Inspired by California’s unique light and its effect on color and sense of place, Courtnay founded her design firm in San Francisco in 2000 and developed the style she is known for — classic interiors in carefully calibrated palettes that adapt to natural light, often incorporating contemporary twists for a curated, timeless feel. Having lived in many parts of the country, it was her early years with a “decorating-focused mother” that provided her with a passion for creating and recreating interior spaces attuned to the unique aesthetic and practical opportunities inherent in each setting. Her intuitive and experienced approach results in homes that reflect and enhance the lifestyles of her clients and their families around the country.

Originally from South Carolina, Courtnay attended Hollins College and later earned her graduate degree from the Center for the Study of Decorative Arts at the University of London with a specialty in antiques. She worked for many years at Christie’s in New York City in the Department of Estates and Appraisals and has served on the Board of Collections at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art with a focus on photography, of which she is herself an avid collector. She now lives in a classic pre-war apartment in New York City with her husband and two children.