Alexis Warren blends bold colors, patterns, and thoughtful details to create timeless yet unexpected designs. Recently, she brought her signature style to life by curating a stunning pillow bundle featuring our new Hayes Coral fabric, showcasing her talent for mixing textures and playful color combinations. Follow along to see more!
First off, tell us a little about yourself!
I was raised in Charlotte, North Carolina and attended NC State University in Raleigh. My husband and I made our way back to Charlotte two years after graduation and have been here ever since. We now have a two-year-old son, Davis, and a Goldendoodle, Maggie.
I started Alexis Warren Designs in 2020 and it’s been amazing to see what it has already become. I’ve gotten to work on some really awesome projects and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for AWD. As the daughter and granddaughter of artists, I have always had an eye for and adoration of color and love to play with it in my designs. I enjoy putting twists on the classics, giving them a fresh, whimsical air while remaining timeless.
What does your home say about you?
I am not afraid to take risks and do not play by traditional design rules. I don't follow trends and instead purchase what I love. It is my belief that if you are true to yourself and what you like, everything you pick will work well together. My house is a collection of my life experiences – it is filled with mementos of travels, life events, and reminders of loved ones. I do not shy away from color or pattern and am an avid practitioner of intentional clutter. I believe one’s home is an extension of your personality, and I think this home reflects both me and my family in a beautiful way. It is an older home built in the 40s with a lot of charm and character and I feel my interior design has only added to that!
What drew you to our Hayes Coral fabric?
The color combination and texture was what won me over. I loved how it was different from anything I have been seeing recently. It’s unexpected in the best way – helping to add layers and interest to any room. It’s so fresh and exciting! I can’t wait to see how people style it in their homes.
Walk us through how you styled the pillows! How did you choose which patterns and piping to use?
I knew I wanted to use the Hayes Coral fabric and a fringe so I pulled the Dusty Rose fringe to keep from distracting from the pattern on the pillow. The Emma fabric is a Pepper Home staple and the Chartreuse is a perfect complement to the Hayes Coral. I added in the Citron Velvet piping for an added layer of texture to pull back to the Hayes. With all of the pattern and color in the other pillows, I needed a good solid base which is why I picked the Cosmo Velvet lumbar and with the Walnut Velvet piping to tie back to the small touch of brown in the Hayes Pillows.
How do you approach styling with different sizes? What's your rule of thumb for how many pillows go on a sofa?
When styling a sofa I always start with a 22x22 then layer on a 20x20. Depending on the design I will layer on a lumbar, ball or circle pillow. I like to have at least 4 pillows per sofa with an additional “fun” shaped pillow on one or both sides.
Do you stick to any design "rules" when mixing and matching patterns and colors?
The biggest rule I follow is scale, you need a larger pattern mixed with something smaller or solid, if not it starts to feel too busy. Also pairing whimsical patterns with structural is a good rule – for example a botanical mixed with a stripe. A juxtaposition is needed for it to feel fresh and unexpected, like mixing traditional with something modern. When mixing colors you need a common thread – for example the Hayes pillow has a small amount of brown so I mixed in a brown trim on the solid pillow to tie them together.
Favorite design book?
I am obsessed with the Southern Interiors Book! So much fabulous inspiration.
Color crush of the moment?
Anything yellow!
Wallpaper or paint?
Wallpaper forever–I love texture!
Favorite project you've worked on?
My personal home – you get to take more risks in your own space and really show off your design style!
Love this look? Shop the Alexis Warren pillow bundle!