The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Design team creates balanced, livable interiors
Don Easterling’s designs lean toward the traditional and practical. Nina Nash, with her love of fashion and travel, brings a more edgy look. Together, the two Atlanta designers create interiors that are balanced, curated and livable.
Designers & background:
DE : I grew up in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina (home of TV’s Vanna White and designer Kelly Wearstler), and graduated from Clemson with a marketing and management degree. My first design job was at ADAC (Atlanta Decorative Arts Center) in sales at Hamilton House.
Two years later I went to Beverly Hall, where I worked for 22 years as a senior designer. I have been with Mathews Furniture + Design for nearly six years.
NN: Originally from Connecticut, I have lived in Atlanta for more than 15 years. I have a fine arts degree from Reinhardt University and another degree in graphic design. After college, I interned for an ad agency in Atlanta before landing a summer stint as an interior design assistant.
That summer position landed me an opportunity at Beverly Hall, where I met Don. Since 2010, we have worked together at Mathews Furniture + Design as designers and buyers.
Where you have seen our work: Showhouses, including the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Decorator’s Showhouse & Gardens (spring 2015) and the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Southeastern Decorator’s Showhouse & Gardens (spring 2016).
Also in magazines, including Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles; Atlanta Magazine; The Atlantan; and Interiors Atlanta.
Design pet peeves: Wrong scale of furniture in a space. Also heavy, over designed and ornate furniture.
Current design obsession(s):
DE: Neel Reid architecture (I live in one of his homes built in 1911). Also landscape design, especially English gardens. NN: Asian influences, such as chinoiserie and bamboo pieces, which mix well with contemporary décor for an elegant approach.
New (or re-emerging) designs we like:
DE: English, French and Italian pieces, which I have always loved. Also antique or reproduction Starburst mirror, wallpapers, granny florals, tortoise shell pieces and mahogany in smaller doses and mixed with other styles to make it modern and relevant today.
NN: Opulent color, including deep, rich greens and blues from peacock to sapphire. Also prints, like chintz and delicate damasks.
… and looks we are glad to see go:
DE: Trendy, modern furniture and super-industrial styles.
NN: Weighty, replica Country French furniture.
Biggest mistake made on the job:
NN: Let a client’s dog outside, and he jumped in the pool in the middle of winter. And recently, impaled a piece of original art on a lamp finial.
… and biggest mistake homeowners make:
DE: Trying to save money by purchasing cheap furniture online.
NN: Following fads, especially with large pieces of furniture.
Favorites
■ Blogs/websites: DE: South Shore Decorating; Cote de Texas; and The Peak of Chic. NN: La Dolce Vita; Sincerely Jules; Mark D. Sikes; Song of Style; and The English Room.
■ Instagram@ : DE: suzannekasler; milesredd; alexsviewpoint; cbrandoningram; christopherspitzmiller; and atlantabeltline. NN: vogueitalia; simplymorocco; elledecorationuk; maisonvalentino; and bpatrickflynn.
■ Magazines: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Veranda and Garden & Gun. Also Elle Décor; Domino; House Beautiful; and Traditional Home.
Favorite pieces in our homes
DE: Antique blue and white Chinese porcelain and my collection of English and French antique oil paintings.
NN: My old and new interior design and photography books.
What we collect or can’t stop buying:
DE: English tea caddies and antique clocks.
NN: Shoes, plus artwork and photography from friends. And Don forgot to mention Clemson merchandise.
Latest project: The loggia at the Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Holiday House Showhouse through Dec. 11.
What’s next: A country club in Alabama; a second home in Canada; and a multi-story outdoor residential space in Brookwood Hills.
Find Don Easterling and Nina Nash at
Website: www.mathewsfurniture.com Instagram@: doneasterling and ninamarienash The home tour in Buckhead runs Thursdays through Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays, from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. through Dec. 11. Tickets are $25 at the door. Proceeds benefit Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta. For tickets and information, visit AtlantaHolidayHome. com.