Designer Q&A: Ashley Monroe's Writer's Room

We collaborated with designer Brad Ramsey to design a brand new workspace for Monroe. With a sophisticated palette, a mix of vintage pieces, and plenty of comfortable seating, the duo created a cozy, stylish writer's room that invites creativity. Read on to learn more about the story behind the space!

Q: What was the inspiration behind this space? 

A: Music Row in Nashville is famous for all of the small houses that have been revitalized by labels, artists, and management companies. It's where the music happens, so to speak. The inspiration here was to give Ashley a space that balances the architecture, which includes traditional brick and oversized wood moldings, with simple modern furniture. This way, we could give a nod to the past and also make the space more current. —Brad Ramsey

Q: What were your must-haves for designing this space?

A: I love Brad's taste and trusted him 100 percent. We actually have the same taste. I love all that he did. I requested it be comfortable as well as the look we were going for, and that couch is so comfy. I really gravitate towards creams and grays. Pale pink or pale blue splashed in is always pretty. I'm really happy with how it turned out! —Ashley Monroe

Q: What is your favorite piece in this room?

The BluDot sofa really puts a stamp on the room and gives it a much more comfortable feel. There was a collection of four chairs in a circle prior to the remodel and putting a sofa instead of two chairs totally changed the balance and makes it more inviting. —Brad Ramsey

I love the little accents of gold and I love the rug. And the couch. And chairs. Okay all of it! —Ashley Monroe

Q: What's your advice for balancing the functionality and style of a space?

There is a beautiful dance between style and functionality that pervades a good design. If you lean too heavy in either direction you miss the mark as a designer. This space must function for Ashley and her team of co-writers so they can continue being successful at their craft. —Brad Ramsey

Q: How does the style of your writer's room impact your creativity?

When I feel comfortable in the room I'm writing in, it definitely affects me. If a room feels more like an office or too much like a home, it can affect the creativity. I love the idea of a creative space with a mix of the two. —Ashley Monroe

I think every good writer's room should have a good vibe, balance, and functionality. The space needs to beckon you in and inspire creativity. I wanted to foster Ashley's creativity by infusing the design with balance and with a little whimsy. Ashley is insanely creative, fun, and lively, so I tried to not only give the space a very polished look, but I also threw in some fun moments in the pillows and accessories so it wouldn't feel stale. —Brad Ramsey

Q: How would you describe Ashley's style?

Ashley told me that she likes clean, simple lines without a lot of color, so I went with warm neutrals and layers of texture to make the space feel inviting to her. —Brad Ramsey

Q: Can you describe your general design philosophy?

My philosophy on design is that my role is to listen, learn, and lift the aesthetic quality of a space; listen to the client and determine their needs, learn what makes them tick and what makes a space feel comfortable, and then lift the space with a well-thought-out design plan. 

When I first visit a new job, I take lots of pictures and measurements, and then marinate in them until the space starts to speak to me and directs my​creative flow. —Brad Ramsey

Q: How did you bring a piece of Nashville into this space?

Honestly, the space and the history of Music Row are the most Nashville thing about it. The rest was just icing on the cake. —Brad Ramsey

Q: What is your favorite piece in this room?

Johnny Cash is an icon for most country writers and there was a large photo of him already in the room. I used it as a focal point in the writing area. I also found some other framed Johnny Cash memorabilia on Wayfair and included those throughout the room. In addition, I also tried to make sure I was choosing furniture pieces that were appropriate for sitting in with a guitar in hand. We selected chairs with low-profile arms that would function well for Ashley and theco-writers. —Brad Ramsey

Q: Where do you find inspiration when writing your songs?

I never write the same way twice. Inspiration is all around me and I always have thoughts and ideas going through my head. I tend to let the music hit me when and how it's supposed to, then I just ride that wave on out. —Ashley Monroe

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