Thomas Puckett, the Manhattan-based interior designer and Winner of Best of Houzz 2016 and 2017 Service Award on his Columbus upbringing, style inspiration and design secrets.

By: Roberto Caligaris | Photography by: Robert Granoff

Interior designer Thomas Puckett's designs are anything but average. His fresh take on color and scale breathes new life into classic lines and furniture. Thomas established his company, Thomas Puckett Designs, to create welcoming homes and landscapes characterized by sensual restraint. He strives to bring an understated elegance and rich sensorial experience to both interior and exterior spaces. SVM sat down with Thomas and talked about how he got into this profession, his design philosophy and his favorite plants to use in landscape design.

You are originally from Columbus and now living in New York. How did you get into this profession? My father was in the Army, so we moved about 12 times in the first 20 years of my life, basically every one or two years. Fortunately for us all, my mother is an interior designer! I was amazed how she would always transform the generic Army- issued ‘quarters’ into a real home. Often, she would use the same furniture from the last house but rearrange it for the new space. She pulled me into moving the furniture around, and then into discussions about what worked where. It was an invaluable lesson in imagination, problem solving and style. Through her, I learned the language of volumes, shapes, weights and colors and how to put them together into a coherent message that was inviting to people. As she grew her business, I would sometimes accompany and help her. Finally, later in New York, friends asked me to “help them” with their home in the Hamptons. I thought they meant choose paint or a sofa, but they kept asking more questions. Finally they said, “Thomas, we want you to design the entire house.” That’s when a light went off in my head, and Chip - my business partner- and I launched our business, Thomas Puckett Designs.

Do you have a particular design philosophy? How would you describe it? Designers hate admitting they have one, because they are afraid it makes them sound inflexible and they won’t get any more clients! I admit I do love comfortable inviting rooms, clean lined furniture and soothing color palettes. I almost always feel the need for something elemental from nature, like wood or stone to bring in a touch of soul.

What interior space—anywhere in the world, designed by anyone—inspires you? Why? Definitely Grand Central Station. The space just feels good. I love the combination of the classic architecture juxtaposed with the romantic elements of travel. And that amazing star-studded ceiling with gold painted constellations! Still takes my breath away.

How does color influence the way a space makes you feel and why is it so important? Colors are visual noise – some harmonize and some compete, so you want to bring them together thoughtfully. I rarely use colors in their purest, boldest form. I like to break colors a bit so they are softer, richer, more ethereal, deeper- just not straight up in your face. I think this makes spaces feel more inviting and dimensional and leaves room for people.

What is your biggest pet peeve about design-related reality shows? That’s a great question! They are certainly a fixture of our world and can be addictive. I’m a fan of the high-low mix, but when everything is low quality it’s a channel changer.

You are also a well-known landscape and garden designer. What is easy to overlook when designing or maintaining your outdoor livingspace? Furniture does what you tell it to. Plants are alive and have a mind of their own. They will always do something unexpected- lose a limb, grow crooked, over propagate, die or even worse- not die and just languish! So you have to think about a garden not as “done” but as “happening now.”There are two kinds of gardeners- collectors and designers. Collectors find the varieties of plants irresistible and want to celebrate and enjoy one of everything. Designers create a cohesive space where nature and people come together and enjoy each other. I’m a designer.

What are your favorite plants to use in landscape design? Evergreens, definitely! I love evergreens. They are so diverse, variously textured and look great all year long. Every garden I design looks lush even in the winter, and then brings out her party dresses in the Spring, Summer and Fall.

Summer days in the South can be challenging. What easy ways are there to make our gardens inviting for summer? If you think the South is hot, go visit Dubai! They use water features to bring a sense of coolness to the eye, skin and ear and dappled shade versus solid shade to create shelter. White, pink and blue colors are cooling versus red and oranges. The number one cooling element has got to be water. It's primal.

One of your latest works was to design the interior of Spring Harbor. How did you get involved with this project? I often visit my parents who live at Spring Harbor. That’s how I met the management there. When they launched the renovation, they sent us an RFP. We did a “soft modern” makeover, using transitional furniture and updated fabrics and materials, but in a softer, lighter more optimistic color palette. Brighter lighting, too. It’s been truly gratifying to see the residents come together more in the newly redone spaces to build community and connection! SVM

THOMAS PUCKETT