Talk Shop: Lee Ann & Allie Thornton // LEE ANN THORNTON INTERIORS
ABOUT LEE Ann AND ALLIE
Lee Ann Thornton is one of the most well-known designers today, so it’s no surprise that her daughter, Allie, would be joining her firm to work alongside her mom. Lee Ann Thornton Interiors believes in creating homes that are filled with meaningful furnishings and charming details that bring joy, comfort, and inspiration. Lee Ann started her firm over twenty years ago, and Allie joined in 2016 for the mother-daughter duo to take the helm of their boutique firm. They approach their work with a warm and thoughtful sensibility. Having spent part of their lives on the West Coast, a bi-coastal sensibility is present in their body of work. They are known for their personal process, beautifully layered interiors, and passion for every facet of the home. Their work has been featured in magazines like House Beautiful, Coastal Living, Luxe, and others. We were thrilled to sit down with this duo, and hope you enjoy our latest Talk Shop, which Lee Ann and Allie answered together.
Photo by Read McKendree
Describe your style in three words or less:
Pretty, inviting, and thoughtful.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
1. Ralph Lauren Interiors from the 80s — big country houses filled with brilliant classic American design
2. Growing up in Los Angeles, CA
3. Living in Greenwich, CT
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
It began organically after I moved to Greenwich from Los Angeles. Friends were asking me to help them with their homes as they were drawn to my bi-coastal style, an element that still deeply permeates our work. My favorite thing about what we do is that we are able to help create an inspired environment for families and their loved ones where they can truly relish all of the meaningful elements that make our lives beautiful and functional. We believe in celebrating the every day and a well-designed home can do just that.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Mentors come in all forms. Some of my fondest mentors are dear friends who taught me the importance of all things home, particularly the intersection of home, cooking, and entertaining.
What does your home say about you:
That we don’t take things too seriously, adore beautiful things, and cherish creating memories with family. A sense of home must be welcoming and happy — with the garden and margaritas in arm’s reach!
Photo by Read McKendree
Where do you find inspiration:
Just about everywhere. I have at times found traveling to be a huge inspiration but I can find inspiration through design books and of course, the Instagram design game is very strong.
Who are your style icons:
Ali Mc Graw & Emmanuelle Alt (who doesn’t love her street style?)
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Many of my clients will ask this question! A house well stocked with the following collections: China, linens, serving pieces, baskets, and candles.
This way, at a moment’s notice you can be ready for any sized get-together and present some of the most simple things in a lovely, welcoming way.
Do you collect anything:
Yes! I’m an avid collector. I adore my Hotel silver, my China in all different patterns, beautiful Table linens collected on my travels, and William Yeoward crystal gifts from family and friends.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
Too many interior designers to mention in addition to Ariel’s, of course.
For architectural elements: @Champagneandchinoiserie @gpschafer
For cooking: @thecooksatelier (bucket list experience!) and @laurent.dagenais
For gardens/flowers: @willowcrossleycreates
For style: @stylinginparis
Photo by Read McKendree
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Rules are tricky so I try to stay true to designing spaces that we love and believe in.
What are you working on right now:
Lots of fun stuff right now! A few renovations and one complete ground-up build. We have a couple of projects that are more decorative-centric in scope which always adds a nice variety to the flow of our full-service work. In addition, we are also building out the consulting arm of our business. Stay tuned for more on that front!
Wardrobe staples:
Blue denim jeans, white jeans, dark jeans, wide-leg jeans! Blue and white striped blouses, white ruffled, eyelet tops, and plenty of navy blue cashmere turtlenecks mixed with my favorite luggage-colored sandal. In the winter, my luggage-colored boots. I always have a cream cardigan over the shoulders during the summer and a blazer over the shoulders during the fall.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Tough one! I adore Coleman and Fowler Bowood, as well as anything by Bennison and Soane.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Work with clients you share the same vision as. The best clients will implicitly trust you.
Best career advice you ever received:
The above! It’s rather simple but incredibly powerful.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Always invest in good quality sofas when you can, in addition to dining tables and chairs. Things can always be recovered but if you buy well once it will last. I believe in saving on rugs. I’m a big fan of sources like Dash and Albert that carry great runners and area rugs that can be layered onto sisals etc, their price points are really great.
Your greatest extravagance:
My collections of hotel silver, and Chinese and French linens.
Photo by Read McKendree
Favorite places to shop for home:
Hudson Grace has amazing China, serving pieces, candles, and wonderful soaps plus a great collection of hotel silver pieces. I bought my husband the most wonderful silver martini shaker for Valentine’s Day. Having lived in California, The Pasadena Market & Hollyhock were staples, in addition to John Rosselli Antiques, which is responsible for many of the pieces in our home. Although his shop is now closed, his niece has now opened an incredible selection of pieces with Antiques & Artisans Gallery, in Stamford, CT.
Most prized possession and why:
A beautiful blue and white pitcher from England that my dear friends gave me. It’s one of a kind, sentimental, and practical… What can be more prized?!
Your interiors motto:
Make it pretty, make it cozy!
Your life motto:
Be kind to yourself and others, life is short.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Start by blending your favorite colors and patterns and take a little risk, you won’t know what works until you’ve tried it.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Mexican — my homemade lime tortilla chips and guacamole are beyond delicious!
Drink: In the winter season, martinis, and in the summer, a margarita!
Film: Most romantic comedies, but Notting Hill is a top 5!
Hotel: Carlyle Hotel in NYC. A classic.
City: London
Bedding: A combination of D. Porthault and Leontine! I like the mix of patterns and texture on a bed.
Pretty floral shams mixed with monogrammed cotton, plus adding pique coverlets really make for a well-layered bed!
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): We buy fresh Italian beans from Lazza. Our nightly routine is to prep the beans and coffee for the morning so every morning at 6:30 the house is filled with the best aroma! A classic girl at heart I love a splash of half and half always in my favorite Portuguese mug — blue and white obviously.
Playlist: James Taylor and Nancy Meyers Kitchen (it is a great playlist on Spotify).
Weekend Activity: Pilates, Farmer’s Market, and a date night with my hubby.
Design Book: Anything by Gil Schafer!