Meet Jason Arnold, Nashville’s New Star

Refined. Elegant. Edited. Nashville-based designer Jason Arnold has made a name for himself by infusing traditional design into modern spaces, while expertly mixing eras to create a sense of timelessness. Influenced but not defined by Southern style, he uses contrast and texture to create beautifully balanced interiors. Explore a few of his recent projects, and get inspired by his Chairish favorites. (Neutrals and classic pieces flourish in his edit.)

SHOP JASON ARNOLD’S CHAIRISH FAVORITES >>>

Tell us about how you launched your design practice. What brought you to designing residential spaces?

I worked for a large design firm for 7 years in Nashville. In 2007, a good friend decided to get back into design and told me that I was leaving and starting a company with her. It was the push that I needed. In 2012, we decided to split the company into 2 separate firms, so I started Jason Arnold Interiors.  

Growing up, my bible was the Southern Living house plan book, so I have always been obsessed with houses. Designing homes pretty much chose me. I don’t know what else I would do!  

You approach the architecture of a space as a collaboration between client, architect, and interior designer. How does that come into play when it comes to designing spaces and choosing materials?

That collaboration is so important and it’s my favorite part of the job. I love architecture, so working with an architect who cares as much about the exterior as the interior is a dream for me. One of the first things that I do when I am handed a set of plans is lay out the furniture to make sure the space will work for my client and their needs. Then we sit down with the architect and decide if we need to tweak a room size or door/window placement to fit the way our client wants to live in the house. After the plans are established, we move to finish materials, and I like to discuss those details with the design team to make sure the DNA of the house is cohesive. The most successful projects are born from a collaborative team that respects each member’s strengths and expertise. No egos allowed!  

You have a distinctive color palette that is often grounded in warm, neutral tones. How does that influence your approach to layering colors, patterns, and styles? Any tips for color combos that you love or ways to layer textures?

I am always drawn to contrast whether it be in color, texture,  pattern or scale. The old saying that opposites attract also applies to design. Some favorite color combos include off white, camel, black, and olive green, and I love blue and green together. Every room needs a touch of black and stripe!

Tell us a little bit about your approach to vintage. How do you like to bring antique and vintage pieces into your projects? 

I like to bring them in organically. Sometimes we may find a piece before we have even broken ground but usually we find them as the project is progressing. I also have a shop in Nashville that we can pull from, as well as a warehouse where I store things that I have collected over the years. If I see something that I love, I buy it and it usually finds home.

Your work seems to have such a thoughtful approach to the finishing touches of a space, like lighting and artwork. Any tips for incorporating lighting into a room? And/or choosing art? 

I love lighting and it can make or break  a home. I am always amazed at how many homes I walk into and there are no lamps! You can never have enough lamps in my opinion. A lot of homes today have tall ceilings, so to bring the room down, you need lower lighting like lamps. I also prefer sconces versus overhead lighting any day. The key to lighting is having different levels and, yes, that includes candles. I have pillar candles in glass cylinders all over my house…..nothing can beat that level of lighting. 

As for art, buy what you love and what speaks to you. Art is so personal and really tells your story when people visit your home. Of course, I love buying vintage and antique art, and I also buy art when I travel.  That’s such a great way to start a collection.  

Where do your biggest inspirations come from? And how does living in Nashville influence your approach to art, design, and culture in general? 

My biggest inspiration comes from just paying attention to my surroundings and being curious. That can be in travel, driving around town, people, architecture, books, Pinterest. Right now, my living room is scattered with design books that I am poring over for different project. I wouldn’t say Nashville itself influences my design, but you can definitely see a southern influence in my style.

ON CHAIRISH & VINTAGE PIECES

What do you find most compelling about Chairish?  

That you can search for anything and find it! As I said, I love the thrill of the hunt but sometimes time is not on your side and Chairish is an amazing resource.  

How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage? 

For years, I never viewed vintage buying as recycling but it really is. As the disposable furniture industry has exploded, I think buying antique and vintage is so important and it’s unique.  

A FEW DESIGN FAVORITES

Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room? Repetition. I love a series of vintage drawings covering a wall or hung in a horizontal line. A room and the upholstery done in the same  stripe is so striking to me.  

Favorite paint color? Sherwin Williams Polished Mahogany.

Favorite piece of decor in your home? Red Lacquered French Curved Desk.

Favorite style icon? Tom Ford.

Design destination every creative should visit at least once? Marrakesh, Morocco.

A FEW LIFESTYLE FAVORITES

Favorite vacation destination? Cape Cod.

Favorite hotel that’s inspired your work while traveling? Hotel Duc de Saint Simon Paris.

Favorite hostess (or thank you) gift? A handwritten thank you note and you can never go wrong with chocolate.

Favorite flower? Oak leaf hydrangea.

Favorite entertaining essential? A good mix of friends and conversation.

Lead Image: Interior Design by Jason Arnold, Photography by Haris Kenjar.