What makes a house truly feel like a home? The job of an interior designer is to bring life and style to a space that complements those who live there. Interior decorator, Ashley Holt, is a renowned Columbus designer bringing homes to life right here in Columbus. Ashley is known for her classic, elegant, style and her talent to mix old and new styles, and her exquisite eye for original pieces.

By Ellison Nation Lykes- Photography by S. Saxon

Ashley Holt is a true Georgian, through and through as she graduated from the University of Georgia with a BA in interior design. Ever since the opening of her design firm in 1992, Holt has gained popularity and is held in high regard for her creative work.

She sat down with SVM to talk about how she got in the line of work, her interior style, and the most important aspects when decorating and designing an interior.

How did you get into this field and how did you know this is what you wanted to pursue for a career? Well, when I look back, I believe it was because of my exposure to the design realm through my great grandmother and my grandfather; they owned King's Interiors in Columbus. I chose to major in Interior Design at the University of Georgia, I’m sure due in part to their influence; however, I did waiver in my chosen career path because I got spooked that I might starve! I expressed this concern to my counselor and the solution was a dual degree in design and public relations.

My first job out of school was indeed a Public Relations position. I assisted the VP of Callaway Gardens who just happened to be in charge of an extensive renovation project of the property’s inn and rooms. I acted as liaison between the interior design firm they hired and management which really did give me the bug. I opened Ashley’s Interiors – now AFHinc. - in 1992 and 30 years later I still love what I do.

Which design trends are you most excited about in 2022? Color! Welcome back!

When the budget is limited, what are the priorities to make a house feel like a home? The least expensive thing you can do to transform a space is to paint so I would always keep painting in the budget. I also encourage my clients to reuse and repurpose pieces they already have. For example, you can slipcover or reupholster existing furniture,or use a traditional piece in a non traditional manner. Personally, I use my antique dining room table to hold my book collection since our formal family dinners only happen twice a year.

How would you describe your interior style? I like the mix of old and new. I prefer not to be stuck in one century or style. That being said, many interior designers have a branded style that is unique to them but for me I act more as a guide for my clients. I strive to create a home that reflects my clients tastes and interests – if I’ve done that at the end of the day then I’ve been successful.

What is your favorite book/magazine on design? How about your favorite site? My favorite magazine is World of Interiors – it exposes one to many different cultures and spaces. Everything doesn’t look the same, like many design publications. My favorite website is of course Afhinc.com but a close second is the Quintessence blog.

Designers like to say there are no rules. Do you agree? I would say that a little differently– one must know the rules first before one can effectively break them.

Given that you love to use one-of-a-kind pieces in your projects, we’d love to know what is your own most-treasured possession? This is a hard one because I immediately think of my paintings but on second thought, I would have to say that my mother’s tole flowers are the most precious things to me. They are physically beautiful but what makes them so dear is that each one has been given to me by someone she knew. They just seem to find their way back to me through people she touched and that’s priceless.

What kind of things do you find to be the most important aspects when decorating and designing an interior? If you are creating in any way, whether it be art, architecture, music, or interior design the Principles of Design are the same – Balance, Scale, Contrast, Pattern, Movement, Rhythm, Emphasis, and Unity. These are the elements that take a space from being average to being exceptional. As a designer, I get to translate these principles for my clients and together we create a beautiful home.

My mother’s tole flowers are the MOST PRECIOUS THINGS to me. They are physically beautiful but what makes them SO DEAR is that each one has been given to me by SOMEONE SHE KNEW.

- Ashley Holt

ASHLEY HOLT