#circaroadtrip

Design Detour: Linn Gresham

More than twenty years ago, interior designer Linn Gresham painted the original sign that hung on the exterior of Circa’s flagship showroom in Savannah, Georgia. Today, as the Director of Design at both Homeline Architecture & Greenline Architecture, Linn is dreaming up plans for an art deco-inspired hotel (set to break ground on Savannah’s westside in 2022) and curating Tabby Home, an e-commerce shop of small luxuries co-owned by Linn.

Great design takes a village, and Linn relies on a handful of talented locals to ensure that every detail of her projects is finished to perfection. While she wisely keeps the name of her peerless upholsterer to herself, Linn is happy to share her other local go-tos, including Kendall Bowles of Bowles Fine Art for framing, Forsyth Metal Works for a range of custom pieces, and One Fish, Two Fish for all the finishing touches.

RSVP

“The total design emersion at The Grey is as impressive as the food, so I’d love to reserve a big table there for my crew from The Design House: Leah Bailey, Elizabeth McDonald, Lily Brown and Debbie Basnett -- the hardest working, most resourceful and hilarious group of women you can find. I’d also invite Carolyn Hultman of Hultman Interiors, whose legendary taste, class and kindness set the tone for Savannah’s design scene. While I’m at it, I’d invite Circa Lighting’s new neighbors, Asher & Rye -- Joel and Erika always bring the cool -- and my design mentor, Gail Lawrence, who has the best eye for color of anyone I know. After a lovely dinner, we’d head to the Perry Lane Hotel for a nightcap -- my friends threw my 39th birthday party there, and we didn’t leave for days.”

TRY THIS

“I wrapped a sitting room and wet bar in Phillip Jeffries Serenity wallcovering earlier this year-- the willowy scene totally envelops you!”

BRIGHT IDEA

“Most people don’t contemplate their bulbs beyond the wattage, but the type of bulb really matters, particularly when you’re working in an old home. I love using prism candelabra bulbs in chandeliers and open sconces -- their warm glow can take a crystal chandelier like the Elizabeth over the top. Clients flip when they see them!”

SHOP ELIZABETH CHANDELIER HERE

STAY THE NIGHT (OR TWO)

“Bob Christian is a world-class decorative painter and fine artist who transforms spaces using trompe l’oeil, faux bois, and other techniques. You’ve seen his work in all the shelter magazines, and here in Savannah we collaborated on the Hamilton Turner Inn parlor, as well as the boardroom and entry of the Georgia Historical Society’s Jepson House.”

STOP IN

"I can always count on shop owner Jennifer Grayson (of One Fish Two Fish) to have small art works, entertaining accoutrements, gifts and extra layers to make my projects special."