Matthew Johns, the founder of luxury lifestyle curating brand Francis and Adeline, is opening the door to the holiday season with his magical, curated décor and door installations. These festive creations are sure to bring joy and cheer with each glance. Don’t save the view for just the holidays, though, because his work will breathe life into your home year-round. His work and contact information can be found on his Instagram @francisandadeline. We spoke with Johns to learn more about the brand and creative process.- Destiny Mizell
BUILDING THE BRAND: I was living in Rock Island, Tennessee, and trying to bring more life and creativity to the holiday. So, I taught myself how to handmake garland from greenery I foraged in the woods. It was my Martha Stewart moment. The name Francis and Adeline came from my dad’s side of the family — Francis being my grandmother and Adeline was her sister who lived on our family farm, Liberty Hill. It was built in 1806 and still stands in Smyrna. On Sundays, the Johns family would gather and have a family potluck, and I wanted to bring the memories of tradition and family into the name.
AESTHETICALLY PLEASING: I choose stems and greenery that excite me and will fit whatever story I’m trying to tell. But my general aesthetic is English Countryside mixed with American classic — think Ralph Lauren: timeless, classic, and intriguing.
CREATIVE PROCESS: When I first see a doorway or an entry, I’ll study it like a blank canvas. Then, I pull out my sketch book (old school) and do a couple of mockups; it gives myself and my clients a strong visual. I love to forage my greens if possible. I just think it adds more of a personal touch. Then, I start building and layering. I love using dried citrus, dried Protea, and the occasional dried artichoke to add something unexpected that creates intrigue. My biggest goals are my clients’ needs and wants — to make sure the entry fits the personality of the home for their holiday season.
ARCHITECTURAL STORYTELLING: There are so many different types of homes and entryways — each one has something different to say, especially about who may be living inside. If it’s more modern, I love to add something dramatic and dreamy, so it softens the doorway and creates romance. The shape and vibe of the home inspire what I will install. Each home tells a different story, and I love to enhance the personality of the home.