Month: April 2016

Y’all. This month’s Tastemaker is a doozy… An interior designer whose spaces make a profound statement. When you see a room of his, you know the designer behind it – even if you can’t explain how that’s possible. He has a Rolodex of celebrity clients and is a phenomenal TV personality to boot. You may have even seen him hosting some of our favorite HGTV specials. This month’s Tastemaker for the blog for steve mckenzie’s is Brian Patrick Flynn!

Check out this fantastic video all about “Who is Brian Patrick Flynn.” Not only will you gain great insight into who Brian is, but he offers a bit about what makes him tick and all that goes into his  business and designs:

Steve first became aware of Brian and his immense talent (and equally large personality) back during his tenure with Larson-Juhl, when the company worked with Brian to provide art and custom framing for some of his makeovers for TBS’ “Movie & A Makeover.” Now, being active members of Atlanta’s design industry, Steve and Jill have the pleasure of visiting with Brian Patrick Flynn at many local industry events and always find his projects so inspiring!

We invite you  to read on and learn a even more about this exciting Tastemaker – and if you don’t love him already, we know you will at the close of this Tastemaker post…

1. Three words that describe your aesthetic?

American, Collected, Comfortable

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

My favorite project to date is the 2016 HGTV Dream Home. It’s a 3,600 square foot home located on the water in Florida, where I’m from. We went against traditional Florida waterfront style and took an un-cliche approach. Kind of Hamptons meets Florida. I’m really proud of all that was achieved with this house and this new style I’ve been playing with.

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

Anything Thomas O’Brien has ever done and all of his products.

I’m also inspired by anything out of Scandinavia, Norwegian design, the palette of Iceland – it makes me rethink neutral.

World travel with an American spin also plays a role.

I love thinking of new ways to use the red, white and blue color palette.

Finally, mid-century modern design with industrial, rustic touches.

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

Tina Fey, Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Mark Zuckerberg

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

I always love to include on beat up, worn wooden chair in every space – even a bathroom. There’s something about an old chair stacked with books or towels. A vintage country, wooden, Americana chair is it.

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

Yes, for every smooth surface brought in to a space, I add a combination of super warped, nubby textures to tone the shiny down with the dull. I do this even in glamorously styled spaces. This helps make it more livable.

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

Into = using blush tones for interiors. It’s fun and hasn’t been so popular to be worn out.

Over = I’m toning down the use of chevron and zigzag until that trend dies down.

8. How does artwork fit into your designs?

Artwork is the most important aspect of of any space. It’s always the one thing I’ll splurge on. The element of something completely original on the walls elevates everything else up in the space. A close second, in terms of importance in a space, are window treatments; they’re a great way to bring together colors in a room.

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

WiFi. I can’t live without any connection – without it I’d go berserk. Next on the list would be a super comfy down stuffed pillow. We literally have like eight amazingly fluffy down bed pillows.

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

Never ever, ever compare yourself or your work to another designer. Some designers have bigger budgets, some cater to one aesthetic – there’s a place for every single one of is. The same person that hires me wouldn’t have hired someone else. No one’s vision and no one’s work is alike. We all have different design philosophies.

We appreciate Brian’s advice for sure – and it’s something that can be a real challenge in our industry. It’s so easy to compare your work to other designers, but if we can all appreciate each designer’s unique voice, there will be a place for all.

Thanks to Brian for being our latest Tastemaker, and inspiring us with each new space he creates!!