eye and heightens your awareness. Those first-impression moments continually shape how I think about design, hospitality, and atmosphere.
Who inspires you?
I draw so much inspiration from the Southern hostesses in my life, especially the women I grew up around. There’s this incredible rhythm to the way they host. Guests always have a drink in their hand, the music is just right, and somehow everything flows without ever feeling forced.
How do you keep track of your ideas?
You can ask anyone who knows me well; I’m a far cry from organized, and I have a lot of ideas. I also don’t shut up about them. I call my mom ten times a day to tell her what’s on my mind, and I’m constantly bombarding my husband with half-formed ideas. That constant verbal stream of consciousness actually helps me sift through what’s worth revisiting and what can fall away.
Lauren Wills Grover
Principal, Wills Design Associates
willsdesignassociates.com
What does style mean to you?
Style is about creating spaces that feel intentional, collected, and comfortable. I want my clients to feel inspired and at home through my designs. When I give design presentations, the goal is to surprise and excite clients about living in the spaces I present.
When are you most creative?
I am the most creative when I'm traveling. Clearing my mind, relaxing, and spending time with my family help me reset and make room for creativity. I also keep my Fridays clear of meetings and deadlines to take a creative day.
Who inspires you?
My daughter Lucy inspires me to work hard. I hope she looks up to me as she grows up. Creatively inspiring, though, are Kelly Wearstler, Celery Kemble, Ken Fulk, and Wes Anderson. They all have the most incredible attention to detail.
How do you keep track of your ideas?
Keeping track of my ideas has been an ongoing learning process. There is so much information thrown at us. I have specific folders on my phone, Pinterest, and Instagram for clients, styles, and rooms. I am constantly organizing so I don't lose information.
Tami Owen
Co-Founder & Creative Director, Owen Group Interiors
owengroupinteriors.com
What does style mean to you?
Style, to me, is simply what you love to live with. It’s the furniture, artwork, and pieces you’re naturally drawn to. I don’t think style has to fit into one category. It’s about mixing things that feel right together and create a home that feels comfortable, calm, and timeless.
When are you most creative?
I’m most creative when I am working with our team. We really feed off each other’s ideas, and that back-and-forth is where the best designs come from.
Who inspires you?
Brelan, my business partner and principal designer of our business, inspires me every day. She’s always pushing me to step outside my comfort zone and brings new ideas to the table. She keeps us thinking differently and helps move our work forward.
How do you keep track of your ideas?
We keep inspiration boards for each project and for ideas we want to revisit later. Whether it’s for a current project or something down the road, it helps us stay organized and keep those ideas in one place.