aso showhouse Archives - McKenzie Interior Design

The Wonders of Wallpaper

Published on April 21, 2015April 20, 2015 by steve mckenzie's2 Comments

If you’ve been out of touch for a while, you may not have heard… Wallpaper is back in a BIG way. Chances are, you already know this and have been seeing the wonders of wallpaper just about everywhere you look.

We were inspired to share the wonders of wallpaper with you, thanks to a fantastic article in the April 2015 issue of Atlanta Magazine featuring an absolutely enviable space by our friend Kelly of Kandrac & Kole Interiors.

While blue and white is a classic combination, the addition of a bold wallpaper to a bathroom space is totally refreshing, and truly eye-popping! It’s no wonder this space was selected as Atlanta Magazine‘s April “Room Envy” space.

In addition to this wallpapered bathroom, we’er seeing lots more action with wallpaper in general…

Below is an image of a room in the 2015 Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Showhouse, which we previewed last week. This is a fabulous powder room space designed by our new friend Beth Kooby, which features “Petal Pusher” wallpaper by Oh Joy! and we think it’s so much fun!

While wallpaper does add instant drama, you don’t have to use it throughout an entire room to successfully incorporate wallpaper into a space. In fact, we’re loving the idea of using wallpaper as an accent. Whether it’s used to line the back of bookshelves, or add a fun pop of color and pattern to a piece of furniture (as seen in many of the Grange pieces carried at steve mckenzie’s), it’s a surefire winner!

Are you ready to experience the wonder of wallpaper for yourself? If you think you’re ready to take the plunge, but don’t quite know where to start, reach out to the team here at steve mckenzie’s and we’d be thrilled to help make a fantastic design, featuring some fun wallpaper, happen for you!

A Color Story… Why the 2014 ASA Showhouse won’t be soon forgotten.

Published on May 6, 2014May 5, 2014 by steve mckenzie's1 Comment

You know we love color here at steve mckenzie’s… And after visiting the 2014 Atlanta Symphony Associates (ASA) Showhouse, we’re tickled pink (pun intended!) to see some other folks do too!

Traci Rhoads Interiors (3) — Designer Traci Rhoads in her inspiring bedroom space at the ASA Showhouse

Designer Tracy Rhoads took bedroom design to another level with this stunning “House on the Klong” collection wallpaper from Jim Thompson!

And the branch light fixture she so artfully curated – stunning against that aqua metallic ikat backdrop… Seriously we’re still dreaming about it.

Stormy colors (and not to mention artwork) abound in the home’s grand hall, designed by Laura Walker, of Verde Home and Laura Walker Ltd.

Master Terrace - Lance Jackson - Parker Kennedy 1

A vibrant green palette – and whimsical textiles – set the stage for the home’s master terrace by the team at Parker Kennedy. How perfect is this spot for a cup of tea in the morning?!?

Morning Room - John Oetgen - Oetgen Design Inc. 2

Speaking of a lovely am ritual, at steve mckenzie’s we love a good morning room. And John Oetgen‘s space didn’t disappoint! His thoughtfully curated collection of colorfully patterened throw pillows were a welcome sight.

If the colors showcased throughout this fabulous home don’t inspire you to bring some new hues into your space, we don’t know what will! But, if you’ve been bitten by the spring color bug, reach out to us today to see how we can create the perfect palette for your space.

5 Reasons to visit the Atlanta Symphony Associates Decorators’ Showhouse (or really any showhouse!)

Published on May 1, 2014 by steve mckenzie's1 Comment

Last week Jill attended the kickoff of the 44th annual Atlanta Symphony Associates (ASA) Decorators’ Showhouse… And let us tell you, it was a showstopper. So much so, we’re still musing over it. And there was so much to be inspired by we’re sharing all about it in not one, but two blog posts!

It doesn’t take much to twist our arms to visit a showhouse, but if you – or maybe your friends – need a little more convincing, we’ve gathered our list of the top five reasons to visit the ASA Showhouse, or really any decorators’ showhouse for that matter:

You have an opportunity to tour a home you wouldn’t normally get to experience. The ASA Showhouse was designed by architects Neel Reid and Philip Shutze and built in the 1920’s for the Rhodes family. Neel Reid – iconic. Need we say more? Known around these parts as “The Pink Palace” because of its previous pink color and pink dogwood trees, this home is one of the most recognized historic family homes in Atlanta. And, thanks to the ASA, you get to explore the interior!
Love the juxtaposition of this classic work of art and modernly styled mirror.
You’re able to become truly enveloped in an array of styles of interior design as you move from space to space within the home. As you tour, ask yourself: “Which of these styles speaks most to me?” You just may learn something about yourself! You may also be inspired to incorporate some of the ideas you see in the showhome in your own house. The round mirror and artwork in Michael Boyd‘s space really spoke to us!
Habachy’s cool-toned open space. So refreshing!
By visiting a decorators’ showhouse you’re able to envision many styles of living. At the ASA Showhouse there were cozy spaces, dark rooms and wide open spaces, such as the above space by Habachy, in cool colors… Which do you see more in your home?
A visit to a decorators’ showhouse is a fantastic excuse to plan a date with your group – don’t forget the practically required post-showhouse lunch. Where else will you dissect the home?!? The delectable Carol Parks Catering is in charge of the ASA Showhouse Cafe and the menu offers many tantalizing options.
By simply visiting a home you’re supporting an excellent cause, in this case the Atlanta Symphony Associates. If you really want to rack up some positive karma, consider volunteering at your local showhouse. During the times it’s not busy, you can even daydream about what it would be like to live there 🙂

Bonus – A favorite ASA Showhouse detail for Jill? The built-in pet feeding center in the amazing kitchen by Design Galleria. Talk about an idea to bring home!