This month, we’ve selected friend, and fellow Atlanta-based designer, Margaret Kirkland as our March Tastemaker – and we’re so pleased she agreed to participate with us in this fun blog post series! Margaret has an impeccable southern style, and people are drawn to her warm personality. We’re thrilled to have this wonderful opportunity to introduce our readers to Margaret and share what makes her tick as a designer! Enjoy learning all about her on this Tastemaker Tuesday:

Prior to founding her namesake firm, Margaret Kirkland worked in New York and later in her native Atlanta with Dan Carithers Design Consultants. Over the course of fifteen years in the design industry, Margaret has completed projects including residences, high rises, showrooms, a yacht, a spa, a country club, and even an interior design pop-up shop in Northeast Harbor, Maine. She has worked for clients throughout the United States—including New York, Chicago, the low country of South Carolina and Atlanta—and also on several international projects. Margaret Kirkland Interiors has had projects published in multiple shelter magazines including Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, Southern Living and House Beautiful magazines. Margaret Kirkland Interiors has been named top design firm to watch by several publications & blogs and most recently, Kirkland was named “15 under 40” by Atlanta Home’s and Lifestyles Magazine.

1. Three words that describe your aesthetic? 

Timeless, Southern, Elegant

2. Would you please share a little about your favorite space/project to date? 

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have some really special jobs here in Atlanta, in New York, in the low country of South Carolina, even a few houses in France. Any project where the clients are enthusiastic and happy about their homes are my favorite projects to work on!

3. What’s the source(s) of your inspiration?

I feel like I get design inspiration from everything I am exposed to on a daily basis. Travel and exposing yourself to classic design and architecture of the past is great inspiration, but so is taking a walk outside, and get inspired by the palettes and combinations you see in the natural world. I also love staying current with all the best shelter magazines.

4. Name three people (alive or dead) you’d invite to your dream dinner party…

Bunny Williams, Diana Vreeland, Albert Hadley for their wit, humor, and their style. Plus they all seem (ed) to know how to have a good time!

5. A piece of/type of furniture you couldn’t live without?

There is nothing more inviting than a beautiful and comfortable bed to start and end your days in.

6. Do you follow a particular set of rules when mixing textures, finishes, etc. – how do they work for you?

I don’t follow any strict rules in decorating, but I think it is all about a great mix of cotton and linen print and solid fabrics, good lighting, lovely accessories and art working together to make a statement.

7. Trending… What is something you are currently “into” and something you are “over?” 

I have always been into chintzy prints, and I am glad they are in vogue again. I am over gloomy gray and beige that does not say anything.

8. How does artwork fit into your designs?

Art plays a huge a part of our inspiration for a room scheme, and can really set the entire mood of a room. I love both traditional and modern art, and I love to involve clients in art purchases so their personalities shine in the spaces in which they live.

9. What would be the one thing you would have if you were stranded on a deserted island?

I would want a notebook to write down my thoughts and all the projects I want to work on!

10. Please share a piece of advice you’d offer to someone looking to break into the interior design industry. 

Go work for the designer you are most admire. No amount of reading and school projects can prepare you quite the way on the job training can!

On the job training – right on! We agree with Margaret, experience is everything! What a fantastic set of responses. Thank you again to Margaret Kirkland for letting us feature her as a Tastemaker here on the blog for steve mckenzie’s – we look forward to seeing more of your work!