Ashley Whittaker

Southern Home (SH): Tell us a bit about your background. Who first fostered your love of beauty?

I grew up in Florida; both of my grandmothers were very stylish with beautiful houses, and I think it was as much about a lifestyle as it was about decorating. My mother, too. They understood how to live in a house, use it well, how to entertain. A friend and I remarked recently that not everyone feels comfortable entertaining on a regular basis, whereas I’ll say something like, “Come over the Saturday after Thanksgiving; we’re making turkey terrifics, and please bring a leftover,” and suddenly it’s 30 people around the backyard fire pit with kids running wild. It’s just a way of life. I can set an elegant table and then order in pizza