Interior Designer Liz Hand Woods has worked on projects from Florida to Wyoming and has been published in Cottage Living, Southern Accents, Birmingham Home and Garden, Veranda, Portico and more. And once you see her sophisticated and serene spaces, it is easy to see why. As the founder and principal designer of Liz Hand Woods Interiors, she also curates her own home decor shop, Details by Liz Hand Woods, which is filled with gorgeous and inspiring pieces that all seem to exude a classic elegance. We are honored and delighted to introduce Liz as our latest Interior Designer Crush. We asked her to describe her design aesthetic, tell us about what inspires her and give us a glimpse of her stunning portfolio. We hope you enjoy!

Liz Hand Woods
Interior Designer of Liz Hand Woods Interiors and Details by Liz Hand Woods | Image: Eric & Jamie Photography

What is your design aesthetic, and how do you translate that to a client’s home?

My goal is to create warm and inviting spaces. I love a room with classic, clean, simple lines and a quiet calm that evokes a feeling of serenity. I try to take these ideas and mesh them with the needs and desires of my clients in order to create unique and individual spaces tailored just for them.

What are your favorite local spots to source décor for a client’s home?

We have some great options in Birmingham! For the last layers of an install, my first stop is always Details, which is my own home accessories boutique. Circa, Maison and Henhouse are great for antiques. Fixtures & Finishes, Triton and Brandino never fail to provide expert advice and quality products to help us pull a house together. And Suite Dreams and Paige Albright Orientals are perfect for the softer touches. I always keep my eyes open when shopping because you never know where you might stumble across that next treasure.

Liz Hand Woods
Classic wood elements intermingle with a timeless black-and-white color palette in this striking hallway vignette.
Liz Hand Woods
The chunky woven bench, in place of a traditional piano bench, lends a subtle texture and warmth to this space.
Liz Hand Woods
The wall of windows in the breakfast nook bathes this kitchen in natural light by day, while the candles cast a warm, romantic glow on the space by night.
Liz Hand Woods
Traditional elements, like the sideboard banquet, chairs and urn, provide a striking contrast to the modern lines of the sofa and lamp, the abstract art and the asymmetrical placement of the tables and chairs.

Tell us more about your shop.

Details is my home accessories boutique located in English Village, adjacent to my design studio. It grew out of the need for pieces to provide the finishing layers or touches on my projects. It is a tiny space but holds a large, carefully curated collection of some of my favorite things.

Are there any trends that you are loving at the moment, and, alternatively, any timeless aspects of design that you cling to?

I am not one to build a room or a project around trends. While I love the idea of picking up on a current favorite paint color or fabric selection, I encourage clients to use it minimally — a small pillow or accessory that can be easily replaced once the magic fades. I embrace classic design and find myself going back to those principles for constant inspiration.

Liz Hand Woods
The beautifully curated collection of built-in shelving accents — all in the color family of the rich wood dining table — becomes a work of art unto itself.
Liz Hand Woods
Geometry in motion: Tall, column-like shapes finish off the interplay of spherical coffee table and orb against imposing angular fireplace and collection of square frames.

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Liz Hand Woods
This dining room vignette is a beautiful mashup of modernity meets antiquity.
Liz Hand Woods
A black-and-white palette is the thread in this gorgeous octagonal dining room.

What has been your most challenging project to date and why?

I love a good challenge, and every project has them! Over time, I have developed the skills to deal with the various issues that can arise on any job. The design and building process can be very overwhelming for some people. As the designer, my task is to help the client work through these challenges as well.

What brings you the most professional joy?

I am all about the creative process. I enjoy putting all the parts and pieces together and exploring the many options that exist. And who doesn’t want to see a family enjoying the fruits of that labor?

Liz Hand Woods
Rustic yet refined, this space marries sleek, modern vibes with traditional textures and colors.
Liz Hand Woods
We love how the art is incorporated into this sideboard vignette.
Liz Hand Woods
Elegant natural lines of wood fiber and marble veins complement the wild tangle of nature just outside the expanse of windows in this sun-washed oasis.

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Liz Hand Woods
This marble tub has a door-like entry, enhancing its sense of privacy. The spa-like oasis is then encircled in connection to nature’s verdure for a one-of-a-kind bath experience.

Where do you get your inspiration?

Visiting new places always excites me! I have been fortunate to travel to some exotic and far-flung locales in my lifetime. The memories and sensory stimulations from those visits are incredible and a constant inspiration no matter what the project. However, as much as I love to travel, sometimes I find that the greatest inspiration can be right outside my own window.

Share one designer secret with us regular folk.

Don’t take things too seriously. Design should be a fun and exciting experience, but sometimes we tend to become overwhelmed with the process. At that point, it is important to take a step back, reassess and just breathe.

Liz Hand Woods
This calming bedroom demonstrates the serene beauty of a beige-and-white color scheme.
Liz Hand Woods
A repeated tall black frame in the side tables and frames lends a stately and modern touch to this otherwise soft and inviting bedroom.
Liz Hand Woods
The Pantone Color of the Year, Ultra-Violet, takes the crisp, white base of this bedroom to the next level for a dazzling, unforgettable look.
Liz Hand Woods
Floral accents are carried throughout this vibrant bedroom.

If you could squeeze your design philosophy into five words, what would they be?

Classic, simple, clean, serene, crisp

Thank you, Liz, for sharing your insights, inspirations and impressively diverse design portfolio. To contact Liz, visit lizhandwoods.com or call (205) 870-8005. Or visit her home accessories boutique, Details by Liz Hand Woods, at 2337 20th Ave. S., Birmingham, Alabama 35223. Hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. For more information, visit Details’ Facebook page or call (205) 423-2993.

Thank you to Jean Allsopp of Jean Allsopp Photography for the gorgeous images of Liz’s work.

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About the Author
Lauren Helmer

Lauren Helmer is a writer, editor, and artist with a passion for food, the arts, interiors, and the people who create them.