Written by Natalie Aldridge.
There is an undeniable sense of calm that runs through every project by Atlanta-based designer Liz Williams. Since founding Liz Williams Interiors in 1998, the Atlanta-based designer has built a reputation for creating timeless homes that feel as serene as they are sophisticated. After beginning her career at the esteemed Carter Kay Interiors, she launched her own firm with a focus on classic residential design, from new construction and renovations to historic restorations.
Over nearly three decades, her interiors have become known for their elegance, beautiful proportions, and thoughtful sense of scale. Every room feels balanced and inviting, layered with antiques, refined color, and carefully considered details that never compete for attention. We caught up with Liz to discuss the influences that shaped her design perspective, the fabrics and patterns she returns to time and again, and the ingredients she believes every timeless home should have.
We are delighted to welcome Liz to The Glam Pad today for a Style Profile Q&A and a peek inside her beautiful portfolio. Photography by Emily Followill.
Welcome, Liz!
Q: When did you first fall in love with interior design and decide to pursue this career path?
A: I’ve been interested in design for as long as I can remember, rearranging furniture and creating small spaces, even during my Barbie days. But the moment it really clicked as a career path was when I was a student at the College of Charleston. I fell in love with the city and was lucky to live in a charming pink carriage house that I had so much fun decorating on a budget! As a history major, I took a historic architecture class that ultimately sealed the deal, opening my eyes to the connection between interiors, architecture, and bringing it all together.
Q: How do you define your style, and has it evolved over the years?
A: I’d say my style is grounded in traditional design but focuses on detail and adding a surprising twist, whether that’s an unexpected color combo, a unique trim, or more modern artwork. My style has definitely evolved over the years. While I am still traditional, I’m more open now to mixing styles and taking risks to keep the spaces feeling fresh and personal instead of predictable or stuffy.
Q: Growing up, who or what had the most influence over your design aesthetic?
A: My biggest influence growing up was my mom. She loves antiques, beautiful rugs, and collecting porcelain, so I was always surrounded by carefully chosen and special pieces. She worked with a decorator, and I remember looking forward to seeing the selections “Aunt Beverly” brought to her. My own bedroom growing up also shaped my aesthetic. It featured pink and green checked wallpaper, green wicker headboards, faux bamboo furniture, a seashell mirror, floral chintz balloon shades, and grass green shag carpet. I might not mix all of those elements the same way today, but each piece still resonates with me!
Q: What are the key ingredients to creating a home that withstands the test of time?
A: Build a strong foundation by investing in key pieces like rugs, main upholstery, and well-crafted case goods, whether they’re new or antique. These elements will anchor a room for years. Then, use softer, more adaptable layers like curtains, pillows, art, and accessories to refresh and update the space over time.
Q: What are your five favorite coffee table books?
A: Deeda Blair: Food, Flowers & Fantasy, An Affair with a House by Bunny Williams, Gil Schafer: The Architecture of Place, The Big Book of Chic by Miles Redd, and Interiors for a Life in Good Taste by Caroline Gidière.
Q: Do you have any favorite “movie homes” that have inspired you over the years?
A: I’ve always been drawn to movie homes that feel warm, layered, and genuinely lived in. Honestly, anything by Nancy Meyers is a go-to favorite. Her interiors have a relaxed yet polished vibe that always strikes a chord. I probably return most often to It’s Complicated. The house has that effortless California charm, bright, comfortable, clearly lived in, but still stunning. Home Again offers a similar feeling, just a bit more casual. It feels younger and fresher but keeps that same charm and personality. Something’s Gotta Give is everyone’s favorite, and I love it too! I’m always drawn to homes that feel like someone actually lives there, and these definitely do.
Q: When you aren’t busy designing, what do you enjoy doing in your free time?
A: When I’m not designing, I love spending time with my family. Our three children are grown now. One’s still in college in North Carolina, one lives in New York, and one lives here in Atlanta, so whenever we’re all together, it is a treat. We recently restored a 1930s log cabin in Madison, Georgia, which has become a great weekend getaway with our two Labrador Retrievers.
Q: What are some of the interesting changes within the design industry, and/or client requests you have seen over the years? (For example, the end of open concept, more desire for craft rooms/home offices, renewed passion for antiques, etc.)
A: Clients are definitely embracing color again these days, which I really like. Whether it’s softer shades or bolder hues, people seem ready to leave behind gray and neutral palettes and make their homes feel more personal once more. I’m also noticing a strong comeback of antiques. They offer instant gratification, no long lead times or tariffs, but beyond that, they bring a ton of character. There’s a provenance you just can’t replicate, and it immediately makes a space feel layered and lived-in.
Q: Are there any go-to patterns, fabrics, wallpapers, colors, etc. you enjoy incorporating into your rooms?
A: I usually start with a larger-scale print. It sets the tone for the room and gives everything else a direction. I think about the color combinations it provides and which way we want to take it.
From there, I add companion fabrics, mixing scales and motifs so the look feels curated rather than too matched. Jane Churchill stripes and checks are definitely a favorite for this. They offer a wide range of colors and patterns that work beautifully in both traditional and modern settings. I also enjoy including small classic geometrics like Sister Parish’s Burmese, La Fortuna, Clara B, and Tucker.
These add just the right touch of interest and pattern without overpowering the space. I like balancing fresh fabrics with more traditional ones to keep things interesting. I’m also a big fan of animal prints, often using one of the many colorways of Brunschwig & Fils Les Touches. This brings personality and movement, and prevents a room from feeling flat.
I also really love grasscloth wallpaper, and Thibaut has many great options. It adds rich texture and creates a stunning backdrop for art. Whether it’s a solid, variegated color, or subtle pattern, it can totally transform a space. Plus, it serves as a great “transition” paper when adjoining rooms are wallpapered too, helping everything flow naturally.
Thank you, Liz for joining us today!
To learn more, please visit Liz Williams Interiors and follow @lizwilliamsinteriors on Instagram for ongoing inspiration.
x Natalie
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