Welden Tote Series | Vol. 3
Hannah Crowell is a native Nashvillian whose work can be found in some of the city's most sought-after homes. Her firm Crowell + Co. Interiors, which specializes in high-profile residential and hospitality design projects, is known for its perfect blend of modern and eclectic style. Her use of color, art, flora, (and, of course, fun wallpaper) have become a trademark. With a background in art history, Hannah loves using peculiar and curious objects in her designs–something she believes gives a home its identity.
We met up with Hannah at her Nashville studio to get a glimpse into her world–and we're happy to report that she is one of the most down-to-earth people we've ever met. She is passionate about her work, her clients, and raising two girls who understand the importance of a strong work ethic.
Walk us through your morning routine.
My alarm goes off at 6 a.m.. I push snooze until 6:45. Frantically rush to feed kids, find uniforms, pack lunches, and get them to school on time (I have about a 50/50 success rate.) I drop them at 7:50, and then every single morning I talk to my best friend of 30 years, each of us on our morning drives, about anything and everything. I then get back to the house, grab my dog, and we go for a 45-minute walk in my neighborhood. My favorite part of the day. Our neighborhood is hilly and quiet, I listen to a podcast, and take in the one time during the day that is all mine. Then it's off to the races!
Briefly describe the path that led you to start Crowell + Co. Interiors.
I began my career when I was married, my children were still small, and my income was not needed to support my family. I had a business partner at the time, mostly because I lacked the self-assuredness to do it on my own. Then, when my marriage had run its course, I had to figure out how I was going to raise two children on my own. I must say there is nothing more motivating than your children. I decided to dissolve the partnership, start my own firm, and throw myself into design entirely. It has always been a lot of work and there has been many a day dragging a sick kid to a job site because I had no other option. In the first year out on my own, I think my profit tripled from previous years, which was really encouraging. The thing that gives me the most joy though is showing my girls the importance of independence and a strong work ethic.
What is the most rewarding part of the work you do?
I often find myself noting to my clients that we are not curing cancer. Deciding between two $8,000 sofas is absolutely a first-world problem. But, there is something to be said for having a home that is a beautiful representation of yourself and your family. Creating cozy sanctuaries for my clients to come home to in this crazy world is incredibly rewarding and brings me a lot of joy.
What keeps you up late and/or wakes you up early?
I want to say a good book keeps me up late at night, but I would be a boldfaced liar. Netflix is my late night companion because who can turn off shows like The Ted Bundy Tapes?? And, I should say the gym wakes me up early, but who are we kidding?? I have a cat who literally screams his meows until I get up and feed him.
What can be found in your Moore & Giles Welden tote at any given time?
I typically have anywhere from 4-8 Pilot G-2.38 pens floating around in my bag because they are the only pens I will use and tend to hoard them, lest I ever be without one. It's weird; I know. I will also say 75% of the time I have a child's sock in my bag for which I can offer no explanation. My planner, because I cannot wrap my brain around keeping a calendar on my phone. Weleda Everon lip balm because it's the greatest thing on earth. And a book (currently reading Less) just in case I get the rare chance to read something that is not furniture dimensions.
Your next travel destination is…
Scotland! I am taking my three girls (I also have a 21-year-old step-daughter) to Scotland this summer for 11 days and I am so excited! We are renting a car and driving all of the island, which I think will be so magical. I did a similar trip a few years ago in Iceland, and there is something perfect about quiet time in a car exploring another country with your children. Nothing makes me happier.
Your weekend is for…
I am a full-time chauffeur for my children. Last weekend we had 7 basketball games, a forensics tournament, and 2 sleepovers. I kind of want to trade them in for underachievers.
Give us a few of your favorite Instagram accounts to follow.
@devolkitchens
@jengotch
@historyphotographed
We met up with Hannah at her Nashville studio to get a glimpse into her world–and we're happy to report that she is one of the most down-to-earth people we've ever met. She is passionate about her work, her clients, and raising two girls who understand the importance of a strong work ethic.
Walk us through your morning routine.
My alarm goes off at 6 a.m.. I push snooze until 6:45. Frantically rush to feed kids, find uniforms, pack lunches, and get them to school on time (I have about a 50/50 success rate.) I drop them at 7:50, and then every single morning I talk to my best friend of 30 years, each of us on our morning drives, about anything and everything. I then get back to the house, grab my dog, and we go for a 45-minute walk in my neighborhood. My favorite part of the day. Our neighborhood is hilly and quiet, I listen to a podcast, and take in the one time during the day that is all mine. Then it's off to the races!
Briefly describe the path that led you to start Crowell + Co. Interiors.
I began my career when I was married, my children were still small, and my income was not needed to support my family. I had a business partner at the time, mostly because I lacked the self-assuredness to do it on my own. Then, when my marriage had run its course, I had to figure out how I was going to raise two children on my own. I must say there is nothing more motivating than your children. I decided to dissolve the partnership, start my own firm, and throw myself into design entirely. It has always been a lot of work and there has been many a day dragging a sick kid to a job site because I had no other option. In the first year out on my own, I think my profit tripled from previous years, which was really encouraging. The thing that gives me the most joy though is showing my girls the importance of independence and a strong work ethic.
What is the most rewarding part of the work you do?
I often find myself noting to my clients that we are not curing cancer. Deciding between two $8,000 sofas is absolutely a first-world problem. But, there is something to be said for having a home that is a beautiful representation of yourself and your family. Creating cozy sanctuaries for my clients to come home to in this crazy world is incredibly rewarding and brings me a lot of joy.
What keeps you up late and/or wakes you up early?
I want to say a good book keeps me up late at night, but I would be a boldfaced liar. Netflix is my late night companion because who can turn off shows like The Ted Bundy Tapes?? And, I should say the gym wakes me up early, but who are we kidding?? I have a cat who literally screams his meows until I get up and feed him.
What can be found in your Moore & Giles Welden tote at any given time?
I typically have anywhere from 4-8 Pilot G-2.38 pens floating around in my bag because they are the only pens I will use and tend to hoard them, lest I ever be without one. It's weird; I know. I will also say 75% of the time I have a child's sock in my bag for which I can offer no explanation. My planner, because I cannot wrap my brain around keeping a calendar on my phone. Weleda Everon lip balm because it's the greatest thing on earth. And a book (currently reading Less) just in case I get the rare chance to read something that is not furniture dimensions.
Your next travel destination is…
Scotland! I am taking my three girls (I also have a 21-year-old step-daughter) to Scotland this summer for 11 days and I am so excited! We are renting a car and driving all of the island, which I think will be so magical. I did a similar trip a few years ago in Iceland, and there is something perfect about quiet time in a car exploring another country with your children. Nothing makes me happier.
Your weekend is for…
I am a full-time chauffeur for my children. Last weekend we had 7 basketball games, a forensics tournament, and 2 sleepovers. I kind of want to trade them in for underachievers.
Give us a few of your favorite Instagram accounts to follow.
@devolkitchens
@jengotch
@historyphotographed