DESIGNER DIALOGUES - ROBIN RAINS OF ROBIN RAINS INTERIOR DESIGN AND ANTIQUES
The goal of interior design, as I see it, is to create a space that weaves together surface-level aesthetic beauty with the richness and depth of a client’s personal story and style.
With this in mind, designers go out into the world to find furniture, decor, lighting, and more that feel right for the unique space and story they are trying to create. It is not as simple as identifying a particular style and selecting the first piece that fits it well enough. Instead, it is a process of uncovering unique elements that fill a particular niche, often blending traditional design styles with unexpected juxtapositions. In the end, when everything comes together, you get a home that feels as unique and beautiful as the people who live there.
Today, I am thrilled to introduce you to Robin Rains of Robin Rains Interior Design and Antiques, whose work beautifully demonstrates the art of creating spaces that feel collected, layered, and deeply personal. With a love for natural materials, layered textures, contemporary art, and pieces with a history to tell, Robin has developed a design style rooted in warmth, restraint, and storytelling. Her experience sourcing and selling antiques has become an integral part of her work, allowing her to bring together pieces from different periods and places in ways that feel both unexpected and entirely at home.
Throughout our conversation, Robin shares more about her design philosophy, the stories behind her love of European antiques, her new showroom at the Nashville Design Collective, and the importance of designing a home around the way its inhabitants actually live. We hope you enjoy getting to know Robin and her thoughtful approach to creating beautiful, meaningful homes.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR DESIGN STYLE, AND HOW HAS IT EVOLVED SINCE YOU FIRST BEGAN INTERIOR DESIGN?
I prefer neutral palettes, natural materials, layered textures, and pieces with real history. I love mixing styles and creating a home with a feeling of warmth and restraint, rooted in storytelling. I have evolved immensely since I first began working as a designer after getting my degree in interior design.
I gained valuable knowledge and confidence from watching and learning from past employers. I worked for an architect and designer early in my career in Longview, Texas. He taught me the value of architecture and how to listen to the home when designing it. After moving to Nashville, I worked for many years for a design firm and furniture showroom. I learned so much about design, furniture, customer service, and how to run a business. I also started buying antiques in France with this company. I fell deeply in love with antiques and the entire buying experience.
YOU SPEND TIME SOURCING ANTIQUES THROUGHOUT FRANCE, BELGIUM, AND SPAIN. WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO EUROPEAN ANTIQUES, AND WHAT KEEPS YOU COMING BACK?
When I worked at my previous employer, who sold antiques in their showroom, I quickly realized how they transformed my interiors by adding history and a story. When I started my own company 25 years ago, I began buying containers in Europe for our own projects. It has now evolved to buying for other designers and the public with a retail showroom.
CONGRATULATIONS ON OPENING YOUR FLAGSHIP SHOWROOM AT THE NASHVILLE DESIGN COLLECTIVE! WHAT INSPIRED YOU TO CREATE THIS NEW SPACE? WHAT CAN VISITORS EXPECT WHEN THEY VISIT?
I discovered the brand new Nashville Design Collective being renovated during COVID and fell in love with the space and collective concept. I loved the idea of working in the same building with other vendors in my field and having a large, light-filled space to display our antiques. I wasn't really "looking" for a retail space, but I knew it was the right location for us the first time I walked down the hallway. We also loved being able to build out the space to accommodate our design studio and our retail showroom.
I hope visitors get inspired by the joyful mélange of pieces. I want it to be inspiring and uplifting. I hand-select each item and really buy any and every style that speaks to me. I love mixing styles and periods, i.e., mid-century, 18th century, garden, and vintage art. We carry a curated mix of contemporary artists and local artisans' work. We enjoy designing some of our own pieces and having those made for the showroom as well.
YOU’VE ESTABLISHED A PRESENCE AT LEIPER’S CREEK GALLERY, JUST ACROSS THE STREET FROM OUR SHOP, PATINA HOME & GARDEN IN LEIPER’S FORK. WHAT DREW YOU TO THIS COMMUNITY, AND WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT BEING A PART OF IT?
In the mid 2000’s, a client asked me if I would help them with the architecture of a new building next to where you are located now in Leiper's. It was designed and built to resemble a historic structure. We decided to open an antique store in the building, and we named it Old Hillsboro Antiques. We operated the business for five years before closing it shortly after the recession around that time. I just loved the community of Leiper's Fork so much so that when Lisa at Leiper's Creek Gallery asked me if I wanted to have my vintage pieces in her art studio, I jumped at the chance to keep a presence there. It is the most beautiful, relaxing place with the most incredible people.
WHAT QUESTIONS DO YOU ASK EVERY NEW CLIENT BEFORE STARTING A PROJECT?
Every new client begins with a questionnaire. Questions we ask include: How do they actually live? What rooms do they use the most? How do they entertain and hang out as a family? It's so important to get to know the client before beginning a project. Each project is customized for the individual client and their lifestyle.
CAN YOU SHARE A RECENT PROJECT YOU LOVED WORKING ON, AND WHAT MADE IT ESPECIALLY MEANINGFUL?
We have a client in Florida that we have worked with on numerous homes. We recently did a total renovation after their home was damaged by a hurricane. We moved the kitchen and den and totally reconfigured the bath, primary bedroom, and closets. What started as a disaster turned out to be a blessing for our clients.
IF SOMEONE FEELS STUCK ON A HOME DESIGN PROJECT, WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE OF ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE THEM?
Hire a designer whom you admire and who is great with communication and organization. Trust in them to help lead you.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ROOM IN A HOME TO DESIGN?
A family or living room because they are larger and allow more creativity. You can layer antiques, upholstery, lighting, and art. It's typically the first impression of the home and tells the story of the homeowner.
IF YOU WEREN’T A DESIGNER, WHAT OTHER PATH COULD YOU IMAGINE YOURSELF PURSUING?
My Dad was a contractor, and I always loved visiting his construction sites and seeing his house plans. My Mother loved decorating and crafts, and we were always working on something fun as a family. As long as I can remember, I wanted to be an interior designer, so that is the only path I have walked or wanted to walk.
WHAT ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT FOR THE FUTURE OF ROBIN RAIN’S DESIGN?
We have been working on a new website that will be launching soon with an e-commerce option to buy our antiques directly online. I also have a buying trip planned for Italy and will be leaving in the next couple of weeks. Buying trips always excite me, and Europe is so inspiring for me in many ways.
WHAT’S THE BEST WAY FOR PEOPLE TO STAY CONNECTED WITH YOU AND FOLLOW ALONG WITH YOUR LATEST PROJECTS?
We have two Instagram accounts, one for design (@robinrainsinteriordesign) and one for antiques (@robinrainsantiques). Our new website will be launching soon at www.robinrains.com!
Thank you so much to Robin Rains for taking the time to answer our questions so thoughtfully.
I hope that you enjoyed learning from her and that you can use her insights to inspire your own design projects.
If you have any other questions or thoughts, be sure to share them in the comments!
xx,
Brooke
Well done!! Inspirational "neighbors!!" The BEST!! franki