Daily Inspiration: Meet Sam Cram

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sam Cram.

Sam, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’m a Nashville native who’s been in Nashville for 20+ years! Franklin, Tennessee is home.

I’ve always had a deep love for interior design ever since I was a little girl. I grew up in a very influential upbringing with my parents and grandparents. Especially, my grandmother, a high end interior designer in Annapolis, MD, has really paved the way for me and has always encouraged me to chase my dreams.

It became very apparent that Interior Design was my passion in life in college while attending Utah State, where I received my bachelor’s in Interior Design. I went on to intern for some of the world’s top interior design firms. Namely, Kelly Wearstler, in Los Angeles, and started my own business shortly after in Newport Beach, CA in 2017.

After a few years of spending time on the West Coast, I found myself constantly being pulled back to my roots in the South. Within two years of living in California, I had met the love of my life, and we moved back to Nashville to get married and continue my business there!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
So many lessons have been taught and I am continually learning them. The biggest lesson that I have learned is to ask for help when you need it.

Whether that’s seeking out business advice, coaching, mentorship, or even hiring more help when needed! I have found that ever since hiring more employees, my work-life balance has been much more pleasant. In this profession, you really do work around the clock! It’s good to have a balance.

Another lesson that I have learned the hard way is to not take on more than you can handle. It’s easy to get wrapped up and take on all the jobs that come to you that are a good fit, but sometimes it’s better to to slow down and hone in. Makes for a happier process all around!

I don’t think anyone will ever fully have the process down. There will always be bumps in the road, but I think keeping your eye on what’s important and not letting the stress take away from the passion is my top priority!

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Interior Design & Styling

I would say I’m most known for merging old and new pieces and making them feel lived in with depth and character. I love classic pieces with touches of modern elements to elevate a space. I use a lot of shades of white in my designs. White walls, white furniture, white cabinetry, etc. It is always a neutral base that you can build off of for years to come. We love a classic slope arm tailored white sofa!

I really love working on remodels, specifically on older historical homes. I love the challenges that come with working within the parameters of an existing building or home. Anything that sets you apart from the new construction that’s going up on, what feels like, every corner these days.

I will always love a home with character, and there are a lot of them here in Nashville! They are one of a kind. There is something special about old homes, always!

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.
I wouldn’t be where I am unless I took on a client in 2019 that I thought at the time I couldn’t handle.

I specifically remember it was a larger project that I had never worked on before. I knew I could do it but it was a scary thought to take on something that scale. I’m a planner, so by breaking down the project I was able to compartmentalize the project scope and form a process that I still use today.

After the project was completed, the referrals and the contact form that project alone opened up a lot of doors for me. Very grateful for that project for pushing me!

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: Www.samcramiam.com
• Instagram: @Samcramdesign

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