Get to Know Interior Design Darling, Jonathan Savage

Get to Know Interior Design Darling, Jonathan Savage

The South is a more beautiful place because of Jonathan Savage. Bridging traditional and contemporary styles to create memorable, art-driven designs, the renowned interior designer has been gracing us with his aesthetic for decades.

Jonathan built his career in New York with a prestigious firm specializing in residential projects in Manhattan, the Hamptons, and nationwide. Then, in 2010, he founded SAVAGE Interior Design. His most recent projects include a new book that offers a glimpse into his exquisite work — from Nashville to Rosemary Beach, FL, Kiawah Island, SC, Palm Beach, FL, and even London, England. Get to know our longtime Interior Designer Crush, Jonathan Savage!

A person wearing a beige blazer over a yellow shirt stands in a living room with geometric decor, bookshelves, and a large plant. A person wearing a beige blazer over a yellow shirt stands in a living room with geometric decor, bookshelves, and a large plant. Pin
Meet Jonathan Savage of SAVAGE Interior Design! Image: Douglas Friedman

We’ve been following your career for a long time, but tell us a bit about your background for good measure.

I was born and raised in Tennessee. I graduated from the O’More School of Design in Franklin, TN. Since then, I have served on the board and headed the alumni committee. After years in New York City working at a design firm, I found myself back in Nashville in 2010 and have called it home ever since. I have worked mainly on residential interior projects throughout the country, and I opened a second office in Palm Beach in 2022.

How did your Southern upbringing influence your design style, and how has it changed over the years?

I was raised in the utmost Southern-style home. As we do traditional design today, most of our work features clean lines and varies between transitional and modern styles.

We’re excited for your new book. Tell us all about it!

The Savage Style features eight chapters that showcase my work throughout the years. The chapters focus on eight interior projects ranging from Nashville to Palm Beach to London. Much of the work in the book has never been seen before, even on Instagram. I can’t wait for you to get your hands on the book and take a flip through it yourself.

A minimalist dining room features a round table and six chairs. A large piece of wall art and an indoor plant complement the white-walled room. The text "Jonathan Savage: The Savage Style" surrounds the image.A minimalist dining room features a round table and six chairs. A large piece of wall art and an indoor plant complement the white-walled room. The text "Jonathan Savage: The Savage Style" surrounds the image.Pin
Even if you follow Jonathan on Instagram, you likely haven’t seen most of the gorgeous designs in his new book. Image: Savage Interior Design

What’s your favorite design project in the book, and why?

Part One of the book, “The Savage Way,” walks you through all the bits and pieces that make up a home. I feel this particular chapter is the most educational read you’ll find in the book. Unlike most design books, I wanted people to understand my thoughts on design. It ranges from architecture and walks you through the front door to the back of the home while giving examples of each room throughout.

What piece of design advice can you offer to elevate our homes?

The first impression is everything, so make your front doors count! Whether it’s a pop of color or a beautiful wood stain, first impressions matter, so choose wisely.

A modern living room designed by Jonathan Savage features large windows, white walls, contemporary furniture including armchairs around a white coffee table, greenery in a vase, and wall art.A modern living room designed by Jonathan Savage features large windows, white walls, contemporary furniture including armchairs around a white coffee table, greenery in a vase, and wall art.Pin
Through his use of art, texture, pattern, color, exquisite materials, and his own experiences, Jonathan infuses each project with his design magic. In this living room, for example, he merges cozy comfort and modern art. Image: Douglas Friedman

What is your favorite space or design element in your own home, and why?

In both of my homes, I refer to my bedroom as “my chambers.” My chambers consist of a living space and a sleeping space combined into one. So, whether I’m catching up on sleep or relaxing with my favorite book, it’s a place I can unwind and do both.

What is currently influencing your designs?

As cliché as it may sound, travel. I [was just] in Paris, shopping in the flea markets and procuring beautiful objects and treasures for clients, which always seems to make an impression on my projects.

Two patterned chairs beside a black table with a metallic hand sculpture, a white vase with white flowers, and a modern lamp in a well-lit room exude the sophisticated touch of Jonathan Savage.Two patterned chairs beside a black table with a metallic hand sculpture, a white vase with white flowers, and a modern lamp in a well-lit room exude the sophisticated touch of Jonathan Savage.Pin
Patterned chairs offset the modern vignette of a coffee table at Jonathan’s Nashville home. Image: Ross Group Creative
Modern kitchen with a white island, white chairs, and pendant lights. A cutting board with vegetables sits on the island. Cabinets and appliances are along the walls with a window in the background.Modern kitchen with a white island, white chairs, and pendant lights. A cutting board with vegetables sits on the island. Cabinets and appliances are along the walls with a window in the background.Pin
A pristine white kitchen with pops of color sets the stage for comfortable, contemporary living in London, England. Image: James Belston

You work on a lot of projects across the South. When you return home to Nashville, what do you look forward to most?

Being with my dog Artie and making the best reservation I can find. The food in Nashville is unreal!

If you could capture the essence of your design aesthetic in five words, what would they be?

Timeless, curated, collected, intentional, edgy.

A spacious, elegant living room with large windows, beige seating, and a grand piano. Featuring modern art curated by Jonathan Savage on the walls, the room showcases chandeliers, a fireplace, and a blend of classic and contemporary decor.Get to Know Interior Design Darling, Jonathan SavagePin
Timeless designs, indeed! Image: Zeke Ruelas
A vanity desk with a large framed mirror, two black lamps, decorative items including a red flower, and an artistic wallpaper featuring large leaf patterns on the wall behind it.A vanity desk with a large framed mirror, two black lamps, decorative items including a red flower, and an artistic wallpaper featuring large leaf patterns on the wall behind it.Pin
With moody colors and unique artistic embellishments, this space wows. Image: Douglas Friedman
A modern living space showcasing a black console table with a rectangular table lamp, a bowl of green spheres, and a purple flower arrangement. Above it, an abstract wall art piece captures the eye.A modern living space showcasing a black console table with a rectangular table lamp, a bowl of green spheres, and a purple flower arrangement. Above it, an abstract wall art piece captures the eye.Pin
Jonathan’s affinity for art transcends — particularly in his own Palm Beach residence. Image: Ross Group Creative
A living room scene features a wooden table with a white lamp, a black dish, and a geometric ceramic sculpture. The background showcases an artwork on the textured wall.A living room scene features a wooden table with a white lamp, a black dish, and a geometric ceramic sculpture. The background showcases an artwork on the textured wall.Pin
A thought-provoking vignette grabs attention on a sitting room end table … Image: Ross Group Creative
A luxurious backyard pool area with lounge chairs, black and white beach balls floating in the water, surrounded by palm trees and a two-story white house with tall windows.A luxurious backyard pool area with lounge chairs, black and white beach balls floating in the water, surrounded by palm trees and a two-story white house with tall windows.Pin
Summer is here, and this pool in Rosemary Beach, FL, is calling to us in a big way — mainly thanks to Jonathan’s design influence! Image: Ross Group Creative

LIGHTNING ROUND!

Best travel spot for inspiration? Istanbul

Favorite color to incorporate in your designs right now? Black

Favorite local artist? Kit Reuther

Favorite boutique for gifts or decor? Nashville’s new Schumacher store

What was your most recent memorable meal, and where were you? Monaco Yacht Club — pommes frites with caviar dipped in crème fraîche!

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Jenna BratcherJenna Bratcher
About the Author

Jenna Bratcher

Jenna Bratcher is StyleBlueprint Nashville’s Associate Editor and Lead Writer. The East Coast native moved to Nashville 16 years ago, by way of Los Angeles. She is a lover of dogs, strong coffee, traveling, and exploring the local restaurant scene bite by bite.


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