There's a difference between a house that's new and a house that feels new — and nobody understands that gap better than Amber Pierce.
As a designer and developer working almost exclusively in new construction, Amber gets to make every decision from scratch — which sounds like total creative freedom, until you realise it means building warmth and history into houses that have neither yet. Based in Nashville, a city currently building itself at a sprint, she's made a habit out of slowing down — choosing natural wood, handcrafted metal, and hardware with a name for spaces whose stories haven't been written yet.
We sat down with Amber to talk about the myth of the "afterthought" material, why she designs every home as if she's the one moving in, and what "simple but significant" really means once you say it out loud for the hundredth time.
"Simple but significant" is how you describe your design philosophy. That's a tight brief to hold yourself to on every project. How do you know when a space has hit that mark — and when it hasn't?
For me "simple" isn't about doing less — it's about making every decision count. Simple never means plain; it means intentional. Every element should have a purpose and contribute to the overall design. I know a space has hit that mark when nothing is competing for attention, yet every detail works together to create a feeling. The architecture, materials, lighting, and finishes feel balanced, allowing the home to feel warm, timeless, and effortless.
When a space hasn't hit that mark, it's usually because it's trying too hard. Too many focal points, too many trends, or too many elements competing for attention can take away from the overall experience. I believe the most memorable homes aren't the loudest — they're the ones that make you feel something long after you've left.
You work primarily in new construction, which means you're making design decisions before a family has even moved in. How do you design for a life that hasn't happened in that house yet?
I design every home as though I were going to live in it myself. As a mom of two young children who loves to entertain, I naturally think beyond the floor plan. I'm considering how the home will function for everyday family life, while also creating spaces that invite people to gather and linger.
Before a family has ever moved in, I'm imagining how they'll experience the home, from quiet mornings to holiday dinners. I believe the best homes don't just look beautiful; they support the rhythms of daily life in a way that feels effortless.
New builds can feel notoriously hard to give soul to. What's the first move you make — the decision that changes the atmosphere of a space from brand new to actually lived-in?
I believe the feeling of a home starts long before the furniture or decor is brought in. The first decisions I make are always centred around the architectural details — natural materials, thoughtful millwork, layered lighting, and hardware that feels like an extension of the design rather than an afterthought.
To me, it's those details that give a home warmth and character. When the foundation is intentional, a new build doesn't feel brand new — it feels timeless, inviting, and like it was always meant to be there.
You're both designer and developer, which puts you on both sides of the budget conversation. Has that changed how you think about where to spend and where to pull back on a project?
Absolutely. Wearing both hats has taught me to be intentional about where every dollar goes. I don't believe every finish has to be the most expensive, but I do believe it's worth investing in the elements that define the home and shape how it's experienced every day.
I prioritize timeless materials, quality craftsmanship, and architectural details that become part of the home itself. Those are the decisions that create lasting value. There are always opportunities to be mindful of the budget, but I never want to compromise the details that make a home feel thoughtful and authentic.
Natural wood, iron, organic neutrals — your material palette is consistent and considered. Is that a constraint you've consciously placed on yourself, or did it just become your language over time?
I don't think of my material palette as a limitation. I think of it as a foundation. Natural wood, handcrafted metal, stone, and warm neutrals all have something in common: they age beautifully.
I'm not interested in designing homes that peak the day they're photographed. I want them to feel even better five, ten, or twenty years later. Those materials develop character instead of feeling dated.
Nashville has grown fast. Really fast. How do you design homes that feel rooted in a place when the place itself is changing so quickly around them?
Nashville has experienced incredible growth, and with that comes a faster pace of building. My approach has always been to slow down where it matters. I believe thoughtful design can't be rushed, so I'm intentional about every selection, from the architectural details to the materials and hardware.
Rather than chasing trends or looking for places to cut costs, I invest in craftsmanship and timeless finishes that become part of the home's story. My goal is to create homes that feel authentic and intentional — homes that stand out not because they're louder, but because every detail was carefully considered.
You document your own builds on YouTube — which means putting the process on show, not just the finished result. Has that changed how you design? Do you edit differently knowing people are watching the thinking, not just the outcome?
If anything, it's made me even more intentional. Sharing the process forces me to explain the reasoning behind every design decision instead of relying on instinct alone.
I don't design for the camera — I document what I'm already passionate about. The goal isn't to create content; it's to educate people on the thousands of small decisions that ultimately shape how a home feels.
Hardware and fixtures are often the last decision made on a new build — specified quickly, bought on budget. What's your case for treating them as seriously as the architecture?
Hardware is one of the last decisions made, but it shouldn't be treated like an afterthought. It's one of the few things you physically interact with every day. The weight of the cabinet pull, the profile of a knob, the finish — all those details quietly shape how a home feels.
I think of hardware the same way I think of lighting or millwork. It should reinforce the architecture, not compete with it. When it's thoughtfully selected, people may not immediately notice why a space feels considered, but they'll feel the difference.
What's one finish or material that you think is genuinely underused in new construction right now — and why does it keep getting passed over?
I'd love to see more homes incorporate handcrafted finishes like plaster and thoughtfully layered metals. Those details help a home feel collected instead of cookie-cutter.
I think they're often overlooked because they require a greater investment of time and thought. It's easier to make safe, one-size-fits-all selections, but I believe the homes that leave a lasting impression are the ones where every finish has been carefully considered. Those subtle layers are what give a home depth, personality, and a sense that it has evolved over time.
Last one. "Simple but significant" — if you had to swap out one of those words for a third that describes your work just as accurately, what would it be?
I'd probably choose intentional.
Every decision should have a purpose. Whether it's the width of a hallway, the profile of a cabinet door, or the feel of a piece of hardware in your hand, I don't want anything to feel like an afterthought. Intentional design is what transforms a beautiful house into a home that feels timeless, functional, and authentic.
A tea break well spent ☕
A huge thanks to Amber for sitting down with us for a tea break. Keep up with her new-builds — and the thinking behind them — over at @amberpiercedesigns.
Amber's palette of natural wood, iron, and warm neutrals is a philosophy we recognise — it's the same reason we build hardware finishes that develop character rather than just hold onto one. If you're chasing that same aged-not-new look, our Unlacquered Brass and Aged Brass collections are made to move with a home, not just sit in it.
