Talk Shop: Sherrell Neal // Sherrell Design Studio
ABOUT SHERRELL
Growing up in Houston, Sherrell Neal spent countless hours on remodeling jobs and workshops in the family business during her childhood. That’s where she developed an interest in the process and began writing her own design story—the story of any home becoming a luxury retreat. When we first saw Sherrell’s work on Instagram, we were smitten. Her portfolio boasts as a great eye for the small details that make a space come together, and a strong execution of patterns. Not to mention, she is absolutely lovely!
Sherrell believes that a thoughtfully designed, comfortable space dramatically improves the lives of those who live in and visit it. This idea motivated her to follow her dream of studying design and later found Sherrell Design Studio. Since 2016, Sherrell has been creating and transforming spaces into beautiful homes. With an interior design degree from The Art Institute of Houston, this Allied ASID member is consumed with details and has a heart for quality and craftsmanship. Her award-winning style is elegant, timeless, and delivers a subtle, natural, southern sensibility. You'll find her creating something new out of something old, or something unique out of something ordinary. We loved chatting with Sherrell, and hope you enjoy our chat, too!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Timeless. Southern. Romantic.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
Without question...The American South, European travel, and classic film.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
After a couple years of interning, and doing entry-level design work, I ended up working for a production home builder. It was during client design meetings that I would constantly be asked “Are you available to help us after our home is built?” or “Are you doing any design work on your own?”. I ended up putting together mood and color boards, and creating stories. My confidence was quickly built by their reactions. One of my builder clients hired me to do their home, and there was no looking back.
As a designer, you’re always problem solving. Even when the job is just starting, if there weren’t problems to solve, there wouldn’t be a need for the designer. I look at every project from the perspective of turning the problems around. I love the process. I love sharing ideas that I know my client hasn’t explored. It’s the science behind the design process. I’m an analyst, and a process-oriented thinker. This feeds that part of me.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
I’ve had many professionals offer encouraging advice since I’ve become an entrepreneur, including family and friends. My father has been my greatest influencer and mentor. It was at the end of my sophomore year as a Biology major at the University of Houston, I realized design really was what I wanted to pursue in life. I studied Interior Design while also working full-time in the Oil & Gas industry, so I can’t say that I was ever looking for a mentor to guide me through “how to get a job”. I was already beyond that point, mentally. I shadowed my father on many projects growing up. He was a great teacher as a businessman and craftsman. The job site really was my training ground. After graduating from design school, he hired me to do drawings or specify materials. I’ve always known I was created with a different set of skills and one day would start something of my own, both of my parents nurtured that.
What does your home say about you:
Our home would most definitely say we’re collectors of antiques, and that we create what we can’t find in the marketplace. It’s a comfortable and thoughtful home.
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere! Not to sound cliché, I just enjoy traveling to new places and absorbing the culture, the food, the design shops, and art. It all gets stored in my visual library, until I find the right project to use it. I like to use layers of pattern in projects when I can, and I sometimes look at menswear for inspiration. The pocket square, the socks, the buttons on a dress shirt or lining of a suit jacket all have details you can illustrate into interiors.
Who are your style icons:
I love the versatility of Solange Knowles and Tracee Ellis Ross.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
You can’t have a great entertaining experience without good food, great company, and excellent coffee after a meal.
Do you collect anything:
My husband would tell you that I definitely collect too much art! (lol). Last year I started collecting creamware, and old wooden mantle clocks. I’m always on the hunt for things to love.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@secretsofahostess, @harlemtoilegirl, @jessicabuckleyinteriors, @oandsltd, and @soph_isticatedstyle.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Always Follow: A home should tell a story, feel cohesive, and be visually connected.
Made to be Broken: All the rest!
What are you working on right now:
Ongoing projects across the Houston area, and even a few of my own at home I’ve had more time to finish. I have to say I’m okay with turning the designer brain off and making time for myself. Proactively building a new sense of community with people whom I admire, and sharing “real life” highs and lows.
Wardrobe staples:
I’m a blazer person. A nice pair of leather sneakers will last me through any long workday. During the summer heat, I have a number of cotton percale button down shirts I live by.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Make it functional first, and pretty will follow.
Best career advice you ever received:
You can’t be an expert in everything. Learn to ask for help.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
No question - invest in quality furniture and lighting. Save (if you must) on bed linens and rugs. They’ll endure the most wear and tear anyhow.
Your greatest extravagance:
Custom furniture and travel.
Favorite places to shop for home:
I like small-town antique and gallery shops I’ve found while traveling. Etsy and Chairish are online sources for just about everything home.
Most prized possession and why:
My life experiences. They have molded and shaped who I am today.
Your interiors motto:
Buy what you love and let your home be a reflection of it!
Your life motto:
Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass” - Psalms 37:5
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Develop your own narrative by first dissecting what you like and why. Give your style time to evolve. Curation takes time.
Take Ten: My Favorite...
Food: Seafood Grits at Magnolias in Charleston
Drink: Lemonade with fresh mint
Film: Rear Window
Hotel: Mount Juliet Estate, Kilkenny
City: Beaufort, SC
Bedding: Always white, and I think Matouk has something for everyone!
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee. No contest! Americano. Hot, with cream and a little sugar.
Playlist: French Cafe On Pandora. Favorite Podcasts.
Weekend Activity: Cooking with my husband. Relaxing at home.
Design Book: Anything by Phoebe Howard.
