Home Tour: Heather Garrett Design
Heather Garrett is an interior designer with a showroom and shop in downtown Durham.
How would you describe your decorating style?
Nearly every client knows when something’s not right with their interior space. They’d like to squeeze more life out of what they have, realize some things probably have to go, and have an image in mind of how they’d like things ultimately to feel. Beyond that, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed about finding the right mix that will repurpose your own things, make the most of your budget on needed new pieces, and land you in your dream room! I want the process to be an exciting collaboration between client and designer…I’m careful to look through as many images as possible with my client, gathering specifics on style and sensibilities, and am also very interested in understanding what’s not currently working about their space at home. Understanding at the beginning is key to success! I communicate best through my hand drawings, which I find is extremely helpful for clients trying to imagine a new room.
Do you collect anything, if so how do you display it?
I have a treasured collection of stones and shells, collected by my children and me, gathered from beaches in CA and NC. I love piles. At my shop, they’re often loaded in tall glass vessels, and in the loft where I live they sit together on little pearl plates or in small glass boxes.
What inspires your decorating sensibility?
I’m very dialed in to the priority of scale and balance in a room. I’m in constant search of new and beautiful lighting. Beyond that, I love the mixing of style periods, the use of strange color combinations, and the amazing textures and shapes which can only be found in nature.
Any recommendations for our readers on quick things to do to improve their home decor?
Pare down! Remove everything from a room and start by putting only half of it back. Once you’re scaled back, think about using one color which you’ll repeat in various tones throughout the space (including on the walls). And don’t forget about the windows…when in doubt, a thick metal rod with rings and inexpensive linen panels (try West Elm) at the sides of a window solves more problems than once could imagine!
Favorite Local NC Spots & Things to Do:
Woodsy walks and river wading in Durham’s Duke Forest with my children. Summer nights on the patio at the Federal drinking local beer and eating mussels. Walking downtown Durham on weekends to the Farmer’s Market. I love Durham!!
I could live in her space!