If you follow steve mckenzie’s on Instagram or Facebook, you know we’ve been busy! It’s been wonderful and this fabulous fall weather we’ve been experiencing – albeit a bit warm – only adds to the fresh feeling the change of seasons brings.
We wanted to take a moment to give you a quick rundown of the four latest happenings at steve mckenzie’s…
First up – the press! We couldn’t be more thrilled for the fantastic mentions, features and product shout-outs we’ve recently received. Thank you to those who’ve taken a moment to recognize steve mckenzie’s and/or read about us in the news!!
It was such a delight to open the Sunday AJC and see a fantastic feature about steve mckenzie’s nestled in the pages of the Homefinder/Lifestyle section by our friend Linda Jerkins. We hope this fun feature gives you a better glimpse into what steve mckenzie’s is all about!
A new greeting card line. That’s right – we’re offering an all-new greeting card line based off Steve’s original artworks. There’s something for everyone here! They’re whimsical, celebratory and even masculine; which can be a difficult style to capture in a greeting card. We hope you love them and love to gift them!
steve mckenzie’s new art print line. You no longer have to purchase an original work to bring a piece of fine art by Steve McKenzie into your home! Our art print line is now available for purchase at a price point that makes living with fantastic art accessible for anyone.
Lastly – Halloween Happies! Come in to the steve mckenzie’s showroom today and be inspired for the spookiest holiday of all… We have so many fanciful items that will put you in the Halloween spirit!
There you have it. The latest happenings at steve mckenzie’s! And get prepared, as the holiday season approaches, there will be more going on. So be sure you’re keeping up with our Facebook and Instagram sites and checking back with the blog. We don’t want you to miss a thing!
That was the question posed to our very own Steve McKenzie by the wonderful team at Steelyard Access, when they approached him about e-designing a room fit for the President of the United States for their e-magazine, FOCUS…
Those of you close to Steve may have heard him share his “dream project” – designing a set of Presidential china. So, this fun challenge caused some immediate ear perks. And when he learned his room to makeover was the Presidential Library, he was in!
The White House China Room
Here’s a bit about Steve’s concept for the design:
Designing for the next President’s innermost sanctum, left me appealing to the desire for a personal space that truly reflects taste and inspiration. The President, a modernist at heart, needs a private place to escape and think, read and simply be… uninterrupted. A love of mid-century was the springing-off point for clean lines and a warm palette. Not encumbered by the need to reflect the Federal traditional style seen throughout much of the White House, we focused on using elements that the President alone will use and enjoy thoroughly.
Some of the items included in this space fit for our country’s leader are a sumptuous sofa from The Eleanor Rigby Company, stunning shelves by French Heritage, a sculptural lamp from Theodore Alexander, a steve mckenzie’s rug design by Verde Home and a Perry Luxe console.
We were in some fantastic company in this FOCUS e-magazine makeover feature – so be sure to check out all of the amazing spaces by Gary Inman, Eric Haydel, Ashlina Kaposta, NAR Design Group, Joy Moyler and Steelyard’s Steven Avitable.
We’re so grateful to have been included in this fun spread and hope it inspires you to go a little presidential with the interior design of your home! If you’d like help with designing a space you’ll love, reach out to the McKenzie Design team today.
You guys… The folks over at Cooking Light have seriously outdone themselves with some of their recent published recipes – so much so, we had to share one of our top favorite finds from the May 2015 issue with you!
When warm weather hits the city, we really don’t want to weigh ourselves down with rich, heavy meals, not to mention all those added calories that come along with them. Lightening up our evening meals has been a goal of ours as of late and this dish makes that super simple – it’s the latest addition to our rotation of lite fare favorites:
As many of you know, what’s trending in fashion oftentimes predicts what will be hot in interior design… Take that fact, and Jill’s love for fine quality, unique clothing, and you have an idea where steve mckenzie’s appreciation for high end fashion comes from.
Recently, we hosted a pop up shop for Hampden Clothing, undeniably one of the country’s top boutiques, whose brick-and-mortar location is located on Charleston’s historic King Street. Hampden Clothing owner, Stacy Smallwood, was along for the pop up, and we took the opportunity to pick her brain for all of you!
Spoiler alert – she’s fabulous and has a brilliant mind for fashion and business. We think she’s in the right line of work. 😉 Scroll down and be captivated by Stacy and all she has to share:
Stacy Smallwood
Which words best describe your aesthetic/style?
Evolving, Experimental, Simple, Confident
Please share a little about your favorite ensemble with us…
I’m not really attached to outfits – it really depends on my mood. I’m so busy, it’s hard to remember! I travel so much, so I know my go-to pieces, pack them, and know they work.
Rag & Bone Fleet Blazer, available at Hampdon Clothing
Tip – Stacy’s favorite staple item is a good blazer. It nips in at the waist without being a belt.
What are the sources of your inspiration?
Travel! When traveling, you’re able to see what others are really wearing. In our day to day lives, we see the same people and same looks – this can be conforming.
Hampden Clothing – interior
Who are three people, alive or dead, you would invite to your dream dinner party?
Rene Brown – Obsessed with her right now! Creativity, and vulnerability. We see so much vulnerability in the dressing room; it gets really raw when women look at themselves in the mirror.
Gwyneth Paltrow – Lifestyle and food.
Chelsea Handler – Have fun!
Miuccia Prada
“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” ~ Miuccia Prada, famed Italian fashion designer (Miu,
Miu, Prada)
What are some pieces in your wardrobe you can’t live without?
A good bag and good shoes – finish the look!
Are there any rules you follow when pulling a look together?
It’s all about proportion. If you wear a flowy top, choose a skinny bottom and vice versa.
Don’t limit yourself by age, but be appropriate. Take your cues from your peers and peer media, not your teenagers. If you’re limiting yourself with your wardrobe, where else may you be limiting yourself?!?
What trends are you seeing?
For fall, underlying Bohemian style. Velvet, burgundy. Cold shoulder and off the shoulder continues. 90’s rocker girl – chokers, plaid, monochromatic. Red. Turtlenecks – in the south find a tissue weight short sleeve option to pair under a sleeveless summer dress and bring it into fall!
If stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
Iced lattes!
What’s a piece of advice you’d share with someone looking to break into the fashion indistry?
You don’t need a fashion degree – get a business degree! Find a good mentor and polish up your math skills.
THANK YOU to Stacy and Hampden Clothing for gracing our showroom with your pop up shop and for this fun interview – it was such a treat hosting them all here and learning more about Stacy!!
Sidenote – Stacy and Hampden Clothing are part of a select board, which Harper’s Bazaar works with to determine what may be featured in the magazine. Pretty awesome, right?!?
We hope Stacy and her thoughts on fashion have inspired you to reconsider your wardrobe a bit and how it works for you!
Recently, we found out about Artful Cranberry, a Freeport, Maine based company, that creates stunning live cranberry wreaths. These unique wreaths are so lovely, we thought you’d be interested in learning more about them – and we even have a special discount to share with readers of the blog for steve mckenzie’s!
The gal behind Artful Cranberry, Deena Prestegard, was initially inspired to make live cranberry wreaths by a project featured on the cover of Martha Stewart Living magazine about 20 years ago. However, Deena didn’t follow Martha’s guidelines and created her own way to make wreaths with live cranberries that would last for many months, as opposed to the wreaths created in response to the magazine feature, which involved breaking toothpicks and poking the berries, accelerating the oxidation of the berry, and encouraging the wreaths to age and wither prematurely.
In short, Deena crafted cranberry wreaths that last not only through the holiday season, but well beyond.
Deena’s inspiration is the cranberries themselves. She shares,” they have a brilliant and rich array of red color tones and they glisten like gems. They’re fun too, because they dart and bounce around when dropped. They used to be called bounce berries. They’re like little red super-balls.”
Artful Cranberry purchases their cranberries from a local grower, Ricker Hill Farms. They also offer a Re-Wreath Program whereby customers return the wreaths to them after the season, and they recycle the armature and give customers a credit toward their next purchase.
A straw armature is used as the base of the wreath. Deena likes working with natural materials and the straw allows them to make custom sizes and shapes.Two simple bow options are also offered; a red or a burlap bow both with a birch bark center.
In addition to being perfect door adornments, the wreaths also make beautiful centerpieces. Place a clear glass vase in the center of a wreath, laid flat on a table, and fill the vase with cranberries and flowers.
Artful Cranberry’s wreaths come with care guidelines to extend their life. Given optimum conditions the wreaths can last well into the new year.
Deena’s wreaths are created one cranberry at a time. Each is selected for its glorious uniqueness then placed on the armature in a series of concentric circles, every cranberry nested into another until the entire surface of the wreath is bejeweled with the most beautiful array of red berries possible. The color, size and shape of the berries are Artful Cranberry’s medium. The palate as rich as jewels, the presence of the finished piece as magnificent as any work of art.
If you’re as taken as we are with these fantastic wreaths, Deena and the fine folks at Artful Cranberry are offering a limited number of our readers 10% off their order with offer code “Steve McKenzie,” good through Saturday, December 6. Order quickly, as there are a limited number of discounts available…
Let us know what you think about these wreaths from Artful Cranberry and where you’d like to use one around your home this holiday season!
Last week Jill had the pleasure of visiting the north Georgia countryside, full of fall color, to tour the This Old House The Cottage at Cloudland Station in Chickamauga, Georgia. Not only is it set in a picturesque valley, this 1,998 square foot house packs a punch with refined colors, textures and design, thanks to the talented designer, and good friend, Yvonne McFadden.
Here are some highlights and notes: Partial to these peacock blue cabinets combined with the Montclair Danby marble countertop.
Versatile seating in the family room, and that smart mahogany coffee table by Holland and Company with clever pull outs…must remember that…
Two inch thick stairs from homegrown wood on the property – conservation and recycling at its best!
Shot in the heart by this stunner! Black penny tile on the walls and white penny tile in the bath, combined with the black tile border, black pearl marble countertop, blue cabinet color and then the arrow motif stencil by Cutting Edge Stencils. Top it all off with a custom mirror, framed by the venerable Brooks & Black Fine Framing.
Outdoor living plays a huge part in this cozy cottage with a 10-foot-deep porch that accesses the family and dining rooms. Yvonne and her team continued the relaxed feeling outside with the colors, textures and wrapped the spaces together with the Franklin Iron Works Hickory Point outdoor light collection by Lamps Plus.
Make plans to visit this dreamy development this fall – pack a picnic to enjoy on the grounds, perhaps around the communal firepit, or the pool or the adult size tree house! Thank you to Vicki Bolick (The Ace of Space) for joining me on this mountain adventure. Happy Fall y’all!
As many of you know, what’s trending in fashion oftentimes predicts what will be hot in interior design… Take that fact, and Jill’s love for fine quality, unique clothing, and you have an idea where steve mckenzie’s appreciation for high end fashion comes from.
Recently, we hosted a pop up shop for Hampden Clothing, undeniably one of the country’s top boutiques, whose brick-and-mortar location is located on Charleston’s historic King Street. Hampden Clothing owner, Stacy Smallwood, was along for the pop up, and we took the opportunity to pick her brain for all of you!
Spoiler alert – she’s fabulous and has a brilliant mind for fashion and business. We think she’s in the right line of work. 😉 Scroll down and be captivated by Stacy and all she has to share:
Stacy Smallwood
Which words best describe your aesthetic/style?
Evolving, Experimental, Simple, Confident
Please share a little about your favorite ensemble with us…
I’m not really attached to outfits – it really depends on my mood. I’m so busy, it’s hard to remember! I travel so much, so I know my go-to pieces, pack them, and know they work.
Rag & Bone Fleet Blazer, available at Hampdon Clothing
Tip – Stacy’s favorite staple item is a good blazer. It nips in at the waist without being a belt.
What are the sources of your inspiration?
Travel! When traveling, you’re able to see what others are really wearing. In our day to day lives, we see the same people and same looks – this can be conforming.
Hampden Clothing – interior
Who are three people, alive or dead, you would invite to your dream dinner party?
Rene Brown – Obsessed with her right now! Creativity, and vulnerability. We see so much vulnerability in the dressing room; it gets really raw when women look at themselves in the mirror.
Gwyneth Paltrow – Lifestyle and food.
Chelsea Handler – Have fun!
Miuccia Prada
“What you wear is how you present yourself to the world, especially today, when human contacts are so quick. Fashion is instant language.” ~ Miuccia Prada, famed Italian fashion designer (Miu,
Miu, Prada)
What are some pieces in your wardrobe you can’t live without?
A good bag and good shoes – finish the look!
Are there any rules you follow when pulling a look together?
It’s all about proportion. If you wear a flowy top, choose a skinny bottom and vice versa.
Don’t limit yourself by age, but be appropriate. Take your cues from your peers and peer media, not your teenagers. If you’re limiting yourself with your wardrobe, where else may you be limiting yourself?!?
What trends are you seeing?
For fall, underlying Bohemian style. Velvet, burgundy. Cold shoulder and off the shoulder continues. 90’s rocker girl – chokers, plaid, monochromatic. Red. Turtlenecks – in the south find a tissue weight short sleeve option to pair under a sleeveless summer dress and bring it into fall!
If stranded on a desert island, what’s the one thing you couldn’t live without?
Iced lattes!
What’s a piece of advice you’d share with someone looking to break into the fashion indistry?
You don’t need a fashion degree – get a business degree! Find a good mentor and polish up your math skills.
THANK YOU to Stacy and Hampden Clothing for gracing our showroom with your pop up shop and for this fun interview – it was such a treat hosting them all here and learning more about Stacy!!
Sidenote – Stacy and Hampden Clothing are part of a select board, which Harper’s Bazaar works with to determine what may be featured in the magazine. Pretty awesome, right?!?
We hope Stacy and her thoughts on fashion have inspired you to reconsider your wardrobe a bit and how it works for you!
This year, we’re helping you cross off any and all recipients who may be remaining on your holiday gift list with our rundown of the top five gifts of 2016, currently available at steve mckenzie’s. No matter who they are, what they enjoy or what their age may be, there’s a fit for everyone on our 2016 top gifts list (and maybe a little something to gift yourself with as well :-))…
PUZZLES! Y’all, who doesn’t love a puzzle?! And this one just happens to feature holiday highlights from across the United States. We think this finished puzzle would even make a fun piece of seasonal wall art! Not to mention all of the fun that’ll be had putting these 1,000 pieces together. It’ll give and give for hours on end!
Acrylic Wine Glasses. We don’t have enough good things to say about these glasses! They’re gorgeous, first of all, and coming in at a close second is they’re virtually unbreakable AND dishwasher safe. While these glasses will add a beautifully refined touch to any celebration, we think the recipient on the other end of these glasses will be celebrating the glasses themselves!
Catchall tray. These fun lacquer coated fabric trays are like small works of art for your flat surfaces… They feature a Steve McKenzie’s work of art in an indigo loop pattern and because of pattern placement are all a bit different. Put on an entryway table, on a bedside console, even a dining room buffet, there are endless uses for these fantastic trays!!
Christmas serving plate and bowl set. Think Santa would mind enjoying a bit of crudité instead of cookies this year?? When served on this delightful set, we think not! Chips and dip, veggies and hummus, crackers and cheese and oh so much more will be thoroughly enjoyed this holiday season on such fun dishes!
A beautifully packaged, lusciously scented candle. A green fresh cut grass herbaceous blend, topped with a fruity bouquet, of citrus, bamboo, lilac, rose, clove and musk notes. If that scent description doesn’t make you want to run into the showroom and pick up five or six for your go-to gift stash, we don’t know what will! Plus, there’s no need to know a recipient’s size for this gift and after filling their home with a scrumptious scent, it’ll disappear!
And there you have it – steve mckenzie’s Top Gifts for 2016. So, we need to know… Which of these items would top your gift list?!?
Don’t forget, we offer complimentary gift wrapping, so we literally are a one-stop-shop for all of your holiday gifts this season. We look forward to seeing you in the steve mckenzie’s showroom soon!
We’re so thrilled to have the opportunity to share a guest blog post by our friend, and magazine editor, Lisa Mowry! Lisa is the genius behind more than 1,000 features for national and local magazines. Needless to say, she knows a bit about what it takes to have a space highlighted in a publication and why some stories just don’t make the cut.
photo by Christina Wedge
Lisa Mowry has been a home and garden writer, editor and stylist for 25 years. She is the homes editor for Atlanta Magazine and Atlanta Magazine’s HOME, plus the regional editor for Better Homes & Gardens, Traditional Home and all their special interest magazines such as Country Home, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, Décor, Elegant Homes and Country Gardens.
Without further ado, we give you Lisa’s take on 5 Reasons Your Interior Designs May NOT Be Published…
I get excited when I go to my inbox and see a designer’s name with the subject line, “New Project.” –I never know when the most amazing house will appear before me with all sorts of possibilities for one of my magazines. But sometimes the house in front of me may be beautiful—I may even wish I could move right in myself—yet it’s not a fit for the publications I work with. Here are a few reasons why:
1.It’s not unique enough. If a living room looks “showroom perfect,” that may be impressive to neighbors, but magazines need more depth and personal style. Just as in the world of fashion, often the best rooms have one unexpected element, or may include features both expensive and budget-friendly. Always a pleasure to see: original art, layers of visual interest, and good use of color. I see a lot of swanky white kitchens, for instance, (and included in that category are light gray and light beige) because we all love a light-and-bright place to eat and cook, but the magazines need to show ideas beyond white.
Interior designer Chenault James’s house for a Columbus, Georgia client hit a homerun with Traditional Home magazine, thanks to its classic lines with a few important twists: great architectural elements in the form of metal French doors and windows and the ceiling treatment, plus her clever mix of patterns while still maintaining a serene color palette. Professional photography by Emily Followill enhanced the project even more.
2.Your scouting photography doesn’t capture the space well. I depend on designers and architects to send me photos of their projects a lot of the time. Are professional photographs good to send? Yes, they can be helpful, but rarely tell the whole story. Magazine editors need more than one “money shot” of a room; we need to see all angles, vignettes and details, plus exteriors, and outdoor spaces. Good non-professional shots can be sufficient and are almost always needed to supplement professional photos. Don’t use a wide-angle lens and do turn off most lamps in a room so the lighting is more uniform. An artsy detail of a fern on a coffee table may be something you want for a blog post, but editors don’t need that sort of thing.
This master bedroom in a coastal cottage in Watercolor, Florida will be featured in Décor magazine. Rich pops of color and salvaged doors distinguish it from a typical beach-house look…nice work by Tim Adams. High ceilings don’t feel too large, thanks to the wood-plank walls and large-scale furnishings. Photography: Emily Followill
3.Your projects are too something: too big, too small, too low-end, too high-end. Cavernous two-story living rooms often don’t have a charm factor readers are looking for, and on the other end, the blogging world is filled with first homes having similar DIY looks.
Condos can be a harder sell for magazines because there often isn’t as much architectural charm, but interior designer Helen Davis’s own loft has the advantage of brick walls and an arched window, plus her own swanky furnishings: a colorful mix of vintage, repurposed and personal accessories. Atlanta Magazine has covered her place, and it will also appear in BH&G’s Refresh later this summer. Photography: Sarah Dorio
4.There’s not enough to show. I can’t do much with one room, and designers often send me just the living room or dining room. Occasionally a unique room might work for a magazine (We have a regular feature in Atlanta Magazine called “Room Envy,” for instance), and some spaces such as kitchens or porches can warrant a whole feature, but in general, know that your chances to get published are limited with only one area.
Designer Sherry Hart took this scouting photo of a Buckhead project herself, but put the time into styling and getting the lighting right to accent this Zen-like bathroom. The bathroom itself combines textures and materials in a fresh way, and it will be featured in the fall issue of BH&G’s Kitchen & Bath Ideas.
5. Your project is over-exposed. Be careful not to let every blog around publish your best work; editors tend to shy away from homes where those good ideas have already been shown. That brings up some Magazine 101 refreshers: Don’t submit a project to more than one magazine at a time, and don’t always have your work in the same magazine. Once you get a reputation as a regular contributor to one publication, it can hurt your chances with others.
Wow! This is some fantastic – and super interesting info – for both designers and interior design appreciators alike… It’s amazing all that goes into the production of some of these beautiful home features!
A giant thank you to Lisa Mowry for taking the time to author this wonderful guest blog post and for sharing some of her behind-the-scenes tidbits on working with some of our favorite shelter publications!
We’re so thrilled to have the opportunity to share a guest blog post by our friend, and magazine editor, Lisa Mowry! Lisa is the genius behind more than 1,000 features for national and local magazines. Needless to say, she knows a bit about what it takes to have a space highlighted in a publication and why some stories just don’t make the cut.
photo by Christina Wedge
Lisa Mowry has been a home and garden writer, editor and stylist for 25 years. She is the homes editor for Atlanta Magazine and Atlanta Magazine’s HOME, plus the regional editor for Better Homes & Gardens, Traditional Home and all their special interest magazines such as Country Home, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, Décor, Elegant Homes and Country Gardens.
Without further ado, we give you Lisa’s take on 5 Reasons Your Interior Designs May NOT Be Published…
I get excited when I go to my inbox and see a designer’s name with the subject line, “New Project.” –I never know when the most amazing house will appear before me with all sorts of possibilities for one of my magazines. But sometimes the house in front of me may be beautiful—I may even wish I could move right in myself—yet it’s not a fit for the publications I work with. Here are a few reasons why:
1.It’s not unique enough. If a living room looks “showroom perfect,” that may be impressive to neighbors, but magazines need more depth and personal style. Just as in the world of fashion, often the best rooms have one unexpected element, or may include features both expensive and budget-friendly. Always a pleasure to see: original art, layers of visual interest, and good use of color. I see a lot of swanky white kitchens, for instance, (and included in that category are light gray and light beige) because we all love a light-and-bright place to eat and cook, but the magazines need to show ideas beyond white.
Interior designer Chenault James’s house for a Columbus, Georgia client hit a homerun with Traditional Home magazine, thanks to its classic lines with a few important twists: great architectural elements in the form of metal French doors and windows and the ceiling treatment, plus her clever mix of patterns while still maintaining a serene color palette. Professional photography by Emily Followill enhanced the project even more.
2.Your scouting photography doesn’t capture the space well. I depend on designers and architects to send me photos of their projects a lot of the time. Are professional photographs good to send? Yes, they can be helpful, but rarely tell the whole story. Magazine editors need more than one “money shot” of a room; we need to see all angles, vignettes and details, plus exteriors, and outdoor spaces. Good non-professional shots can be sufficient and are almost always needed to supplement professional photos. Don’t use a wide-angle lens and do turn off most lamps in a room so the lighting is more uniform. An artsy detail of a fern on a coffee table may be something you want for a blog post, but editors don’t need that sort of thing.
This master bedroom in a coastal cottage in Watercolor, Florida will be featured in Décor magazine. Rich pops of color and salvaged doors distinguish it from a typical beach-house look…nice work by Tim Adams. High ceilings don’t feel too large, thanks to the wood-plank walls and large-scale furnishings. Photography: Emily Followill
3.Your projects are too something: too big, too small, too low-end, too high-end. Cavernous two-story living rooms often don’t have a charm factor readers are looking for, and on the other end, the blogging world is filled with first homes having similar DIY looks.
Condos can be a harder sell for magazines because there often isn’t as much architectural charm, but interior designer Helen Davis’s own loft has the advantage of brick walls and an arched window, plus her own swanky furnishings: a colorful mix of vintage, repurposed and personal accessories. Atlanta Magazine has covered her place, and it will also appear in BH&G’s Refresh later this summer. Photography: Sarah Dorio
4.There’s not enough to show. I can’t do much with one room, and designers often send me just the living room or dining room. Occasionally a unique room might work for a magazine (We have a regular feature in Atlanta Magazine called “Room Envy,” for instance), and some spaces such as kitchens or porches can warrant a whole feature, but in general, know that your chances to get published are limited with only one area.
Designer Sherry Hart took this scouting photo of a Buckhead project herself, but put the time into styling and getting the lighting right to accent this Zen-like bathroom. The bathroom itself combines textures and materials in a fresh way, and it will be featured in the fall issue of BH&G’s Kitchen & Bath Ideas.
5. Your project is over-exposed. Be careful not to let every blog around publish your best work; editors tend to shy away from homes where those good ideas have already been shown. That brings up some Magazine 101 refreshers: Don’t submit a project to more than one magazine at a time, and don’t always have your work in the same magazine. Once you get a reputation as a regular contributor to one publication, it can hurt your chances with others.
Wow! This is some fantastic – and super interesting info – for both designers and interior design appreciators alike… It’s amazing all that goes into the production of some of these beautiful home features!
A giant thank you to Lisa Mowry for taking the time to author this wonderful guest blog post and for sharing some of her behind-the-scenes tidbits on working with some of our favorite shelter publications!
Steve first met Eddie Ross back when Eddie was working for House Beautiful and Steve was working for Larson-Juhl. Over the years, they were able to collaborate on many design projects and, together with Jill and Eddie’s partner Jaithan, they formed a close friendship. Steve and Jill both value the rare moments they’re able to spend with Eddie and Jaithan, and we’re so pleased to finally have an opportunity to feature Eddie as a Tastemaker here, on the blog for steve mckenzie’s! Back in March of 2013, Eddie was named East Coast Producer/Editor for Print and Digital for Better Homes and Gardens magazine. In this role, Eddie produces home, decorating, DIY and entertaining stories for print, digital and video. Prior to his role with BH&G, Eddie was Editorial Director of Rue La La, where he produced content across multiple channels, including online, mobile, and tablet. Ross has been a design, decorating, and food editor for Martha Stewart Living, House Beautiful, and Food Network. In addition to his print work, which has been featured in Elle Decor, Domino, Lonny and The New York Times. Ross has appeared in numerous TV specials for Martha Stewart, HGTV and Bravo. Ross graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. Eddie Ross
1. What are three words that describe your aesthetic?
Eclectic, Colorful, Lived-in
2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?
As an editor at BH&G, I get to work with a top-knotch crew, inspiring readers with real-life stories about people living in beautiful, comfortable homes that express their personal style. I feel so lucky to be able to do something for my job that I truly, honestly love!In addition to this, I’m loving working on a book with Jaithan, which will be coming out in the Summer of 2015. 3. What are the sources of your inspiration? I’m constantly inspired by flea markets, tag sales, thrift shops–anywhere you can go and find beautiful, affordable things. I’ve seen a lot of high-end homes in my career, but I love being able to look to flea markets and create spaces that look magazine-worthy on a budget. I’m all about mixing high and low – buy a nice sofa, then mix things up with an Ikea table. It’s like wearing a really good pair of jeans and with an H&M top. 4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…
I would definitely invite Julia Child, Yves Saint Laurent, who has such fashion style, and to round out the party, let’s thrown in a Lindsay Lohan, because everyone needs a little hot mess here and there to add flavor!
5. What’s a piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?
I would say my favorite piece of furniture is an antique pharmaceutical cabinet I found painted yellow at a junk shop for $50. My grandfather stripped it – and we found it was lined with zinc, and that all the hardware is solid copper and brass. I love it for it’s versatility – I’ve schlepped it to every apartment I’ve lived in and so far, it’s lived as a china cabinet, a linen closet, a medicine cabinet and now it’s in the library with books and magazines.
6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?
I don’t think there’s a right or wrong way of doing a mix for someone’s own personal style. I don’t feel as if I can tell someone they have to mix stripes and florals or to just mix solids with a graphic pattern. In our place, the more pattern the better! I always pay attention to color and mix patterns with abandon. The sofa at our NYC apartment features a mix of leopard, tribal cloth, needlepoint, quilted pillows, all from different time periods. It all has to do with finding your own personal taste and style. If something makes you smile, it’s right.
7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?” I’m into one of a kind/vintage. I’m totally obsessed with vintage fabric; like chintz and out-of-print patterns… For me, it’s all about being one of a kind. These are the kinds of pieces that really make a home. You could have all the money in the world, but if your house looks like a brand new showroom, it’s totally impersonal and that’s not me.I’m over chevron, trellis patterns in kelly green, and plain black and white spaces. There’s so many beautiful colors in the world, and I love waking up to color, it’s just happy.
8. How does artwork fit into your designs? I think artwork is so important – it makes a room. I am a true believer that art needs to speak to the person who is going to live with it. Right now, I’m obsessed with LA-based artist Anna Ullman of A.E.U. Studio. Her paintings, monoprints and glittered wonders are fantastic! If you can afford it, investing in art is key. But for someone starting off, you can find lots of great things at a tag sale – just pop it out of the old frame, and surround it with a more modern frame. Once you get more settled in your career, then you can consider investing. I love all of my art – from the pieces I found when I was younger to the ones I’m collecting now. It adds to the overall, decorated look. Personally, I love Steve’s paintings; they’re colorful, beautiful, livable and add a modern take on traditional artwork.
9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island? Sour patch kids. I LOVE Sour Patch Kids. I literally couldn’t live without them. (Oh, and Jaithan too :-)) 10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the interior design industry. Get ready for a lot of hard work. You really need to put yourself out there. Build relationships, do internships and be prepared to work for free. If you love it and are passionate about it, it’ll pay off in the long run.
That’s great advice Eddie – and such a fantastic interview; thank you! We’re so grateful to call Eddie a friend, and now a Tastemaker for our blog!
The White House China Room
Stacy Smallwood
Rag & Bone Fleet Blazer, available at Hampdon Clothing
Hampden Clothing – interior
Miuccia Prada
Here are some highlights and notes: Partial to these peacock blue cabinets combined with the Montclair Danby marble countertop.
Outdoor living plays a huge part in this cozy cottage with a 10-foot-deep porch that accesses the family and dining rooms. Yvonne and her team continued the relaxed feeling outside with the colors, textures and wrapped the spaces together with the Franklin Iron Works Hickory Point outdoor light collection by Lamps Plus.
photo by Christina Wedge
Interior designer Chenault James’s house for a Columbus, Georgia client hit a homerun with Traditional Home magazine, thanks to its classic lines with a few important twists: great architectural elements in the form of metal French doors and windows and the ceiling treatment, plus her clever mix of patterns while still maintaining a serene color palette. Professional photography by Emily Followill enhanced the project even more.
This master bedroom in a coastal cottage in Watercolor, Florida will be featured in Décor magazine. Rich pops of color and salvaged doors distinguish it from a typical beach-house look…nice work by Tim Adams. High ceilings don’t feel too large, thanks to the wood-plank walls and large-scale furnishings. Photography: Emily Followill
Condos can be a harder sell for magazines because there often isn’t as much architectural charm, but interior designer Helen Davis’s own loft has the advantage of brick walls and an arched window, plus her own swanky furnishings: a colorful mix of vintage, repurposed and personal accessories. Atlanta Magazine has covered her place, and it will also appear in BH&G’s Refresh later this summer. Photography: Sarah Dorio
Designer Sherry Hart took this scouting photo of a Buckhead project herself, but put the time into styling and getting the lighting right to accent this Zen-like bathroom. The bathroom itself combines textures and materials in a fresh way, and it will be featured in the fall issue of BH&G’s Kitchen & Bath Ideas.
Back in March of 2013, Eddie was named East Coast Producer/Editor for Print and Digital for Better Homes and Gardens magazine. In this role, Eddie produces home, decorating, DIY and entertaining stories for print, digital and video. Prior to his role with BH&G, Eddie was Editorial Director of Rue La La, where he produced content across multiple channels, including online, mobile, and tablet. Ross has been a design, decorating, and food editor for Martha Stewart Living, House Beautiful, and Food Network. In addition to his print work, which has been featured in Elle Decor, Domino, Lonny and The New York Times. Ross has appeared in numerous TV specials for Martha Stewart, HGTV and Bravo. Ross graduated from the Culinary Institute of America. 
Eddie Ross
In addition to this, I’m loving working on a book with Jaithan, which will be coming out in the Summer of 2015. 3. What are the sources of your inspiration? I’m constantly inspired by flea markets, tag sales, thrift shops–anywhere you can go and find beautiful, affordable things. I’ve seen a lot of high-end homes in my career, but I love being able to look to flea markets and create spaces that look magazine-worthy on a budget. I’m all about mixing high and low – buy a nice sofa, then mix things up with an Ikea table. It’s like wearing a really good pair of jeans and with an H&M top. 4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…
