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Modern Matter Blog
Get to Know: Creative Tonic
Color has always been integral to Creative Tonic's creative process. Growing up, Courtnay Tartt Elias was drawn to vibrant hues and textiles that filled her home, each piece narrating a chapter of her family's story. Studying 19th and 20th-century decorative arts at Sotheby’s London deepened her appreciation for color and texture. In 2006, she founded Creative Tonic, driven by a passion for creating layered, celebratory environments that tell unique stories through fearless color and inventive design.
Q: What is your design philosophy?
A: Your home should be your personal sanctuary—a place that brings you joy, fun, and peace every time you enter—whether you love to be surrounded by color or texture, a riot of prints, or perhaps just a few! The most important element in curating your space is to be surrounded by things that evoke precious memories—of places you've been and the trinkets and treasures you picked up along the way, art you've collected, or items that call to mind cherished family and friends. Your home shouldn't just be decorated; it should instead be full of everything you love the most. The peace you find when you return home is from knowing that each of your treasures has a place—organization is key to avoiding clutter and keeping your home a calm space in a chaotic and busy world!
All photography by Julie Soefer Photography
Q: What are your three must-haves when creating a space?
A: Comfortable upholstery, antiques or vintage furniture, or accessories, and art that brings you joy!
Q: Who are your style inspirations? How are they manifested in your work?
A: My love of the fashion of André Courrèges is apparent in my tendencies toward color. William Morris and other designers of the English Arts and Crafts movement, like C.F.A. Voysey and C.R. Ashbee, have absolutely inspired my love of layered patterns. Marie Antoinette's flair for decadence and luxury and her confidence in her own style and taste as they evolved is inspiring.
“I often pick hardware first! Without being cliche, hardware truly is the jewelry of the home! I love to find unique, vintage hardware and fun new designs and use them together“
Q: Do you have any rules you stick to when selecting hardware?
A: Firstly, it is essential to identify where you want the hardware to be the room's showpiece and where you want it to play a supporting role. Once you've mapped that out, you can pick out the actual hardware!Â
Secondly, I think hardware is one of the most important design aspects of a space—when it is good, it can take a mundane piece of furniture and elevate it; when it is bad, it can ruin a great piece! With this in mind, be thoughtful and open-minded in your search!Â
Lastly, I like to challenge myself to use hardware in unexpected ways or places—on the back of a dressing chair or to hang jewelry from in your dressing room! When you're looking for great pieces of hardware, consider out-of-the-box ways to use them—the more, the merrier!
Q: Any tips on creating timeless interiors?
A: Timeless is in the eye of the beholder! Sticking with classic lines, especially in upholstery, and mixing bits of new and old gives a sense of layers and visually explains the evolution of the homeowner's taste and style! Mixing old and new provides a sense of time and place — not everything came from one store but is instead a collection of items from various moments, locations, inspirations, etc., over time. Including flea market finds or family heirlooms alongside newly sourced furnishings celebrates different styles, patterns, textures, and layers, creating something timeless to the owner! Buy well and buy what you love and your personal home will always be timeless to you!
Q: Where can we keep up with your work?
A: My website and on Instagram!
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