February 2021

Have you begun breaking out your traditional holiday linens and tableware and realize you may need to spruce things up a bit this year? You know, nothing a new set of glasses or napkins couldn’t fix. And they could be just the refresh your celebration tablescape needs… Take it from us – after all, steve mckenzie’s was recently awarded the “Best of Atlanta – Tabletop” by Atlanta Magazine!

Enter these beautiful, hand embroidered Libeco holiday napkins, $32. If these won’t be the star of your place setting, we don’t know what will be! Create a set with the stag and snowflakes for a winter look that will last all season long, or keep it classic for Christmas with the Noel, Joy and Christmas embroidered napkins.

Do all the same, or create a table full of fun by mixing and matching – these are so pretty, your guests won’t want to dab their fingertips on them. What’s even better, is a portion of the sales of these napkins goes back to the African women who do the embroidery. A win-win!

Next up, these sculptural red acrylic (yes, acrylic!) Milly Tumblers, $25. These will do double duty for you, as the glistening jewels on your table, and even on the kid’s table, since they’re not crystal or glass… These unbreakable, acrylic glasses will go far for you this holiday season, but can also make a reappearance this summer season when you’re celebrating the 4th of July!

Grab a few more than you’ll think you’ll need and use them as mini vases, vessels for your buffet’s utensils, so many options! Everyone will want to know where you found these unique tumblers, as they’ll add a perfect punch to your tablescape.

Finally, these Blackfriars Check napkins by Libeco, $23, will add a touch of drama with their deep hues. Although the pattern allows these to blend with traditional holiday decor. The Blackfriars Check napkins will make an especially lovely addition to a holiday brunch table and would line bread baskets equally as well.

There are so many ways little touches such as these can blend seamlessly with the decor you already have, adding the ideal fresh touch needed to dress up any holiday table. Add a few sprigs of rosemary to the napkin rings, and you’re ready for a celebration!

Come into the steve mckenzie’s showroom today to select a few items from our selection, voted “Best of Atlanta,” to adorn your holiday table and see what an impact a few new accessories can add… And don’t forget, these would all make fabulous gifts for the entertainer or hostess in your life, and with complimentary gift wrapping by our team, what’s not to love?!?

A Sputnik chandelier always makes a statement.

A vibrant orange Sputnik chandelier always makes a BIG statement.

And that’s exactly what Steve McKenzie was going for when he had this especially funky Sputnik chandelier installed above the main gathering space in the outdoor living room he was charged with in the recent Holiday Showhouse for Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.

Believe it or not, this spunky light fixture has a place in just about any style space. Check out the “Sputnik Love” board on the Pinterest page for steve mckenzie’s, just to get an idea of all the ways these astonishing pieces can be used.

Here at steve mckenzie’s we love using a Sputnik to offer a modern element and provide some creative tension with otherwise classical and traditional style. They’re especially beautiful over a classic round pedestal table in a foyer or even grouped at different heights in a soaring entry! Sputniks are fabulous over a dining table because of the openness it provides – never impeding sight lines. In a bedroom they are great over the bed, and depending on the style can really bring an element of fun (bright colors) or of luxury with crystal bulbs.

The biggest pitfall to watch out for when using a Sputnik to always keep scale in mind. If using a Sputnik over a dining table, make the longest arms 2/3 of the width of the table. Likewise, when scaled too small, they can look silly especially in a grand room. If you need more of a statement, group them!

Our friends at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles also have a love for the Sputnik! They picked the chandelier, selected by Steve for the outdoor living space, as one of the noteworthy items from their Holiday Showhouse, and highlighted it in their “New + Next” feature in the February 2014 issue!

In fact, a half-page spread was devoted to the statement made by a good Sputnik. Steve McKenzie was quoted in this piece, sharing…

“Lighting is to interiors what jewelry is to fashion; a statement piece that can set the tone for the room. A Sputnik chandelier adds instant energy, texture and a sculptural element – without overpowering a space.

So, have you been turned on to finding the perfect Sputnik for your space yet?!? Or, if you’re lucky enough to already have your home bedazzled by your very own Sputnik, please share what you love most about it!

Here’s to the jewelry that is fabulous lighting and the timelessness of the Sputnik chandelier!

With less than a week to go till Valentine’s day, you’re in crunch time to find that little something special for your loved one… But have no fear, steve mckenzie’s is here! With plenty of fabulous baubles in stock, ready to be wrapped for your special lady:

Is your hunny the epitome of elegant sophistication and simplicity? If so, show her how much she means with these perfectly understated “Joy Drop” sterling silver earrings by Christina Kober. She’ll be sporting this sweet pair everyday, be it to the office or yoga… And you’ll stay close to her heart.

We cannot say enough good things about these pieces by Grandmother’s Buttons – and your loved one’s family and friends won’t be able to say enough about them either. They’re that special and unique. Each piece is a statement and the handcrafted quality cannot be beat. These pieces are ready to be wrapped for your sweetie right away!

Let your loved one know how fortunate you are that they’re in your life with this perfect fortune cookie bracelet by Christina Kober ($68). It may be a little unconventional – save the roses and chocolates for another year – but it’ll be treasured for years to come! Pop in the shop today and pick it up for that special someone.

Talk about turning heads! These baubles by Mark Edge are undeniably head-turning, just like your Valentine… Mark has a way of bringing together the old and new, elegant and edgy to create some totally captivating pieces. And we have quite an array available for your favorite lady, ready to be wrapped right away!

If your sweetheart is classic monogram-loving southern belle, she’ll be sure to love our sterling silver initial necklaces by Christina Kober. Another understated item, these petite pieces are ideal for layering with other necklaces and will quickly become a wardrobe staple!

And to all the gals out there searching for that special something for their guy – check out our “5 Best Valentine’s Gifts for Guys” post here.

Come in soon for the best selection, and to work with a steve mckenzie’s team member to pick out the perfect piece to help make your Valentine feel extra special this holiday!

She’s an absolutely delightful person and award-winning designer… We first met Patricia McLean when she selected some fabulous Grange Napoleon chairs for her space in the ASO Showhouse earlier this year and were immediately smitten.

After learning more about her, and her work, we knew she’d be a wonderful “Tastemaker” to share with you all here! Luckily, she was agreeable, and her “Tastemaker Tuesday” feature is below – enjoy…

Patricia McLean

Patricia McLean founded Patricia McLean Interiors, Inc. in 1985. Considered a true, traditional designer, Patricia specializes in the customization of paint colors, finishes and fabrics and layering of antiques and accessories. Guiding clients architecturally through construction to ensure the “bones” are correct for furniture placement and flow is paramount to her design philosophy. A graduate of the University of Georgia with a Bachelor of Science in furnishings and interiors, Patricia was selected to restore the Georgia governor’s mansion ballroom. In addition, she has been featured in the Cashiers, North Carolina Designer Showhouse and the Atlanta Symphony Associates’ Decorators’ Show House for many years.  In 2013, The University of Georgia honored Patricia McLean Interiors with the Bulldog 100 Award for business, ranking 21st. She studied abroad and travels for inspiration but considers herself a true American designer. She takes an organic approach to the design process bringing her refined taste, fresh approach, vast resources and joie de vivre to each project.

1. Three words that describe your aesthetic?

Elevated, Enchanting, Enduring

2009 Atlanta Symphony Show House Master Bedroom at The St. Regis Atlanta. Photo by Lauren Rubinstein

2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?

One of my favorite projects to date is the Spring 2009 Atlanta Symphony Show House Master Bedroom at The St. Regis Atlanta. I rarely enter design contests. This one did receive an ASID Design

Excellence Award. The palette was a pale green. I mixed the paint color myself and called it Tricia’s Show House green. I had to keep trying it in the high rise because things change when you decorate in the sky light. The cream silk window treatments and gold wooden pelmets were my custom design. I added moldings to the walls and a marble fireplace to the space. The room was large so I was able to designate a bed room, breakfast and living room area. Some visitors said they could live in that one room! The nice thing about that Show House is it lead to a very happy collaboration later with St. Regis Residences on two model home projects for them in 2011 and 2013.

I have been designing Show House spaces since 1995. I can honestly say that no two are alike. I love doing them..

3. What’s the source(s) of your inspiration?

Inspiration is all around us. I believe God designed the world with designers in mind. Nature holds the key to pattern, color, texture, composition. Whether you can travel to far exotic lands or only around your own zip code, there are keys to good design in every part of our surroundings. I am often quoted as saying there are no bad colors, just bad combinations. Working through the palette is the job of the designer. My way of bringing the pieces together for a harmonious whole is enhanced by travel and experiencing new and historic settings.

4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…

Thomas Jefferson – I think we would all enjoy discussing architecture, furniture, houses and History with him! And then I’d invite Steve and Jill McKenzie – I know they are very fun at dinner!

Bleu Azur  Grange Napoleon chairs featured in Patricia’s ASO Showhouse guest suite. Photo by Erica George Dines

5. A piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?

I love chairs. I think of them as the holder of the people and their placement can often determine how the conversation flows. It is also the occasional chair that can add the most spice to the room because it gets used when the conversation really gets going and you need more seats! But standing alone it can be a show stopper with stand out fabric, color or both as was the case with the pair of bleu azur Napoleon chairs by Grange Furniture I borrowed from steve mckenzie’s for the 2015 Atlanta Decorator Show House.

6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?

My rule is to stay true to my eye. Over the years I have realized that not everyone sees things the way I do. I remember telling  a group in a talk that I could see the colors in my head and remember them forever once I saw them. I had one friend that never forgot that and would quote me on it. People would offer me fabric samples or paint chips to take with me and I would just say I didn’t need them. I thought that was how everyone saw color. I always do paint samples on boards with clients. Fabrics are my favorite and getting the mix right requires use of various textures and pattern.  It’s all experimentation with each job. I guess my one rule would be don’t force anything.

St. Regis Atlanta Private Residence

7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?”

I love antique tortoise boxes (not trendy, just a favorite of mine) and de Gournay hand painted wall panels.

I am over bad furniture compositions. Everything does not work. It is sad what passes for good design these days.

Patricia’s ASO Showhouse Guest Bath. Photo by Erica George Dines

8. How does artwork fit into your designs?

It is often the starting point. It helps establish the mood and/or color palette. It can also be the finishing touches that bring the room to life. I actually have the artwork commissioned for some of my projects. I work with artists that understand what I need and are able to paint, draw or watercolor render what I want in certain spaces. The 2015 Decorators Show House had a collection of paintings and water colors on one wall.  I commissioned the art and the hand finished custom frames for that room. The effect was charming. It seemed as if the owners had collected the art over time. And the frames complimented the fabric palette beautifully.

9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?

No brainer- iphone. I could call for help, be tracked by GPS and keep myself entertained and stay in touch with family/friends while waiting!

2013 ASO Show House Living Room featured in “Scalamandre’ Haute Decor.” Photo by Emily Followill

10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the interior design industry.

What my father taught me in business – which is just good manners. Treat everyone with respect no matter their station. Many days I interact with a myiad of people in the trade. I have been dealing with some them for over 30 years. Every job is a collaboration and I so appreciate those that help me get there. Also, encourage new business but always appreciate your existing clients.

If that interview and those images aren’t enough to inspire you, we don’t know what will! Patricia’s spaces are all so graceful, but offer unexpected touches that truly make a statement. Each time we’re in one of her rooms, we see something we haven’t seen the time before. Magic.

Thanks so much to Patricia for agreeing to let us feature her as a Tastemaker, here on the blog for steve mckenzie’s! To learn more about her, and her interior designs, visit Patricia McLean Interiors here.

We hope you’re all enjoying a day full of love with those most special to you, even if you’re far apart.

Happy Valentine’s Day from all of us at steve mckenzie’s!

We’d love to show you some love on your next visit to our showroom – mention this blog post for a sweet treat next time you’re in the store!

Earlier this summer, Steve and Jill attended The Southern Summit, an amazing event hosted by The Southern Coterie, which founded by two extremely talented women, Cheri Leavy and Whitney Long.

Cheri and Whitney were sensational hostesses of The Southern Summit and after attending such a lovely, well- thought-out and fun event, we knew they’d be a wonderful team to feature as Tastemakers! To our delight, they agreed to participate and we couldn’t be more thrilled to highlight them as our newest Tastemakers for the blog for steve mckenzie’s…

For Cheri, born with a knack for instantly connecting with people, The Southern C seemed like a natural progression. From novice beginnings, writing a “cousin newsletter” to operating a successful online and print publishing business with her husband, it’s Cheri’s enthusiasm and inspiration that has made The Southern Coterie and its live events – The Southern C Summits – a must visit for Southern entrepreneurs looking to make valuable connections. Constantly on the lookout for the newest talent in the South, Cheri has an authentic passion for meeting, greeting and giving entrepreneurs a platform to speak about their brands. An eighth generation coastal Georgia native, Cheri splits her time between Athens and St. Simons Island. 

After a successful career as a scout, stylist and contributing editor for some of the biggest names in print media like Coastal Living, Southern Accents, Southern Living and Better Homes & Gardens plus various special interest titles, Whitney took time off to focus on her favorite job – being a mom to four – but the scouting didn’t end there. Whitney draws on her years of curating unique places and people for the lifestyle magazine industry to create connections, find strategic partners and cultivate a talented team of writers and presenters. Born in the quintessential southern town of Elba, Alabama, Whitney now calls the quaint seaside village of St.Simons Island, Georgia home. 

1. Three words that describe your aesthetic?

C: Colorful, Eclectic, Keeper – I am a keeper of family treasures – china, silver, linens, books, old print press blocks and tools (my husband is fourth generation newspaper business).

W: Relaxed, Cozy, Lived-in

2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?

C: Our cottage on East Beach, St. Simons Island was on the Christ Church Tour of Homes years ago and I loved getting ready for that tour. I worked with several talented interior designers to pull it all together – Mary-Bryan Peyer, Andrew Downs, Lisa Ellis Design and my mother-in-law Sudy. I have been collecting original art since post college and have joked that I drove my mom’s hand-me-down cars but always had an art payment versus a car payment monthly. This was thanks to my mentor Millie Wilcox of Left Bank Art Gallery who let me pay in installments. Millie created a sheet for tour attendees that turned it into an art exhibit detailing the artists and history of many of the pieces. She even researched pieces from my ancestors so it turned into an archive of my art I will treasure forever.

W: Our living room – giant sectional sofa where all six of us can squeeze in for family tv time watching some of our favorite shows like Shark Tank, America’s Got Talent and The Goldberg’s.  That is when and where I am my happiest which makes it my favorite space.

3. What’s the source(s) of your inspiration?

C: Travel, antiquing, magazines, blogs, instagram and family treasures.

W: So many friend and creatives that I have met through The Southern C and Southern C Summit!  I follow their blogs, check out their websites and social channels and am continually inspired!

Bear Bryant

4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…

C: Southern journalist, author and entertainer Julia Reed, newspaper icon Kathryn Graham and author Ernest Hemingway – don’t you wish you were invited too?

W: My Daddy who passed far too young, Bear Bryant (this would be a pick for my Dad – would LOVE to hear that conversation) and Dolly Parton – who wouldn’t want the fabulous Dolly at their dining room table? Can you tell I’m a Southern girl with these icons?   

Whitney’s Great Aunt Kate’s vintage flame mahogany breakfront.

5. A piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?

C: I love a good parsons table – so versatile. I have created a few with Andrew Downs. We did one for the cottage with Hermes orange Edelman leather he had left over from a project in the 80s – ahhh so fab. So then in Athens, we did Tiffany blue suede on one with a short nesting table beneath in blue skin for all of my coffee table books.

W: My great aunt Kate’s vintage flame mahogany breakfront – in addition to holding dishes, it holds lots of memories of Sunday post-church lunches and holiday family meals.

6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?

C: I am a rule breaker for sure. I do what feels right so my style is very layered and nuanced with odd objects on brackets on the wall and I collect majolica so it is everywhere. I love old rugs and have orientals and some incredible Turkish kilims from a neat local on St. Simons, Vickie Myers, who sells them from her extensive travels. Her warehouse is a blast to dig in. That was another payment plan in my thirties. I can’t say enough that if you love beautiful things and you are on a budget then work with vendors. You would be surprised what people will do to help a young collector. I am a firm believer in textured layers but there is no rhyme or reason to my process. I buy what I like and I am not matchy matchy so I blend a lot of different pieces.

W: No, I think it’s all about a balanced mix and what is visually appealing to your eye but also taking into consideration what elements work well in each particular space. 

Colorful pillows add a POP!

7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?”

C: I am into coupe glasses right now because of my friend, Brian Hart Hoffman’s new book, The Coupe: Celebrating Craft Cocktails and Vintage Collections I am over my dated kitchens and bathrooms. The struggle is real if you love 1930s homes.

W: I’m over the staged, too-many pillows look with the karate chops in the tops.  I am into relaxed and streamlined.  A few pillows with a colorful bold pattern pack more punch!  When I want to sit, I want to sit without removing 10 pillows to do so.  Same goes for my bed!  

Oyster painting by artist Cathie Parmelee

8. How does artwork fit into your designs?

C: Clearly for me as I have expressed above – art is everything to me. My friend who is an interior designer, Cullen Osteen collaborates with me on my Athens home and teases me that most of her clients buy art to fill a space and I buy art and look for the space. Needless to say, I am a proponent of the gallery hang.

W: Art can serve to anchor a room and also serve as the jumping off point for the design scheme.  I love sizable statement pieces – kind of like a great statement necklace. 

9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?

C: My husband Vance of course. A healthy supply of wine and hopefully some fabulous stemware. My two golden retrievers. I don’t think I would do well on a deserted island.

W: My iPhone so I could book a plane ticket back home!

Thank you so much Cheri and Whitney!! Not only did we have a fabulous time at The Southern Summit this past May, we’re so happy to have had to opportunity to get to know you both better and share a bit about you here on the blog for steve mckenzie’s!

With the close of the holiday season and start of the New Year comes much more than added pounds and a new found determination to check items off your to-do list… There are holiday engagements to celebrate!

The magic of the holiday season must really wear off on the couples out there who were recently engaged – we’re sure it has something to do with bringing family and friends together and celebrating a joyous time. It’s just the perfect time for many to begin the next chapter in their lives!

In addition to celebrating your recent engagement, the start if the New Year also signifies the start to the wedding planning. And with that comes a very fun activity, creating a wedding registry.

Here at steve mckenzie’s, our unique registries (which aren’t just for weddings!) are comprised of:

New pieces from Mitchell Black Art available at steve mckenzie’s now! Add your monogram to any of our pillows or linens for a custom creation!

• Monogrammed anything, especially napkins, a pillow with the married couples’ initial, throw blankets, etc.

Pear Lamp in grey glass by Tracy Glover Studio

• Lamps, side tables, accessories for your new home

Match Pewter Flatware

• Match pewter flatware – unparalleled quality matched with stunning good looks; made to be enjoyed ever day

To start a registry with steve mckenzies, simply visit our showroom and we’ll work together to create a list of items you’d love to have – anything from furniture and dishes/flatware to glassware, bar ware, table linens, artwork and even coffee table books! Miami Beach Coated napkin – Limited Edition in Blue Aqua We understand you’ll want a practical registry with items that are able to be transformed from the every day to special occasion. With our reputation as “Atlanta’s Best Tabletop,” the team here at steve mckenzie’s has the expertise and unwavering sensibility to work with you to select pieces you’ll love for years to come and will look forward to pass down to your children.

Once your registry has been compiled, we can prepare an order that can be e-mailed. Couples are also encouraged to list steve mckenzie’s as a preferred store, which guests can contact by phone, e-mail, website or in-store to select gifts.

Contact us today, so we may begin designing a custom registry to celebrate your upcoming nuptials, or any other event. You’ll love living with these special items from steve mckenzie’s!

The team here at steve mckenzie’s is absolutely thrilled to share the upcoming launch of Modern Mix,  a fabulous book about curating personal style with chic and accessible finds, by Steve and Jill’s longtime friends, Eddie Ross with Jaithan Kochar.

Steve with Eddie at Scott’s Antique Market, on a previous visit.

Here’s a bit about this exciting book launch, which will take place September 1 – available at steve mckenzie’s and also online:

From an unabashed hoarder of all things beautiful comes a fusion of color, creativity and inspiration in Modern Mix.

In this richly illustrated style guide, design editor and entertaining expert Eddie Ross reveals his insider secrets to creating exciting interiors, table settings and parties with chic and accessible finds that celebrate who you are and what you love.

Featuring never-before-published photographs of Eddie’s own homes—his eclectic apartment in New York and Pine Hill Farm in Connecticut—Modern Mix cracks the code to navigating thrift shops, yard sales and flea markets with confidence. Funny and insightful, Eddie is like a trusted friend on the front lines of flea markets and thrifting, telling you what to look for, where to find it and how to restore it. Then he shows you how to use color and pattern to infuse your finds with a fresh, playful spirit, combining high and low, new and old, classic and modern elements into a warm and inviting style that expresses your personality.

Each of the book’s eight chapters—Inspire, Discover, Acquire, Restore, Curate, Mix, Style and Entertain—begins with hand-illustrated titles printed in black foil on tipped-in half-pages, revealing surprises at every turn. The essential insights Eddie shares throughout the book culminate in a gorgeous grand finale of gawk-worthy rooms, table settings, bars, buffets and parties.

With more than 350 full-color photographs, time-saving tips and real-life shortcuts to decorating and entertaining beautifully on a budget, Modern Mix will open your eyes to the extraordinary possibilities within your reach and inspire you to live every day colorfully and creatively.

We’re also excited to share that in conjunction with the launch of Modern Mix, steve mckenzie’s will be hosting a book signing with Eddie Ross in our showroom – on Thursday, October 8th from 5-9pm. Mark your calendar to meet the authors!

Congrats to Eddie and Jaithan for taking on this amazing project, and seeing it through to fruition, we’re so happy to be able to celebrate this wonderful book with all of our friends, clients and colleagues!

We hope everyone’s enjoyed a nice, long weekend. Spending time in the sun, grilling, hanging out with family and friends – oh, and those fireworks – it’s the epitome of what summer is all about.

We hope you all continue your celebration safely. Happy 4th of July to all from the team here at steve mckenzie’s!

Thank YOU.

For making our 2014 so memorable.

For supporting us during all of our moves – including the move of our showroom.

For attending the various events we hosted throughout the year. They’re for you!

For the unwavering friendship of all our industry friends.

For giving us so much to look forward to in 2015.

Cheers to the New Year!