mckenzie design Archives | Page 3 of 6 |
Our inspiration for today’s tabletop today is, of course the Kentucky Derby coming up this weekend, and these beautiful dishes of Julie Wear. Julie is recognized throughout the world for her Thoroughbred paintings. She has painted for notable horse owners and breeders throughout the equine world. Julie eventually turned this talent into a fine tableware line – and we’re so glad she did!
Our base for this is a French antique table, and our first layer is a charger of Julie’s in Cheval Black featuring the iconic snaffle bit. The sophisticated gold detailing combined with the black creates the foundation of a beautiful tablescape.
We paired this with her dinner plate of the same pattern in chestnut brown, adding warmth and interest with layers.
To top the dishes off we have used a salad plate by Julie in her Bluegrass pattern. Featuring the iconic Kentucky Thoroughbreds, this design was made for a derby dinner, but will serve as a smart setting all year round!
For the beverage service, we used a highball by Sideshow Press featuring their Lucky pattern and an iconic mint julep cup – not just for juleps anymore!
To continue the theme, we incorporated a beautiful set of vintage brass cutlery from the mid 20th century made in Thailand, which was found at a flea market. The vintage element adds depth and personality.
Next, a folded Le Jacquard napkin was tucked in the highball glass for an pop of color. To make it a little more fun, a horseshoe cocktail pick offers even more personality!
You know we love adding unique floral to our tables and once again, partnered with Weston Farms to create these pheasant feather arrangements. Weston Farm’s iconic magnolias are combined with roses to create magnificent floral decor for our Derby Dinner tabletop.
Once the floral is placed, it’s time to enjoy a Mint Julep and a fun Derby Dinner with friends!
What are you up to this Derby Saturday?!? If you’ll be hosting a little soiree, stop in to the showroom and the steve mckenzie’s team will help you select the essentials for your equine-themed gathering!
We’re just hopping in today to wish all our steve mckenzie’s friends and fans a joyous Easter holiday! We hope you all have an opportunity to celebrate with the ones you love the most – and remember not to eat too much candy from the Easter Bunny :-))
We invite you to the steve mckenzie’s showroom this next week to check out all of the wonderful spring-themed items we have to make the most of the season. See you soon!
We have a treat for you all today! We’re thrilled to feature the husband-wife team that is Anthony-Masterson. This dynamite team specialize in photography and filmmaking. And their work is almost as fantastic as they are… Steve and Jill have gotten to know Owen and Christine by working with them on a number of design projects and have found such like-mindedness, as they’re also a couple that do just about everything together. We believe you’ll thoroughly enjoy this fun little conversation/interview and are so pleased to introduce you to the latest Tastemakers for the blog for steve mckenzie’s, Owen Masterson and Christine Anthony:
Christine & Owen of Anthony-Masterson Photography
We began shooting sixteen years ago determined to combine our individual talents. Before that Owen was working with some of the best cinematographers in Los Angeles as an actor and Christine was an in-demand food stylist. We had both spent a lot of time on sets observing what it took to get a great shot. Inspired, we picked up a camera and a bunch of film and began shooting. We started with food. Shortly after that a new stock agency dedicated to food photography began licensing our images. In 2001 we shot our first job. Since moving to Atlanta in 2005 we have been shooting Interiors, Food and Travel.
In 2008 we acted on a long held desire to make our pictures move and began experimenting with filmmaking. This led to a number of short films and two award winning feature length documentaries.
Working in both mediums provides great balance plus we get to travel a lot and work with some extraordinarily talented and interesting people.
1. Three words that describe your aesthetic?
Owen: Do we each get 3 words?
Christine: What have you got?
Owen: Fast, edgy and dangerous.
Christine: I think that describes you more than the aesthetic.
Owen: Okay, what have you got?
Christine: How about balanced, uncluttered and provocative?
Owen: That’s why I love you.
2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?
Owen: You go first.
Christine: I always go first.
Owen: Ok. Plaza Towers 25th floor, stunning pied-a-terre, killer view of Atlanta skyline.
Christine: And the rich tones in the living room. What about the first interior project we ever shot? That beautiful home on the coast in Malibu owned by the Fluxus artist Van Schley and his wife.
Owen: Wow that was so long ago and we shot it on film!
Christine: And we hardly knew what we were doing.
Owen: The challenge was the light bouncing off of the Pacific Ocean into practically every room in the house. But we figured it out.
Christine: Speaking of the coast… what about the light in the house at Wrightsville Beach?
Owen: Love.
3. What’s the source(s) of your inspiration?
Owen: Christine. That was an easy one.
Christine: I guess I better say Owen. But really, it is Owen. When you live and work together 24/7 as a team you each bring something different to the party so it’s essential to be inspired by your partner’s vision – or madness.
Owen: I always know I’m in for something challenging when Christine says “Tell me if you think this is a crazy idea.” But we don’t live in a bubble so there’s the things we see and the people we meet in our travels that influence and inspire us as well.
4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…
Christine: That’s tricky. Only three?
Owen: John Lennon, the Pope, and it might get fun if say, Amy Winehouse comes.
Christine: The Pope choice seems off unless it’s Alexander Pope.
Owen: Okay, how about Jimi Hendrix, Jackson Pollock and Howard Finster?
Christine: Better. But I’d really like to cook for Joan Didion so one has to go.
Owen: Wait a minute, don’t we each get three?
Christine: We could be here all day… how about we move on?
5. A favorite type of space or even a favorite type of object/setting to photograph?
Owen: We love the skill set of shooting interiors. It’s so exacting, like a high wire act.
Christine: The placement and balance of objects.
Owen: The play of shadows and light.
Christine: The vignettes.
Owen: Capturing the more intimate moments that really express the personality of the room.
Christine: But there’s also a freedom to shooting the travel stories that we enjoy. Being out and about, anticipating, keeping an eye out for the shot.
Owen: Because we shoot so many different things: interiors, food, people, travel, and then there are the videos too, it’s like cross training. It keeps our imaginations limber and eyes fresh.
6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?
Owen and Christine: See it. Love it. Shoot it!
Christine: That’s been our motto from day one.
Owen: Of course our clients’ needs come first but we always try to take the shots further than they had imagined; the angle, the frame, the composition.
Christine: And then there’s the lighting. We shoot primarily with natural light and Owen is the master of light and shadow so we like to wow our clients with the lighting.
7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?”
Owen: Playing records
Christine: Owen is the house DJ, he spins, I cook. I love long hours at the dinner table or on the deck with close friends.
Owen: Christine is a great cook so the dinners are always good. And then there’s the wine and the conversation.
Christine: It’s like the exact opposite of social media.
Owen: Which is anti-social
Christine: So you’d say social media is over?
Owen: Definitely over. And out.
8. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?
Christine: Do we each get one thing?
Owen: Fire.
Christine: That way I could cook. So maybe I’d bring a knife.
9. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the photography design industry.
Owen: I’d give the same advice we were given when we started. Just do it!
Christine: It’s a process and you have to work at it to find your eye. Just make sure you understand the business end of it. That can be the most difficult part for creatives.
Owen: Find your passion. It’s an art form even if you’re shooting plumbing supplies. It’s a journey and you should have adventures doing it.
Christine: Oh, the places we’ve been…
Okay, so that was a lot of fun, right?! We need to find more dynamic duos to feature in our Tastemaker series! At least ones with such wonderful senses of humor… And isn’t their work divine. The way they work with lighting – it’s magical. And they make our spaces look absolutely phenomenal. We’re fans of Owen and Christine’s and are willing to bet that after reading this post you are too!
Steve, along with a slew of other artists, both from within and beyond our local interior design community, will have art up for auction at the ASID Art Auction benefiting the American Cancer Society next Thursday evening!
This artful event is open to the public and all proceeds will benefit the American Cancer Society. Tickets can be purchased here.
ASID Georgia Art Auction Benefiting American Cancer Society
at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center
Thursday, March 30th, 2017 | 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM EDT
We look forward to celebrating some fantastic artists and fundraising for a great cause! Please feel free to reach out to the team at steve mckenzie’s with any questions…
Happy St. Patrick’s Day all!! We hope the day is treating you well and you’re wearing a little green to celebrate…
Enjoy the festivities – and a green beer, if that’s your thing, during cocktail hour this evening – and have a wonderful day!!
Click here to check out our festive St. Patrick’s Day messages from the past three years… There are some gems to enjoy for sure!
You may remember we introduced the founders of The Southern Coterie in this blog post last year, after returning from presenting at the Charleston Southern C Summit. Well, we had the opportunity to attend the most recent summit, just last month at The Cloister on Sea Island… The location alone had us swooning. Add in some top notch online personalities, business owners and all around creative entrepreneurs and we knew we were in for a treat!
The stunning solarium ceiling at The Cloister on Sea Island
The summit was absolutely jam-packed and the amount of inspiration we’re feeling = unparalleled. We were thrilled by others who are following their passion and shared a bit about their journey with us – including Gray Malin, Lizzie Fortunato, Libbie Summers, Darcy Miller and many more.
Photo Credit: Grey Owl Social for The Southern C Summit
Here are our top five takeaways from what was an unforgettable event:
- Tell your story. We all have a story. Listen to another’s story. That’s what connects us as neighbors, people, shop owners, entrepreneurs, etc. Photo Credit: Teresa Earnest Photography for The Southern C Summit
- “Community over competition,” says Darcy Miller (from Martha Stewart Weddings) – value your industry relationships and be open to new ones. (Watch for some new steve mckenzie’s collaborations!) Catching up with the founders of Dear Keaton – Photo Credit: Grey Owl Social for The Southern C Summit
- Shoppers want experiences – the smells, tastes, textures, and learning opportunities they encounter all build the greater picture of what our brand means. Photo Credit: Grey Owl Social for The Southern C Summit
- Think outside the box. This may sound obvious to some of us creative types, but what’s considered “out of the box” in our industry changes often and this bears repeating. Photo Credit: Teresa Earnest Photography for The Southern C Summit
- Follow the Golden Rule. Sounds simple, right? In our everyday hustle and bustle, the golden rule may not be top of mind. But, if we can always remember to treat others as we’d like to be treated, a positive influence we will be.
Photo Credit: Teresa Earnest Photography for The Southern C Summit
We’re so honored to have been a part of this fantastic summit, along with so many inspiring individuals. We cannot wait to begin putting all our takeaways to good use, so be prepared for some pretty exciting things happening in the near future for steve mckenzie’s.
Steve’s workshop “Plan B: Reinvention” – Photo Credit: Grey Owl Social for The Southern C Summit
If you weren’t able to attend The Southern C. Summit at Sea Island, we hope our top highlights aid you in your journey. And, we highly recommend you make plans to attend the next Summit; they’re not to be missed!
Fact, beautiful, hand-embroidered linens never go out of style. Another little fact for you, handmade linens make an ideal gift, any time any place. Always. Our friends at Hibiscus Linens take the art form that is handcrafted linens to another level. The time they put into creating each luxurious linen is obvious. Their fine, artisan linens are derived from centuries-old techniques. These pieces are absolutely heirlooms for tomorrow, and their designs are timeless and truly unique.
Mariana Barran
Our friend, and Hibiscus Linens’ founder, Mariana Barran’s work combines a modern aesthetic, which she combines with traditional textile and needlework techniques. As an artist, Mariana is passionate about preserving old world stitching methods, and we so appreciate the passion and time she puts into her work. Her love of linens is apparent, and she’s an absolute gem of a person to boot! We’re thrilled to have the opportunity to introduce you to Mariana and share a bit about Hibiscus Linens with you in our latest “Who you NEED to Meet” blog feature.
sm’s: Can you please share a bit about your background/how Hibiscus Linens began and how you gained the courage to break out on your own?
Growing up there were always guests in my house—it seemed like “Throwing Parties” was my parents middle name. At each gathering, hibiscus tea was always present. Serving this special tea was something different that made everyone that came into our home feel warm and welcome.
Hibiscus Linens is as special as the glass of hibiscus tea we gave to our guests. Every piece of our linens is made by hand and combined with delicate traditional techniques to create beautiful linens for your home and your own guests.
When I was eight, I began learning needlework techniques at school and through the women in my family. I loved it! It was a creative outlet that allowed me to see a full process from start to finish, from creating an idea to see it executed. My mom always encouraged me to be a problem solver. If you can’t find what you want, make it! She used this idea for everything, from party planning and recipe making to bedding and personal clothing. She was crafty and resourceful and thank god it was passed down on my DNA.
sm’s: What inspires you/your work?
Hibiscus Linens was born for the passion of entertaining and gatherings with a finely made table setting. Our linens are vintage inspired new pieces for your home, not your grandmother’s old linens—though she would be proud of their quality.
The techniques we use are almost nonexistent on today’s market due to the effort and time it takes to produce. All of our products are made in small batches to ensure the quality and the unique style of each. We pride ourselves on the craft of our linens which provide a perfect balance between detailed elegance and modern daily accents.
Currently, I find myself immersed in old textile books, looking, learning, exploring the possibilities of techniques left behind in history and finding ways to bring them back. Studying each stitch is my inspiration.
sm’s: What is your vision, not only for Hibiscus Linens, but also your individual creations?
My vision is to make Hibiscus Linens the needlework and textile design center that we all need. I believe that people are moving back to have timeless pieces that will last for generations to come and we can provide them with the highest level of craftsmanship.
The company has grown so much – it’s not just my work in Houston that we are offering, but a network of artisans who have unique talents and need an outlet for their art. For example, my cousin, Jimena, just graduated from Textile School and she will be the head of our handwoven department, we already have an everyday hand woven cotton napkins collection and we are working on having a full pillow collection by this summer.
sm’s: Do you have any “mainstays” in your work – is there something you’re always drawn to?
Whitework! White fabric with White thread is my all time favorite, it looks elegant, modern and its so forgiving! If you have a white on white tablecloth and someone spills wine during a dinner party you can always take the spot out! From my point of view is the best combination! It’s a basic that you need to impress your guests.
sm’s: What are the differences in your collections – i.e. how do you create such unique designs that remain a part of one, cohesive line?
Most of it is listening to people. The techniques we use are always the same, crochet, hemstitching, embroidery but everyone’s story is different that is what makes our possibilities limitless. It doesn’t matter if we are planning a handkerchief for your daughters wedding or a bedroom for a new baby; I always spend time with our clients to understand what adds value to them, what they want and what they will cherish for years to come. I also find inspiration in my travels between my house in Houston and my Hacienda in San Miguel de Allende… sometimes a perfect flower on a Saturday morning is all it takes to create a new cocktail napkin design.
sm’s: What do people need to consider when looking to purchase a Hibiscus Linens creation?
They need to consider what makes them happy, what will add shine to your everyday life. These linens are not to be kept in a box for the “special occasions” they are supposed to elevate everyday living.
sm’s: What’s on the horizon for you/Hibiscus Linens?
We need to keep spreading the word of old world stitching techniques and we are working on opening our studio in Houston later this year, so we will be able to host an ongoing curriculum of needlework classes and offer an elevated textile design center.
sm’s: As an artist/business person how do you recharge?
As an artist I like to read, and explore other creative outlets like Baking or Calligraphy.
sm’s: Anything else you our readers would enjoy learning from you?
I am coming to the steve mckenzie’s showroom on March 16th and 17th to teach two days of intensive workshops, focusing on Antique French Monograms and Modern Monograms. I am looking forward to it!
Yes – if you’d like to learn more about Mariana’s time at steve mckenzie’s, please give us a call or email us. We’re so looking forward to learning even more about this art form and sharing it with all of our friends and clients here in Atlanta! And please stop into the showroom soon to take a look at these stunning, bespoke linens for yourself… We think you’ll fall in love.
For many in our industry, this week’s Tastemaker required no introduction. It’s our friend, William (or “Bill,” as many of your may know him) Peace of Peace Design. You know a Peace Design when you walk into one of his amazing spaces. While they may be standouts, they always have a timeless feeling and a nod to the individual function of the space and its inhabitants. We’re thrilled to share a bit about Bill with you today and are grateful to him for agreeing to be a Tastemaker here on the blog for steve mckenzie’s!
William Peace
William Peace is known for his sophisticated, approachable interiors that are clearly defined. Founder of Peace Design, a full-service interior design firm with offices in Atlanta and Bozeman, Peace has created interiors for signature residences, destination restaurants, museums and select showrooms throughout the country. His striking interiors have been featured in the pages of Architectural Digest, Veranda, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles and multiple luxury publications including, Ranches of the American West and Rustic Elegance. He is also a frequent guest speaker at various design events within the design community both in the Southeast and Rocky Mountain regions.
1. Three words that describe your aesthetic?
Collected, Curated, Timeless (there’s also textural and comforting!)
2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date?
A space I favor is filled with warmth of hearth, rich in texture, personal treasures and is comfortable in serenity and times of celebration with family and friends. When these elements thrive whether it be a rustic lodge, modern high rise apartment or elegant southern farmhouse it will be captivating.
3. What’s the source(s) of your inspiration?
Inspiration comes from traveling to unique places, the art and artisans I encounter, nature and a sense of place. I also draw directly from my clients’ interests and desires for a truly special home.
4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…
Rudolf Schindler for architectural inspiration
Elvis Costello for lyrical conversation
Jack Nicholson….just because he’s Jack!
5. A piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?
I am drawn to a sense of history in a unique piece of furniture. A beautiful walnut 17th century Italian Baroque Credenza with authentic patina can hold its own against most anything, although I could say the same about a modern classic chair designed by Jean Michel Frank designed in the early 20th century, and I believe they can compliment one another in the same room beautifully.
6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?
The combination of layered texture found in nature…stone, wood, leather, steel, silk and cotton can allow subtle contrast in architecture and interiors that will remain timeless and classic.
7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?”
Quality is the only trend I believe is worthwhile. Quality is classic, luxurious and comfortable!
8. How does artwork fit into your designs?
Artwork is personal! I feel that art whether painting, photography or sculpture add soul to a space. I am passionate about my own collection and enjoy working with clients to assist with creating a meaningful body of work. I also feel a thoughtful lighting design and proper framing program will enhance any collection.
9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?
A deluxe machete would be helpful!
10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the interior design industry.
Research and interview with a number of design schools and find the best fit. Explore architecture, fine art, photography and of course business classes and then find an internship with a great firm….work hard and good luck will find you!
Just brilliant! And that may be one of the most unique responses to our desert island question thus far. Leave it to Bill. Smart, practical, but his own unique style. Cheers to Bill Peace and his willingness to share a bit of himself with us!
This year, did you resolve to get organized?! How’s it going so far? If you’ve already fallen off the organizational bandwagon, we’re here to inspire you with one simple item. The tray.
Perhaps our favorite option – a catchall tray in Loop Indigo, based on Steve’s fine artwork and textile line. Will add a punch of fun and color to any space!
That’s right – as in those pretty serving pieces sitting in your cabinet that only come out during certain meals… Believe it or not, but trays can do so much outside of the kitchen. They can help you become stylishly organized!
We love the idea of using beautiful trays and even overlooked pieces from your china collection in drawers for organizing small items such as jewelry, spare change, makeup, cuff links, tie pins, etc. So many options!
Simple trays can handle the tremendous task of keeping us organized. Set on a console, nightstand, end table, or even inside a drawer, trays are a fantastic way to compartmentalize all those small items we’re so often digging through our catch-all drawers for!
This Royal Crown Derby Mikado Sandwich Tray, in Taupe, is a real showstopper! This stunning piece would be a gorgeous spot to place on your foyer table and collect keys, spare change and other loose items.
And you know those small items you reach for most – wouldn’t it be helpful if you could just leave them out in the open for easy reach? Thanks to the tray, you can do that in a stylish way.
This woven rattan round tray is actually a little larger in scale and would be a brilliant place to collect television remotes, decks of cards, or even add tall glasses to the top and fill with makeup and brushes for the bathroom or silverware for a stylish addition to your next buffet.
As you can see, we offer some pretty fabulous options for organizing small trinkets. Reach out to the steve mckenzie’s team today and we’ll be happy to help you achieve this resolution and become more organized in no time!!
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 angleHeat 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!
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