how a designer creates home
Where Nature & Nurture Meet
Interior designer Allison Willson is known for her highly intentional, comfortable, and organic-feeling spaces—and her care for her work and consideration for the spaces she creates runs deep. When building a farmhouse in the country for her family, Allison knew she wanted it to be a haven. The road to realizing her vision involved a lot of time in an Airstream trailer, camped out in the woods, observing and taking in her surroundings for months on end. The result is everything her and her family wanted.
The primary bedroom exudes serenity, dressed in neutrals. Featuring the Akari Rug, Jalyn Pillow, and Newbury Pillow.
Allison’s designs, as well as her own home, are defined by storytelling.
Color drenching with neutrals keeps the living room airy, yet comfortable. Featuring the Cedric Rug, Brisa Throw, Harrow Coffee Table, Tigard Dining Side Chair, and Frances, Newbury & Lowell Pillows.
In cultivating a space’s story, she relies on the home’s surroundings, its architecture, and the pieces that fill its interior.
It’s a highly intentional, highly personal approach that yields spaces with depth and unmatched comfort.
A warm welcome in the foyer, featuring the Lloyd Table Lamp, Lurra Vase, Ogden Console Table, Paola Rug, and Examination Of The Rose by Tyler Guinn.
I have faith that—if you surround yourself with the things you love—your space will always be a place that feels deeply like home. No matter the style or aesthetic. If you love these things, they likely all go together and add up to something you love.
It’s what she owes her eclectic style to, this belief of letting the things you’re drawn to dictate the way a space feels—rather than follow a strict aesthetic or go all in on a trend.
behind the build
The Farmhouse
The dining room is a focal point, with room for the whole family—and then some. Featuring the Yorkshire Dining Table, Lurra Vase, and Brenna Rug.
When building the farmhouse, Allison and her family spent a lot of time in an Airstream trailer on the property, learning the home’s surroundings—discovering wild strawberries, a bustling Blue Jay population, and where the light fell throughout the seasons.
These observations ended up dictating how the house was built, embracing natural light and generous views to the outside. The interior followed suit, with organic, neutral overtones throughout. Above all though, the home needed to be comfortable and, inspired by the natural world around: quiet and relaxing.
I think our home feels like a deep breath. When we arrive it’s just the most relaxing place to be. And there’s nothing that’s off limits, the kids are allowed everywhere. It’s just made for living and I think sometimes you make some concessions for that, in terms of different fabrics or finishes or whatnot. But I’m also someone who doesn’t mind wear and tear. The signs of real life I think are what makes homes more interesting.
allison willson, interior designer
take-home tips
Allison’s advice for creating a home you feel connected to?
Natural elements rule the kitchen, complemented by the Patrice Rug, Santos Vase, and Gladis Bowl.
