N Home - Fall + Winter 2019

REAL LIFE

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REAL STYLE

FALL + WINTER 2019

INVITING INTERIORS Beautiful spaces that make you feel welcome!

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P U B L I C A T I O N

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N A N D I N A

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curreyandcompany.com Atlanta | Dallas | High Point | Las Vegas | New York

from the

Fall + Winter 2019

VOLUME 3, NO. 2

PUBLISHERS

This year it’s my turn to host our family holiday. My brood will return home with wives, husbands, children, and significant others, and I relish the beautiful chaos that comes along with our extended crew as it descends on our home. I want them to love coming home, and I want them to feel comfortable and comforted by the

Jim Victor Owner/CFO Sue Shannon Owner/Principal Designer

home they grew up in.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

As fall approaches and the holiday season is right around the corner, most of us will

Susan Victor Owner/Principal Designer

be a guest in someone else’s home or we will invite guests into our own homes. At Nandina we are all about creating inviting interiors — rooms that envelop you with open arms and call you to sit down, linger, engage in the moment and enjoy it. In this edition of N Home, we focus on inviting interiors, spaces that say welcome … gather here … stay awhile.

Our cover story, Coming Home, features the home of Sue Shannon, one of our

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Shelly Marshall Schmidt CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER

Shelly Marshall Schmidt

owners and a Principal Designer for Nandina. She shares the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of building her final home, the home where she will open wide the doors to welcome family and friends for a long time to come.

Be Our Guest and How to Make a Beautiful Bed will inspire you to take a second

CONTRIBUTORS

Anne Morgan Jessie LaFalce Harlie Beddome

look at your guest room. Our professional design tips on how to create the perfect guest room retreat will be much appreciated by all those holiday travelers you

P U B L I C AT I O N E D I T O R

entertain this year.

Kathleen Huff Cunningham

The Gathering Place explores Stable View, a world-class equestrian center that

MAGAZINE DESIGN

has built a reputation for providing its guests with a unique experience built on

Samantha Bodie

community, quality, and environmental sustainability.

To qualify as inviting, the spaces we live and work in have to be more than just beautiful. They must be functional and livable, with character and warmth. Inviting interiors are full of life and style!

AT L A N TA

6170 Roswell Road Sandy Springs, Georgia 404.521.9303

Cheers to Real Life, Real Style!

Susan Victor svictor@nandinahome.com

AIKEN

158 Laurens Street Aiken, South Carolina 803.649.0616

803.649.0616

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Contents FA L L + W I N T E R 2 0 1 9

4 Family First Design team Sue Shannon and Aimee Rusch help two sisters create distinctive interior designs in neighboring homes that center around family

30 Through an Artist’s Eye

A fellow artist turns to designer and artist John Ishmael to create a home full of sophisticated whimsy 42 Cover Story

Nandina Owner/Principal Designer Sue Shannon shares the trials, tribulations, and triumphs of building her final home 54 A Condo with Character

Designer Kate Donnelly shows how to add character to a neutral condo through layering texture and natural elements

16 Knock on Wood

Wood in all its beautiful forms is an integral part of great interior designs 38 What’s N Trend Report

The Nandina design team weighs in on their favorite trends for Fall + Winter 40 How to Make a Beautiful Bed

Dynamic design duo Jessie LaFalce, Lead Designer, and Harlie Beddome, Associate Designer, share their design secrets on how to make a beautiful bed

12 Be Our Guest

Our top 9 tips for creating the perfect guest room retreat 17 A Gathering Place

Step inside Stable View, a world-class equestrian complex that is also setting its sights on becoming a regionally recognized ecotourism destination 57 Meet the Designer: Kate Donnelly

Get to know more about Atlanta Designer Kate Donnelly

58 Color Report: Colors of the Sea

Fall in love with the amazing palette of sea glass

Don’t miss the next edition of N Home issue, full of Real Life, Real Style inspiration See details for our free subscription on the back cover 2

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Interior Design • Furniture • Accessories

AT L A N TA

AIKEN

6170 ROSWELL ROAD SANDY SPRINGS, GA 404.521.9303

158 LAURENS STREET AIKEN, SC 803.649.0616

www.NandinaHome.com

@nandinahome

Family First TWO SISTERS AND TWO DESIGNERS CREATE T W O U N I Q U E LY I N V I T I N G FA M I LY H O M E S Story by Susan Victor

//

Design by Sue Shannon and Aimee Rusch

Built by Joe Todd, President , Stone & Story Signature Homes Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

A sister relationship is a complicated, beautiful thing. Sharing genetics, parents, and history is a tie that binds most siblings for life even if time and circumstances intervene to separate them physically. Amanda Todd and Kelly Hughes have gone beyond the norm and remain intricately involved in each other’s lives and families. They actually share a property line, living next door to each other in homes that were designed and built

by Amanda’s husband and custom home builder Joe Todd.

Kelly and Billy Hughes have three children and Amanda and Joe have four, including twins. The passel of cousins, ranging in age from 1 to 10, enjoy an open-door policy between the two homes located at the end of a quiet, tree-lined cul-de-sac. Both sisters often say that their children are growing up more like siblings than cousins. It is hard to tell which child belongs to which family, especially if a grandparent has been recruited to provide a couple hours of supervision.

There is an idyllic feel to the successful way these two sisters and their families blend their lives and support each other while remaining independent and true to their individual styles and personalities.

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The classic blue and white kitchen of Amanda and Joe Todd’s home is updated with gold Visual Comfort lanterns and trendsetting Lucite and metal counter stools

by Gabby Home.

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The Todd Home

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The choice to live more communally had evolved over time. Several years before they committed to living right next door to each other, both families lived close in a local neighborhood.

At weekly shared dinners the couples frequently brought up the idea of finding some property in town that would offer some space to have houses next to each other, yet feel a little more secluded and private.

Fortunately Amanda’s husband Joe had been developing property and building custom homes since 2004 and was capable of turning their mealtime musings into reality.

beautiful custom homes within three months of each other. “I built both homes simultaneously. That allowed us to make sure that if either one of us ever needed to sell, the easements would be in place to make each property a stand-alone from the getgo,” explained Todd. “Both homes have a pool, which is not what we planned in the beginning. It would have been so much easier and more economical to build one communal pool, but it proved to be almost impossible to figure out how to make that work if either family needed to sell its individual parcel.”

Joe found a seven-acre parcel of property in the final phase of a neighborhood where some topography issues made division into small lots difficult. It proved to be the perfect location.

After more than 22 months of surveying, flagging, constructing a shared drive, and building, both families moved into two

The exteriors of both houses are uniquely different in curb appeal, and that is true of the interiors as well. “Each couple had a vision of the home they wanted. Amanda and I lean toward a more traditional, Lowcountry style house that nestles back in a wooded tree lot with a palm tree framing a porch. Kelly

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The open concept kitchen and keeping room are kid-friendly and communal in feel.

A layered look of blue and white vases, an antiqued mirror, and Asian-influenced art and artifacts in the foyer emphasize Amanda’s love of a new traditional design style with a vibrant blue and white palette with pops of emerald green.

Previous page top: The classic Lowcountry style home of the Todds nestles into a treefilled lot as if it had always been there.

Previous page bottom: Both sisters favor keeping formal dining rooms in their homes because they love the shared history of making meals a central focus of family life. Amanda kept her original dining table and chairs and updated the look with upholstered head chairs, a new hand-tufted Surya rug, and custom drapery from the Nandina Workroom.

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The Hughes Home

Kelly Hughes chose a modern, white-painted brick with dark framed windows and doors and a steeply pitched roofline for the style of her family’s home.

Although it is uniquely different from her sister Amanda’s home, both houses blend beautifully together sitting on border-sharing lots.

and Billy like a cleaner, more modern two-story look with a steep pitched roof, and white painted brick with dark framed windows and doors. I loved the challenge of designing and building two unique home styles that share close proximity and blend together perfectly,” said Todd.

Soon after the homes had been completed, both families landed Masters rental contracts for the 2017 Augusta National Masters Golf Tournament. With only four months to get their homes into shape for that type of rental, both Amanda and Kelly felt like they were under the gun to get help. Nandina Principal Designer Sue Shannon was originally approached

by Kelly, and a few days later Amanda called and jumped on board. “With all of the main floor living areas and a majority of the bedrooms in both homes needing full design plans and installations within four months, I realized immediately that I needed to pull in another designer from our team to make this happen,” Shannon noted. “Aimee and I have worked together for years and I felt she would bond with both sisters and make this project happen as a team. Our team approach to design is one of the really big positives of working with Nandina!”

The two sisters now had a two-designer team working with each of them individually. “As a design team we approached both sisters’ projects independently, creating plans that reflected their individual styles and personalities,” continued Shannon. “I think sometimes Aimee and I were more worried about the interiors being unique to each family than Amanda and Kelly were. They both fell in love with a specific chest, so we made sure that the chests were uniquely custom-finished and placed in completely different locations in their homes!”

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Although different in style and design, both homes share common themes: large open floor plans that have gathering spaces to accommodate friends and family, as well as open kitchen areas with large islands and casual family style dining that can stretch to add extras. Both Amanda and Kelly chose to keep the tradition of a formal dining room large enough to host joint family holidays and events, and they shared a preference for neutrals with bright pops of color.“ Amanda and Kelly both love color and pattern,” commented Designer Aimee Rusch. “It was fun and creative to add those elements into their respective designs while remaining true to the style of each family’s home.”

Amanda’s Lowcountry style home leans toward a new traditional interior design with exposed brick arches, wood and brick inlaid floors, layered accessories, chinoiserie, and a classic blue and white palette throughout. Kelly’s more modern aesthetic is highlighted with crisp shiplap walls, a soft gray palette with pops of color, and rustic, modern elements with furnishings and lighting.

“When you are at either home, you feel the energy and love these two families share – never sure which children belong to which family, gathering spaces full of life and happy chaos.

It feels like a throwback to a time when families shared their lives, properties, and responsibilities,” Shannon mused.

As Joe Todd describes it, “We can be together as much or as little as we want, but invariably it leans towards the more frequent than the less frequent. It truly has been a wonderful arrangement, something that will shape how our children experience family.”

In this feature wall, where modern geometric tile frames two windows and the custom hood, the effect is light and uncluttered, making this kitchen feel updated and modern.

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Modern art, simple horizontal paneling painted white, and bold patterned custom drapery from the Nandina Workroom make a light-filled transitional style breakfast room.

Lee Industries head chairs, upholstered in a bright coral pattern, along with a grouping of bright abstracts on the wall, add just the right amount of drama to this sophisticated dining room.

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T HE T H E

Be Our Guest!

T O P

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P E R F E C T

Story by Susan Victor

TIPS

F O R

G UES T //

CREATIN G

RO O M

RETREAT

Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

Hosting house guests at this time of year is a fundamental part of the holidays. Does your guest room lean toward a 5-star hotel or “Budget Bed� for a night? There are simple little things that you can do to make your guests feel not only welcome, but also actually pampered. If you follow our top 9 design tips for creating a space with the luxury and ambiance of a high-end bed and breakfast, the only thing you will have to worry about is not if they will come, but how soon they will leave!

Here are our top 9 tips for creating the perfect guest room retreat which will leave your guests floating on "Cloud 9."

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No. 1 M A K E T HE B E D TH E C E N T E R P I E C E O F T HE R OOM Don’t stick your 20-year-old hand-me-down mattress in the guest room and then use your worn mismatched sheets and pillowcases to dress it.

Invest in a comfortable mattress and clean, crisp sheets and bedding. Remember, comfort is king!

Provide extra blankets and pillows. Toss a throw at the end of the bed to invite your guests to consider an afternoon nap. If you really want to evaluate the comfort of your guest room, spend a night or two in the bed and see if it passes muster.

No. 2 B E DS I DE TAB L E S + LA M P S AR E A M US T Having a table on both sides of the bed with good lamps is essential for couples and provides a place to stash a book or keep a cell phone. The comfort and ambiance provided by low light to read by at bedtime can never be underestimated.

No. 3 M AKE ROOM FOR A PLACE TO WORK Furnishing a desk or simple flat, clear surface to set up a laptop and access your wifi is a thoughtful gesture that won’t go unnoticed. In this day and age, even when we are on holiday we often still need to check emails or log into the office. Supply pencil, paper, a lamp, and the wireless code to allow your guests to catch up with work in the privacy of their own room.

While you are at it, make sure that there are special outlets or extension cords for phone and iPad or tablet charging next to the bed. These multi-use chargers are inexpensive and available through online outlets like Amazon and Target.

No. 4 D ON’ T FORGET A PLACE FOR A SUI TCASE A bench at the end of a bed, an ottoman, or better yet, a simple folding luggage rack allows your guests to keep their dusty suitcase off the floor and the bed.

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No. 5 PROV I DE G OOD L I G HT + PRI VACY C O N T RO L AT T HE W I ND OWS Beautiful blackout drapery at the windows is always a style statement,

No. 6 SET OUT L AT E NI G HT READING M ATERIAL

but even simple roller shades can shut out offensive outside lights or the

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bright early morning sun. An extra hour of sleep in the morning can make

Current magazines and some of your

your guests feel like they really are on holiday.

favorite novels are always appreciated.

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No. 7 LEVE L U P W I T H A W E L L - S T O C K E D B AT H R O O M While easy access to fresh towels and washcloths is a given, go a step further and supply a basket of essentials that might not have been packed. Your guests will be eternally grateful and relieved! Include toothbrushes, floss, travel-size toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, and lip balm. If you really want to be helpful, provide Advil, a sewing kit, disposable razors, and an extra hair dryer.

M A K E

No. 8 S UR F I N G

S I M P L E

One of the first things a guest may need is your wireless code. Put it front and center, framed and on the desk or bedside table.

No. 9 SURPRI SE AND D EL IGH T YOUR GUESTS Add extra touches like fresh flowers in the room, a little tray of healthy snacks and bottled water, and a beautifully scented candle burning when they arrive.

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Knock on Wood Wood in all of its forms, whether real or faux, has the ability to warm any interior and bring an element of nature right inside our homes.

From the classic hardwood floor and fine wooden furniture we all recognize and love to the faux wood textures found in wallpaper, textiles, and even in unexpected materials like cement, wood is an integral component of any great design.

ELW Y N N BE N C H / / C U R R EY A N D C O

O U R

FAV O R I T E S

W OOD EN L I N K C EN T E R P I E C E / / R EG I N A A N D R E W

CARRIER AN D CO M P AN Y F OR CEN TURY // MARGUERITE N IG HTSTAN D

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S C A L A M A NDRE // MU I RW OODS PRINT

A C RY L I C D R I F T W OOD WA L L A RT / / PA L EC EK

STABLE VIEW

A Gathering Place Story by Susan Victor

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Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

Design by Sue Shannon and Susan Victor

First-time visitors arriving at Stable View located in Aiken, South Carolina, will recognize immediately that they have entered a first-class equestrian facility.

What is not apparent at first glance is what takes this unique property and venture from first-class to world-class. The barns and stables, state-of-the-art arenas, and newly constructed multipurpose pavilion place Stable View in an equestrian class of its own, one of only 14 chosen by the United States Equestrian Federation for use by high performance teams. Earlier this year, the United States Eventing Team used Stable View for its final practice site before going on to win the gold medal at the Pan American Games in Lima, Peru.

Dig a little deeper and you begin to realize that it is the emphasis on community, environmental preservation and ecotourism that makes Stable View much more than an equestrian venue.

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"For me there is something almost spiritual about this property and the way it feels. It invites people in.

I knew immediately this was right, this was the one.”

Cyndy Olliff

W

hen owners Barry and Cyndy Olliff initially purchased the property in 2010, they had no idea it would morph into not only an equestrian mecca, but also a flora and fauna ecological preserve and a Native American archaeological find. “Cyndy and I never said, ‘Let’s go develop a legacy,’ ” said Barry. “It all came about through a fortuitous set of circumstances, good partnerships, an open and welcoming community, and most of all, our willingness to go where the land led us.”

They were initially drawn to the land by Cyndy’s passion for horses. In Aiken for the first time during Hunt Week in 2008, Cyndy fell in love with the horse-loving community and urged Barry to join her the following year. As is their habit when traveling, they toured the area to explore their surroundings. “Almost immediately I recognized there was an opportunity here that hadn’t been capitalized on,” explained Barry. “We were in the middle of the financial crises and we toured several equestrian communities that had sunk most of their resources into developing the infrastructure required for the homebuyers and then were unable to complete the equestrian amenities like stables, arenas, trails, and paddocks.”

The Olliffs spent every weekend for six weeks looking at properties; nothing really clicked until they found Stable View. “It felt right,” said Cyndy. “For me there is something almost spiritual about this property and the way it feels. It invites people in. I knew immediately this was right, this was the one.”

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The most recent additions to the vast selection of rental accommodations on the Stable View property are the “Hunt Box� apartments that feature a main floor efficiency style layout and an open loft bedroom with two queen beds. Each apartment is uniquely designed and represents the character of the overall property. Comfortable sitting areas open to fully equipped kitchenettes. There are quiet desk nooks in every loft bedroom that feature a peaceful view of the tree-lined property.

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Many of the efficiency apartments are located within the actual confines of the barns that have the stalls for the renters’ horses. The Hildago efficiency above is beside a series of stalls; riders literally live with their horses!

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In the beginning, the Olliffs focused on developing Stable View with the equestrian amenities they believed would be a big draw to the Aiken community. “We thought to ourselves, ‘What does Aiken need? What are people willing to travel for and what could make this place a destination spot?’ The answer was more than just a show arena. What they really want is an experience.

They want to make a weekend of it, bring their family. That is what drove our development of accommodations,” stated Barry.

“We started with the equestrian focus, branching immediately into short and long-term rentals for that population. Then we decided to make available some lots that could be developed into on-site homes. Actually the home that Cyndy and I live in now was originally supposed to be a spec home, but midway through the process we fell in love with the design and the site and made it our own.”

The Olliffs credit Stable View’s success to their partnerships developed from the beginning with Todd Gaul of Designer Builders and Sue Shannon and Susan Victor of Nandina.

Although the Nandina team was originally chosen based on recommendations, it has an ongoing role in the development of Stable View because the Olliffs have come to trust them,

and their commitment to the goals of the facility. Sue recalled that the Olliffs approached Nandina to help design unique accommodations that would be both affordable and beautiful for both short and long-term rentals. “From barn apartments to single room efficiencies connected directly to the stall that house their horse, every space has its own personality while remaining true to the overall design of the entire property.

Throughout the process, if Susan and I came up with some new idea or design option, Todd was there to execute it,” she said.

“And when we took on the design of what became Barry and Cyndy’s personal home, the Olliffs were always willing to take chances and move in new design directions.”

As for Todd Gaul, he was very familiar with the property when the Olliffs purchased it, having built the original barn for the previous Stable View owner. That barn is now the familiar, cohesive feature of the venue and the focal point of the Stable View logo. It was also serendipitous to find that he and the Olliffs were on the same page when it came to building a premier equestrian property with state-of-the-art facilities for all breeds of horses and their owners; all of this has cemented his role in the Stable View team.

Every accommodation is designed with comfort in mind – comfortable bedding, bedside tables and lighting, mirrors and desk or tables, like the loft bedroom of the Hunt Box featured here.

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Barry’s dream of having an authentic British pub located in the Pavilion allows him to bring a little of his home country to the Stable View property. After years of working together, Todd Gaul wanted to surprise Barry with a truly custom design. He sourced the wood and had the paneling milled to his specification. The addition of traditional stained glass and a tin ceiling took “Ollie’s Inn” pub from a dream to reality!

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The expansive great room in the Olliffs’ home was inspired by a modern Australian farmhouse design with white walls and a subtle palette of gray, black and white, with pops of red. The sitting area features an uncluttered English arm sofa, a tufted bench and modern wing chairs with an exposed frame, all by Lee Industries. A custom patchwork rug by Nomadic Traders grounds the area and adds a sophisticated feel to the farmhouse.

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“Barry is the kind of partner who expects you to stay on budget and time frame,” noted Gaul, “but once the trust develops, he recognizes value and creativity. He is the kind of partner who makes this job fun! He might approach me and say, ‘I have an idea. Can we do it?’ ” Each new phase of the project continues to expand the scope of the property and its facilities. The recent addition of a LEAD Gold Certified 15,000-square-foot multipurpose pavilion is spot-on with the Stable View commitment to sustainability and environmental protection. With its high tech amenities and rustic, open-beam, light-filled event spaces – not to mention a one-of-a-kind, custom-designed British pub – the Pavilion expands the reach of Stable View outside the equestrian community to corporate events and amazing destination weddings.

The latest additions to the long list of on-site rentals are the Hunt Boxes. These communal spaces offer places to meet, eat, do laundry, etc. “The tag line of Stable View is a constant reminder that this property is first and foremost ‘A Gathering Place,’ ” emphasized Barry. He refers to this concept as the driving force for Stable View’s growth. “We have always believed that building strong partnerships allowed us to see Stable View in a much larger context. Initially we focused on the

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equestrian side, and collaborated with some of the best minds in the industry, like Captain Mark Phillips and Boyd Martin (Pan Am 2019 Gold Medalist in Eventing), but we realized that as much as we are committed to this specific group, we are just as committed to community, diversity, and the environment.

We want to build something that will support this land and the multiple communities that enjoy it.”

As for the ecotourism side of Stable View, Cyndy’s strong passion about the environment has led to successful efforts to restore the bluebird population and the habitat of screech owls. “In addition, Kestrels have started nesting, and an endangered Red Cockaded Woodpecker has naturally migrated to Stable View. This place is becoming a birdwatcher’s haven,” she beamed.

Recently, the Olliffs have commissioned flora and fauna audits for the property and have brought in an archaeology expert to identify and date the vast number of arrowheads discovered around the property. One arrowhead alone dates back 15,000 years. “Finding so many arrowheads proves to me that Stable View was historically a gathering place. We are just here to preserve it for the next generation!” exclaimed Barry.

The cobalt blue, black, and bright white color combination of the master bedroom is refreshing and soothing at the same time.

The open concept kitchen has a feature wall of subway tile and open shelving to display Cyndy’s vast collection of Fiestaware ceramic china.

The island was custom-designed and built from reclaimed lumber, and the countertops are classic soapstone. Currey & Co. pendants and dining room fixtures enhance the rustic modern vibe of the interiors.

“When we took on the interior design of what is now Barry and Cyndy’s personal home, the trust and collaboration had come full circle. The Olliffs were always willing to take chances and move in new design directions. This house remains one of my all-time favorites, and Susan’s as well!”

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“The home that Cyndy and I live in on the property was originally supposed to be a spec home, but midway through the process we fell in love with the design and the site and made it our own!”

Barry Olliff Custom features throughout Barry and Cyndy’s personal home provide the unique character and welcoming interiors they love.

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D ESIGN I S I N T HE DETA I L S

Pub Design & Construction: Designer Builders

EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE OF A CUSTOM HOME BY TODD GAUL Building Client-First Relationships • Uncompromising Quality

Todd Gaul, President & Owner

9 3 5 D O U G H E R T Y R OA D, A I K E N S O U T H C A R O L I N A

803.642.8340 • www.designerbuilders.com FA L L + W I N T E R 2 0 1 9

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A red Murano Glass chandelier commands the dining room and sets the palette for the interiors. Custom fabric application to the backs of the Vanguard dining chairs and the custom drapery mirror the red, cream, and gray color combination of the room.

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Through an Artist’s Eye C R E AT I N G I N T E R I O R S F U L L

O F S O P H I S T I C AT E D W H I M S Y

Story by Susan Victor // Design by John Ishmael Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt Sophisticated whimsy perfectly describes the beautifully layered interiors of every room in Lauren Maronnier’s Atlanta Morningside home. From the walk up the stone path flanked by riotous English garden style plantings, through the arch leading onto the covered porch, past the stroller tucked in the corner and into the perfectly appointed foyer, guests realize they have entered the creative space of an artist. Around every corner is a surprise: a stone Buddha resting in the framed window on the covered porch, a series of ethereal black and white photos of a dancing woman in the foyer, a striking red Murano Glass chandelier hanging in the dining room, and a whimsical collection of owls in the den.

As a professional fine art photographer, Lauren spent the majority of her adult life traveling throughout the world, living at different times in California, New York, Colorado, and France. It was during a six-year period in France that she met and married her husband Arnaud. In 2007, they moved back to Atlanta and found their first home that Lauren describes as “an older home full of character and whimsy, with original etchings of rabbits in the windows that I fell in love with.” It was in this first home that she and Atlanta Nandina Principal Designer John Ishmael collaborated on their first project together.

“From the beginning, John and I had such an easy rapport. We are both artists and I have always felt that he would take my lead and then expound on it and together we would create something even better,” said Lauren.

D E S I G N E R I N S P I R AT I O N

“When Lauren and I met for the first time in the new house, we both agreed that our first design goal would be to fill this space with the same charm, eclectic sophistication, and whimsy that was so abundant in their previous home.”

John Ishmael, Designer

Ishmael recalls that their first project – a simple set of draperies – blossomed into a five-year ongoing design relationship. “Lauren has an uncanny ability to introduce the unexpected into the design of a space.

She has collected amazing pieces from her travels, and each piece has meaning to her. Because I am also an artist, working with her becomes so collaborative – she constantly keeps me on my design toes!” exclaimed Ishmael.

As much as they loved their charming, lovely first home in Atlanta, when Lauren and Arnaud were expecting their first child, they realized they needed more space. When they found their current house, its bones were good, it was beautiful and functional, and it was situated in a good, older neighborhood. However, it lacked the character that she craved.

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“When Lauren and I met for the first time in the new house, we both agreed that our first design goal would be to fill this space with the same charm, eclectic sophistication, and whimsy that was so abundant in their previous home,” stated Ishmael. The project required incorporating their current furniture and art and then expanding the design plan because of the need to fill the larger home. “Repurposing pieces and making new bold choices allowed Lauren and me to create a new design but remain true to the artistic, emotional feel of their home,” he continued.

Today, in every room of the home, it is obvious that art dictates the design. The striking red Murano Glass chandelier Lauren purchased in Europe hangs in the dining room and is the starting point for the entire palette of the main floor. It became the perfect punch of color for a neutral design with hits of black and white throughout every room. Immediately inside the foyer is a display of Lauren’s black and white photography of a woman dancing in the woods that she shot in Argentina, and it is accented by a red-patterned, hand-knotted rug on the floor.

Observed Ishmael, “Lauren’s photographs have an ethereal, ghostly quality to them. She plays with focus to enhance the unique style of her photography. I love making her pieces a central part of the design.”

The heart of the home is the kitchen-living room-TV room all visually open to each other. Lauren is an avid cook and she never feels separated from family life while preparing meals.

“From the beginning, John and I had such an easy rapport. We are both artists and I have always felt that he would take my lead and then expound on it and together we would create something even better.”

Lauren Maronnier Ishmael had custom cushions made for the backs of the bench seating in the breakfast nook and then hung them on iron hooks.

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“I love being able to cook and see Arnaud playing with our daughter in the room beyond,” she said. The open concept area features a breakfast nook with a creative application of cushions that immediately catches the eye. “The existing builtin bench was too narrow for added pillows, so I decided to custom-make large but thin back cushions that would hang on iron hooks. “ Ishmael explained that the windows in the nook do not require window treatments so the floating cushions add softness and color to the otherwise bare space.

The walls of the TV room, with a brave application of Sherwin Williams Dark Caviar paint, are the perfect backdrop for one of Lauren’s favorite pieces of art, a woman in a red dress by Santa Fe artist Erin Cone. “I fell in love with Erin Cone’s strong female’s figurative paintings and I love the emotion they evoke in me,” she commented. “I have two hanging in prominent spaces in our home.”

Upstairs, the master bedroom features an iron bed that Lauren had custom-made when she lived in Santa Fe. It has traveled with her to every new home. “I wanted the room to give homage to the bed,” explained Ishmael. “The carved iron bed feels like it belongs in the forest so I wanted the room to feel like it belonged in the trees. Lauren and Arnaud are avid lovers of nature, so it didn’t take a lot of convincing to get them on board with a bedroom that felt like it belonged in ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.”

Striking female images by one of Lauren’s favorite artists, Erin Cone, are featured in two different rooms, one above the fireplace in the living room and one on the Dark Caviar walls of the TV room. Reupholstered wing chairs in a bold black and white animal print are a focal point of the living room.

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“I wanted the design of the master bedroom to give homage to the bed.

The carved iron bed feels like it belongs in the forest, so I wanted the room to feel like it belonged in the trees.�

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Delicate sheers embroidered with branches frame the windows and work perfectly with Lauren’s collection of dreamcatchers that hang throughout the room. “I started collecting dreamcatchers when I worked with Native American tribes during my life in Santa Fe – I love having them in my home,” shared Lauren. In addition, a Moroccan-style tile fireplace opposite the bed evokes an exotic travel feel to the room.

In the nursery it becomes apparent that sophisticated whimsy is a running theme throughout this incredible home. From a hand-painted silkscreen of climbing tree branches that takes up an entire wall to a bone inlaid chest used for a changing table, every part of this dreamlike space is childlike, yet refined. A tiny wreath of flowers hangs over the crib, perhaps in homage to the painted fairy etchings that inspired the design.

“I love working with another creative spirit like Lauren,” declared Ishmael. “She encourages pushing the creative envelope with design and nothing I could suggest would ever scare her off. This home is a rich reflection of every stage of her life – her travels throughout the world, her marriage to Arnaud, the influence of his French heritage, and now the addition of their daughter and their life as a family. It’s a home that is whimsical and sophisticated; it’s the home of an artist.”

Two leather Lee club chairs flank the exotic Moroccan-influenced master bedroom fireplace.

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The nursery was designed based on antique fairy etchings that Lauren had collected. The key element that brought the room together - a large silk screen of a mystical forest - takes up one entire wall and is the backdrop of a bone inlaid chest that was converted to a changing table.

A tender wreath of floating flowers and butterflies hangs over the bed and adds just the touch of whimsy that Lauren loves.

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Fashion & Interior Design through the Decades A CONVERSATION WITH CAMERON SILVER OF DECADES + AIMEE KURZNER OF CURREY & CO

(404) 521-9303

NandinaHome.com

SPECIAL THANKS TO OUR EVENT SPONSORS

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W H AT’ S The Nandina design team weighs in on their favorite trends for Fall + Winter 2019.

R E B E C C A F AULK, DES I GN AS S I S TANT

Surya // Haven Rug I love the impactful, yet neutral green of this rug; to me it is a color palette that transfers across all seasons. My favorite way to bring life and color into a room is through the staple items, like a beautiful hand-knotted rug!

JANAE ADAMS, DESIGN SH OWROOM & WORKROOM MANA GE R

Biophilia In 2019, the interest in greenery and botanicals are at an all-time high. Natural, organic materials such as wood, stone, flowers and plants signify bringing nature indoors.

H A N N A H S M I TH, DES I GN AS S I S TANT

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Fabricut // Travertine Trim

MEGAN AGUILAR, DESIGN ASSIST A NT

A colorful trim can add life and interest to neutral pillows or drapery that are in need of something extra, creating a statement out of a material otherwise plain.

This one gives a sense of sophistication with the clean lines, a feel of luxury from the velvet texture, and a nod to retro with the bold chartreuse color.

I love making a piece of art the starting point when designing a space. It also makes a great focal point for a room! This beautiful piece by Paule Marrot from Natural Curiosities has an Impressionistic influence that is so serene.

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Paule Marrot // Lillies Large

KAT E DONNELLY, DESIGNER

Benjamin Moore // Black Paint I love the trend of black walls. Black creates a bold ambiance that is also cozy and earthy.

J O H N I S H M A EL, PR I NCI PAL DES I GNER

Vanguard // Thea Stocked Sofa I love this sleek Mid-century styled sofa with color. It throws off the neutral grays by adding a punch of jewel-toned blue.

AIMEE RUSCH , DESIGNER

Mainly Baskets // Scallop Console To skirt or not to skirt ‌ I say skirt it! This scallop wicker console table is a fresh twist on tradition that is perfect for a foyer.

SUE SH ANNON, PRINCIPAL DESIGNER

Currey & Co. // Tropical Floor Lamp Lighting is changing in all kinds of fabulous ways and unpolished brass is back in force. Currey & Co. is embracing the trend with this hefty 60s vibe floorlamp. Its beautiful palm leaf details will make you feel like you’re in the tropics every day!

MICH ELE MERRIT T , LEAD DESIGNER H A R L I E B E D D O M E, DES I GN AS S I S TANT

Arteriors Home // Nantucket Bowl

Hickory Chair // Elliot Wing Chair in Amethyst Velvet

Grounded in nature ... combining textures, shapes and colors found in nature, the Nantucket Bowl from Arteriors embodies all of these elements. Interesting enough on its own as a statement piece or filled with greenery, it is sure to garner attention.

Jewel tones are making their way back into homes, thanks to their depth and richness of color. Without any effort, they make beautiful accents and eye-catching statements.

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D ES IG N E R S E C R E T S

How to Make a Beautiful Bed Story by Jessie LaFalce and Harley Beddome Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

The dynamic design team of Jessie LaFalce, Nandina Lead Designer, and Harlie Beddome, Nandina Associate Designer, share their secrets for making the bed the center of attention of any bedroom.

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“The bed should be the focal point of the

“ A beautifully designed bed shouldn’t require lots of

bedroom – luxurious, inviting and always easy

money or time to make! You can ease into bedding design

to hop into after a long hard day.”

by creating a sanctuary that is luxe but low maintenance!”

Harlie Beddome

Jessie LaFalce

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Make a Beautiful Bed Nothing quite compares to the luxury of a perfectly made bed, but the dreamy comfort in magazines, show houses or showrooms doesn’t happen by accident. Layers of comfort allow you to vary the physical weight of your coverings and your body temperature throughout the different stages of sleep. Consider these:

Very soft, but sturdy fitted and top sheets We recommend Royal Sateen Egyptian Cotton. It’s breathable, strong, and has a beautiful soft hand with a slight sheen. It is a misconception that thread count is the most important factor when choosing sheets. What matters most is the fiber content. A high thread count doesn’t matter if the fiber used is poor, flimsy or cheap.

A lightweight but cozy coverlet A coverlet is the visible top layer that normally gets the most use and abuse. It is typically quilted with poly fill inside, but ideally, it is washable. Strong, breathable, soft, and washable fibers like Egyptian cotton sheeting, cotton velvet, and prewashed linen are wonderful on your bed, but remember, they all have a different look and feel. Choose your favorite. On the decorating side, a coverlet is usually solid in color but may have some varying texture or pattern sewn into the quilting.

Duvet and cover A thick, fluffy down or down alternative duvet folded at the end of the bed is an eye-catching feature. Duvet covers are

an opportunity to add rich patterns, colors and more designinspired details, such as tapes or contrast borders and higher end fabrics like silk or cut velvet. A reversible duvet cover offers alternatives to make up the bed for different looks. (Be sure to select soft fabrics that can be cleaned.)

Pillow ensemble The options for pillow arrangements are limitless, but the standard formula includes a mix of standard or king pillow shams (rectangles), Euro shams (squares), and possibly an accent pillow (smaller square or rectangle), for the front of the ensemble. Let your creativity show here by incorporating leather, feather, faux fur, shimmer, beading, etc. Using a color or pattern for the duvet at the end of the bed in your pillows ties the entire bedding set together with a cohesive look.

Dreamy scent The finishing touch is a mist of sheet spray in your favorite essential oil scent. Lavender is a favorite go-to fragrance and is well-known for its property of inducing sleep.

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The gleaming hand-hewn plank flooring that had a previous life as a barn in Pennsylvania provides a show-stopping entrance to the Shannons’ home.

A doughnut hole feature allows natural light to flow between the foyer and the great room with its open beamed, planked ceiling.

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CO M I NG HOM E Designer Sue Shannon Shares the Trials, Tribulations, and Triumphs of Building Her “Final” Home Story by Susan Victor // Design by Sue Shannon Builder: Steve Kisner, Kisner Construction Architect: Jeffrey Burden of Truong, Montgomery and Burden / Architecture and Design

The idea of “home” can trigger many emotions, both good and bad. But if fortune smiles upon you, that structure can become sacred to you. Then, no matter what exotic destination beckons you to visit, the moment you return and open the door to your home and walk into that space, it envelops you with comfort, peace, and solitude. At that moment you realize the priceless value of “home.”

At Nandina we have the privilege and honor of helping to create homes every day. Understanding just how personal and emotional that process can be for our clients usually becomes much more real when we find ourselves walking in their shoes!

As designers we are exposed to many beautiful spaces that stretch the limits of creativity. We fantasize about building or renovating the perfect home for ourselves and our families.

When the opportunity and the funds finally do come to fruition, the reality is that the actual process mirrors all of the angst, agonizing over selections, managing details, and organizing orders that we handle every day with our clients. Only this time we are our clients! And often, our own expectations are more difficult to manage than those of our clients!

When my Nandina business partner Sue Shannon and her An original oil painting from Atlanta artist Ford Smith adds a pop of color to the neutral-rich palette of browns and beiges of the foyer.

husband Tim decided to build their new home, Sue often said, “This is it! My next home is an assisted living facility!” We were in the throes of building our business at Nandina and Tim was working long hours as a busy surgeon in a large orthopedic medical practice. When I sat down with Sue to interview her about the interiors of her home for this feature of N Home Magazine, we were both flooded with memories of how eyeopening that experience was eight years ago.

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As a busy person building a design business, how did you make the leap to take on building a new home?

SU SA N V I C T O R ( S V ) :

SU E SH A N N O N ( S S ) : Well, no one ever realizes just how much time and energy it takes to build a custom home. We had built two other homes before, and I think I just assumed it would be easy and a new challenge. I spent a lot of late nights poring over magazines and finish samples. I didn’t want my personal project to take away from my commitment to clients during the workday. One night around midnight, I remember being in tears as I counted and re-counted every cabinet door and drawer in the entire house so I could finalize the hardware order. Honestly, I felt like I didn’t have a day off for the 18 months it took to build our home.

How did you begin the creative process? Did you have a plan and then find the property, or the other way around?

What came first, the chicken or the egg?

S V:

The “property egg” definitely came first! It is shaped like a piece of pie with a tail, and there were utility lines running through it that couldn’t be crossed. Because it’s in the historic district and has large setbacks from the golf course, the actual buildable space on the lot was quite limited. I knew that building on this property was going to be a challenge, but the location checked all the boxes for Tim and me. It was in town, which made it closer to our store for me and closer to the hospital for Tim, but most of all it was one of only a handful of properties available on the historic city golf course – a major plus for Tim!

SS:

Before we ever purchased our quirky plot of land, we hired Jeff Burden as our architect to make sure we could actually build a livable house on it. Jeff got right to work scribbling on a napkin to show us just how the house could nestle into the hillside and give us that downtown home on a golf course that we were looking for. Jeff has a focus on historical design. We felt strongly that we wanted the exterior of the home to reflect the historic neighborhood in which it sits. He had been recommended by friends, and after meeting him I felt he was the perfect collaborator for me to make our vision become a reality. We asked Jeff to design the exterior so that it would fit into our very old, historic neighborhood. We gave him free rein on the style and trusted his judgment. He jumped off existing larger homes in the neighborhood and used some elements from them to make the house feel and appear as if it had been here a long time. Jeff likens the house, built on this property, to Marilyn Monroe squeezed into her red dress, bursting at the seams!

The dining area in the great room features a dining settee

by Vanguard in a custom fabric. The view through the kitchen to the breakfast nook highlights the open concept living the Shannons wanted for this family home.

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The random width plank flooring provides instant age and character to the house and is a perfect backdrop for the classic white kitchen.

Originally the custom hood was also white, but Sue wanted to add some weight to the kitchen, so she hired local artist and talented faux painter Jeannie Groat to paint the hood to appear like aged metal.

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“This house fits our empty nester lifestyle, and it provides a wonderful place for our children and their families to come home to.�

Sue Shannon, Designer

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The hand-knotted, colorful Oushak rug that was the inspiration for the design of the interior grounds the spacious great room. An original John Ishmael abstract painting dominates the fireplace wall and plays to the browns, paprika, wheat, and leaf green throughout the furnishings and fabrics in the room.

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SV: What were the most critical and difficult design decisions you had to make during the process?

The lot shape was tricky. We ended up needing to purchase an additional slice of land to make the front fit comfortably on the street.

The slope of the lot dictated that the house would be a two-story with a walkout lower level. We ended up with a larger space than originally intended because of this. On the interior, the ceiling millwork was selected as the house was being built. We decided on many of the designs once the house was framed and its character began to take shape. The choices that we made at this point are some of my favorites.

The “doughnut hole� into the great room with the natural plank ceilings, the high/low ceiling in the study, and the Hitchcock ceiling in our bedroom are unique characteristics that I appreciate every day.

Jeff suggested using old wood for our hardwood floors throughout.

SS:

The master bedroom and bath are a study in neutrals; the hand-painted latte color of the Hickory Chair Left Bank bed is in subtle contrast to the rich, dark finishes of the other case good pieces in the room.

Next page: A custom vanity in the master bath sits directly in front of a large window that floods the room with natural light.

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He linked us up with David Howard, a master furniture and flooring craftsman from Tennessee, who can make magic happen with wood that originally looks beyond repair. We trusted him as he traveled to Pennsylvania and took down most of an old barn to harvest the wood we used throughout the house. He did an incredible job with finishing and added some special design elements that instantly helped to give this new-build some age and character.

I remember how we agonized over the wash that was used on the great room ceiling! I think we asked the painter to sample that stain four or five times.

SV:

Poor Robert the painter! He was so patient! He still talks about watered-down paint dripping down on their heads as they worked. I remember you and I wanted that perfect khaki color that wouldn’t throw pink and still allow the wood grain to show through. What a challenge! But thankfully, we finally nailed it.

SS:

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Describe how you live in the house. After this much time, what decisions still ring true for your lifestyle? What would you change?

SV:

Our overall goal was to design a home for our new life as empty nesters and have comfortable space on one-level to live in and entertain friends and family. We wanted to create a setting where we could age in place. My husband, Tim, loves to cook, but wanted a prep/cooking area where two cooks could work and guests could be a part of the process. He stayed out of the way on most selections, but had a strong voice when it came to flow and function throughout the main level. He was right, and I’m glad I listened to his wise counsel. We ended up with a large lower level, which houses our adult children when they are in town, but also gained a space that’s great for storage. We especially love our covered upstairs porch and outdoor fireplace.

They are equally as comfortable for two as they are when set up for a large gathering.

SS:

The master study features a desk that does double duty for Sue and her husband Tim. Custom book cases house a vast collection of medical books and reading material, along with Sue’s collection of white pottery.

Sue Shannon designed the garden gate and had it custom-buil to mirror the doughnut hole of the wall in her foyer. It looks as if it has been on the property for decades!

Previous Page: The covered porch off the great room has a massive stone fireplace for warmth in the winter. Because it sits a level up, it literally is in the trees and provides wonderful breeze circulation even in the notoriously hot South Carolina summer months.

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What was your design inspiration for the palette and style of the interiors?

SV:

I was much more concerned about the interiors, not surprisingly.

I love a clean, uncluttered, transitional space, but felt strongly that the surfaces in this home should reflect the aesthetic and time period of the neighborhood. While at High Point Furniture Market, before we’d ever broken ground, I found a beautiful Oushak rug that I loved.

It later became the starting point for our whole design. As time has passed, the interiors have changed and become more layered, just as our lives and interests have evolved as empty nesters.

SS:

I remember the day you found that rug! It was a beautiful jumping off point for the warm palette that runs throughout the main floor of the house. How would you define your design team and what it meant for you to have a collaborative effort as you went through the build/design process?

SV:

Often the hardest project designers will do is one for their own family! I was fortunate to have a strong team to fall back on when doubts crept in. Susan, you were definitely my sounding board, and also my partner in crime! We were used to collaborating on projects and we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses. A lot of the times when I felt stymied on a specific design dilemma, you helped me gain clarity and remain sane. Jeff was there too, with a trained, experienced eye. Lastly, the Kisner construction crew was a class act and very easy to work with. You could count on them to keep things running smoothly and on schedule.

SS:

SV:

What would you do differently?

Not a lot, I’m happy to say! A larger window in the great room to bring in more light, a couple of pocket doors that could ease the flow in a tight bathroom downstairs and an inch or two more clearance on the garage doors ...

SS:

SV: I often tease you about how you can’t go more than six months without tweaking something in your design – new drapes or pillows, or sometimes a whole new look for a guest room. What’s up next for this house?

We’ve been here for eight years and the time has flown by. I change something every year. It’s hard not to when you are exposed to some of the greatest designers around through our travels to markets and networking events. I’ve only recently overhauled two guest bedrooms to fit the needs of our growing and changing family. Next up? Maybe nothing, but there is a spark of an idea starting to ignite in Jeff’s brain and mine that might include a cute little guest house and maybe a bunk room. It would give us that ONE extra room that we sometimes need, especially if there might be some little grandchildren in the future. One can always hope that if you build it, they will come ... home.

SS:

The main powder room fits into a round turret on the front face of the house. The herringbone application of the wood floor, along with the Thibaut vine wallpaper and the custom chinoiserie vanity, makes the bathroom feel like a small jewel box.

A lower level bedroom opens to the beautiful wooded area that surrounds the house.

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THIS IS MY

NEIGHBORHOOD AIKEN, SOUTH CAROLINA

“I am passionate about providing my clients a home not just a property.”

DEIR DR E STOK ER VA I L L A NC OU R T

Vice President, Meybohm Real Estate • Uncompromising service • Consummate professional • Extensive local market knowledge • Integrity • Commitment to client’s needs and desires • Ensures client’s transition into the community • Client relationships that last beyond closing

DEIR DR E STOK ER VA I L L A NC OU R T 803.640.4591

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A Co n d o Wi t h

CHARACTER Story by Susan Victor // Design by Kate Donnelly Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt

After encountering some headaches with a big box furniture company, Atlanta Designer Kate Donnelly’s client reached out to Nandina seeking more than just a furniture purchase.

She needed guidance to transform a typical new-build condominium into a home that reflected her unique style and also exuded a relaxed, welcoming space.

“My client wanted to work with someone who would get to know her on a personal level and be willing to commit to building a relationship that would allow the design to develop over time,” Kate explained.

The open concept floor plan of the condo lends itself to a neutral palette, Donnelly masterfully added texture through fabrics and natural elements like metal, glass and wood to provide layering and to give the design depth. Pops of color in pillows and art provide visual interest.

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Luckily for all, it was a good fit immediately and Kate has worked well over a year to create a design that checked off all of her client’s boxes: glamorous, yet comfortable; neutral color palette with texture and interest; modern, yet warm and inviting; and most of all, pet-friendly!

“My client has a passion for animal rescue. In her spare time she helps fundraise for Southern Souls Rescue, and her fur babies mean everything to her. She has four animals, and we learned quickly that their needs come first! So we used a lot of petfriendly fabrics and rugs, and learned a lot along the way about pet-friendly design,” said Kate. “Dogs Rocco and Max and cats Baby Justin and Casper live as comfortably in this home as do their human parents.”

A stunning dining room just inside the condo entry is open to a modern kitchen with a long inviting island. Kate described one of her favorite design elements that make the condo feel unique: “I love the chandelier that hangs over the dining table, which can be seen from the street. The crystals are actually hollow, and they create a beautiful effect at night when the light is turned on.”

The main floor is totally open, and while the living space is large, it has an awkward L-shape. With careful space planning, Donnelly was able to carve out well-defined areas that her clients love, such as a small round dining table that sits in front of a bank of windows with a beautiful view of the trees behind their home. Kate paired the table with an oversized chandelier and mismatched dining chairs to create a collected, vintage inspired look. It has become the clients’ favorite place to sit and have a cup of coffee in the morning.

“My client really loves a neutral palette. In order to pull that off without the space feeling one-dimensional, we incorporated lots of texture to create depth and layering. We also used natural materials, plenty of glass, and breezy white draperies to create an airy feel,” said Kate.

The end product is an inviting, unique home that fulfills the clients’ desires and also reflects a very successful design relationship!

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A stunning glass chandelier is the show-stopper in this dining room and provides interest in front of a large window. Pet-friendly fabrics and rugs make this space as comfortable for the cats and dogs as it is for the humans.

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W H AT I S Y O U R P E R S O N A L D E S I G N S T Y L E ?

I’d call my personal design style “modern eclectic.” It’s a laid-back, maximized style with texture and patterns galore. My look is all about building a home full of collected treasures. I travel often, and I enjoy collecting art and accessories on my trips. I love vintage Persian rugs, white furniture with clean lines, and a plethora of green plants. I also believe in mixing and layering texture and materials. In one room of my home, you might find wicker, leather, sheepskin, and even a good cowhide rug.

Watching a design go from a concept to an actual, livable space is an incredible feeling! I’m constantly inspired by my surroundings.

Color, texture, plants and travel all play a large role in developing my design aesthetic.

N E V E R - FA I L D E S I G N T I P ?

Mix it up! Mix up patterns and textures. Mix up old and new, expensive and inexpensive. The last thing you want your home to look like is a showroom.

FAV O R I T E C O L O R R I G H T N O W ?

Currently, I’m in love with the deep saturated colors. Especially jewel tones! I love the moody vibes they create.

F U N FA C T ?

I love to paint – something I picked up from my grandmother at a very young age by playing around in her studio.

MEET THE DESIGNER

Kate Donnelly

Photography by Shelly Marshall Schmidt Originally from Radford, Virginia, Kate graduated from The University of Georgia with an Interior Design degree.

Now a Designer with our Atlanta/Sandy Springs team, she has created a growing portfolio of work ranging from simple room refreshes to an entire home interior design.

Meeting nationally known designer Jonathan Adler – who turned out to be hysterical in person – was one of the highlights of her professional career.

Kate spends a lot of time outdoors hiking, biking, camping, and enjoying the expansive Atlanta music scene. Travel not only excites her, but brings fresh inspiration and creativity to her designs. Among her favorite experiences are bathing elephants in Thailand, swimming in the Blue Grotto of Capri, skydiving in Australia, and most recently, tying the knot with her longtime love in Paris, France. Kate loves elephants and has collected elephant trinkets and printed fabrics during her travels. She’s already planning more trips to foreign places, and looking forward to being inspired by her new experiences.

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COLOR REPORT

Colors of the Sea

Sea glass is originally made by man – bottles and glass carelessly tossed out and then turned over to the sea to be tumbled and polished by the waves to become the honed gems of greens, blues, and ambers that we associate with the ocean. The sea glass palette is timeless and always on trend!

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OOMPH // GEORGETOWN MIRROR

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