From Homesandgardens · · 1m 40s
Cortney Bishop's Creative Journey
Interior designer Cortney Bishop shares how her childhood, fashion, and risk-taking shaped her unique approach to home design.
In brief
Interior designer Cortney Bishop shares how her childhood, fashion, and risk-taking shaped her unique approach to home design. Cortney Bishop's interior design career began with her mother's basement business and grandmother's fabric influence, leading to a style that mixes patterns and asymmetry. Originally reported…
Cortney Bishop's Creative Roots
Cortney Bishop grew up watching her mother build an interior design business from the basement of their home in Atlanta.
Grandmother's Fabric Influence
Her grandmother Yaya taught her the joys of fabric, embellishment, and making something entirely her own through party dresses.
Fashion and Music Passion
Cortney was deeply into fashion and music, driving to little boutiques to create wild outfits for school.
Entrepreneurial Mindset
She was always entrepreneurial, hosting garage sales and coming up with innovative business ideas.
Mother's Business Start
Her mother started her interior design business in Atlanta in 1985 and worked alone.
Early Career Shift
Cortney pursued business school and entrepreneurship until her late 20s when she considered interior design.
First Design Project
She designed the president of Regal Cinemas' home after sharing music tapes with the client.
Move to Charleston
In 2004, Cortney moved back to Charleston to design a friend's modern home.
Risk-Taking Approach
Cortney has undiagnosed ADHD, allowing her to multitask and take fragments of information to create innovative designs.
Pattern Mixing Process
She decides pattern combinations based on scale, color, and proportion from upcoming fashion shows.
Asymmetrical Design Style
Cortney's work embraces asymmetry and non-traditional shapes, pushing beyond historical design references.
Home Definition
For Cortney, home is a place that brings personal spiritual connection, calm, inspiration, and room for fun.
What it means
Cortney Bishop's interior design career began with her mother's basement business and grandmother's fabric influence, leading to a style that mixes patterns and asymmetry.