mckenzie interior design Archives – McKenzie Interior Design

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Serene midtown neighborhood with the High Museum of Art across Peachtree Gift giving season is almost here. Genuine brown leather necklace with a cute vintage-style key charm Tantalizing travel mugs by Effie’s Papers Who doesn’t love a new necklace? Simple, classic style, this leather tote is a thoughtful gift.

It’s been quite a summer for everyone. Steve and I did a quick mental inventory over lunch, and we have much to be thankful for. Two new grand babies, family meals, gardening, continued work and quiet fun. Little did we know that our collaboration with Creative Candles would keep our creative juices charged throughout this spring and summer. We thank them for their top quality candles in mesmerizing colors, and kindness.

There is still time to use code MCKENZIE20 to save 20% on your total Creative Candles purchase by Sept. 6th.

Summer Collection works beautifully together

Spring kicked off with a virtual Baby Girl Shower. Keying off this darling Blabla stuffed elephant, Josephine, the Barely Blush pink and Moss Green palette developed sweetly. We shared the fun with our new mom-to-be, family and friends virtually.

Celebrations still happen! Custom cups and napkins by Sequins and Lipstick. Photo credit: Steve McKenzie

Then we really got creative, in our two bedroom condo and outdoor space. A romantic dinner for two on the balcony featuring lush greenery, textures and desert inspired candles.

Candle lit table with green plants. Photo credit: Angie Webb Photography

Festive family dinner was next and you know Steve loves to set a gorgeous table. He’s also a fabulous cook, so it’s a win-win for all.

Brass, creamy Wedgwood Edme dishes, dreamy linens, florals and candle light set the mood.
Photo credit; Angie Webb Photography | Floral arrangement by Steve McKenzie Thankful to be married to someone who makes me laugh. Photo credit: Angie Webb Photography Serve yourself bar set up!
Photo credit: Angie Webb Photography

And our final summer wrap up is a self-serve cocktail bar with these vintage atomic candle holders and round bronze candles, an old-fashioned made with local Fiddler Bourbon by ASW Distillery, Schermer pecans to nosh on and bold buffalo check napkins.

Actually, this is a valuable documentation of this C-19 spring and summer. We’ll remember how and why we did so much work at home. Have you documented your experiences? Tell us what you’ve done to remember this crazy period of time. As always, thank you for traveling along with us. Cheers!

Mixing sculpture, framed art, and plants makes me happy.
Photo credit: Anthony Masterson Photography Lush green plants bring the outdoors in. Farrow & Ball new Duck Green paint String of turtles stays on the small side. Creative Candle lit table for two with greenery and desert vibe baskets from Dear Keaton. Large but oddly trapezoid shaped island looks like it would be great but…it wasn’t! The flow is pretty good on this side. Opposite the island and there was a dance floor of empty space in-between! Inviting and invigorated kitchen island |photo by Christina Wedge Photography Not only updated but added storage and warming drawer. Love that furniture leg detail! |
photo by Christina Wedge Photography Eating area view of kitchen | photography by Christina Wedge Photography

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~

Our collection of over 40 vintage turkeys sets the mood for November 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

  • Plein Air Painting with Steve
  • Apertivo, yes please!

Soldata Romano II

One of the benefits of being in one place for a longer period of time is you make friends with the locals. This was especially helpful as Steve wanted to make copies of historic rare books and ephemera at the local rare books archives, to incorporate into his paintings. With some patience and help with translating, he got more than he needed, including the Roman soldier seen above, an atlas of the region from 1785, and a lawyer’s goat skin bound book of contracts from 1635, all incorporated into various works of art.

It wasn’t all painting, there was cooking to be done, in Annette’s fabulous kitchen, plus visiting local museums, sites and an artists’ co-op. Check out Annette’s many workshops here.

A new favorite, Mutti tomatoes mixed with simple garden produce were the base for many suppers.

One of the artists shared some scrap chunks of Carrara marble with Steve. What an amazing new conduit for his art, another blessing from travels and learning from new friends.

Sculpture by Steve McKenzie – Carrara marble

  • Italian seaside
  • Umberto Beach Club at Forte dei Marmi
  • Charming village
  • Steve and Jill enjoying the vista at La Fortezza