How Travel Inspires Interior Design and Client Connection

Travel plays an integral role in shaping her creative process and approach to interior design. As she explores new places and absorbs diverse styles, textures, and cultures, she’s able to approach her work in a way that feels both fresh and authentic. Whether it’s the classic charm of Cape Cod, the historic beauty of Charleston, or the southern elegance of Savannah, Ashley’s travel experiences deeply influence her designs and help her form deeper connections with her clients.

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Cape Cod: Classic New England Charm

Growing up in New England, Cape Cod has always been a meaningful place for Ashley. Its timeless style serves as a constant source of inspiration. During a recent trip, she stayed in a quintessential Cape Cod bungalow, complete with shingled walls, white trim, and lush gardens brimming with hydrangeas. The pea gravel pathways and crushed shells beneath her feet helped her truly connect with the area’s character.

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Ashley believes that staying in a home that embraces its surroundings allows a person to feel part of the community—and she brings that same philosophy into her design work at Punctuate Your Style. When working with clients, she aims to create spaces that feel connected to their lifestyle and environment. Whether it’s incorporating coastal colors like soft blues and crisp whites or small details like hydrangeas in the garden, Ashley strives to recreate that sense of place and comfort for her clients, ensuring each home reflects their unique style and story.

Charleston: Architectural Beauty and Southern Elegance

Another favorite destination of Ashley’s is Charleston, where she has visited several times. The city’s architectural beauty and rich history captured her attention immediately. Walking through Charleston’s streets, she admired the grand, historic homes, each one more impressive than the last. From the intricate ironwork to the pastel-colored facades, the city’s charm lies in its careful attention to detail. Ashley is inspired by the balance of history and beauty, and she aims to bring that same level of care into her own design work.

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Charleston’s southern elegance is about layering textures and details in a way that feels rich yet approachable. Ashley has learned to appreciate the power of bold statement pieces, whether it’s a grand entryway or a beautifully detailed ceiling. Much like her own travel experiences, she encourages her clients to embrace their personal style, even if it means stepping out of the box with something bold, like patterned wallpaper or a pop of color in unexpected places.

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Savannah: Southern Grace and Timeless Tradition

Savannah is another city that has deeply influenced Ashley’s design aesthetic. Known for its historic charm and southern grace, Savannah offers a blend of tradition and elegance that’s hard to find anywhere else. During her visit, Ashley was captivated by the tree-lined streets and the beautifully preserved antebellum architecture. The wrought-iron balconies, grand staircases, and lush gardens gave her a sense of timeless sophistication that she strives to bring into her designs.

What stood out most to Ashley was Savannah’s ability to marry formality with warmth. From the elegant townhouses to the inviting squares, the city manages to feel both grand and welcoming. This balance of tradition and comfort is something Ashley loves to incorporate into her clients’ homes, especially when blending modern elements with classic design. Savannah reminds her that elegance doesn’t have to be intimidating—it can be inviting, accessible, and deeply personal.

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Building Strong Client Relationships Through Travel

Ashley’s travel experiences not only inspire her design choices but also help her connect with her clients on a deeper level. Many of her clients have stories tied to places that hold significance for them—whether it’s a childhood home, a favorite vacation spot, or a place they’ve always dreamed of visiting. Ashley’s travels give her a unique ability to understand her clients’ visions and translate them into spaces that feel personal and meaningful. Whether drawing inspiration from a coastal retreat or a historic city, Ashley’s goal is to create homes that feel both functional and full of life.

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For Ashley, incorporating travel into her design process goes beyond aesthetics. It’s about creating spaces that evoke emotion. Whether it’s the calming, coastal vibe of Cape Cod or the rich, historic charm of Charleston, these experiences shape her approach to design, ensuring that every home tells its own unique story.

If you would like to connect with Ashley about designing your own home, please fill out our client questionnaire here.

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