January 2023

We’ve shared a bit about Serenbe before – it’s a fabulous, progressive community connected to nature, just southwest of Atlanta. It’s the definition of picturesque… Fresh air, farm to table, timeless architecture. But, beyond all that, Serenbe hosts a fantastic organization in their Art Farm and Artist in Residence Program.

An event with Serenbe’s Artists in Residence

It’s an amazing program really, making it possible for artists of all disciplines to reconnect with nature at Serenbe, and be gifted with uninterrupted time to create and be inspired. As an artist himself, Steve (and, of course Jill) is a big fan of Serenbe and the Artist in Residency Program.

Serenbe’s “Art Walk”

As a way to enlighten more people about Serenbe’s Artist in Residence Program, and to act as a fundraiser, Steve is organizing art and artists to participate in an auction, benefiting Serenbe’s Art Farm/Artist in Residence Program, as well as ASID Georgia’s chapter office renovation project!

The Art Farm at Serenbe

There are two events in conjunction with the art auction fundraiser – on March 12, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams will host a preview party, then the auction will take place on March 26 at ADAC… For details on the auction, click here.

The auction will feature works by:

Amy Morris Amy Wikman Bill Peace Chris Little Elayne DeLeo Gina Christman Jason Moattar Joel Kelly Julie Witzel Kerry Howard Linda LeTard Lucy Aiken Johnson Mark Williams Matthew Quinn Melanie Millner Melanie Turner Michel Boyd Patricia McLean Pipa Bradbury Rita Carson Guest Robert Grayson Scott Kirk Steve Mckenzie Terri Duffy Tish Mills

Tricia Jones

We’re feeling pretty astounded here sitting on the heels of two amazing titles awarded to steve mckenzie’s!

Steve & Debbie with their ASID Silver Award

A recent kitchen in a full home remodel project recently received the ASID Georgia Chapter Design Excellence Award, Residential-Kitchen, SILVER AWARD!!

Steve McKenzie, along with Debbie Blumencranz of Design Galleria, are honored to have their “Baking Kitchen Remodel” project granted the ASID Silver Award!

The big feature for this kitchen is the light blue La Cornue stove in a 1910 Candler Park home. The full project was highlighted in this Style Blueprint feature!

Another thrilling accolade for our team here – Steve specifically – was a top recognition in a floral design competition. After taking a class in floral composition with Christy Griner Hulsey of Colonial House of Flowers, Steve, along with his classmates were given a design challenge. They had to use Mayesh Wholesale flowers to create a stunning arrangement in a caraway vessel from Accent Decor. As one of only two non-florists in the group, Steve wasn’t sure of his chances, but low and behold – he won!!  Follow along on Instagram for more design details.

Each of these honors was such a wonderful surprise and really sweetened our summer!! Reach out to the team here at steve mckenzie’s if we may be able to bring a little of our award winning style into your space.

We’re so excited to share this month’s Tastemaker feature for the blog for steve mckenzie’s – Jennifer Boles, who, for many of you may need to introduction… She’s the classic design maven behind the wildly popular blog, “The Peak of Chic“, and has also authored two fabulous books, House Beautiful Fabrics for Your Home and In with the Old: Classic Decor from A to Z. Please join us in welcoming, Jennifer Boles, as the latest Tastemaker for steve mckenzie’s:

Jennifer Boles

Jennifer Boles was born and raised in Atlanta, GA. Upon obtaining her bachelor’s degree in history from University of the South (Sewanee, TN), Jennifer returned to Atlanta to pursue a career in business and finance. After ten years spent in the business sector, Jennifer decided to pursue her passion for interior design and the decorative arts. With an intense interest in design history and a love of writing, Jennifer started her design blog “The Peak of Chic” in the Fall of 2006. Her website-read by design devotees from around the world- focuses on design trends, historical homes, history of design, and all things design related.  Recently named “blogosphere darling” by Departures magazine, Jennifer has been featured in numerous publications including The New York Times, Town & Country, Elle Décor, and Wall Street Journal.  In 2007, Jennifer became a contributing editor to House Beautiful, and more recently, she was named contributing editor to Veranda. When she’s not writing, reading, or thinking about design, Jennifer spends her time traveling, collecting antique and vintage ceramics, and buying far too many books.

1. Three words that describe your aesthetic? 

Classic; Confident; Personal

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

My favorite space is my own home because it’s furnished with things I love.

Door by Dorothy Draper

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

The work of design legends such as Dorothy Draper, Albert Hadley, and Syrie Maugham.

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

Cole Porter; Billy Baldwin; Bobby Short

Sitting room by Syrie Maugham

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

A clean-lined sofa.

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

Variety in texture and finish, for example, adds interest to a room.  That being said, you also need balance.

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

Into: Subtlety.  It’s a lost art, one which I hope people rediscover.

I’m over the kitchen-sink approach to decorating.  You can’t just throw a random mix of styles and pieces into a room and expect the room to look pulled-together.

8. How does artwork fit into your designs?

It’s important, but it has to reflect the taste and interest of the homeowner, not the designer.

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

My dog, Alfie.

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

Learn about the history of design.  You’ll never be at a loss for inspiration if you know about design history and those designers who influenced the art of decorating.

We so appreciate that last bit – about the history of design. This is a passion of both Steve and Jill’s and something they look to often when working with clients to create new designs.

A BIG shout out to the gracious Ms Boles for agreeing to participate in our Tastemaker Tuesday blog feature, she’s such a peach, and if you aren’t already an avid follower, we encourage you to add “The Peak of Chic” to your list of blogs to read – it is sure to become an instant favorite!

No matter how you celebrate Thanksgiving, there’s a good chance there’s a great meal involved… And a great meal deserves a great place setting. After all, they do say, you eat with your eyes first!

Now, we’re not necessarily talking about a super-formal setting, with eight pieces of flatware that you have to be an etiquette expert to know how to use, we’re suggesting you simply think about your meal and the style gathering you’re hosting, and create a place setting you and your loved ones will be comfortable with.

To help with this, we’ve created three different place settings to share as examples – one for a casual buffet style Thanksgiving dinner, another for a nicer, family style feast, and the final one, which lends itself to a more formal meal:

Buffet Style Thanksgiving Place Setting

This place setting is ideal for a casual, buffet-style meal and features acrylic Mario Luca Guisti drink-ware – perfect for those more clumsy relatives; 🙂 no broken crystal here! A Match pewter charger and R Wood plate, in our exclusive Red Clay colorway, adds a festive touch. And that fabulous Road salad plate is only $10! To mix it up, and bring in a fun, seasonal element, we’ve added a pair of vintage turkey salt and pepper shakers from Steve and Jill’s personal turkey collection (pretty cute, right?!?). The TAG place mat and napkin will transition beautifully to Christmas – we love double duty items like these!

Family Style Thanksgiving Feast Table Setting

If you’re planning a meal that’s more family style in nature, you can get a bit more detail-oriented with this place setting, as everything’s done at the table, i.e. your family and friends won’t be milling around filling their plates and glasses. This setting features a Match Pewter charger, salad, bread plate, and glasses, which all add a bit of sparkle to your table. The plate and coffee cup are by Royal Crown Derby Mikado, in their cantaloupe colorway, which brings in some needed warmth to the overall look. The placemat is a round shagreen acrylic placemat, which makes for easy care – something we can all use more of around the holidays! Finally, the napkin is Libeco linen. Here, we’ve added a special touch of whimsy with another Vintage turkey item from the McKenzie’s collection, and “planted” a faux orchid in it to bring some life and greenery to the table.

A Fabulously Formal Thanksgiving Table Setting

Here, we’re really setting the stage for a spectacular meal with a place setting that will be equally as fantastic. We’re using Julie Wear China, inspired by their home state of Kentucky; the salad plate is from their Bluegrass line and the dinner plate and charger are part of the Cheval collection. Agate coasters from Rab Lab make the perfect perch for some special glassware. Even with our most formal setting, we’ve taken the opportunity to introduce one of those vintage turkeys Jill and Steve love so much, this one bringing out the deep tones in this beautiful china. To help set off the darker brown of the linen napkin and place setting, we opted to go with a tan, round acrylic place mat (who says fancy dinner cleanup can’t be made easier?!?).

And there you have it, a place setting for each type of Thanksgiving meal!

If you’re looking for more inspiration for your Thanksgiving table, the folks at Veranda magazine published an article a while back all about setting the perfect table. You can find it here. It offers an organized way to consider the overall tablescape, and which elements make the most impact.

Finally, we’re in the midst of finalizing our own holiday menu, but wanted to share a delicious sounding recipe for a stuffed mushroom appetizer, from Ina Garten’s Barefoot Contessa’s Thanksgiving 2.0 episode – click here for the goods.

YUM – we can’t wait to taste those! Let us know which new recipes you’ll be trying this year.

We hope these place setting ideas inspire you to create something beautiful for your loved ones this year – and help to make your meal even more special… And from our steve mckenzie’s family to yours, happy Thanksgiving everyone!

For us, a big part of any successful outdoor room are the soft goods – the fabrics used on the pillows, drapes and accessories throughout this unique space. Because it’s situated outdoors, it’s open to the elements and all that brings with it. Although it’s nice to think you’d bring your cushions and pillows inside whenever they’re not in use, that’s not always realistic. And, we aim to create spaces clients love to live in and with, not create more work for them.

Outdoor living – perfect for the whole family!

So, we turn to Sunbrella fabrics, the ultimate in textiles for outdoor living. You may have heard of Sunbrella before, probably in terms of awning solutions for outdoor spaces. And while these can be nice, for the right home, there’s so much more to Sunbrella now!

A Classic Sunbrella Awning

A few of our favorite unique applications for outdoor fabrics include…

Ottomans and poufs! This ottoman in a textile design by our friends at Laurie Bell, another high performance fabric line offered by steve mckenzie’s, offers such versatility! Extra seating, a place to lounge your feet or place a tray of beverages – every outdoor space should include an outdoor ottoman or pouf.

Throws. The ultimate in outdoor comfort and ideal for those chilly summer nights. Toss a few outdoor throws throughout your space and you’ve instantly made it more inviting!

And this one may be our favorite – dog beds! We couldn’t imagine a better use for outdoor fabrics than for dog beds. You’ll need something extremely durable, and it doesn’t get better than this. And these stylish beds, thanks to Laurie Bell, flow seamlessly with our decor. Sometimes we think the steve mckenzie’s shop dogs, Bisi and Duke have it made!

If you’re really looking to create an oasis, outdoor drapes are where it’s at. They dance in the breeze and have the ability to turn just about any space into a tropical paradise. With the color, pattern and texture options now available, we’re only limited to our imaginations!

Phew! After all that, we think it’s time for a sit and glass of iced tea!

If you’d like additional details about Sunbrella fabrics and how the steve mckenzie’s team can create your idea of a fabulous outdoor space, feel free to reach out to us and learn more. We look forward to working with you and creating an amazing outdoor room. Soon you’ll have it made in the shade!

If you follow steve mckenzie’s on other social media sites, you may have seen us mention Michelle Workman, a phenomenal interior designer, based out of Los Angeles and Chattanooga. Steve was recently commissioned to custom paint the walls in her space for the Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles 2016 Holiday House and we’ve been fortunate enough to get to know Michelle and her work over the last year and she’s an absolute talent! We hope you enjoy getting to know Michelle in this latest installment of our Tastemaker series…

Born in Los Angeles, California, Michelle’s penchant for the craft was almost immediately apparent. Some of her fondest childhood memories were of her mother chauffeuring her about the neighborhoods to take in the endless array of visually arresting homes. As a budding young designer, Michelle frequently took pleasure in envisioning and fashioning her very own custom designed forts.

Described by those who know her as an “easygoing perfectionist,” Michelle’s philosophy is that interior design should embody the spirit and architectural style of the individual whose home is being transformed – literally, a physical manifestation of the client’s most inherent attributes. Michelle’s signature style is a mingling of the modern and vintage. And her engaging personality, calming demeanor and exquisite attention-to-detail continually instill confidence in her clients as she brings into being for them their one-of-a-kind dream home.

1. Three words that describe your aesthetic?

Elegant, Glamorous, Exuberant

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

Hmmmm. Not sure I have a favorite, each project is so unique and a new adventure, they all have aspects to them that are favored!

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

Usually the client is the inspiration, but when I do a showhouse or exhibition I make up a person that I want as a client and I design for them.

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

Marie Antoinette, I have so many questions for her, politically, but also she was a revolutionary when it came to style. Ginger Rogers, she seems like not only talented but down to earth and bubbly and wise.. I bet she would have great stories about old Hollywood.  Alexa Hampton, she’s a great designer but is also very well read and knows everything about design and design history, and she’s one of the funniest people in our industry.  I think that would be a lively dinner party!

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

A chair. and another chair, and two more chairs, and then one more chair.  I like chairs… oh and lamps too.

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

I work very hard to bring disparate elements into harmony, the overriding rule is balance.

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

Into… ART DECO.  Over… gray and beige and taupe, drab, drab, drab.

8. How does artwork fit into your designs?

I try to use local and emerging artists.  I love to get original pieces for clients even if they are not investment grade – I like to support young new artists this way.

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

A kindle with wifi.

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

Avail yourself of museums, and historic tours, and anything that will show you the finer things in life.  Try to find things for your clients that are unique and one of a kind… not from big box stores.

Thank you Michelle! It’s been such a pleasure working with you and being a part of your outstanding designs!!

Built by Redwood Home Builders Hand-plastered fireplace anchor the living room. Designer Jennifer Balcos

Your eye will delight in the variety of design and artwork and sensibility from the 11 talented designers who have put their unique signature looks in their spaces.

Dining Room by Dana Lynch Design Moody color and texture abound. J. Ansel Design Spa bath retreat designed by Elle & Vreeland Design House

This uniquely walkable development will offer more than 15 miles of pads, housing at a variety of price points, and art center, and an innovative school.  Enjoy a few more shots of this amazing showhouse…

Carriage house getaway full of natural elements, designed by Sherry Hart Jill and Steve at Pinewood Forest Idea House Preview Party

Led by interior design firm Dana Lynch Design, the team of designers have “shown their tail “as Jason Mitchell would say, pulling out all the stops to make the space is extra special.  Kudos to all!

Versace jacket in the Heavenly Bodies exhibit at The Met Artisan ice cream Any guesses? Precious sleeping baby

As you’re checking out the online sales this month, feast your eyes on some floral fashion beauties that caught my eye, including a super versatile wrap dress, fun floral heels from Sam Edelman to take you dancing, and who doesn’t love floral fashion by Johny Was?!

Jill McKenzie in cool linen Photo credit: Kathryn McCrary

DIANE VON FURSTENBERG Floral-print cotton and silk-blend wrap dress • Diane von Furstenberg • $228
Sophia Webster Lilico Leather Slides • Sophia Webster • $130
BB Dakota Kirsten Dress • BB Dakota • $95
Hazel Pointed Toe Heel • Sam Edelman • $72–140
Johnny Was Milla Long-Sleeve Floral-Print Blouse • Johnny Was • $135

Don’t you love this statement jungalicious chair by Selamat Designs?  So grab a chilled lemonade, relax and smile.  Happy Friday!

From a relaxed rehearsal dinner to a special bridal shower to a themed party, Dot and Army offers an easy, simple custom napkin program that will make your special event sparkle!  Recently, their napkin rental program added the perfect elevated touch to our rehearsal dinner with a variety of coordinated custom fabric napkins at each table.

Ready for Love

First a little background on this family business located in beautiful Brunswick, GA, Dot and Army‘s owner, Jennifer Zamudio’s charming store front offers a full variety of kitchen and table linens plus other local treats, while the workroom (and piles of gorgeous fabrics) are housed in the rear of the downtown building.  At steve mckenzie’s we’re in love with their seersucker cocktail napkins, Unpaper Towels, denim cocktail napkins.

Colorful Seersucker Cocktail Napkins, eco-friendly Unpaper Towels and Denim Cocktail Napkins with contrasting edging

Back to the rental program…All rentals are customized.  They rent everything from their seersucker to cotton prints to linens with metallic edging.  The rented set can be entirely the same, from one fabric, or mix and match.  We sent them a Pinterest mood board for our event including some inspirational floral images.

Napkin choices from Dot and Army Floral inspiration

Here’s how easy it is to choose your custom napkins:  pricing discussion is via email, and Dot and Army emails images of samples.  Want to see a fabric in person? Easy, they’ll mail it.  We chose the edging colors, sent the deposit and voila, 60 custom napkins arrived at our doorstep.

And you know what else? Return the napkins to them without washing.  Again, easy and no laundry for you!

Ready for the Rehearsal Dinner! Designed by Steve McKenzie Party ready!

Take this tip and add it to your Party File, and as always, steve mckenzie’s is ready to help you make your next event extra-special and easy, be that custom fabric, floral design or table settings.  Stop in or to start the conversation!

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As our family had the privilege of recently hosting our own rehearsal dinner,  I want to share some thoughts while they are still fresh in my mind.  Traditionally, the rehearsal dinner is held the night before the wedding and hosted by the groom’s family.  It’s the vehicle to gather the close family, attendants, officiant and bridal couple together, break bread, and fellowship together, and kick off the Big Event with food and merriment.

Take a look at these top tips for a successful, relaxed rehearsal dinner ~

1. Choose a style that is distinctly different from the wedding.

Not wanting to compete with the black tie optional wedding, we went the other way – a pizza truck!  Here we used black and white gingham tablecloths from steve mckenzie’s, pulled up a wood-fired pizza oven food truck, and served ice tea, beer and wine.  Father of the groom, Atlanta interior designer Steve McKenzie created the lush winter floral arrangements.  Festive color-coordinated napkins from Dot and Army completed the table.  More about their easy napkin rental program soon…

The wedding is the main event, so offering a different experience to the wedding party gives them a more complete weekend.

Black and white gingham fabric anchors the tables in the window-filled venue. Floral by Steve McKenzie

Any well done event, especially a wedding, follows a curated path of carefully chosen details.  From the save the date to the invitation to the floral, consistent colors, fonts and written tone set the stage for your special day.  The groom’s love of outdoors and hunting were celebrated with custom stadium cups, monogrammed napkins and photo booth props.

Custom monogram by Sequins and Lipstick Photo props by Captivating Creations Groom + Jill aka Mom

3. Choose the Rehearsal Dinner Menu Secondly to Wedding Menu

The wedding menu plays a starring role in the event, and the budget.  Tastings are held, serving pieces are surveyed, table-cloth colors are coordinated, all these details culminating in this once in a lifetime event.  The rehearsal dinner should coordinate with this evening, not compete with it.  Southern Crust Catering food truck provided this complement to the sit-down dinner on Saturday night.

Bride + Groom Southern Crust Catering Hot pizza on a cold night! Floral by Steve McKenzie A moonlit magical rehearsal dinner!

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One of our very favorite bloggers and organizational-guru is here for Tastemaker Tuesday and we couldn’t be more excited to share her feature post here with you today!

Carrie Peeples, of Neatsmart is a witty and wonderful person. We become fast friends at last year’s Southern C Summit, and she even worked her organizational magic in the steve mckenzie’s Interior Design workspace., Carrie listens to your organization needs and expertly create memorable combinations we’d never think of pulling together.

Read on to learn about Carrie’s top tax tips from the organizational point of view, saving you time, headache and maybe even some money!  I’ve added some cute home office ideas at the end too.

Continue reading “Top 3 Tax Organization Tips”

Happy 2018 to all! Kick off the new year with a big sale, 70% off all holiday and more.  That’s right – 70% off ALL Holiday and more, now through Saturday, January 6th.

This includes discontinued patterns from Royal Crown Derby, April Cornell and more.  Call or email for details.

See you soon!

As always, we’ve got our eyes on new products and trends, bringing you the best and latest in design and home.  Follow along on our blog and Instagram as we scope out AmericasMart and Maison et Objet this month.  Cheers to a fabulous month!

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Merry Christmas dear friends, family, clients, customers and team members!! We wish you the happiest holiday and pray you spend the day with your loved ones, enjoying this special time together.

And don’t forget, take a minute to put your feet up, relax and be IN the moment…

Not only do we have college football and basketball games (Go Butler Bulldogs!) to look forward to this winter, but our family looks forward to board games together.  As our kids are young adults now, it’s the season to gather round the table for some game time.

Steve and I took up backgammon this year and love it.  Keeps us unplugged and thinking strategically about the next move.  Perhaps this would be a welcome gift for someone on your list?

Here is one of the hottest new games, have you played Catan?  Looking forward to learning this interactive game of settlers with our adult kids.

Another fun intergenerational family activity is a puzzle.  Many folks leave one out on a table so family and friends can stop and work on it a bit at a time.

Along with the perennial favorite Georgia puzzle, there are some new ones in stock – State Flags, and New England states.  Stop in or call for the best selection.

Georgia State Puzzle – 500 pieces for ages 10 and up

Game time calls for crunch snacks.  This Asian-inspired snack mix from Cooking Light looks like just the right recipe to share over your next game.

Photo credit: Jennifer Causey

Thank you for letting us share our thoughts as we make plans to create special memories together. That’s what this is all about, right? And let’s keep it easy, unplugged and authentic.  Tell us what your family does to have fun together.

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Holiday greetings from our family to yours!

We hope you spend the holiday with the ones who are most special to you. And enjoy those leftovers!

We look forward to seeing you in the steve mckenzie’s showroom tomorrow for our Black Friday specials – there are some great deals to be had; and don’t forget about our free gift wrapping service!!

Steve McKenzie topping off the Sour Cream Cake with this easy icing! Add a special flavor with Jackson Morgan Southern Cream Salted Caramel
Add a special ingredient to this versatile icing A couple of bowls, your trusty hand mixer, and fresh mint Perfect for sharing with friends

For many of us the New Year means detoxing from all the rich foods enjoyed over the holidays and shedding a few of those extra pounds. But, one of the trickiest times to stay focused on healthier eating – at least for us – is snack time! How easy and (temporarily) satisfying it is to pick up a bag of chips, grab a pastry at the coffee shop or snatch up a handful of candies running to your next appointment.

At least that’s our story… If yours sounds similar read on for some relief.

We’ve found a wonderful solution to those quick snack times that won’t weigh you down – quick pickles!

Yes, we said pickles. Homemade pickles. There’s nothing like ’em! If the thought of making your own pickles sounds a tad overwhelming, we promise they’re beyond easy. And this recipe we’re about to share is totally fool proof, not to mention quick. After all, the recipe isn’t named “Quick Pickles” for nothing!

Quick Pickles

1/2 cup white vinegar, eyeball it
2 rounded teaspoons sugar
1 teaspoon mustard seed
1 teaspoon salt
1 clove cracked garlic
1 teaspoon dried dill or 2 tablespoons fresh dill leaves, chopped or snipped
1 bay leaf
4 kirby cucumbers, cut into 1-inch slices on an angle

Heat small saucepan over medium high heat. Add vinegar, sugar, mustard seed, salt, and garlic to the pan and cook until it begins to simmer and sugar dissolves. Toss the dill, bay leaf, and sliced cucumbers together in a heat-proof bowl. Pour the simmering liquid over the cucumbers and stir to evenly coat. Allow to cool to room temperature or chill before serving.

Here’s the original recipe by Rachel Ray, in case you want to check out the reviews (spoiler alert – they’re all glowing!).

One small change we make is to cut the cucumbers into thick medallions, we prefer those to the angled slices. Also, use fresh dill if you can, it works so well in pickling recipes! But, we leave our dill fronds fairly full – no need to chop them up too small. You may even consider making a double batch; we promise these go quick!!

You’ll satisfy your snacking cravings with these quick pickles and can you believe you’ll have homemade pickles in practically no time?!? It’s true. Give them a try for yourself and let us know what you think. Happy New Years!

Love spotting Steve’s art in their Instagram feed Zenith II by Steve McKenzie Parallel by Steve McKenzie Entry to Thomasville Antiques Show by Steve McKenzie Exploring downtown on our weekend trip to Thomasville Stately architecture of this magnificent Georgia Belle Jill and Steve McKenzie outside Pebble Hill Plantation Who can resist the taxidermy store? https://www.cowtan.comSteve adding the final floral touches with simple magnolia branches.

Steve and I recently reviewed our calendars, looking ahead to the balance of Q1 and the opportunities in Q2. My eyes lit up at the Influencers of Midlife Conference, marked with colorful stars and underlines. It’s happening March 26 – 29 at the Hotel at Avalon, headed up by my dear friend, interior designer, over 50 fashion maven, Robin LaMonte. Steve wondered aloud and asked me why all the happy symbols (literally, in my journal)?

Grandparents, Steve and Jill enjoying the view at La Fortezza Italy Renew, recharge and replenish!

• Hanging out with like-minded women for a whole weekend! Women who are life-learners, hard workers, active, and eager to share, and know where I’m coming from. My kind of peeps…
• Learning from these women, everything from wellness to fashion tips to business advice. Midlife is a pivotal transitional point in our lives, many of us experience a spiritual and emotional renaissance.
• I see myself through a different lens with these ladies. So much potential!
• Sharing in a spirit of growth, support and kindness to each other and ourselves.

Speakers from all over the US Jill McKenzie with Influencer of Midlife Founder, Robin LaMonte at the Design Influencers Conference

We’re in charge of what we do the rest of our lives. Invest in yourself at the Influencers of Midlife Conference this March!

Click here for ticket information. Hope to see you there~

Gallery wall in our living room as seen in Atlanta magazine HOME. Photo credit: Anthony Masterson Photography Cirque by Steve McKenzie which will be at Spotlight on Art Jill with a favorite painting by Elias Rivera. Photo Credit: CatMax Photography Our collection of over 40 vintage turkeys sets the mood for November Coffee makes the world go round. Big swig of caffeine at The Southern C Summit in Charleston. Pops of orange in the McKenzie kitchen. Photo credit: Anthony Masterson Deliciously rich aroma fills the kitchen as the cold brew steeps. For sure! Photo credit Kalyn Johnson of Effie’s Papers Steve McKenzie designs a soothing bed for Peacock Alley Cozy cocoon from the daily grind Steve created a soothing oasis for a restful sleep. Original art by Steve McKenzie Steve created the outer corner monogram for the Grand Euro shams. Steve and his signature monogram A layered bed with a mix of comfort, calm and sophistication Delightful dahlias American Leather Comfort Sleeper Sofa at Verde Home

Today is National Dog Day. Another made-up holiday? Perhaps, but let’s take minute to love on our furry friends, and our family favorite dogs is the English Springer Spaniel, a cheerful, intelligent, attentive dog. Read on about our three ESS loves…

Oreo, guardian of the youngest or the oldest person in the room Guard dogs? Not quite, but they sure were sweet shop dogs. Bisi looking for her kids Photo credit: Sarah Dorio English Springer Rescue America has chapters all over the United States. Bisi hanging out in Traditional Home spread. Photo credit: Sarah Dorio Bisi + Duke hanging out upstairs. Photo credit: Sarah Dorio Adventure Duke at Atlanta Memorial Park

3 cups cake flour (we really did sift the flour per the instructions)3 cups sugar1 c. sour cream1 c. butter, softened1/4 tsp. baking soda1 tsp. vanilla6 eggs, separated (You will beat the egg whites into stiff peaks)
Sift flour; add soda and sift again. Cream butter and sugar thoroughly, and add egg yolks, one at a time. Add flour and sour cream alternately. Add stiffly beaten egg whites. Bake in a greased and well-floured angel food cake pan or bundt pan. Bake at 300 degrees F for 1.5 hours.
Let cool 10 minutes, then flip on a cooling rack to finish cooling.

Finished product! Yes, please! Summer Dessert table

Summer is shaping up to be a great season here at steve mckenzie’s! We’re especially excited to see so many recent mentions of steve mckenzie’s in many of our favorite magazines and blogs and we wanted to take a moment to share a quick shout out…

Our friends at Restyle Source recently interviewed Steve for their blog as the first in their summer series of Designer Spotlights focusing on the group of top design experts who will be featured this July at AmericasMart’s Vignette Exhibition.

This is a wonderful series and they get into everything with these interviews – they’re so fun! Steve dishes about the inspiration behind his upcoming vignette, his must-see AmericasMart showrooms, and even shares a few personal tidbits.

Thank you to Restyle Source for including Steve in this exciting lineup, we’re thrilled to learn more about the other designers in the AmericasMart Vignette Exhibition!!

Next up, you may have seen us share this cover shot, but we’re too elated about this amazing feature not to post about it on our blog as well… It’s our first ever interior design magazine cover – thanks to Atlanta Magazine’s HOME!!

The feature story offers stunning photography by Anthony Masterson and savvy writing by Lisa Kline Mowry. We’re so very honored to have this project showcased in this way, and are so appreciative to our clients for trusting us with their home.

Not to be overshadowed, was a mention of Steve’s fabric, as a part of Garden & Gun magazine’s blog feature on “Six Southern Fabrics that Say Summer.” Here is an excerpt from the post:

“Steve’s ‘Gingham’ is a brushstroke version of the classic pattern gives it a modern twist.”—Kristen Gish

Thank you so much to the Supply Showroom team and to Garden & Gun for working to pull together this excellent blog post!

Finally, a visit from a new friend of steve mckenzie’s and talent behind Thou Swell blog, resulted in a wonderful feature by Kevin O’Gara.

Kevin is a brilliant student and designer, who we’re honored to have the pleasure of collaborating with over this summer.

So that about wraps up our most recent media mentions… Another BIG thank you to all of our friends, clients and colleagues who’ve been so generous with their support of steve mckenzie’s!

Thank you all so much for the positive feedback on part one of our 2014 DBC recap post! We’re so glad you enjoyed our little synopsis. We certainly had quite the experience and are excited to share our part two post, highlighting day two of the 2014 Design Bloggers Conference…

Day two started off with a BANG, thanks to the gal who needs no introduction in our book, Candice Olson!

It was such a treat to hear Candice speak, and her “Before & Afters” were truly show stoppers! Her Keynote address shared some brilliant tidbits, including how to help clients understand the balance between the investment in an interior designer and the return on their investment. Candice also focused a good portion of her presentation on the importance of contrast in design – something we’re fans of here at steve mckenzie’s. Contrast is key, and her discussion on natural vs man-made contrast, contrast in color, textures, and styles couldn’t be beat!

One of our favorite quotes of the day also came from Candice’s Keynote: “Thank goodness for the 80’s – it supplied a lot of work for us!”

We really had a ball during the next presentation on “The Role of Social Media & Building a Luxury Brand,” thanks to the energetic Toma Clark Haines!

Jill McKenzie & Toma Clark Haines

Her candid discussion had us dreaming of antique scouting trips to Eurpoe and champagne lunches… In addition to all of the invaluable information she shared – including, her key piece of advice to us bloggers on creating a niche for your blog. Something we’re certainly in the process of working toward.  We’re really taking her advice to heart and are looking forward to sharing what we learned from Toma (and the other 2014 DBC presenters) here on the blog for steve mckenzie’s.

Robert Neu‘s presentation on “Building a Blog Google will Love” was up next, and was absolutely fantastic. Robert is a great presenter with even better advice on a topic that has many of us miffed – finding and implementing the perfect Search Engine Optimization (SEO) formula for your blog. Utilizing SEO is so important, but many of us don’t know how to make it work in the best interest of our blog, clientele, readers, etc. We’re excited to begin implementing much of what Robert taught us, and hopefully making our blog readily searchable for all who may be interested!

The Dwell with Dignity presentation came up next – we touched on this phenomenal event in part one of this series here – and had us all practically in tears… Seeing their video of their Atlanta project was a show-stopping moment for us at DBC, and we can’t wait to work with them in the future, to continue supporting their campaign to create beautiful spaces for more deserving families! Check out the touching video they debuted with us at DBC here:

Speaking of a memorable video, the next time slot was devoted to “Growing Your Brand with Creative Videos;” presented by Stacey Bewkes and Susanna Salk