Nancy Winkelmann Mayfield is the owner of N/W Creative Interiors. After graduating in
interior design from Mississippi College, she moved to the West Coast, where she worked for
10 years in established design firms in Seattle and San Francisco. In 2016, she returned home
to Jackson and opened her business.54 JULY | AUGUST 2019all I learned that owning your own design business is an
evolving combination of sweat, passion, talent, and kind-
ness. I also have a great admiration for Ann Carter. I worked
for Ann Carter Inc. for three years while I was in college
and greatly appreciated that experience and glimpse into
the life of a grounded, successful designer—whose ability
to form lasting and loyal relationships with clients is un-
matched. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO FRESHEN/
UPDATE A ROOM?
My number one way is decluttering and organizing. You
can’t just keep adding more objects or accessories to a space
in hopes that something new will suddenly make a room
feel different and updated. There is more work that needs to
be done that will offer you a more significant and more last-
ing impact. For instance, no space will ever feel fresh with
an old stack of bills or catalogs. However, once the work is
done and the scene is set, a new set of pillows with a coor-
dinating throw blanket, coffee table book, and candle can
go a long way. WHAT IS THE ONE PIECE IN YOUR HOME YOU JUST
COULDN’T LIVE WITHOUT?
Our dining room table by Roxie Woodworks is one of my
favorite pieces. I designed it and worked closely with John
Haltom on all of the details. It is a gorgeous piece of cherry
from his family farm in Sartaria, and the base is a more
modern blackened steel. We also worked together on my
husband’s desk, which is a catching combination of black
walnut, blackened steel, and black epoxy. John is extremely
talented and dedicated to his craft.nancy winkelmann mayfield
HOMES & GARDENS
Designer Profile
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE PAINT COLORS?
Blues, blue-greens, black, gray, and white are typically my
signature color palette. I believe a good mix keeps interiors
unpredictable and adds interest and character. My laundry
room cabinets in “Duxbury Gray” by Benjamin Moore and
my husband’s brew room cabinets in “Newberg Green,” also
by Benjamin Moore, were bold choices, but I love the depth
and saturation. In general, I tend to keep walls light, with
the exception of an occasional pop of lively, unexpected
wallpaper. Also, for larger rooms, don’t be afraid to mix up
the paint color on upper, lower, and island cabinets. If done
thoughtfully, it can be a great way to introduce color and
contrast, yet maintain balance.
WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE ACCESSORIES?
I can’t seem to have enough houseplants. They add so much
freshness to a space while their pots, containers, and bas-
kets serve as a nice opportunity for color, pattern, and tex-
ture but in a subtle, utilitarian way. Artwork is also very
important. Meaningless artwork drains the room of value.
Build a collection over time from your interests, taste, and
experience. Save your pennies to purchase original pieces
from artists whose work you admire and honestly speaks to
you. The objects you put on your walls are as important in
communicating who you are as the clothes you wear, words
you speak, and life you live.
WHO ARE THE OTHER DESIGNERS THAT YOU
ADMIRE/WHOSE WORK YOU APPRECIATE?
I am a huge fan of my former boss Lauren Nelson. I start-
ed working for her in 2013 when I moved to San Francis-
co. I was her first employee, and we worked together in
her small home office. The intimate work environment
and close mentorship taught me many things, but above
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Minterview by MELANIE M. WARDEmail [email protected], call 601.942.8797 or visit nwinteriors.co for more information.PHOTO BY ANDREW WELCH