Roger Higgins
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live?
I would love a home in a cool, historic city like Charleston or Savannah. You’d also probably find me very happily ensconced in a remote cabin on a mountain in North Carolina. I’d love a place that feels completely private but is also close to an international airport…
What are three words to describe your style?
Classic
Comfortable
Appropriate
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? Growing up, I had a bunk bed with red corded bedspreads from JCPenney and scratchy, cotton sheets with monkeys on them; and, of course, a red, bound piece of carpet to coordinate. Consequently, today I would never do a red bedroom.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? My first investment piece was a Knoll shelter arm sofa upholstered in a tone-on-tone beige stripe. It’s an eternal classic.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be? John Saladino, Steven Sills or Henri Samuel
No room is complete without: good lighting!
People think of me as traditional but I am really more collected and eclectic (though that word is overused). I start with a classic base and then add personalized elements that feel appropriate for the families living in each home. Sometimes the end result is more traditional; other times it feels unexpected and even quirky.
Things you omit from
A flower arrangement: Floral foam, Baby’s Breath, and Gladiolus
An hors d’oeuvre platter: Bacon-wrapped dates. They take me back to my childhood and the funeral home my father owned. It’s a very long story…
A bar cabinet: I’m not a fan of Scotch but understand that it is a staple in any well-stocked bar.
A song for
Dinner at home: Give me background jazz for everything; all the time.
Working at your desk: A good playlist shuffle on Apple Music
Going for a run: That would never happen ☺
Biggest Vice? Daily Diet Coke and swearing at the terrible traffic in Nashville. I’m sure I’m not alone in that.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? I would bid at antique auctions until I spent all I had. Or shoes.
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? Yes! I always start with a classic base (white shirt, good shoes, tailored pants) and accessorize depending on the occasion.
Who is your star crush? I’m not sure if it qualifies as a “crush,” but I would kind of like to be Ryan Gosling.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? I wouldn’t do neon lights as art, but when I see others implement it tastefully, it’s unexpected and artistic.
What design book do you find yourself going back to again and again? Element of Style. It shows the architectural and decorative details that are appropriate for different styles—whether it’s millwork, tile work, or window shades.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? I really just want to know that I’ve made people happy and comfortable in their homes.
A Few Favorites :
Movie: Is it creepy if I say, Silence of the Lambs? Or anything with Ryan Gosling ;)
Book: I find myself drawing instead of reading, at the moment. It’s my favorite way to relax.
Scent: Jasmine
The fabric you always come back to: Chester Wool in opal from Schumacher
Dream project: Restoring an old house with incredible architecture for a client who enjoys that as much as I do.
Meal: Any and all seafood
Drink: A Grey Goose martini with vermouth, garnished with a pickle and an olive.
Hotel: Le Sirenuse in Positano
Travel Destination: All of the places I haven’t been…
Artist: This might be too difficult to narrow down. I’m often drawn to artwork for the way in which it completes a room. That can be a Calder mobile or a simple sketch.
A cause near and dear to me: One of my favorites is Alive Hospice in Nashville. It’s near and dear to my heart. I’m also drawn to any organization that advocates for architectural restoration and preservation.
Thing to collect obsessively: Match strikes and artwork of all shapes and sizes.
Era in the history of design: The Belle Epoque era. It seems that there were often no budget constraints when it came to interiors and architecture. More was more, but the estates were designed for slightly more contemporary living.
Museum: I love Museo del Prado in Madrid and Musée d’Orsay in Paris; but any historic house museum will do!
Paint Color: Gray Area from Sherwin Williams. I’m not a gray paint person, in general, but Gray Area transforms depending on what you put it next to. I find it incredibly versatile and usable.
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: Anyone who makes me laugh
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs… We have two: Maybelline and Edna.
