Directions in Design 2020
Is there a story behind the room?
I believe that wellness looks different for everyone. One person’s idea of restorative qualities can vary vastly from another person’s; therefore, I chose to ask myself “what does wellness look like for me?"
The room is feminine. Quaint but powerful. Plenty of storage to instantly declutter the visual field. Natural materials with visual contrast. This is what wellness is for me.
Did you recognize any major trends while sourcing product? If so, which ones?
Silhouettes have become simpler. I think this is a sign of the times... We have enough fuss in our day-to-day lives; we don't need it in our products. Crisp, clean lines suggest minimal clutter both physically and mentally. I also love the current trend of warmer tones and earthy materials. This also goes back to us as humans trying to reconnect with our roots. In a tech-heavy world where it is difficult to disconnect, we are looking to surround ourselves with natural motifs and finishes.
How did you incorporate the health and wellness theme into your space?
When designing with wellness in mind, I always go back to Biophilic Design. We are able to evoke feelings of happiness and restoration when we bring nature into our environments. Using natural materials and colors found in nature are a few of the ways I have brought wellness into this kitchen. Warm tones allow the space to feel enveloping when natural daylight is minimal. I have incorporated “real nature” in my space, but other elements like textured materials, organic motifs, and complimentary contrasts give the space multiple levels of restorative qualities.
If you could recommend one design element to your clients as a start to a healthy home, what would it be?
Plants! It is the easiest way to promote wellness in your interior spaces. You can easily find a plant in any shape and size that will fit your space, whether it be a tiny succulent or a large fiddle-leaf fig. Choose one that fits your lifestyle (even if it is made of plastic). Find a beautiful vessel for it to live in, give it a name, and you are good to go!
How do you recommend designers use both AmericasMart and ADAC in order to complete a design?
Partner with your reps! They bring a wealth of information about products and manufacturers. I always learn something from the many reps that visit Terracotta. They make our job easier and often even better!
Where did you draw your inspiration from?
In this particular room, I was inspired by the wallpaper by Clarence House. The metallic watery background of this paper is bold but comforting.
Is there a story behind the room?
Following the ques of the current pandemic, most everyone is entertaining more in the comfort of their home.
Did you recognize any major trends while sourcing product? If so, which ones?
Clean lines, mixed metals and cozy fabrics
How did you incorporate the health and wellness theme into your space?
Even though there is the boldness of the dragon on the wallpaper, there are many calming colors in the paper, fabrics and the artwork. I also, chose easy to maintain pieces of furniture and materials.
If you could recommend one design element to your clients as a start to a healthy home, what would it be?
JOY! When you have the element of JOY, you will always love your space and want others to be there with you. To me, that promotes a healthy environment.
How do you recommend designers use both AmericasMart and ADAC in order to complete a design?
Both campuses are so equipped with many styles and price-points that you will find as a one-stop-shop. I visit both centers often to inspire me. Both AmericasMart and ADAC are well known in world for their many products, we're so fortunate to have them both in Atlanta!
Is there a story behind the room?
I wanted to create a space that I'd actually love to have myself. Minimal yet comfortable clean and chic.
Did you recognize any major trends while sourcing product? If so, which ones?
Absolutely, I've actually noticed vendors reverting back to more classic looks especially with accent pieces such as chairs, cocktail tables etc.
How did you incorporate the health and wellness theme into your space?
Colors! I used soothing colors for this space. A bedroom should feel like a place of peace so by incorporating cool tones this space brings about an overall feeling of calm, which is what we all need during these times.
If you could recommend one design element to your clients as a start to a healthy home, what would it be?
The one design element that will help to create a healthy home is textures and I relay this to my clients often. By incorporating soft textures you'll elevate the comfort of your home which is extremely important when it comes to creating a healthy home.
How do you recommend designers use both AmericasMart and ADAC in order to complete a design?
Both are great sources and have many products to offer. What I'd say is to visit both first, narrow the showrooms of both that yield to your aesthetic, and start planning your design utilizing your top picks.
What’s the inspiration behind the room?
Since this project didn’t have an assigned client, my jumping off point was taking four recent projects and laying out images of their living room spaces to see what I connected to during the unprecedented times right now. I’m connected to so much of the inside and outside and wanted to bring those natural elements inside with the steel windows, the beam work, the natural stone above the fireplace. My goal was to have this living room continue to be an extension of an outdoor space. Thinking about how much time we’re spending at home and how important these spaces are, we need them to function multiple ways, but to also be incredibly comfortable. With a lot going on in the world, I want whoever is in this house to shut the door and it become a barrier of zen where you can cocoon into your space and create solitude.
How did you incorporate the health and wellness theme into your space?
I went for escapism. An “escape from the world” space. I needed it to be conversational where two people can talk with a glass of wine or the whole family can gather. I purposely didn’t put a television in the room to keep it soft with relaxation and finding a space to get away. I also brought in the stone wall and beam work that have a strong and balanced look, but balanced it through curved furnishings that imitate natural elements.
If you could recommend one design element to your clients as a start to a healthy home, what would it be?
Continue to have you spaces multi-functional. That’s one of the biggest ask. Doesn’t matter how small or large a home is, having a multi-functional space is a mental health necessity with this transitional year of working from home, kids doing virtual learning, pets. Lighting is also a huge ask right now. The need for healthy ambient, task and natural lighting in spaces is a small change that has a ton of benefits.
How do you recommend designers use both AmericasMart and ADAC in order to complete a design?
Ask for help! I’m lucky enough to be a tenant at ADAC, but I learned not to be afraid to walk into a showroom (anywhere in the world!) and ask if they can take a few minutes to show me what’s new—product and lines. Designers, AmericasMart and ADAC are so welcoming and we consider them a part of our team as the showrooms let us utilize their space. Don’t forget valet parking is free and a huge help as you navigate downtown!
AmericasMart Atlanta brands and showrooms featured:
- Bassett Mirror Company
- CFC
- Currey & Company
- Global Views
- Hubbardton Forge
- Noir
- Wendover Art Group
ADAC brands and showrooms featured:
- Ainsworth-Noah & Associates
- Clarence House
- Design Galleria
- F. Schumacher
- Holland & Sherry
- Jerry Pair
- Jim Thompson
- Lee Jofa
- Moattar
- Paul +
- Phillip Jefferies
- R HUGHES
- Showroom 58
- STONELLUXE
- The European Collection