ajw designs Archives - McKenzie Interior Design

45 years, can you believe that’s how long the Atlanta Symphony Decorators Show House has been going on?!? It’s got quite a history, and we are so thrilled to be able to participate, by providing some items to designers for use in their show house spaces!

We were lucky enough to preview this amazing home, and the 2015 show house, err… chateau, at 14,000+ square feet, does not disappoint!

Front_Closeup-1979365150-O-e1420834489832 — The 2015 ASO Show House – Chateau Soleil

We snapped photos of some of our favorite spaces and vignettes and are so excited to share them with you:

The theme of the home is classicism in a modern context. And for us, this tone was set with the bold black and white striped cushions on the outdoor furniture.

The show home’s study, designed by our friends, Parker Kennedy Living, featured a lovely mix of chinoiserie, books, books and more books! That wonderful wallpaper is by Fromental.

The first floor bedroom in the show house by Melanie Turner took on the “more is more” approach with a fantastic color palette of blue and white with fantastic pops of yellow! The abstract art was the ideal addition to a beautiful space!

Douglas W. Hilton, of DWH Interiors, designed the foyer/landing area and grand staircase. Here, fabulous art provides a warm welcome and invites one to enter the home. The wall color is from the Williamsburg paint collection.

Drama abounded in the living room by Michel Boyd, of Smith Boyd Interiors (one of our previous Tastemakers!). The art, the lighting, and of course, furnishings all added layer upon layer of luxury.

Stuart Pliner (2) — Stuart Pliner Design

Stuart Pliner (1) — Stuart Pliner Design

The amazing butler’s pantry and dining hallway, by Stuart Pliner Design connected the rooms beautifully with the repeat of this gorgeous peacock wallpaper. The amazing hand painted rug highlighted the deeper stain on the herringbone pattern wood floor.

This dining room by Vern Yip continues the blue and grey theme we noted throughout the show house.

Check out this superb wallpaper featured in Ann Wisniewski’s (of AJW Designs) kitchen powder room – wow! We’re in love!

Steve McKenzie art sighting! We’re so grateful to Stephen Pararo and Seble Bebe Mengistu of Pineapple House Interior Design for using one of Steve’s paintings in their beautiful upstairs retreat!

Patricia McLean Interiors (1) — Patricia McLean Interiors

Regal window treatments, a fantastic floral documentary print, fantastic paint and more make up one of the show house’s guestrooms by Patricia McLean Interiors. Those Grange Napoleon chairs, available at steve mckenzie’s, fit perfectly in the space, especially when paired with that fun Duralee fabric!

This fresh, graphic wallpaper in the lower stairs/terrace level landing by Cathy Rhodes Interiors adds an excellent touch – even more so when matched with the Lee Jofa chair fabric and artwork by Stephanie Wheeler!

Phew! And there you have the tidbits of the 2015 Atlanta Symphony Decorators Show House that stood out most to us… There is so much design inspiration to enjoy, we encourage all to take the time to plan a visit and support the Atlanta Symphony Associates!

Good morning friends! Today, we’re excited to turn the reins over to our great friend, and fabulous designer, Ann Wisniewski! Not only is Ann THE mind behind AJW Designs, she’s also involved with one of our favorite organizations Dwell With Dignity. You may have seen our previous posts sharing a bit out DWD, and it’s a cause that’s become close to our own hearts. We are absolutely thrilled to team up with Ann, and the other DWD volunteers for the next install coming up this fall.

But, back to Ann… She’s so sweetly offered to share a little about herself and AJW Designs’ involvement with DWD and we think you’ll appreciate all she has to say:

Hi everyone.

My name is Ann Wisniewski and I am an Interior Designer and Principal of AJW Designs, Inc. located in greater Atlanta. I am so grateful to my good friends Jill and Steve McKenzie for giving me the opportunity to be a guest on their blog. I am also very excited about their fabulous new showroom and invite everyone to come, visit, and be surrounded by beautiful things especially Steve’s art and fabrics.

I feel so lucky to be able to pursue my passion. Design is a second career for me after several years as a pediatric nurse at Egleston. My goal for every project is to create beautiful yet safe and healthy spaces for my clients. Because of this, I wanted to tell you about a design opportunity that I am a part of that is coming up this September. The project is called Dwell with Dignity. I first became involved last February when I assisted my good friend and designer Kerry Howard with their first Atlanta project. What a wonderful experience.

This non-profit organization was founded in Dallas Texas by Lisa Robison, a fellow Interior Designer, who’s strong belief is that good design improves ones quality of life. That really registered with me and I was hooked.

This organization is made up of designers and volunteers dedicated to creating soothing, inspiring homes for families struggling with homelessness and poverty. They provide and install home interiors for families that include furnishings and art, bedding and kitchen supplies, and food in the pantry.

The living room in Dwell With Dignity’s inaugural Atlanta project.

For this project, we are providing a complete apartment make-over for a single Mom and her two children. I would like to invite everyone to visit the Dwell With Dignity website and click on donate now and designate to the Atlanta Chapter.

I am responsible for the Kitchen and Bath areas and all donations for food items, cleaning supplies,dishes, glasses, bath towels etc. would be greatly appreciated. There are also 2 Bedrooms and a Living Room to be completed.

The kitchen in the first DWD Atlanta project.

Dwell with Dignity’s mission is to help families escape poverty and homelessness through design, one household at a time.” If we can change a person’s surroundings, we can change their outlook on life.”

This is just the start of the Dwell with Dignity Atlanta Chapter with future projects to be scheduled soon. Steve and Jill have already given their support to this effort. Please join us creating spaces that improve the quality of someone’s life.

Thank you Ann! Your passion for this organization is evident and we cannot wait to see what you come up with for the kitchen and bath areas for this deserving family.

We feel so fortunate that we’re able to help, and if this cause strikes a chord with you as well, we encourage you to get involved too!

Here’s to helping others and to supporting Dwell With Dignity!