Scouted Interior Designers Based in the South You Should Know About
Interior design by Marie Flanigan Interiors in Houston, Texas. Photography by Julie Soefer. For more design inspiration, follow Marie Flanigan Interiors on Instagram.
Spending many hours over the last year at home has inspired us to think of ways to refresh and revamp our abodes. For those seeking to make their rooms more beautiful and functional, we asked our editors in the southern portion of the U.S. to recommend professional interior designers in their areas who can help make their clients’ design dreams come true. Whether your style is sleek and modern, transitional, or has a little bit of edge, these design experts can help while offering an excellent client experience.
HOUSTON, TEXAS
FIRM: Marie Flanigan Interiors
LOCATION: Houston, Texas
WHAT THEY DO: Marie Flanigan is a nationally acclaimed interior designer whose achievements have positioned her as a household name. Originally trained as an architect, she seamlessly unites structure with style, unlocking a unique level of depth through her mutual consideration of an interior and its setting.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “In a city blessed with amazing interior designers, Marie Flanigan is world-class. She has an exceptional eye for beauty and a talent for combining classic and contemporary styles to create alluring spaces that exude a sense of calm,” says Patti Mackey, editor of The Scout Guide Houston.
Interior design by Savannah House. Photography by French Blue Photography. For more design inspiration, follow Savannah House on Instagram.
FIRM: Kathryn Edwards at Savannah House
LOCATION: Houston, Texas
WHAT THEY DO: Kathy has had a long career in architecture, interior design, and specialty lighting. Her gem of a studio and interiors shop, Savannah House, is filled with room after room of beautiful furniture, art, accessories and gifts for every occasion.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “I highly recommend locals and visitors treat themselves to the discovery of Savannah House, Kathryn Edwards’s amazing design showroom nestled on quiet Nolda Street in the Rice Military/Washington Corridor,” says Patti Mackey, editor of The Scout Guide Houston. “You’ll be at home the moment you walk through the door and are greeted by Kathy and her friendly staff.”
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA
Interior design by Tara Shaw. Photography by Max Kim-Bee. For more design inspiration, follow Tara Shaw on Instagram.
FIRM: Tara Shaw
LOCATION: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHAT THEY DO: Tara Shaw’s signature style shows timeless Old World pieces accented by contemporary art and luxurious finishes. Tara’s interior design projects are often featured in national and international shelter magazines. Her line of antique reproduction and custom furniture, Maison, is hand-crafted in the greater New Orleans area, and the elegant pieces have been called “the new classics.”
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Tara believes in the power of antiques, how they carry a story and their story becomes interwoven with our own and gives rise to our creativity,” says Taylor Morgan, editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans.
Interior design by Shaun Smith. Photography by Sara Essex Bradley. For design inspiration, follow Shaun Smith on Instagram.
FIRM: Shaun Smith
LOCATION: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHAT THEY DO: Shaun’s homes are at once modern and timeless, classic and clean, harmoniously mixing antiques and contemporary pieces. He loves to preserve the character of an older home, and trades as comfortably with bold wallpaper as he does with neutral palettes.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Shaun Smith is a master of creating interiors that appeal to men and women alike,” says Taylor Morgan, editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans.
Interior design by Melissa Rufty. For more design inspiration, follow Melissa Rufty on Instagram.
FIRM: Melissa Rufty
LOCATION: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHAT THEY DO: Melissa Rufty excels at blending texture, color, and pattern to create spaces that are both elegant and approachable. She has been noted for her modern approach to classic Southern design.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “In Melissa’s designs, each element relates to another, creating a space with incredible visual interest and depth,” says Taylor Morgan, editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans.
Interior design by St. Romain Interiors. For more design inspiration, follow Cindy St. Romain Interiors on Instagram.
FIRM: Cindy St. Romain Interiors
LOCATION: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHAT THEY DO: Cindy’s style combines elegance and comfort, creating restful, light-filled spaces. Several featured projects highlight neutral walls and upholstery paired with stunning European antiques.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Cindy brings a European authenticity to her projects, rooted in her childhood spent as an expat in Italy. Pre-pandemic, Cindy still traveled to Europe often to source antiques for her clients, as well as to discover new pieces for her shop, St. Romain Interiors,” says Taylor Morgan, editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans. “Smart shoppers know that Cindy’s shop offers beautiful European antiques at accessible price points.”
Photography by Sara Essex Bradley. For design inspiration, follow Villa Vici on Instagram.
FIRM: Villa Vici
LOCATION: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHAT THEY DO: Owner Vikki Leftwich’s style is eclectic modern, seamlessly blending European antiques with sleek, clean-lined pieces.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Vikki creates spaces that are modern yet timeless, and her showroom, Villa Vici, is proof that modern decor can still feel welcoming,” says Taylor Morgan, editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans.
Interior design by Grace Kaynor Designs. For more design inspiration, follow Grace Kaynor Designs on Instagram.
FIRM: Grace Kaynor Designs
LOCATION: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHAT THEY DO: Grace Kaynor is passionate about environmentally friendly, long-lasting, and luxurious decor for the home.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “From an updated mid-century modern to a historic center hall cottage, Grace’s versatility can help you achieve the style you love with an eye for sustainability,” says Taylor Morgan, editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans.
Interior design by Tina Lagasse of JADE. For design inspiration, follow JADE on Instagram.
FIRM: Tina Lagasse of JADE
LOCATION: New Orleans, Louisiana
WHAT THEY DO: Tina Lagasse’s style is contemporary eclectic, effortlessly marrying her contemporary aesthetic with modern, French, or classic influences, according to her client’s taste.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Tina graduated from LSU’s esteemed interior design program, and her talents are well used as the in-house designer for JADE, a home decor store featuring contemporary, comfortable, and casual products,” says Taylor Morgan, editor of The Scout Guide New Orleans.
DALLAS, TEXAS
Interior design by Collins & Sweezey. For more design inspiration, follow Collins & Sweezey on Instagram.
FIRM: Collins & Sweezey
LOCATION: Dallas, Texas
WHAT THEY DO: Martha Sweezey and Katie Collins created Collins & Sweezey in 2003, one of Dallas’s top interior design firms. Their refined yet warm aesthetic, ability to redefine spaces, and impressive treasure trove of stunning projects set Collins & Sweezey a step above.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Martha & Katie have a gift for designing truly gorgeous interiors,” says Ginna Wilbanks, editor of The Scout Guide Dallas. “They always find the perfect balance of making a space feel incredibly sophisticated and elegant, yet inviting and comfortable as well.”
NAPLES, FLORIDA
Interior design by Renée Gaddis Interiors in Naples, Florida. For more design inspiration, follow Renée Gaddis Interiors on Instagram.
FIRM: Renée Gaddis Interiors
LOCATION: Naples, Florida
WHAT THEY DO: Renée Gaddis Interiors specializes in planning every aspect of the home, including designing, purchasing, expediting, and complete project management. Their talented, educated designers create both luxury as well as functional interior designs for a client’s home or condominium. Honest communication through the entire design process sets the foundation for a pleasant and enjoyable experience.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Some of the most gorgeous homes I’ve seen anywhere—not just in Naples—are designed by Renée Gaddis and her team,” says Jennifer Adams, editor of The Scout Guide Naples. “From coastal to contemporary to transitional, she masterfully creates them all, maintaining the perfect balance between spaces that are both beautiful and liveable.”
JACKSON, MISSISSIPPI
Interior design by Betsey Mosby Interior Design. Photography by Laurey Glenn. For more design inspiration, follow Betsey Mosby on Instagram.
FIRM: Betsey Mosby Interior Design
LOCATION: Jackson, Mississippi
WHAT THEY DO: Betsey’s degrees are in business and accounting, which guide her in successfully running both her interior design and retail businesses. She specializes in residential spaces and enjoys an eclectic mix of antiques and more modern pieces, creating the one-of-a-kind juxtaposition such a combination offers.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Betsey creates livable spaces for the grand simplicity of everyday life and the elegance of entertaining that are well loved by each of her clients,” says Carley Hawkins, editor of The Scout Guide Jackson, Mississippi.
MOBILE BAY, ALABAMA
Interior design by Katie Kirby Interiors. Photography by Chad Riley Photo. For more design inspiration, follow Katie Kirby Interiors on Instagram.
FIRM: Katie Kirby Interiors
LOCATION: Mobile Bay, Alabama
WHAT THEY DO: Katie’s modern yet fun style balances her love for art, color, texture, and function. Born into a family with architects, artists, and interior designers, Katie knew from an early age that she was meant to design. She attributes her innate ability in balance, scale, and color to years of family influence.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Katie is one of those people born with style, taste, and true raw talent that knows no bounds,” says Katie McNeil, co-editor of The Scout Guide Mobile Bay. “I would recommend her not only for those reasons but also because the confidence she instills that your finished product will be incredible and one-of-a-kind. It also doesn’t hurt that she is so much fun to be around and a pleasure to work with.”
FORT WORTH, TEXAS
Interior design by Jessica McIntyre Interiors. Photography by Jenifer McNeil Baker. For more design inspiration, follow Jessica McIntyre Interiors on Instagram.
FIRM: Jessica McIntyre Interiors
LOCATION: Fort Worth, Texas
WHAT THEY DO: Jessica McIntyre Interiors is a full-service interior design firm and retail shop based in Fort Worth, Texas, known for designing beautiful spaces. With a bevy of published projects, Jessica McIntyre Interiors serves clients in Fort Worth and beyond.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Jessica and her talented team are known for their sophisticated, custom interiors for residential and commercial projects at all budget levels,” says Leigh Brown, editor of The Scout Guide Fort Worth. “Delivering high-impact, comprehensively designed environments, Jessica McIntyre Interiors focuses on concepts tailored to each client to achieve surroundings that reflect unique lifestyles and attitudes.”
Interior design by Beckley Design Studio. For more design inspiration, follow Beckley Design Studio on Instagram.
FIRM: Beckley Design Studio
LOCATION: Fort Worth, Texas
WHAT THEY DO: Owners/designers Kelley Roberts and Rebecca Atkinson are celebrating ten years in business together. This talented and dynamic duo, who are never afraid of color, works with their clients to create sophisticated and timeless spaces for every home they touch.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “Always armed with a fresh perspective and eye for color, Kelley and Rebecca are a design team with an unmistakable style,” says Leigh Brown, editor of The Scout Guide Fort Worth. “Not only does the pair have a knack for infusing homes with youthful, exuberant elegance, the ladies behind Beckley Design Studio are also a joy to work with!”
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Interior design by Allard and Robert. Photography by David Dietrich. For more design inspiration, follow Allard and Roberts on Instagram.
FIRM: Allard and Roberts Interior Design, Inc
LOCATION: Asheville, North Carolina
WHAT THEY DO: Allard and Roberts Interior Design, Inc. is an award-winning interior design firm specializing in high-end residential projects. Whether you are remodeling an existing space or building a new custom home, they have the ability to take your project from conception through to completion.
WHAT OUR EDITOR SAYS: “The team at Allard + Roberts is with you every step of the way throughout the design process. They create beautiful spaces that fit your lifestyle and truly reflect individual client style,” says Meagan Harris, editor of the The Scout Guide Asheville.
