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California Dreamin’ An Interview with Lee Ann Thornton 
Where did you grow up? What influences did you have growing up that made you become a designer? Growing up around many friends and families in the entertainment industry, I was exposed to a very stylized and developed aesthetic. People live very well-styled and groomed lives in LA. Without knowing it I was tracking design at a very early age. What would you consider your design style? I think I bring a fresh, comfortable and warm-hearted approach to a traditional look. I love working with antiques. English and American are my favorites. I feel that an antique can give the room a polished feeling and anchor everything else around them. Fabrics are my passion. I always start with the fabrics and the furniture with accessories to follow. I use a lot of blue in my décor. I guess I love the way a blue sofa looks on a sisal rug next to a gorgeous antique table. I also love the use of flowers in décor; fresh cut roses hopefully from one’s own garden is a must in a room. Did you bring some of the West Coast design to the East Coast to share with us? Yes, most definitely! I like to think that I have been informed by both lifestyles. My style is a compilation of where and how I have lived. I have always been drawn to classic traditional East Coast form, but energized with a lighter West Coast sensibility. Often, I will combine a traditional High Boy, grass cloth for the walls and a fun linen patterned window covering. It all seems to work well together while never feeling forced. Living on the West Coast, my family and I spent a lot of time in the garden, so having wonderful comfortable outdoor furniture around beauty and tranquility inspires me. The color palate of one’s garden influences the interior design. Although I miss my yearlong season, the vibrant four seasons in Greenwich give me plenty of color to work with! 
An all white kitchen gets its personality from a custom bamboo Paul Ferrante lighting pendant that hangs above the Calcutta marble island. Kitchen stools, in apple green leather create a place to have a quick bowl of cereal.
How long have you been designing? I have been in the design business 8 years. How do you define "home"? Taste, functionality and comfort. First and foremost “a feeling.” 
Crate and Barrel chair in the kitchen, fabric by Quadrille, is a great spot to have a cup of coffee while flipping through a cookbook.
A custom oversized chaise is a perfect spot to read or nap. The pillow is by John Robshaw, lamp by Ralph Lauren.
What are some questions you ask your clients before you begin a project? I like to get to know how my clients live day-to-day life. I need to know what rooms are most important, where does everyone hang out and how they want their house to reflect their personality. I always ask what people collect. For example, my husband and I collect English Hotel Silver, antique books and William Yeoward crystal. I can’t even imagine designing a client’s house without incorporating their collections. 
A chocolate Brown Spitmiller Lamp anchors a corner of the room.
This young family spends a lot of time at this vintage bamboo game table in the sunroom. Chairs are by McGuire.
What can you tell about a person when you walk in a room? I can always tell the attention to detail a client will want by the look of the client. Everyone thinks the designer inspires the client, but it’s the client, their home and collections that inspire the designer. Who are some designers that have influenced your work,and how? Michael Smith, who has the ability to bring comfort and elegance to a room is an inspiration. He has an East Coast look that is not cliché nor is it predicable. My good friend, Windsor Smith, has a clean, preppy, yet eclectic sense of style. Suzanne Rheinstein has incredible taste and sophistication is given to every detail. Always Sister Parish for her clever way of making Americana design incredibly interesting through color and wit. 
A seaside home's family room in cool blues. Refreshing fabrics by Benison, Raoul and George Smith are used to create a charming, yet modern feel.
The breakfast nook is where this family enjoys a casual dinner or breakfast on a Sunday morning. Fabrics are by Quadrille and Navy Chairs by Design within Reach.
What are some trends we should look out for in design? Any particular colors? If there is any trend to look for it’s “bending the rules.” That means taking a classic traditional home and adding splashes of high-powered color. I love the idea of a contemporary chair done in lovely English chintz or an English club chair done in a modern geometric patterned fabric. The contrast just works. How does your home design reflect in what you wear? Start with quality! My home looks like me! I love cashmere in a throw blanket on a sofa or as a sweater. Linens and leathers as well. You will find in my closet updated classics just like my home. Who is your dream client and why? I admire clients who don’t want to play it safe within the context of a traditional theme. Also, client involvement is key: I work best when there is a team effort when it relates to picking out fabrics and choosing colors. I am happiest when my clients love their home and use it generously, opening it up for friends and families. That is why I love what I do, to create a place for a family to make memories. Lee Ann Thornton • Thornton Designs LLC8 Grigg Street • Greenwich, CT 06830203.485.0322 • leeann@thorntononline.com |