Talk Shop: Whitney McGregor // Whitney McGregor Designs

ABOUT WHITNEY

Since founding her eponymous firm, Whitney McGregor has been dedicated to translating her clients’ visions into layered, storied homes. With a background in fine art—studying plein air painting in Provence and honing her sculptural eye at a liberal arts college—Whitney brings a classical sensibility to her work, seamlessly blending history, artistry, and function.

Recently dubbed a "grand millennial" by The Wall Street Journal (a title she wears with pride), Whitney is known for honoring tradition, geography, and the architectural integrity of every home she designs. Her approach is equal parts thoughtful curation and intuitive layering, resulting in spaces that feel deeply personal yet effortlessly timeless. Her work has been featured in Veranda, Garden & Gun, Southern Living, Country Living, House Beautiful, and The Wall Street Journal. Based in Greenville, SC, she is currently designing homes nationwide. We loved chatting with Whitney about her design philosophy, love of tradition, and the art of layering a home—enjoy the conversation!

Describe your style in three words or less:

Curated, livable, and layered.

What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:

My mom and her insistence on exposing my siblings and me to the arts.
Living in France.
Domino magazine!

How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:

I started my company by accident. I had no intention of doing this for a career, but I started doing it in my own home, and people started asking for my help. It was a long journey from then to now—about 14 years. I learned a lot of lessons on my own, figuring things out the hard way. I have such an emotional attachment to the idea of home that probably comes from being displaced, moving a lot, and not having my own space as the youngest of three being raised by a single mom. I love making a safe, comfortable, and inspiring space for people. It was my driver then, and it's what still keeps me going now.

Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:

I've had so many people offer wisdom over the years but never had a true design mentor. My people aren't fancy. My parents and grandparents didn't hire decorators, so I didn't have the luxury of those connections. I emulated designers I loved until I developed a voice of my own. I would still love to have a mentor, though, so if anyone reading this would like to 'adopt' me, I am available.

What does your home say about you:

It says, "Toot toot! Hot mess express! Comin' through!" My house is so neglected. We've been ambivalent about this house since we moved in six years ago. I was pregnant with my third, and we were living in a 1,400-square-foot house. Southern Living came to shoot it (it was darling!), and right after they left, a quite pregnant me said, "We're moving." We sold the house a few months later and found my current home in a hurry. It was not our style at all, but I was so grateful that we did it because COVID came a little over a year later, and we had so much space to spread out. We still struggle with the style of the house and whether or not we should fix it, change it, or embrace it. In the meantime, I've been chipping away with caution, one room at a time.

Where do you find inspiration:

My kids are my most favorite humans on the planet. Seeing the world through their eyes inspires me. Life is more fun with them.

Who are your style icons:

Martha Stewart. I recently watched her documentary, and it blew me away. What a queen.

What are your key ingredients for entertaining:

First, don't wait until things are perfect to host. Don't wait until your house is just right or the flowers are blooming or whatever it is! Do it now. And then, once you do, be prepared in advance so that you can enjoy the company and not have to worry.

Photo by Read McKendree

Do you collect anything:

Ha. I collect everything. I'm a magpie of the highest order. Seashells are a big one. My kids and I take our seashell hunting very seriously. We all goggle up and get down in the water for hours looking for special shells. We also collect feathers and butterfly wings. We say that every feather we find is a message from loved ones who have passed because birds are Heaven's messengers.

Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:

My favorite accounts are gardening, real estate, and memes. I don't know how to garden, but I love to watch other people do it. And I'm a total house nerd. I love looking at the inside of houses that weren't decorated by professionals. I get so much inspiration from it!

What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:

The rule I always follow is probably "form follows function." If a room doesn't work for how the client wants/needs, then I don't care how pretty it is.

I think any rules about what paint colors to use in small spaces vs large spaces are garbage. Every space is different, and, unfortunately, none of those rules are right all the time.

What are you working on right now:

We're working on homes in Highlands, NC; Washington DC; Athens, GA; Spartanburg, SC; Wilton, CT; Tampa, FL; and Lake Keowee, SC. We have an upcoming project in NYC that has us all very excited.

Wardrobe staples:

I love a button-down shirt. Give me a great pair of relaxed-fit jeans and a button-down. I could wear this every day.

Favorite fabric/wallpaper:

This seems to change every month. There are so many artists putting out amazing work right now - it's overwhelming. I love almost anything by Bennison. I could put Chinese Paper everywhere. It's my absolute favorite.

Best interior advice you ever received:

Everything can't be a 10. There are players in every room, just like in a painting or a film. Not everything can have lead character energy.

Best career advice you ever received:

Stop doing your own invoicing. You will price emotionally if you're the one with a relationship with the client. Hiring someone to do your billing should be your first hire if you're new to the business.

Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:

I invest in pieces like sofas, mattresses, and appliances! Things that need to work and that you spend a lot of time using. I love splurging on art, too, but I also am not snooty about where it comes from. If it's beautiful, then who cares!

Your greatest extravagance:

I'm a water snob. I'm embarrassed to admit the extent of it, so I'm going to leave it at that!

Favorite places to shop for home:

Chairish! I want to do a whole house with just my Chairish favorites.