Ashton Taylor Interiors have been shortlisted for the Ski Chalet Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. Read more about Owner & Principal, Ashton Taylor Oberhauser, below:

---

Name: Ashton Taylor Oberhauser

Company: Ashton Taylor Interiors

Position within company: Owner / Principal

Website: ashtontaylorinteriors.com

Tell us a little about your background in design:
My first experience in the design industry was 11 years ago interning for a residential design firm in New York City. I fell in love with the project opportunities in the city that I came back again the following summer to intern for Jamie Drake. After graduating from Georgia Southern University with my Interior Design Degree, I became an international fabric buyer and moved into the luxury transportation side of design, designing Private Jets at Gulfstream Aerospace and often times assisting in the design of Gulfstream’s global design centers. This job had extensive travel and continuous interaction with the world’s top entrepreneurs. When you are surrounded by such inspirational people, it becomes contagious. It pushed me to want to build something of my own. Through that experience, I learned how to offer an unparalleled experience in design but wanted to take it a step further by diversifying my portfolio and doing so under my own name.

How would you describe your personal design style?
Bold, Collected and Unexpected. The goal for the spaces we design is to always evoke emotion by providing our client with a design that functions specifically for them and by finding pieces that have their own personality or story. Rhythm has always been the design principle I am intrigued most by… How your eye trails across a room and which journey it takes. I believe a room can offer a small exploration for its inhabitants and guests.

Where does your design inspiration come from?
My eyes are always open to receiving inspiration. Sometimes it is in the form of a fabulous gown shown on the runway at New York Fashion Week, but it can also be as ordinary as a piece of broken glass that’s cracks are just proportioned awkwardly enough that I find it interesting. I have been lucky enough to travel extensively and the textures, scents and motifs from those trips typically get inventoried in my brain until the perfect project comes along.

In what direction do you feel that design is moving towards in a general sense?
I am seeing a welcomed distaste for big box store retail. Vintage and Antique pieces are becoming more accepting of millennials than they have been in the past. Open concept floor plans are phasing into more dedicated rooms. I believe this is happening due to Covid19 and the havens each of us need throughout the day.  

Name five key themes to consider when approaching design in 2020 and beyond.
Single use spaces, embracing color and pattern, pieces from mixed periods, more natural and lived-in finishes, getting away from grey

If you could offer one piece of advice when it comes to design schemes, what would it be?
Use the client as your muse and don’t second guess yourself. If it seems like you’re pushing the envelope a little too far, then it’s probably where it needs to be.

How important are The International Design & Architecture Awards?
It is an opportunity to network and get to know designers from around the world and see how trends are forming in different cultures. Especially with the halt on travel, I am eager to see how other country’s aesthetics have evolved.

What projects are you currently working on?
To name a few – a custom new-build in the infamous Tanglewood neighborhood of Houston, Texas that blends an old-world European shell with the contemporary lines of Italian silhouettes throughout. Also, A renovation of a historic home in the River Oaks area with an eclectic design and playful interior personality.

What was your favourite project to work on and why?
It’s still in the works and once complete, I can’t wait to share.

What was your most challenging project to work on and why?
I was an interior designer for Gulfstream Aerospace before starting my firm and private aircraft interiors are some of the most challenging projects I have experienced. The regulations and lack of extra space means problem solving is at the forefront of every aesthetic. The codes for using materials also provide a different set of challenges and have a huge impact on safety. Every selection is triple confirmed.

Which products/services could you not live without when designing?
Vintage and antique furniture, unique textiles, and dedicated workrooms with representatives that make your day to day so much more fluid.

What are your aims and goals for the next twelve months?
To diversify our portfolio with a commercial or retail project.

Final thoughts; tell us a little more about yourself and your daily inspirations:

Your most treasured possession?
My husband and my record collection and vintage console table record player. It has brought us the most joy during dinner parties.

Your favourite holiday destination?
French Riviera

Your favourite hotel, restaurant & bar?

• Hotel: Perry Lane – Savannah, Georgia (Where I tied the knot this past year!)
• Restaurant: Nobie’s – Houston, Texas
• Bar: State of Grace for Oysters and Martinis

Your favourite book, film & song?

• Book: Where the Crawdads Sings
• Film: Almost Famous  
• Song: Your Song – Elton John

Your favourite food and drink?
Japanese Nigiri and a Gin Martini

Your favourite way to spend an afternoon?
Outside whether it is running or reading

If you weren’t a designer, what would you be?
A country music star

Ashton Taylor Interiors have been shortlisted for the Ski Chalet Award in The International Design and Architecture Awards 2021. 

---

design et al only work with the world’s leading designers.

If you think you have what it takes to complete in The International Design & Architecture Awards, submit your application by clicking here.

How to Apply  /  The Categories