Raised near the textile mills and furniture-making centers of the Carolinas, Elizabeth Spratt Cooper was surrounded by artisanal handiwork and family heirlooms. Her mother, an artist, gave her free rein to decorate her room in the family’s fifth-generation home. Later, Cooper studied art history and the business of art, which led to positions in museums and art galleries. Eventually, the desire to work closely with individual clients inspired her to pursue an interior design career. “The first step was the absolute joy I felt after seeing how a painting from a gallery transformed a home’s interiors,” she recalls. “From that moment on, I was hooked.”

Cooper founded Art & Design Partners, LLC, in 2012. The firm, which offers both interior-decorating and art-consulting services, now employs a staff of five. She and her team take pride in the fact that their work isn’t one-dimensional or tied to a signature look. “We bring out a client’s style through a personalized approach. We get to know them and the way they live, incorporating art and custom details that are specific to each individual project,” she explains. “We make sure a home functions smoothly for owners’ current needs, but also anticipate future demands.”

Cooper encourages clients to invest in furniture with staying power. “Fast fashion exists in the design world just as it does the clothing industry,” she observes. “But well-built, high-quality pieces won’t need to be replaced every few years. We repurpose, refinish and reupholster items whenever possible.”

In short, the designer concludes, “We believe a home should bring joy, providing spaces in which to create memories.”