Upon graduating from Parsons The New School for Design in New York, Tory Savery headed to Los Angeles to work in set design for films and theater. All the while, friends kept asking her for interior design help in their homes. A few years ago, Savery returned to her Swarthmore hometown, where she works with clients here and on the West Coast. “I like the personal experience of working with someone one-on-one who appreciates the finished product,” she says. “It’s great to be home—and to be doing what I love.”
Personal design style: “Refined, soft, elegant, easygoing and earthy.”
Favorite room in her house: “I’m in the midst of a home renovation, and I just added a wrap-around porch to my house. It’s my favorite spot because I like the connection I have with the outdoors.”
Prized possessions: “My collection of artwork, which includes pieces from friends who are artists.”
Designers who inspire her: “Jennifer Post, Muriel Brandolini, Michael Smith and Tadao Ando. They all have inherent good taste.”
Design advice: “Edit, edit, edit. Design tends to get cluttered. There are always pieces and accessories that can be removed from a home.”
Color she can’t design without: “White, because I like the way it gives your eyes a break from color. I also love that it reflects light.”
Design elements she loves to bring to a space: “Sculpture and living things add another dimension.”
Favorite rooms to design: “Living and family room spaces and kitchens. Hallways are fun to design, too, because you can take risks.”
Three words that sum up her design: “Authentic, beautiful and personal.”
Her favorite project: “The next one.”
