Designer Crush: Chuck ChewningI get so excited when I come across a good Q&A interview, don’t you? They feel off-the-cuff and spontaneous, like you’re having a real convo with someone. You know my love for SCAD and everything Savannah – I am a proud hometown girl after all – so imagine my thrill at being asked to interview one of SCAD’s most celebrated graduates, Chuck Chewning! I don’t even think I tried to play it cool.
Chuck is a leader on the world stage of interior design and architectural preservation (and a dashing redhead), and will be speaking at the upcoming Cathedral Antiques Show in Atlanta which runs from February 5 – 12. He is based in Savannah, where he owns Charles H. Chewning Interiors.
Historical restoration intrigues me because… I am a lover of all history and I believe restorations not only restore the physical property but its place in culture and society which tells our story.
Favorite modern convenience not found in historical homes? Insulated windows and doors
Favorite historical element not found in modern homes? Imperfections – a sign of hand craftsmanship
Least favorite current design trend? Design by Pinterest
Mistake people commonly make in interior design? Scale
Favorite colors at the moment? Persimmon, apricots and orange corals
Favorite room in a house? A library
Favorite cocktail? Negroni with gin – I lived in Milan for 3 years and was introduced to them there. Now they have become popular in the states. New Orleans has something similar called the Sazarac.
Best place to shop on a budget? Zara Home
Favorite place to shop if money were no limit? Ralph Pucci
Most sentimental treasure you’ve collected across the years? Artwork from my dear late friend Donald Locke
Go-to hostess gift? Chocolat by Adam Turoni chocolates in Savannah – he was just named one of the top ten chocolatiers in the United States.
If I weren’t a designer, I’d be… a meteorologist. I am fascinated by weather – I love a good storm!
What I love most about Savannah Its historic pedestrian urban planning of 22 squares surrounded by gorgeous townhomes
Best thing I learned at SCAD How to excel with passion
The Cathedral Antiques Show is a festival of art, antiques and floral and interior design held annually in Atlanta to benefit a designated charity. The Show is a major outreach project sponsored by the Episcopal Church Women of the Cathedral of St. Philip.
Engaging Experience with Antiques • Talks & Signings • Fabulous Flower Festival • Tour of Homes • Gallery of Contemporary Art • Gardening Boutique • Young Collectors’ Booth
Architectural Digest AD100 designer Alexa Hampton
Restorer of Venice’s Gritti Palace and design director of Studio Rubelli Chuck Chewning
Former White House floral designer Laura Dowling
Flower magazine editor-in-chief Margot Shaw
The Cathedral receives no funding from the Show: all of each year’s net proceeds are given to the beneficiary organization. The 2017 Cathedral Antiques Show beneficiary is First Step Staffing.
First Step Staffing is a nonprofit staffing agency that works to secure steady and sustainable income for individuals transitioning from homelessness through job placements and wraparound support services. First Step has a record of leveraging gifts to make an outsize and lasting difference in the lives of our fellow Atlantans.
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