Anyone who keeps their eyes open in the design world needs little to no introduction to the beautiful work of interior designer, Tobi Fairley. Tobi is blazing a trail of her own. With bold touches and a signature Southern flair, her charming spaces lure you into craving more.
Tobi and I became blog friends a while back. Although we've never met in person, I always feel her charisma and warm personality in our emails back and forth. She's got spark! Today she joins us to chat about design. Welcome, Tobi.
SS: I would describe my design style as…
TF: I like to call my style feminine, innovative.
SS: My secret design weapon is…
TF: Bold fabrics, especially damasks and large scale geometrics and other over-scaled prints.
SS: I am inspired by…
TF: Color and Pattern
SS: My current heart-throb light wallpaper is…
TF: I love the silhouette wallpaper “Clarendon” from Osborne and Little [pictured below] in all colors and also the Schumacher wallpaper Chenonceau especially in the charcoal color way. And like everyone else, I love every color of Kelly Werstler’s Trellis pattern!
SS: One fabric that has recently caught my attention is…
TF: The green version of Celerie Kemble's Hot House Flowers (color Verdance)
SS: My current favorite paint colors are…
TF: Both by Sherwin Williams: a pink shade called Angelic and a Gray tone called Pearl Gray.
SS: One design rule I like to break is…
TF: I love technology so I love to leave Television’s exposed!
SS: You would never catch me shopping for…
TF: I am not crazy about Asian influence…but never say never.
SS: You will always catch me shopping for…
TF: Hickory Chair—I use it in most projects because I love their designs and they have a ton of custom options. Plus I think the price point is affordable to most of my clients!
SS: For me, the perfectly designed home always has a…..
TF: A purpose for everyone room! I am sad when clients have rooms they never go in.
SS: My favorite room in my own home is…
TF: Aesthetically I love the Entry Hall (because of the wallpaper) and my living room because it is so fresh and light. Functionally I use my family room and bedroom the most.
[Tobi's entry hall]
[Tobi's living room]
SS: My favorite design book is…
TF: Kelly Wearstler’s Modern Glamour
SS: My design hero is…
TF: All-time… Dorothy Draper for her furniture and lighting silhouettes, David Hicks for his geometrics. Modern Day…Jamie Drake for his bold use of color.
SS: I cannot live without
TF: Christopher Spitzmiller lamps! I would put them in every room.
SS: I add simple beauty to my home by…
TF: keeping Fresh flowers especially peonies and country roses.
To get a bigger dose of Tobi's fresh, Southern style, click on her website right here. Or go see some of her design thoughts on her blog right here.
[all photos courtesy of Tobi Fairley Interior Design]
I‘m Seleta, a city girl living the beach life with my husband, fabulous four offspring, happy horses and frisky fur babies. A former TV personality turned Designer, I love to share the sparkly side of life. Read more 
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I adore Tobi’s style. It is so inviting, warm, while light and crisp!
Beautiful.. Love her work!
Lovely! I am a big fan of the green!
I’ve been a fan since the first time I saw her living room.
Lovely
wow her work is fab!! I am still new {to design blogs}, and learning about her!
I would go into any of those rooms and never want to leave!
Bright, happy spaces!
pve
I love her use of over-scaled prints…it’s one of my favorite things about her design work. Those wallpapers are to die for – esp. the Schumacher. I also think I need to own one of those Spitzmiller lamps – they’re amazing!
Thanks for the interview Seleta!
This makes me want to re-do my whole space. I love the black-patterned wallpaper and chest in that entry.
I also want one of those pick cupcakes…from earlier.
she is just INCREDIBLE… SO much energy and such bold patterns yet so simple!!
WOW
i love this idea seleta!!! more more more!! ;)
Seleta,
thank you SO much for the very flattering interview. I very much appreciate all your wonderful compliments and praises and those of your readers. I have to say that you have the most kind and generous people posting comments on your blog. That probably says a lot about you! I have enjoyed our email interactions as well and I look forward getting to know you more!!
xoxo Tobi