Spread over 4,000 pristine acres in the Great Smoky Mountains, Blackberry Farm has become a must-visit destination for elevated, luxurious takes on classic American design. One of the people responsible for that enviable evolution is Jason Bell, Design Director for Blackberry Farm Design, who’s involved in most elements of the sprawling property’s aesthetic development. In his role, he oversees the brand’s residential and commercial design work, alongside the Blackberry Farm Design collection itself, helping to take the property to the next level while staying true to its warm, welcoming ambience.
We spoke with Jason about how he got his start with Blackberry Farm, how it’s has changed over time, and how each space at the resort is a world unto itself. See what he had to say below, and shop a selection of his stylish Chairish favorites for a taste of Blackberry Farm’s one-of-a-kind Southern hospitality.
Shop Jason Bell’s Chairish Favorites >>>
Shop Jason Bell's Chairish Favorites
Tell us about how you became the Design Director of Blackberry Farm. How did you first get involved with them, and how did the relationship grow?
I first became involved with them during the early stages of planning and designing Blackberry Mountain. I was brought on to spearhead the design of that new property, and it was an amazing adventure. Once the Mountain project wrapped, we moved on to another property project at High Hampton in Cashiers, North Carolina, along with many private home projects both on and off property.
How would you describe Blackberry Farm’s design aesthetic? How has the design style changed since you came on board?
The aesthetic varies depending on which property we are speaking about. Blackberry Farm is quintessential, classic American style with vernacular Appalachian elements. It is timeless, comfortable, elegant, and luxurious. Blackberry Mountain, on the other hand, has a more modern aesthetic with some rustic elements—and all enveloped in the incredible beauty of the Smoky Mountains. But no matter which property we are looking at, our focus is always on creating chic, comfortable spaces for our guests to enjoy.
Each room and area at Blackberry Farm is unique. How does your design approach vary when it comes to designing new spaces at the residence?
Our design direction on property is affected by so many factors: the architecture of the space, the use of the space, the history of the space, and the view from the space. All of these components have an effect on where the project begins and where it goes.
For residential projects, the approach is often driven by the homeowner and what they bring to the table: their life experiences, their travels, items they have collected, and their aesthetic preferences. They are often the driver of style and color direction.
You are known for hiring local East Tennessee artisans and makers to the design team. Tell us about your process for finding local talent and why that is important to you.
We make it a point to try to recruit from several southeastern schools with design programs that we have strong connections with. And we like to start that process when we can, even before someone graduates, by having interns from these schools to see who might be a good fit. We also love to work with local artists and makers whenever we are able.
You oversee the farm’s residential and commercial design projects, as well as the curation of the Blackberry Farm Design Collection. Is there a type of project that you like best?
Residential projects and commercial projects are both always exciting and a welcome challenge. When it comes to commercial projects for Blackberry, it is a different process than working on residential, because our proprietor, Mary Celeste Beall, becomes the client. We are always looking to do something new and interesting, while at the same time continuing the legacy and maintaining the spirit of Blackberry.
In contrast, the residential projects that we get the opportunity to work on always have a specific location and a specific owner attached—and this creates the interesting challenge of how to approach each project completely differently each time.
On Chairish & Vintage Shopping…
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
There are so many great things that we love about Chairish: the vast variety of pieces, the ability to make wish lists, and great filters for searching the site. But I think that the thing that most stands out is the amazing concierge service that we get as interior design clients.
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?
We love using vintage pieces in our work, whether these be pieces we have found on a trip to Round Top or a piece from a client’s own personal collection. Mixing these pieces in with modern or newly purchased pieces adds life and a sense of history to a home.
What are three of your favorite pieces on Chairish now?
I love this Vladimir Kagan Serpentine Sofa; this Paolo Buffa Dining Table; and this DeSimone Wayland Wall art composition.
Shop Jason Bell's Chairish Favorites
Some Design Favorites…
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room:
Wallpaper on the ceiling
Favorite iconic piece of vintage design:
A bureau à Gradin—one of the gorgeous antique writing desks with tiers of small drawers and pigeonholes built over the desktop surface.
Favorite paint color:
Swiss Coffee by Benjamin Moore
Favorite piece of decor in your home:
A vintage Pernilla lounge chair designed by Bruno Mathsson
Favorite designer or artist from the past you most often turn to for inspiration:
Favorite style icon:
Karl Lagerfeld
Design destination every creative should visit at least once:
Paris
Some Lifestyle Favorites…
Favorite vacation destination:
Harbour Island
Favorite hotel that’s inspired your work while traveling:
Favorite restaurant:
Strip House in New York
Favorite small museum:
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow:
Graydon Carter’s Airmail Weekly
Favorite hostess (or thank you) gift:
Something vintage
Favorite flower:
Calla lily
Favorite adult beverage:
Manhattan
Favorite way to unwind at home:
Napping in a hammock
Favorite entertaining essential:
Espresso martinis
Lead image: Ingalls Photography
