Haskell Harris brings an intimate, storytelling approach to design, blending Southern charm with modern flair. With over two decades of experience in the design world, she continues to inspire through her work as a consultant, author, and curator of thoughtful spaces. Follow along as Haskell shares an insight into her design philosophy and how she styled our Beatrice curtains!
First off, tell us a little bit about yourself!
I’m Haskell Harris and I’ve been a market and style editor for over twenty years, including my longtime stint as founding style editor at Garden & Gun magazine in Charleston, South Carolina. In the last few years I’ve also taken on a few other creative projects including starting my own consulting firm to help female-led brands and to also write my first book and start a Substack newsletter called Gander. Lots going on these days!
You recently released your first book! What inspired you to write The House Romantic?
It was a love note to all the houses I’ve lived in and to my friends and design heroes in the style world who come at homes the same way I do—namely a personal, meaningful, layered point-of-view. I’m very proud that it features all women and that it feels like a book of short stories as much as it does a decorating book.
What makes a house a home to you?
Generally just a feeling of comfort. Tons of books, really wonderful bedding, a garden, a friendly, purposeful kitchen with a stocked pantry and fridge, and a place for everything.
What drew you to our Beatrice curtain?
I loved that the embroidery had a bit of weight and heft and I knew it would hang and move beautifully.. I hung them as high and as close to the molding as I could (both the panels and the bamboo blinds) to draw the eye up and highlight the high ceilings in the living room.
We love how you styled Beatrice with the chair upholstered in an Ottoline fabric. How do you approach mixing and matching patterns?
I love how fun-loving all the Ottoline fabrics are. These chairs belonged to my grandmother and I’ve recovered them a million times in different houses and wanted to try to work with the Ottoline print I used on them in my last house. I love mixing the squiggly striped Beatrice embroidery with the doodle-y Ottoline print. I think they play well together. And even if I switched up the wingback fabric again or did a totally new upholstery situation in this room, I feel like I could work with the Beatrice fabric on the drapery panels really easily again.
As you continue to renovate and decorate your home, how do you stay true to your style and avoid falling into design trends?
I just like comfortable, happy houses and I don’t think they ever go out of style!