It's been a minute since we hosted a Guest Curator on our blog, so we at Well + Wonder are thrilled to partner tastemaker and founder of Ruff Details, Cynthia Ruff, on an inaugural curated Tastemaker series, as well as have her serve as our latest Guest Curator!
Once we were introduced to Cynthia and her fabulous style (which she is now using to renovate and decorate her over 100 year old home) we knew she'd be the perfect Well + Wonder Guest Curator and Tastemaker. Through a more involved process than curators past, Cynthia did not simply choose the Well + Wonder artwork she is currently coveting, she instead worked directly with the artists to collaborate on small collections born from Cynthia's discerning eye and our talented artists hands. Cynthia shared that she was inspired by her travels to some of her favorite southern destinations - especially Cashiers and Highlands, NC. She wanted to see fall inspired pieces rich with her favorite hues of blues and greens and of course these four artists delivered. And probably what we have found most exciting is that these collaborative collections are loading onto our gallery walls Monday, at 12 pm!
In an attempt to distract ourselves as we count down the minutes until the Well + Wonder x Cynthia Rudd would be to learn a little bit more about the woman behind the influencer moniker. So keep reading to learn about why Cynthia chose the artists she did, and more importantly to learn about these incredibly talented women! Thank you, Cynthia. Working with you both has been such a treat!
"Never the Only One" by Savannah Jewell
Savannah creates dreamy abstract landscapes you’ll want to get lost in. Her work captures the charm of places like Cashiers, NC—one of my favorite spots. I asked her to transform a photo from a past trip into one of her signature pieces, and the result is stunning! It’s a great way to memorialize a favorite travel destination in your own home.
"Garden District Botanical" by Amy Elizabeth Crabb
Amy’s abstract botanicals bring a fresh take on flora and fauna. Drawing inspiration from the Highlands, NC, her pieces feature calming blues and creams that look gorgeous in any room—from nurseries to bathrooms and beyond.
"Leaves that Are Green" by Sarah Ramsey
Sarah’s feminine abstracts are a beautiful mix of soft greens and blues, making them versatile for both modern and traditional interiors. Whether your home is minimalist or layered with character, her work fits effortlessly into any home. I love that she uses one pop of an unexpected color in her work that keeps the piece fresh.
"Mini Moths" by Amanda Norman
I was instantly captivated by Amanda’s gilded moths. In my new home, I’ve been dreaming of a “bug wall” combining preserved butterflies and heirloom prints. Amanda’s North Carolina-inspired moths, like her exquisite Leopard Moth, add a touch of whimsy to any space.
Tell us about yourself.
Hey there- I’m Cynthia Ruff, and I’ve been blogging for over a decade. My blog started asDarling Down South but recently rebranded toRuff Details to focus on real-time content, interior projects, decorating, and reflections on motherhood.
Why did you start your blog/brand/business?
In college, I dreamed of becoming a magazine editor (thank you,The OC), but after the 2008 financial crash, I graduated with a degree in Finance instead—I love math too! Blogs were my escape during college, and in 2012, I finally started my own, focusing on thrifted fashion. Back then, I loved bold preppy prints and spent my free time styling thrift finds and sharing lookalikes online. Now, the blog has evolved into secondhand-inspired interiors, decorating, and DIY. I’m a frequent estate sale shopper, and my jewelry box is filled with treasures from Buckhead socialites of decades past.
What is currently on your nightstand? What are you reading?
On my nightstand: a sweet photo of my son at 8 months, a green onyx vintage box with chapstick and mouth tape, and my water cup. Right now, I’m mostly reading bedtime stories to my son. After finishing my master’s at Georgia Tech, I needed a break from books. Lately, I’ve been thinking about picking up a good beach read—especially with baby #2 arriving in January.
What is your favorite room in your house? Describe it.
It has to be our master suite. We moved into our new home two months ago, and it feels like a retreat. The room is flooded with light from three walls of windows, and at night, it’s so dark and peaceful compared to Midtown, where we used to live. Our view overlooks the backyard, and waking up feels like being in a treehouse.
What is your biggest score online to date?
I’m such a utilitarian online shopper, so my best score was using Old Navy cash back to snag nearly an entire season of clothes for my son—for almost nothing.
It is said to look for art that "makes your heart skip a beat." What aspects of art make your heart skip?
Colors and subjects! I love abstract botanicals—they’re fun, fresh, and versatile, making them timeless additions to any space.
What is the benefit of buying art through a collective?
A collective is perfect for new buyers! The artists share a cohesive style, and the curators do the hard work of selecting standout pieces. It takes the stress out of choosing and ensures a great investment.
If you have the entire day to spend in an art museum, which one and why?
I’d revisit Kew Gardens in London, where I discovered Marianne North’s stunning botanical paintings. She traveled the world in the 1800s, capturing vibrant, intricate scenes. She even funded and painted her exhibit space herself—her story and art are truly inspiring.
When and where do you get the biggest surge of inspiration?
Mornings are my creative sweet spot. Inspiration strikes when I’m out and about—exploring restaurants, showhouses, antique markets, and estate sales. I collect little details, and when the house is quiet, it all comes together into a creative spark.
The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?
Layers! A mix of textures, patterns, colors, and eras keeps a home from feeling cookie-cutter. It’s a slow process, but worth the journey.
The greatest color combination that ever existed?
Green and white. Green transitions beautifully between seasons and feels calm and inviting year-round.
What’s your favorite housewarming gift?
If the homeowners love to cook, I go for fancy cooking staples like Jacobsen’s Flaky Sea Salt or Monograno Pasta, paired with something personalized.
So, tell us a bit about your corner of the world – where do you live and what do you love about it?
We live in a quiet, family-friendly Atlanta neighborhood close to our son’s future school. Our home, turning 100 next year, is surrounded by history and nature—including a beautiful old oak in our backyard that I love to watch as the seasons change. It’s a slower, more peaceful pace compared to our Midtown days, and we’re so grateful for it! The great thing is, we’re less than a 2 mile commute from fun and business in either direction, so we don’t feel cut off from the world.
