Ashley Whittaker
photo by Thomas Loof
What are three words to describe your style:
1. Colorful
2. Layered
3. Timeless
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? My childhood bedroom was decorated by my mother with pretty sheets and furniture and coordinated artwork. I remember desperately wanting Holly Hobby bedspreads but I am thankful in hindsight that she saved me from myself!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? I bought an English bowfront chest in from an antique store on Lexington when I was in my twenties. I still have it. It’s not my favorite thing I own but it will always remind me of my early days in NYC.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? Billy Baldwin
No room is complete without plants.
People think of me as loving pattern but I am really just as happy with beautiful solids and textures.
Things you omit from:
A flower arrangement: Cut orchids
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Anything with olives
A bar cabinet: My husbands Jägermeister bottle – can’t make it up…
A song for:
Dinner at home: Anything Fleetwood Mac
Working at your desk: None!
Going for a run: Tim Mcgraw
Biggest Vice? 7-11 Coffee
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy?
Any one of Bunny Mellon’s houses.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? No – thank God! I stopped shopping for clothes as soon as I became a decorator. I always say, “you really can’t do both well.” But there are tons of beautifully dressed decorators…it’s just my excuse for not worrying about clothes anymore.
Who is your star crush? Paul Newman
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Paint a kitchen dark green.
If there were a fire, and you could only keep one design book, what would it be? Billy Baldwin Decorates – see above ; )
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? Standing the test of time.
photo by Thomas Loof
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Out of Africa
Book: Prince of Tides
Scent: Andrew’s shaving cream – Barbasol I think?
The fabric you always come back to: Michael Smith Grace in Willow
Dream project: We are about to start renovation on a roadside motel in Millbrook, NY. It’s Shitt’s Creek but in the very best way.
Meal: Meat and Potatoes
Drink: I am the laughing stock, but I love a wine spritzer.
Hotel: Beverly Hills Hotel
Travel Destination: Lake Como
Artist: Ellsworth Kelly
A cause near and dear to me: Operation Backpack
Thing to collect obsessively: Ferns
Era in the history of design: 18th Century
Museum: The Met
Paint Color that always looks great: Churlish Green from Farrow and Ball
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: My stepdaughters
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dog (singular)
