Darryl Savage is the moving force behind DHS Designs - a dynamic design firm in Annapolis, Md., with two nationally recognized antiques stores in Maryland - Annapolis and Queenstown. He has carved out a niche as a direct importer of distinctive antique furniture, decorative arts, and garden appointments from France . More recently he has become known for his incredible selection of exquisite Nineteenth Century French carved limestone fireplace surrounds.
     DHS Designs has become a source for top designers and architects across the country. "These pieces are every bit as sculptural as stone statuary, with as much of the feeling of the master carver's hand involved." His wonderful selection of garden sculpture from France includes mythical beasts, carved pillars, massive stone fruit baskets, and a whole host of angels and cherubs "with lots of patina and character." Charlotte Moss, one of Savage's best clients, bought a headless female statue for her rose garden in the Hamptons, "No competition, " she said.
     Darryl Savage was trained in the humanities, traveled widely, and ended managing his family's hotel business, where he designed public spaces and developed his trend of utilizing large, strong pieces with clean lines against neutral backgrounds. At the same time, he continued his passion for collecting antiques, and opened his first venue in the industry as a partner in a small shop in Annapolis.
     The more involved he got in design and antiques, the more he realized it was time to make a change in his life. In 1992 opened his interior design firm, working out of the basement of his house. In 1994 he opened his first antiques shop solo...and DHS Designs was born.
     From a one room shop, he has expanded to two large shops and two satellite locations in Design Centers in Washington D.C. and New York.
     He has been featured numerous times in national publications, and shows regularly at the Wendy's New York Armory shows. "It's the best show around for us. Our market is New York. And Park Avenue is New York. Our design trade will come to this show more than any other we've done in the city. It's the place to be."
     When he is not scouring the French countryside, he's running between his shops' various locals, designing others' mega-homes, or just settling in with his family for rest and relaxation (he has two young children to balance his portfolio.)
     The energy and enthusiasm he feels when asked about the pieces he finds - the beauty of line and interesting provenance - is contagious. Just to look at the spaces he creates, whether in a client's home, in his shops or at Wendy's shows - invokes a pleasure of viewing a job well done. His eye has been touted, as Charlotte Moss recently was quoted in Architectural Digest, as seeing "the interesting quirk." He enjoys finding odd, offbeat pieces that he imbues with value by choosing them when others would pass them by. Some may have no style in particular, but all are chosen with a singular eye. And the way that they are showcased - whether in his shops or in his shows - makes you take a fresh look at his displays. his love of diversity for objects is his style - a period in and of itself - "le style Sauvage."
     DHS Designs is the recipient of House Beautiful's prestigious “America's Ten Best Showhouse Rooms" award (1995). In addition they have been featured in Architectural Digest, Interior Design, Town & Country, Departures, Southern Accents, Garden Design, Traditional Home and Veranda. The signature style includes carefully edited garden and architectural pieces placed in comfortably modern surroundings. All in good taste. All from DHS Designs' treasure-troves.