Tucked inside Nashville’s L&L Marketplace, on Charlotte Avenue, there’s a home decor store that feels like the cozy living room of a well-traveled friend — layered, charming, and filled with stories. It’s called Daphne, and it’s the namesake of owner Will Joyce’s mother. She encouraged her children to embrace life’s quirks and celebrate what makes them unique. That philosophy radiates through every corner of Will’s shop and design style.
A Design Journey Rooted in Nashville
Will’s interior design journey started in 1996 at Ethan Allen in Nashville. He went on to spend 17 years at Sprintz, honing his craft, learning the ins and outs of sourcing, styling, and what truly speaks to a home. “I always wanted my own shop,” Will shares. “And in 2018, I decided if I didn’t jump into this booming Nashville economy, I might never do it.”
That leap of faith became Daphne, which opened in 2019, just before the pandemic. Like all things home-related, during COVID, it thrived. “People were investing in their homes again,” he says. “It gave me the chance to create a space where everyone could find something they love.”
Unapologetically Personal Style
Will’s design eye favors the bold and layered. “I love color, pattern, and texture,” he says. “I never embraced the gray-on-gray trend. I like when a room reflects personality — not something that looks like anyone could live there.”
That philosophy carries over into how he buys for Daphne. “The safest things I buy sit here the longest,” he laughs. “But bring in a bold floral sofa? It sells. People connect emotionally with pieces that stand out.”
He encourages customers to design for themselves, not their sister-in-law, best friend, or what’s trending on social media. “If it makes you smile when you walk in the door, then it’s the right choice.”
A Store with Soul and Discovery Around Every Corner
While most of the pieces at Daphne are new, Will curates them to feel storied. A chest with an antique finish, a pair of revamped boudoir lamps he turned into works of art, and even a vintage Vanderbilt physics lab table with loads of character are all examples of his unexpected finds (that table was arriving the next day – but I saw photos!). “I’m always drawn to pieces that feel a little weirdly wonderful,” he says.
There’s also a strong local thread running through the store. Nashville artist Robin Wolfenden’s cyanotype prints — created by laying foliage on sun-sensitive paper and letting nature do the work — adorn note cards, wine bags, and large-scale art. Another local artist, Marla Faith, brings silk-based collage wall hangings to life with mixed media and ancient Buddhist art references.
And don’t miss Will’s creative wall hack — a whimsical cluster of vintage-looking postage stamp stickers that artfully covers nail holes and adds a dash of surprise.
More Than a Store — A Designer’s Playground
For those who wander in needing just the right finishing touch or furniture for a new space, Daphne is only the beginning. Will is an interior designer with access to nearly every major furniture line — even the elusive high-end ones. But here’s where his experience shines: “Sometimes I can get something for half the price just by knowing the right vendor to call,” he explains. And, he passes those savings onto his clients.
He approaches design as a true collaboration, guiding clients toward spaces that reflect who they are. “If I can get in the door and pull what they really want out of them, that’s where the magic happens,” he says.
Why You Should Visit Daphne Today
The shop feels a bit like a European apartment layered with history and color. “One of my inspirations is that crusty wall from The King’s Speech — the way texture builds over time,” Will says. “I want this store to feel like that, full of layers and life.”
Whether you’re looking for a unique accent piece, a conversation-starting sofa, or the perfect gift, Daphne delivers an experience far beyond a typical retail outing. It’s where design feels joyful, approachable, and just a little bit fearless — like the best homes always do.
Say hi to Will, as he’s usually in the shop. Just don’t be surprised if you lose track of time talking about color, cats, quirky art, and the beauty of mixing old with new. Because at Daphne, the design is personal, and that’s exactly what makes it so special.
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