With a special knack for making the chicest spaces livable and the most livable spaces chic, Meg White is a Nashville-based designer we are (majorly) crushing on right now. Designing for as long as she can remember, she made it official when she obtained a B.A. in design from the University of Georgia. She is enamored with history, which led her to open and run her antique store Petit Chateau for five years. You can see that passion in her signature style, which beautifully mixes old with new. Today, she designs full-time and boasts an impressive list of clients. Her work speaks for itself, as you’ll see below, and each project impressively pulls the spirit of the client into the room and brings to life a collective vision. Meet, Meg White of Meg White Interiors!
Meg White is our latest Interior Designer Crush!
What led you into interior design? Was there a defining moment when you realized this path was for you?
It all started at an early age for me. When I was a little girl, my mom and my aunt took me antiquing. My mother loved to acquire small treasures and antiques for our home to add that finishing layer. Each time we went, she allowed me to select a small collectible for my room. I had a cherished dollhouse, and I would find special touches to add to it. I loved to rearrange and redesign the space! I picked out wallpaper, furniture, and it even had electricity, so lighting as well. Those were my earliest days of interior design and before I knew it, I was off to study design at the University of Georgia.
What is your design aesthetic?
I have a modern perspective on traditional design, and I enjoy creating layered, authentic spaces with every detail being one-of-a-kind. Incorporating antiques and vintage pieces cultivates a captivating and bespoke space. Mixed with lush textiles and fresh schemes, I strive to create inviting, serene and functional spaces with acquired pieces and pops of bold color to make each project intricate.
I like to think I don’t have much of a formula. At the end of the day, it’s about making my clients happy. Each client’s home is unique and should reflect their personalities while being functional and fit their needs and routine. I treasure my own family pieces, so I prioritize including my client’s family pieces that have a story. When the project is finished, I want the space to feel like it’s their own.
Do you have a favorite room to design? A favorite in your own home?
Easy … family room! You essentially have several different living spaces combined into one room. For example, there can be TV watching, homework area, wet bar, game table and reading nook all in one family room. It is fun to create multiple different seating areas and multiple spaces that can be utilized in one room. Bringing it all together is often the most rewarding part of the entire process.
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This client of Meg’s had tons of her grandmother’s colorful china, from where they pulled much of the inspiration for the home.
White walls make these bright colors even punchier!
Old meets new in this bungalow in 12South.
The soft blush walls create a serene space, ideal for getting ready in the mornings or winding down at night.
You have a passion for history and search for unique pieces to reflect that in your clients’ homes. Do you have any specific finds or neat stories you could share?
I once found a vintage Hermès scarf for a client that had shades of lavender, lilac and coral, and it ended up becoming her entire inspiration for the house. We built everything off of the scarf to create the most vibrant home for my color-loving client!
Another time, I had a client looking for creamware, so I found a vendor and drove out to their warehouse. I dug through bins and bins of creamware. The vendor taught me the history of each plate, and I was able to relay their stories back to my client, which made it so meaningful. It’s worth it to go the extra mile, sometimes literally, while searching for those special antiques.
After owning an antique store for five years, you must have some antiquing tips. Anything you care to share?
Find a reputable vendor and stick with them. I have so many vendors that I contact when I’m looking for something specific. They help me locate it and give me good tips and information.
Do you incorporate antiques into all of your designs?
Yes, I try to incorporate something old and unique into every space. Like an antique glass Murano chandelier paired with new furnishings … each room needs something special to give depth, patina and age. Antiques serve as an exquisite conversation piece because each one has a story to tell.
The dark walls and patterned carpet show that gutsy design choices pay off!
Comfortable and inviting, this family room is still incredibly stylish.
The antique brass candlesticks contrast perfectly with the new brass pulls.
What was your most challenging project to date?
It was, and still is, my own home! I am constantly exposed to so many wonderful things in the world of interior design. Whether it be the newest countertop or fabric, or even the newest artist — I’m in the know about the newest thing. And it never fails … as soon as I settle on something, I find something that I typically like better immediately afterward. It’s easy to make decisions for my clients, but far more difficult in my own living space.
Are there any design trends you are loving now?
I don’t design with trends because they come and go so quickly. If you are going to invest in something, it should stand the test of time!
Within the industry, do you have any specific role models or mentors?
Collins Interiors. They have a fresh take on mixing old with new and a great sense of color. Their elegant twist on traditional style is incomparable! I also love Ashley Whittaker’s use of color and style. And a classic, always elegant, Suzanne Kasler!
Give us your best design tip.
If you have a collection of some small items, group them! It is more meaningful to do so, rather than randomly placed out all over the house.
What’s the most common design mistake you see?
Scale and proportion. These are truly the details that make a home feel warm and hospitable. Everything should be proportioned to the space. Lack of scale creates imbalance and naturally creates a feeling of discomfort. This is where my degree really comes in handy … achieving form, scale and balance requires attentive detail.
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An elegant, neutral entry shows Meg’s versatility in designing for her clients.
… but she certainly isn’t afraid of color and pattern!
We’re also crushing on this high-contrast moment in one of Meg’s recent projects!
What’s your go-to wall color?
I love to do a dark wall or a white wall that can be layered with art and color. For example, Alabaster White or China White. Inkwell by Sherwin-Williams is a favorite dark color!
What about your favorite coffee table book? Candle?
My favorite coffee table books are The Great Masters of Italian Art by Elena Capretti, Defining Luxury by Jeffrey Bilhuber and Veere Grenney’s book. And my favorite candle is LAFCO Celery Thyme.
Do you have any new (on the scene or to you) artists who you love now?
I have always loved Amanda Stone Talley because her pieces invoke a whimsical and colorful feeling. I adore William McClure’s oil abstracts and Angela Simone’s movement and color. And look out for up-and-coming artist Catherine Whitis!
What are your favorite local design resources?
My vendors have Instagrams, and I buy through them all of the time — Kristy Cohn and Charles Hanlon! As for local, I love GasLamp Antiques and the Belle Meade Shoppes.
Describe your style in five words.
Undeniably chic, yet functional spaces.
Thank you, Meg! To see more of her stunning work, visit her website megwhiteinteriors.com. All photography by Allison Elefante of Ruby & Peach.
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