You love Houzz. You love Pinterest. You love to decorate your home yourself, but it’s not always easy to take your ideas and translate them into a finished product when the fabric and furnishings are not all in one place. Lee Robinson, a foremost designer in town, knows this and wants to make it easy for you to come in and pick out anything from furniture, to paint, to rugs. Imagine how Ralph Lauren Home is, where you pick your look and can buy everything that fits that look. Similarly, Lee has developed a concept that organizes and packages everything you need to make decorating decisions yourself.
Now when you visit his business on Clover Lane, there is no more inventory than there used to be per se, but what’s there is arranged in three different rooms, each with its own distinct aesthetic. You will take a survey on an iPad that will ask you questions about what you like, or what your style is. Your answers will help you to pick a style, or to help you mix and match.
Here are the three looks, which Lee named after his sons: the Owsley, the Thruston and the McDowell.
(All images courtesy Lee W. Robinson Company)
The Owsley
Sophisticated, opulent, eclectic—The Owsley Lifestyle is reminiscent of the elegance and grandeur of Park Avenue.
This is the most opulent and traditional of the lifestyles. Think antiques, grand foyers, marble floors and rich, pigmented colors. There is a candle and a fragrance also associated with this line called Hyacinth.
The Thruston
Urban, modern, hip—The Thruston Lifestyle captures the eclectic and bohemian style of Downtown New York City.
Thruston is a clean, modern look, but not devoid of color. Characterized by clean lines, it also has an artistic bent with an attention to detail and texture. The candle and fragrance for the line is Sweet Berry.
The McDowell
Warm, elegant, traditional—The McDowell Lifestyle evokes the historical and cozy feel of the English Hunt Country.
Best described as a Virginian feel, with a nod to horses and Anglophile sensibilities, the McDowell is traditional and comfortable at the same time. Its preppy feel makes everyone feel at home. The candle and fragrance for the line is L’Orangerie.
After determining which look, or which blend of looks you want, then the decisions on how to personalize your space begin. The choices are vast, with over 100 types of fabric alone, not to mention a line of rugs and furniture Lee has designed. Lee and his staff can can also order products from their vendors and service providers.
All of these choices, in a focused setting, let you curate and design your own look without scouring shops all over town or on the Internet — it’s a one-stop shop of design.
The Lee W. Robinson Company is located at 211 Clover Lane in St. Matthews. www.leewrobinson.com
