Canvas Conversations with Pillar & Peacock Interior Design

Pillar & Peacock Interior Design is a full-service Interior Design studio serving Alabama, Virginia, and beyond. Adrianne Bugg and Brandeis Short, the creative forces behind Pillar & Peacock, focus on seamlessly merging style, personality, and storytelling into every space.

With over 35+ years of design experience, Adrianne and Brandeis' partnership is a blend of business acumen and design expertise. Together, they create intuitive, beautiful spaces that simply work, not just today but always.

We asked Adrianne Bugg and Brandeis Short, of Pillar & Peacock Interior Design, five questions to learn more about their practice, habits, dreams, and interior design tips & tricks. Read more below:



Q: What's the best piece of advice you've ever received?
Adrianne (A): Oh, that's a tough one! I've been fortunate to receive a lot of great advice, but the best has definitely been: "There are always opportunities." It’s easy to forget this, especially when things aren’t going well, but opportunities are always there—sometimes you just have to shift your perspective. (Thanks, Mom!)

Brandeis (B): It might sound cliché, but the best advice I’ve received is to slow down and enjoy the present moment. I’m constantly reminding myself of this, especially as I look at how quickly my girls have grown. People always told me how fast time flies, but I never really understood until it was happening. Now, I always say, "Hold on tight." I just wish I could go back and savor every moment a bit more!

Q:  If you could design a space for anyone (past or present), who would it be and why?
A: I really enjoy designing for people who appreciate the value of a designer and who want to explore their creativity. There isn’t one specific person that comes to mind, but I love working with those who trust the process and are open to ideas that push boundaries.

B:  I love working with clients who value collaboration and trust the design process. The ideal partnership is one where honest feedback flows both ways. That balance is where the most meaningful work happens. It’s not that I haven’t had clients who trust our vision; rather, I’ve found that when trust and open communication come together, the results are especially rewarding.

Q: What’s a dream project you haven’t tackled yet but would love to in the future?
A: A dream project would probably be designing a tiny house, a mountain retreat, or maybe even a boutique hotel. When it comes to style, I love mixing different elements, but if I had to pinpoint a direction, I’d say something modern with warm, inviting touches. I always love blending styles to create something unique and personal.

B: A Parisian apartment is at the top of my dream project list! I have had Paris on my mind since our trip in January. Ideally, it would be an apartment with museum-quality contemporary art, combined with a mix of sleek modern pieces and timeless antiques. That blend of old and new is so captivating to me.

Q: If you could hang any piece of art, from any museum, in your house, which piece would you choose?
A: There’s so much art I love, and in my work, we often focus on finding pieces that resonate with our clients. Personally, I’m drawn to Abstract Impressionism—art that lets you interpret it in your own way without the constraints of traditional rules. Artists like Rothko are high on my list, but locally, I’m really into Kiki Slaughter’s work. Having one of her pieces would be amazing. The last piece I bought is from Anne Darby Parker—I'm always on the lookout for art that speaks to me in a personal way.

B: It's hard to pick just one! I’ve always been a fan of Helen Frankenthaler, especially her works from the 1960s and '70s. But on the opposite end of the spectrum, I’ve been mesmerized by the chiaroscuro technique—artists like van der Neer with their moonlit landscapes just blow me away. The contrast, the depth, the way they make you feel like you're standing right in the scene—it’s extraordinary.

Q: What was the last book you read?
A: I just finished The Last Applicant by Rebecca Hanover, a psychological thriller I couldn't put down. Rebecca is a friend from high school, and I’m really excited that she has a new book out. On my nightstand right now are On All Fours by Miranda July, ADHD is Awesome by Penn and Kim Holderness (my son has ADHD, and this book has been great so far), and Chelsea Handler's latest book.

B: I just finished Winter Garden by Kristin Hannah. It was one of those books that kept me hooked from start to finish—really emotional and beautifully written.

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Click here to explore Adrianne Bugg and Brandeis Short's Five Fine Art Favorites!