Shea Bryars on lntentional Interior Design — and Saying No to ‘Amazon Living Rooms’
For Birmingham designer Shea Bryars, a home is more than a collection of pretty things. Peek inside her world of "authentic traditionalism," where she masterfully layers patterns, textures, and timeless materials with stunning results. Image: Jean Allsopp
For Birmingham designer Shea Bryars, a home is so much more than a collection of pretty things; it’s a study in how we live, move, and feel. Drawing on an interior design degree and an early career with a top-tier residential builder, Shea brings a unique architectural eye to her projects, focusing on a home’s bones and beauty. Through Shea Bryars Design, she crafts organic and deeply intentional spaces, masterfully layering authentic materials, rich textures, and timeless patterns to create homes that define the concept of living well.
In school, you switched your major from accounting to interior design. What sparked that pivot?
I’ve always had a love of design that started with art. God gifted me with the ability to draw, and I was born loving color. My mom had a passion for design and always included me in decisions about my room. Those two things fostered my love of beautiful spaces organically.
When I went to Auburn University, my mom encouraged me to study accounting — so I did. But my roommate was an interior design major, and watching her do what I loved inspired me to change my path. That decision caused me to graduate late, but on the plus side, I got another Auburn football season under my belt!
Early in your career, you worked on Idea Homes for Southern Accents and Southern Living. What did that entail?
Those experiences were the absolute gift of my career! I coordinated the designers, procured the selected items, and managed the designers’ and advertisers’ wishlists. The opportunity trained me for the design world in all of the not-so-glamorous ways, and helped me understand what hard work this designing gig actually is.
How did growing up in the South influence your style?
What a blessing to grow up in the South. I’m more thankful with each year of my life. I think design is so enriching just because we live here. Life is a little slower. We love a good get-together. Cooking is a hobby. Comfort is a necessity. All of these things beg for well-designed spaces.
How would you describe your signature aesthetic?
Classic, soulful, and, although overused as a word, timeless. It’s not boring. It’s layered and thoughtful, but not fussy. I love a good trend, but I won’t overdo that. I insist on authentic, honest materials like polished nickel, soapstone, and marble. I will fight you if you want to use quartz! But aside from those guidelines, I follow my clients’ inspirational visions. I want their homes to make them feel happy for many years to come.
At the end of the day, if their home looks like them, not Shea Bryars Design, I’ve won.
Are there colors, textures, or design elements you’re particularly drawn to?
I’m a lover of stripes and plaids — mixing them with a floral is my jam! I love shades of blue with its counterparts, coral and orange. Maybe it’s my Auburn roots. But though those are my personal favorites, I lean hard into the colors my clients love. I often find that I can look in their closets and know immediately which colors they’ll gravitate toward.
What’s one trend you love and one you hope to never see again?
One of my favorite trends right now is the use of color, and I am prayerful that color will stick around for a while. A trend I’m over is the “Amazon living room look.” This world has become so demanding of a quick fix, turning our homes into cookie-cutter, mail-order spaces. Thanks to influencers and social media, people think they can get “a look” on their porch by tomorrow. And you can, but your home deserves better.
Where do you find inspiration?
We have a rich field of designers in the Southeast. I’m inspired by all of their works and love a good design book. (I actually might have a minor book addiction.) Travel is a great way to be inspired because it puts our little personal worlds into perspective, allowing us to see things through someone else’s lens. I’m also deeply influenced by what’s just outside my window, no matter where I am. Nature and God’s creative use of color, texture, and shapes inspire me every day.
If you could design a space with no client restrictions or budget limitations, what would that look like?
I am currently working on a show home and getting a taste of what it’s like to design a home without a homeowner, though there is a budget. If I could design this space with no budget, I would go bananas with fabric and wallpaper! I would source antiques that enrich the space and unique lighting that is found and not ordered. Over the course of my 28-year career, I have worked with a few clients who gave me free rein without restrictions, and it’s a dream! They go down in the client hall of fame.
What’s the biggest design mistake you see people make regularly?
Using a rug that is too small for the space. Trust me, you almost NEVER need an 8-by-10 rug. A good rule of thumb is that the rug should be about 12 inches away from the walls in every direction. Yes, a larger rug will be more expensive, but it’s worth it because you just visually increased the square footage of your space.
What’s one easy thing that instantly elevates a home’s aesthetic?
Change your lighting! First, look for fixtures that are scaled to your home and ceiling heights. Next, layer your lighting with wall sconces (now available in battery-powered versions that can be installed without cutting a hole in the wall), and invest in interesting lamps. Now you’ve created a space that feels intentional and moody.
When you aren’t creating beautiful spaces, where can we find you?
Taking care of and spending time with my family. I have five kids — three of my own and two bonus — ranging in ages from 12 to 22. They keep me pretty busy. My husband and I are foodies and love to eat out. We also enjoy live music and try to catch concerts as often as possible. But even in my downtime, I’m always creating.
I paint for fun (and for others), and I’m always hitting antique stores, reading design books and magazines, and generally thinking through projects at all hours. It’s my passion and in my blood! What a gift to do this for a living.
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Bonny Osterhage
Bonny Osterhage is a professional journalist with more than 25 years of experience in both print and digital media. An avid fitness fanatic, when she isn't exploring the next trending topic, Bonny can be found cycling, running, and leading classes at SolidCore. Find more of her work at Mind Body Green, The List, Business Insider, and more.