#InspiredTailoredAuthentic Archives | Page 2 of 4 | McKenzie Design|exploring design, art, life

steve mckenzie’s Cypress Loop Sketchbook for all your thoughts and dreams

Dear Friends,

Change is always happening in the world and we want to let you know about some changes at steve mckenzie’s. Before we get into the changes, we want to thank you for your loyal dedication to our business. When we began this endeavor over 6 years, we had no idea how many friends and supporters we would come to know. We are eternally grateful for all of our friends we have made in the Atlanta design community and all of the consumers who have fallen in love with our product offering in the store.

We recently began an evaluation of our entire business model and have made some decisions about the next steps for our business. Therefore we have made a decision to close the retail portion of our business. However, you can’t get rid of us that easily.

Steve will continue with the McKenzie Design interior design business as well as producing his art and fabric, licensing for his art, rugs for Verde Home, stationery, and more. Also stay tuned for his first licensed furniture collection. Steve will also continue the classes that have become so popular (and sell out so fast). In fact, his design and art studio will remain at our current address and he loves visitors, always.

Verde Home, our fantastic business neighbor, will take over our retail space and will also continue to offer the Selamat Designs furniture and lighting line. Jill will join Verde Home as sales and outside sales to interior designers, thus expanding her offerings to include the full complement of Verde Home lines plus Selamat and Steve’s fabrics and wallpapers.

Now the majority of our current products need to be sold, and we will begin the sale March 7th.

However as a thank you to you, our loyal customers, please visit us before then for best selection and know we’ll pass on our best price.

We will continue to sell in the space through April 30th. Verde Home will officially take over the space May 1st.

In closing, know that we sincerely appreciate your support. We ask that you spread the message of Steve’s growing interior design and art business. If you are one of our trade customers, look for Jill to contact you soon to share all the lines she now represents and if you need to see her sooner, please contact her.

Many paths have opened on this amazing journey and we are grateful for each of you along these paths, and hope you celebrate this next chapter with us. We look forward to seeing each of you soon.

Sincerely,

Jill and Steve McKenzie

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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Sometimes We Need a Little Motivation

This year, we are motivated to be present in the moment, thanks to a recent sermon from our minister, Dr. Bill Burch. Present in the moment means focusing your attention on your companion, your conversation, your surroundings, and not checking your phone. All kinds of good things happen when this happens – better listening, better thinking and better relationships. The 2018 focus for our church is “All In”, based on the book All In by Mark Batterson. I plan to read it purposefully and mindfully.

On the flip side, sometimes you can’t be present with someone because they aren’t here. Perhaps they moved across the country, moved on with a new job, or are gone forever.

You may remember our post last spring about our son’s fraternity brother, Weston Lee, who was killed in action. This young man is sorely missed by his family and friends. That’s an understatement, I know. Now here’s the update — our son, Carter, is running the Publix Half Marathon on March 18th in memory of Weston with a GoFundMe and all money donated will benefit the University of North Georgia scholarship in Weston’s memory.

The irony of this? Carter admittedly hates running, which he readily admits, and hopes to motivate others to keep Weston’s spirit and his dedication to service alive. He knows Weston would be urging him on as he doggedly trains for this race.

Another reminder to cherish the time with your friends and family…

That’s what life is about, isn’t it? Connecting, making friends, having adventures together, motivating each other to be your best self.

On a lighter note, preparations are underway for our son’s wedding in two weeks! We’re motivated by love to host the rehearsal dinner for this wonderful couple, their supportive friends and family. Casual, comfortable and special is the mantra for the evening with the Southern Crust food truck, table decor by Steve and more surprises. Stay tuned for details!

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You know we love art, and we want to share this annual Atlanta art event with you— Spotlight on Art is the premier art series in the Southeast for both avid art collectors and casual buyers. Since 1982, its exhibitions have showcased new, original works by well-known and emerging artists. Even more exciting, Steve McKenzie will exhibit in this venerable show! Over 350 artists will show in this 6,000 square foot gallery space – something for everyone. Original art adds so much to our lives! Buy what you love ~

Here are the dates so you can plan your visit…

January 29–February 3, 2018 Trinity School
4301 Northside Parkway NW Atlanta, Georgia

Free parking and admission

“…what began as a small school fundraiser has grown into one of the art world’s best-kept secrets.”
—Garden & Gun

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You know we love art. Love art, think art, talk art, see art and make art. Last week we had the pleasure of experiencing an original exhibit at the Museum of Design Atlanta. Perfect date night on a cold evening.

Have you visited Atlanta’s Museum of Design Atlanta ? Yes? Great! Have you seen the current exhibit, Text Me: How We Live in Language? No? You need to experience it!

First, what is this museum? MODA believes that design is a creative process that can solve problems, transform lives, and make the world a better place. The museum’s exhibitions and programs exemplify this belief. Located within the Midtown Arts Corridor since 2011, MODA is the only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design.

Now, let’s get the details on Text Me: How We Live in Language which is an original exhibition curated by internationally renowned designer, writer, podcaster and brand strategist Debbie Millman. Over 60 designers and artists explore typography’s power and pervasiveness across every aspect of our lives. Through interactive, immersive experiences, Text Me showcases many of the ways we use typography to document every aspect of our existence.

Elle Luna painting The Crossroads of Should and Must mural
Photo by Andria Lavine

There are site-unique murals, controversial pairings of words and things, all made to make us THINK.

MODA Hall Photo by Susan Sanders MODA Hall Photo by Susan Sanders

You move from room to room in the house. Text is everywhere.

MODA Photo by Susan Sanders Sofa from Switch Modern

Date night solved! Take your honey to this thought-provoking exhibit soon as it ends on Feb. 4th. Get tickets here, and support this amazing Atlanta treasure of art and design.

Helpful Hint: Check out MODA’s kids and adult camps and classes too. It’s never too early to plan your spring break and summer family fun.

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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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Let’s not panic! We have Christmas gift ideas for everyone, so make your list, check it twice, and shop local where we’ll gift wrap for you, feed you cookies and you can relax by petting, Duke, our shop dog. Find more ideas here.

Melamine Appetizer Plates

Perfect in-law gift!

Steve McKenzie’s Indigo Ice Bucket

Perfect for the hostess!

Classic Dice Games Set

French Market Basket

Perfect for he/she who totes things like dry cleaning, fresh market veggies and more!

Day Dreamer Journal

Perfect for the Her!

Let us help with your holiday gifting and entertaining needs. You’ll be glad you did!

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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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The turkey leftovers are history and holiday decorations are center stage. That means time with friends and family. Have you been meaning to gussy up the guest room? Liven up the living room? There’s plenty of time to add some special pieces, just in time for your upcoming gatherings with friends and family.

Boho chic wall hanging Orbit MIrror Ayo Mirror by Justina Blakeney Curly Swirls Candelabra

If you need a professional hand with paint choice, art placement or furniture/accessories selection, contact McKenzie Interior Design today to schedule your consultation. Learn more about our award-winning projects here.

We look forward to working with you!

Click here to email us today

404.618.0422

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Artist in Residency Recap
Easy Icing for Steve’s Cake
Easy Sour Cream Cake

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