steve mckenzie's interior design Archives | Page 3 of 18 |

February 22, 2019

With all the parades and barbecues planned in celebration of the holiday today, we wanted to take an opportunity to share Labor Day greetings and to thank all who make it possible for us to do what we love. We’re so grateful to be able to work within such a fantastic industry with so many talented professionals who have become our friends.

Happy Labor Day to all!!

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

Paige Minear, of The Pink Clutch, is a witty and wonderful person. She’s become fast friends with the McKenzies and even has a pop up in the steve mckenzie’s showroom, showcasing some of her classy, preppy decor from her styling gigs. Paige is not afraid of color or pattern and is an expert of creating memorable combinations we’d never think of pulling together.

Read on to learn more about page, how she’s become a blogger to watch and a few tips on how she pulls together her signature style…

Paige Minear is the author, mother and preppy creator behind the design blog The Pink Clutch. Paige is known for her home full of color, Palm Beach style and antique treasures. With a love for all things design related she writes five days a week allowing her readers to indulge in colorful posts and inspiration. She is a lover of a strong latte, champagne cocktails, a stack of magazines, crisp button downs, popped collars, a sweet treat and a house full of fresh flowers and monogrammed linens. She can be seen most days in a gingham button down, pearls galore sporting leopard flats and ready for adventure. Paige lives in Atlanta with her husband and three kids. 1. Three words that describe your style? Classic (preppy), Southern and very colorful!

2. Would you please share a little about your favorite styling project to date? Anything I style in my own house makes me so very happy, but the room I think I love the most is our master bedroom. We have a large area to work with, so we’ve added a sitting area. Since we don’t have a television in our den, the kids gather here to watch movies and we all hang out together. As the grow up, they start pulling away, so this time together is priceless. We also have a dedicated date night on Thursdays and the Hubs and I have wine and cheese and just catch up in these same chairs. The idea for a sitting area in our room was brilliant! 3. What’s the source(s) of your inspiration for both your blog posts and interior styling gigs? Literally everywhere! I take a ton of photos and read so much, I’m constantly filing ideas. My favorite places I garner inspiration are Instagram, Town & Country (online) and my favorite shelter publications – House Beautiful, Veranda and Town & Country magazines. My blog and Instagram feed are meant to inspire others as it inspires me, so I’m constantly sharing things I love. I may snap a picture months before I use it and then one day it will call to me. 4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party… What a fabulous question! Jackie Kennedy (such a story of strength and endless style), Coco Chanel (so creative and never wavered in her style or her vision) and Martin Luther King. Clearly I am drawn to people with a vision and a strong sense of self!

5. A piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without? I am not sure there is one thing I couldn’t live without. I love things but I am super attached to people and memories so most of what I couldn’t live without is tied to the people I love. I do love a fabulous and comfortable couch to snuggle with those I love for long conversations and quality time. The bigger the sofa, the more people can squeeze on it!

6. Would you please share some of your blogging best practices? What do you think makes up a successful blog post? Be true to you. I have found the success of writing for me has been never straying from who I am . When I grew, the blog grew … when life changed, the blog changed. At any point if I had tried to pretend to be someone other than me I would have fizzled out and failed. I only know how to be me and to share my heart and life with others. My goal with the blog and my social media is to inspire and share what inspires me. Sometimes that is a fabulous room or a new Rosé, sometimes that is a deep post on parenting and life. Since I share what inspires me that is very personal and can change with the days and months. At the moment with summer coming to a close I am inspired by pinks, oranges and lots of adventures and that is what I am currently sharing. I am also really inspired by a few things from the last market which I have been sharing

7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?” I am very into table settings at the moment… china, linens, monogrammed flatware, flower arrangements. I can not get enough! On the flip side, I don’t know that I am tired of anything. There are very few things I don’t care for and those I truly do. I can usually enjoy just about anything in the right setting. Even the color purple, which I don’t care for at all, I’m starting to appreciate in tones of lavender. I can’t seem to get enough of images of lavender paired with dark ink. Lavender and navy for the win!

8. When first planning for a refreshed space, where do you start? How does artwork fit into your stylings? Anything I do at home or any styling project starts with one thing that inspires me. I am working on my home office at the moment and have a fabulous oversized bulletin board covered with inspiring things. I am working to add that into my office makeover. For my den it was the desire for white walls and an emerald green sofa. For the kitchen it was an incredible Clearance House wallpaper. I start with one thing and it grows from there. This week it was a fantastic blue and white sugar post I scored while antiquing. I fell in love with it and the next thing I knew I was styling a coffee bar around it. I get inspired by an item or an image and just run with it! I love art – all kinds of it. I love to mix what I love hoping it’ll all make sense; if to no one else but me. We have a few originals recently added to our home and I love them so much. For me, art is just another amazing source of inspiration.

9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island? My bible, which was given to me by my mother in law early on in my marriage. It is something I will treasure and will pass it along to one of my children. 10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to become a blogger/interior stylish, such as yourself? Once again, be you. There have been times I have written or shared something I was inspired by that didn’t receive as much notice as another post. All in all when you step back and look at my blog in its entirety, it’s me. So, I am okay with the posts that may not strike as much of a cord with folks. Any time I do something in our home, write a blog post, style a vignette, teach a class it is 100% me and because it is me it is easy to do. Don’t get sucked into the way someone else writes their blog or their social media accounts, you can only do you. You can’t sustain anything pretending or trying to be like someone else and in the end you won’t love the way it turns out. It will drain you instead of fueling you and the goal in this life is to grow and to change and to participate in things that allow you to grow and change. Being yourself will attract people to you for who you are and it will be nothing short of magical. Last, but surely not least, surround yourself with those who inspire and challenge you. Pick a mentor (or two!) and ask for help. If you want to start a blog, I say go for it. Mine has blessed me beyond words!

Isn’t Paige just wonderful – and don’t her images just get your creative juices flowing?!? We so appreciate Paige’s mantra about staying true to yourself. Being authentic is a big part of being successful and she certainly has that in spades! A big THANK YOU to Paige Minear of The Pink Clutch for participating in our Tastemaker Tuesday series! If you’re near the steve mckenzie’s showroom, stop in and take a look at some of her styling gig goodies.

It’s our End of Season Sale this week with 20% off the entire store, special furniture pieces at deep discounts, a 75% off Table and lots more. Spruce up your outdoor living space, office, home and don’t forget to stock up your Gift Closet!

Stop in soon or email us for details as we love to ship to our clients far and wide.

Quick look at some crazy deals on some amazing furniture pieces…

We look forward to seeing you at steve mckenzie’s, and bring a couple of friends because friends are fun!

We hope everyone is enjoying a fantastic holiday and hopefully a few fireworks!!

Please celebrate safely. We look forward to seeing you when we resume our regular showroom hours tomorrow. Happy 4th of July!

It’s all in the details – that’s one of our mantras, as we’re willing to bet it’s one of O&G studio’s mantras as well. Today, we’re sharing an interview with Sara Ossana, one of the founders of O&G Studio, a modern furniture company, featuring American-made Windsor designs. Sara’s talents span an array of industries, including movie production, but our partnership with O&G Studio is how we were initially introduced. O&G Studio’s designs are classic with a nod to modernity and brilliant touches, which make them true heirlooms. We’re fans of Sara’s and O&G Studio and think you will be too! Enjoy today’s “Who you NEED to meet” post, featuring Sara Ossana…

Jon & Sara – co-founders of O&G Studio

sm’s: Can you please share a bit about your background/how you started O&G Studio and how you gained the courage to break out on your own?

Founded in 2009, the duo met over ten years ago as graduate students at The Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), where Jonathan studied jewelry and Sara studied interior architecture. Their combined backgrounds allow them to blend intricate detailing with a play on scale and proportion to bring traditional motifs into the 21^st century.

Atlantic Counter Stools

sm’s: What inspires you/your work?

Based in Warren, Rhode Island, O&G Studio looks towards the rich history of American design traditions for inspiration. Particularly the American Wing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art as well as local auctions in and around New England. Essentially we take inspiration from our surroundings, from nature as well as craft.

Metacom Arm Chair

sm’s: What is your vision, not only for O& G Studio, but also the individual designs/products you create?

Quality and timelessness are a main focus. We tend to play a lot with scale and proportion and are known for color, particularly our rich stain selections all custom mixed by us in our 20K sf combined studio, showroom and shop. We are not interested in trends or forecasting. We look to design pieces that can work in a multitude of interiors spanning contemporary to transitional and traditional. The pieces pair well with other antiques or modern designs thus making them quite flexible in any interior. We usually start with a ‘room’. We see the entire space with the piece sitting from afar. It must make an impression immediately. Upon closer inspection more detail is revealed adding intrigue. Then when used additional details are discovered through touch and feel of the piece satisfying multiple scales of interaction.

Athenaeum Settee

sm’s: Do you have any “mainstays” in your work – is there something you’re always drawn to?

We are always drawn to narrative and legacy. We like to imbue our work with meaning beyond a simply aesthetically pleasing object. I wouldn’t say that we have any mainstays. We love all of our ‘children’ the same:)

sm’s: What are the differences in your collections – i.e. how do you create such unique pieces that remain a part of one, cohesive line?

Magic! No – just kidding, we are neurotic, fastidious work-a-holics. We have to thank our respective spouses for putting up with us. We are very detail oriented but all see the big picture. We never release a piece that we are not fully behind or confident in. I think that the dual partnership also keeps us in line. It creates a constructive critique environment to discuss designs and their merit.

Colt High-Back Side Chair

sm’s: What do people need to consider when looking to purchase from O&G Studio?

I would say a few things, take your time. We make everything to order. We can help with decision making and understand that our work can be a focal point in a room. Feel free to ask anything about a piece. We like to match our clientele up with work they will be happy with forever. Everything is made to order so we will pick the wood for your piece by hand to match the stain you choose, this takes time. Pieces can take up to 12 weeks to produce during busy times of year, although sometimes we have unfinished stock available on a quick ship lead time.

sm’s: What’s on the horizon for you/O&G Studio?

The best thing about creativity and business is they way they build their own momentum. Every idea, every challenge sets in motion an exciting series of events. This coming year is all about feeding our creative vision through speculative one of a kind, one off pieces. These allow the full blown expression of an idea that can give birth to an entire new production line. sm’s: As an artist/business person how do you recharge? Good question, we love to eat so really good food is always a must. Going to the beach, enjoying Rhode Island and spending time with our families. Both of us have small children so weekends are off limits for work. We spend that time with our children enjoying everything that the Ocean State has to offer. We also find a lot of inspiration from teaching; both Jonathan and I teach at the collegiate level at RISD. Working with young designers is important. We want to give back and help others on their career paths.

Absolutely fantastic! As are the designs from O&G Studio. We invite you to visit the steve mckenzie’s showroom to see Sara and Jonathan’s work in real life and learn what they may be able to create for you. Thank you to Sara for agreeing to participate in this spotlight feature – we’re officially fans!

Please meet our latest obsession – The Vine. A combination landscape design, event design and garden market located on St. Simons Island, The Vine offers a distinct approach to curating some of life’s most special events.

We’re so pleased to have the opportunity to partner with the team behind The Vine, Bryce Vann Brock and Kelly Revels, on a couple very special events at the steve mckenzie’s showroom this week. An evening of Wine with The Vine Thursday and a terrarium making class Friday morning.

Learn a bit about Bryce and Kelly and how The Vine came to fruition:

The Vine was created in 2008 by Bryce Vann Brock and Kelly Revels. This marked an exciting new chapter in a wonderful story that was already being written by their work together at The Sea Island Resort. Bryce served as the resort’s Landscape Director for several years while Kelly specialized there in landscape container design. Together they designed and created spectacular events both small and large at the resort while dreaming of one day combining their talents and energy to form their own business. Today, that talent, energy and vision is embodied in The Vine. So as wonderful as our history is, we are convinced that the chapters yet to be written together will be even more compelling!

Spaces in the terrarium making class are filling up quickly, so reserve your spot now! And how timely is this class with Mother’s Day coming up this Sunday?!? Or, choose to keep your terrarium – they’re a stunning way to add a bit of life and a pop of green to your home or office!

At each of the events with The Vine, you’ll have an chance to preview the new Oyster Containers (available in three sizes), designed by the duo behind The Vine. Inspired by the abundance of natural beauty of the marsh, sea and sky that surrounds St. Simons, owners Kelly and Bryce worked with a local artist to create this organic container that reflects beauty of the area. A limited number of each size is arriving in mid-May.

Contact us today to reserve your Oyster Container or with any questions. Looking forward to enjoying Wine with The Vine Thursday evening and creating some spectacular terrariums in Friday morning’s class!

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 20^th 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!

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.

Hand-made Iris Apfel Pillow by Huger Memories $295

Iris Apfel, fashion icon, business woman, interior designer, has inspired so many with her wit, style-sense and sharp eye. Our friend, Sarah Wiley of Huger Memories has created a fabric pillow homage to Iris, part of Sarah’s Women We Love pillow collection.

Oprah pillow

Huger is bringing your favorite heroines home in their new limited-edition collection. Using the same unique process to create custom memory pieces, Huger artist Sarah Gibson Wiley has hand drawn photos of the iconic women and then machine stitched the photos onto hand-cut applique to then create a 21” decorative pillow. They are all available for $295 at HugerMemories.com and at Atlanta’s steve mckenzie’s shop.

Jackie Kennedy pillow House Portrait – a perfect housewarming gift

Not only can you add remarkable women to your sofa, Sarah loves to create a fabric memory for her clients, be it their home or pets or family. Working with her client, Sarah gathers photographs and makes notes during the consultation – to ensure she captures the look and feel of the concept. She draws on her computer and chooses all stitches and areas of applique. A computer generated mock up is sent to her client for design clarity and approval. Once approved, Sarah selects designer fabric for applique and cotton thread to bring color and life to the drawing. Then she stitches the design on a fabric background that will then be either sewn into a pillow, or framed either by you or by her favorite Richmond framer.

Family beach memories

Sarah, Steve and Jill hit it off at last week’s The Southern C Summit in Sea Island, so much so that you can find her work in Atlanta at our shop, steve mckenzie’s.

We are always excited about featuring talented makers who create from the heart, such amazing pieces for the home.

Add a pillow featuring your beloved furry family member!

Preserve a special memory with one of these hand-crafted pieces. And what a special gift!

Sarah Wiley, the artist in her Richmond studio

“My goal is to bring clients joy by creating lasting memories in the form of a unique art form”. – Sarah Gibson Wiley

Start the journey towards your own custom Huger Memories piece at: https://www.hugermemories.com and tell them steve mckenzie’s sent you!

Archives Select Month February 2019 October 2018 September 2018 August 2018 July 2018 June 2018 April 2018 March 2018 February 2018 January 2018 December 2017 November 2017 October 2017 September 2017 August 2017 July 2017 June 2017 May 2017 April 2017 March 2017 February 2017 January 2017 December 2016 November 2016 October 2016 September 2016 August 2016 July 2016 June 2016 May 2016 April 2016 March 2016 February 2016 January 2016 December 2015 November 2015 October 2015 September 2015 August 2015 July 2015 June 2015 May 2015 April 2015 March 2015 February 2015 January 2015 December 2014 November 2014 October 2014 September 2014 August 2014 July 2014 June 2014 May 2014 April 2014 March 2014 February 2014 January 2014 December 2013