Siblings share a special bond — and sometimes a special place. For Cody Gallegly and Ashford Thomson, Savannah stands out. The two interior designers often collaborate creatively at Thomson and Thomson Designs, but well before they joined the family business, they lived together in Savannah while attending SCAD, the Savannah College of Art and Design.
Being raised in a family with an appreciation of art, history and hospitality, Gallegly and Thomson said the city felt instantly familiar and comfortable, like home. Their college experience prompted other family members to visit the area, and family visits continue to this day. Two vacation properties — a condo in the historic downtown and a home among the scenic marshlands — accommodate several Savannah stays a year.
This summer mood board scene pays homage to Gallegly and Thomson’s college days and their favorite getaway destination, captured by family collectibles as well as swatches and samples from Schumacher, Brunschwig + Fils, Perennials and Scalamandré. Natural textures of rattan and sisal are prevalent in coastal cities like Savannah. The antique fishing reel recalls the crab shacks and generations of fishermen seen along the shores, and the clam shells hint at the tabby concrete (a mixture of lime, sand and shells) lining Savannah’s abundant sidewalks. A fellow SCAD classmate sent Thomson the postcard of Savannah’s riverside location, depicting an interesting viewpoint of its historical Southern architecture. The antique inkwell, pen and calligraphy lettering represent the college years when Gallegly learned calligraphy. She remembers penning the scrolling scripts while sitting on her Savannah balcony; horse-drawn carriages clip-clopping underneath her, transporting her mind to another era. The old “Gentleman’s” book — dated 1832 and plucked from a grandfather’s library — celebrates the many chapters of life, from school days to adulthood.
From its stately mansions to its nautical coastlines, Savannah is filled with history and charm. Like a sweet home away from home, the Southern city keeps calling the Thomsons back. And they pack their bags — and go.
