Today, we remember our fallen heroes. We celebrate their sacrifices and our freedom.
From all of us at steve mckenzie’s – we wish you a happy and safe Memorial Day!
Month: May 2016
New looks in outdoor that’ll make it impossible to go back inside…
Although it’s been a bit gloomy in Atlanta lately, you can’t deny the season for outdoor living is here. And we’re excited to share some fantastic new looks in outdoor furniture that’ll be tough to part with when it’s time to come in for the night.
First up, outdoor furniture by Kannoa. steve mckenzie’s is thrilled to be the exclusive showroom in the Southeast for this fantastic brand of stylish and beautifully crafted outdoor furnishings.
Featuring clean, modern lines, Kannoa outdoor furnishings are available in a wonderful array of Sunbrella outdoor fabrics.
Speaking of color, can we talk about the rainbow of hues these fantastic occasional tables by Kannoa?!? If these wouldn’t brighten up your poolside space, even on the dreariest of days, we don’t know what will!
And this stunner of a chair appears formal dining room worthy – which we suppose it truly could be. However, it’s specially crafted by our friends at Selamat for use outdoors.
These are actually aluminum frames, available in five powder coated finishes, including the dreamy turquoise and sunny yellow colors above. Ideal for adding to a fun mix of outdoor seating options!
Now, talk about sunny yellow – this side table from Selamat will add a beautiful, sculptural touch to any outdoor space. An ideal way to add a pop of color!
And you just can’t put your drink down anywhere… For some of us, only the most stylish options will do. Like this golden beauty from Selamat.
Sprinkle fun side tables all around your outdoor living area, and you’ll be prepared to host any gathering. Offering guests a selection of comfortable and stylish seating, along with a place to prop a beverage or small plate, will ensure a memorable event that’s effortless on your end!
Reach out to the McKenzie Design team today to talk outdoor design and learn how we can make your outdoor space a favorite room in your home!
Now, where are the cool beverages?!?
Nostalgia & NARS Cosmetics
Last month, Jill attended the opening of the newest NARS cosmetics boutique – located in the Shops of Buckhead. The event, hosted by steve mckenzie friend Mandy Kellogg Rye, was such a pleasure to attend and brought Jill back to her days working for Elizabeth Arden…
Cosmetics are much like interior design – is it an absolute necessity? Perhaps not, but when you feel beautiful, you radiate confidence, and are ready to tackle your dreams. Same for a beautiful space, life is calmer, smoother and you can focus on your goals.
NARS offers some fantastic products, and their color palette – to die for. Not to mention the cheeky packaging. It’s enough to lift your spirits if you’re having a bad day!
A bit about Fancois Nars, the creator of NARS:
Francois Nars’ creative vision, which launched NARS Cosmetics with 12 iconic lipsticks in 1994, inspires self expression and imaginative artistry through an unexpected, no-rules philosophy of beauty. As one of the most influential image-makers in the world, Francois’ signature boundary-pushing approach to makeup manifests from the palette to the product name to the campaign photograph itself—continuing to bring high-fashion, high-style, and forward thinking to beauty. With every product, endless opportunities for self expression: “don’t hold back. Be bold. It encourages others to do the same.”
If you’re in the area, check out the new space. It’ll leave you feeling inspired – and the team there will give you an effortless makeup routine.
Here’s to fabulous design, not only for your home, but also for your most personal canvas, your face!
A Sensational Summit with The Southern Coterie
Steve and Jill attended and presented at The Southern Summit, hosted by the folks over at The Southern Coterie, last month in Charleston – and it was an absolute delight!
A highlight for them was the luncheon workshop they hosted, in conjunction with Atlanta Magazine: Home editor-in-chief Betsy Riley, where they shared with guests the basics one needs to effortlessly achieve gracious living and how to tailor seasonal tablescapes without breaking the bank.
During this workshop, Steve and Jill offered participates a list of items that should always be on hand to create a warm, memorable design for their tabletops. This way, they’d be ready to host with only a moment’s notice.
Grocery store flowers were taken from “meh” to magnificant during the workshop, in a centerpiece makeover, which guests really seamed to enjoy.
Four tablescapes were designed for the presentation, one for each season. The summer table setting closed out the luncheon gathering, and wase used as inspiration for the next day’s luncheon for all 325 summit attendees.
Together, Steve and Jill designed all of the tables for the summit’s feature luncheon, which took place at the beautiful, historic William Aiken House.
But, as you know it takes a village to achieve such stunning results and a number of vendors came together to make the luncheon space so lovely. They include, Vietri dinnerware, Dot and Army linens, Royal Crown Derby fine china, Le Jacquard Francais table linens, Sasha Nicholas dinnerware, and The Vine, who provided an array of glorious succulents for the centerpieces.
The Southern Coterie is an impressive gathering of Southern entrepreneurs and tastemakers, and we were elated to have been in such esteemed company at The Southern Summit! Some of the other presenters were Eddie Ross, Libbie Summers, Mandy Kellog Rye, Kristy Tiglias of Southern Living, Brian Hart Hoffman of Hoffman Media, Julianne Taylor and Holly Hollingsworth Phillips. Many on this list are friends of our ours, and some have even been tastemakers here, on the blog for steve mckenzie’s – such a fantastic group!!
Mandy Rye – of Waiting on Martha fame – presented on building your brand with social media (a personal highlight for Steve and Jill), and she will be doing an intensive social media seminar here in Atlanta. It’s very limited, and one day only (June 17), so sign up ASAP if you’re interested. steve mckenzie’s will be hosting a kickoff cocktail party the evening before Mandy’s seminar, so put it on your calendar… Details forthcoming.
If this sounds like fun, that’s because it was! And next year, you should be a part of it! Thanks to all of our friends – new and old – who we enjoyed at The Southern Summit, and thanks to The Southern Coterie for inviting us to participate in this memorable event. We left feeling energized and inspired!
A wish for all mothers on a special day…
Happy Mother’s Day to all of the mothers and motherly figures out there! This is a day to celebrate the sacrifices made by all of the wonderful moms out there… We hope this day is as fantastic as you!
We love this vintage advertisement for Gibson greeting cards and thought it would be a timely share today.
Happy Mother’s Day!
Berlin in October – a Photographic Dream!
Building on his WCAF Bloggers Tour success, Steve is joining acclaimed stylist and entertaining expert, Annette Joseph on a once-in-a-lifetime photographer’s retreat to Berlin as the tour’s Branding Expert!
Annette enjoys sharing the many ideas, tips and tricks she has gained as a nationally recognized photo stylist/producer specializing in lifestyle editorial images for magazines.
With over 20 years experience, her expertise includes photo styling for interiors, food propping and special production projects. Check out Annette’s fabulous book, “Picture Perfect Parties,” to gain a sense of Annette’s signature style.
Throughout Annette’s Berlin photography workshop, guests will be immersed in one of the hippest urban landscapes in the world. They’ll mingle with other creatives, relax and enjoy an educational photo styling experience.
Also joining Annette and Steve will be Christina Wedge, an amazing lifestyle and interiors photographer.
Home base for the group will be the stylish Honigmond Garden Hotel.
The workshop is for all levels of photographers, as long as they have a basic knowledge of how to operate their camera and place it on a manual setting.
Steve is thrilled to have the opportunity to provide social media and branding tips to such a creative group, and you can be a part of it… Please join us and be a groovy Berliner – there’s a great team in place to show you the ropes!
“Pastoral Musings” Art Show by Daniel Motz – Next Friday!
We’re thrilled to be hosting an art show for Daniel Motz at the steve mckenzie’s showroom, beginning next Friday!
Born in Romania and emigrated to the US in 1978, Daniel Motz has explored mixed media and photography during his career as a professional artist.
For his “Pastoral Musings” show, Daniel takes the viewer on a journey through southern France and Spain, as he created his pastel abstract landscaped plein air.
To kick off this fantastic showing, we’re inviting all to join us for the opening night on Friday, May 13th from 6-8pm.
Guests will enjoy refreshments and conversation with Daniel – please register here if you can make it. Just as a reminder, the steve mckenzie’s showroom is located at 999 Brady Avenue Northwest #1, Atlanta, GA 30318. We look forward to celebrating this exciting show with you!