Get to Know: Holly Phillips of The English Room

January 10, 2021

A long time friend of Addison Weeks, Holly Phillips of the English Room is always fun and inspiring to chat with! Holly is known internationally for her distinctive style and colorful décor. We caught up with Holly at the beginning of the global pandemic and thought it would be a nice escape to talk about some of her favorite places to travel. View it here and read the highlights below.

Images Courtesy : Instagram

Tell us how you got started in interior design.

I grew up with an appreciation for the decorative arts as I followed my interior designer mother on buying trips all throughout my childhood.

After experimenting with Fine Arts and Art History in college, I decided that my true love had always been interior design and I subsequently pursued a degree in it from the American College.

After working briefly in Atlanta following school, I returned home to Charlotte, where I now run my business.

Where do you find inspiration?

I am often inspired by unique places and people. One of my greatest influences is the iconic American interior designer and fashion hero, Iris Apfel. I have a wall dedicated to Iris in my office!

"One of my greatest influences is the iconic American interior designer and fashion hero, Iris Apfel.”

When designing for your house do you use pet safe fabrics?

Yes, I use an outdoor Sunbrella velvet fabric on my couch. Braided jute rugs are also the greatest when you have pets.

And the paintings hanging... Each painting represents a different buying trip that my mom took me on.

Images Courtesy : Charlotte Home Design and Decor

What is your favorite room in your house?

My dining room! I love all of the creatures in here. This room was also featured in Charlotte Home Design & Decor.

I often think I could be a travel agent. I also have a love and desire for travel and love to explore each location prior to visiting with extensive research. I eventually want to launch travel guides on my blog. Friends and clients are constantly asking for a restaurant, store and hotel advice on any of their many trips.”

- Designer Holly Phillips

Images Courtesy : Instagram

Holly also enjoys reading her collection of travel books about places she has been or dreams to go. She gave us some expert recommendations on what to read so that we too can plan for future adventures!

Below are Holly's Favorite Travel Books:

1. The Boho Manifesto

By Julia Chaplin

2. Hotel Il Pellicano

By Robert Violette, Slim Aarons, John Swope, & Juergen Teller

3. The Rainbow Atlas

By Taylor Fuller

4. Patterns of India

By Christine Chitnis

5. Carlos’s Places

By Carlos Souza

Images Courtesy : Instagram

6. Places to go, people to see

By Kate Spade New York

7. Poolside With Slim Aarons

By Julia Chaplin

8. Love Jaipur, Rajasthan

By Fiona Caufieldr

9. Marrakesh By Design

By Maryam Montague

Images Courtesy : Instagram

About Holly Phillips from The English Room

Holly Hollingsworth Phillips is a residential interior designer owner of The English Room, based in Charlotte, North Carolina. Holly’s style is elegant, eclectic and colorful. She has completed homes all over the east coast that have ranged from the super modern to very traditional while keeping it true to her style and that of the client. She loves overseeing the design process from beginning to end. “The best part is when your clients really trust you and set you free to do what you do best.” Her love of color, pattern and layering of old and new can be seen in all her work. According to Holly, “Color makes people happy!” She loves the mixing the tradition of the past with the modern style of the future.

Follow The English Room on Instagram here.