Best of the Week for Friday, October 26th

After a super busy week last week, we’ve had time to breath this week and read a bit, work a lot, relax a bit.  Enjoy some of our “Best of the week” thoughts for this pre-Halloween season.

best of the week

Best of High Point Market – Hands down, the Selamat Designs showroom won!  Full of texture, shapes and natural materials, there’s something for everyone.

best of the week
Selamat Designs, founded on family, is shown at Verde Home in Atlanta.

Best of TV this week – The Great American Read finale on PBS was Tuesday night, with a countdown of the America’s most-loved 100 books. Check and see how many you have read. What do you think is the #1 book? And no, it’s not H.P...

best of the week, book, read, PBS
Where do you think HP is on the list?

Best of Podcasts this week – Ohhh, doesn’t an captivating podcast make time in the gym fly by faster?!  Jill’s enjoying the Jennifer Allwood show, Building Your Creative Business and Happier with Gretchen Rubin.  Our good friend, Effie’s Papers lists her favs on a recent blog post too.  Variety is spice for your ears!

best of the week
Kaylyn and her favorite accessory

Best of Shopping this week – We are seriously making our Christmas shopping list now, to take advantage of the Camp Twin Lakes Partners Card.  Get your card at any number of local retailers or save $10 and get a mobile card online, then use it from Oct. 26 to Nov. 4 to receive a 20% discount on 450+ participating retailers and restaurants.  You’ll be helping a local non-profit provide camp experiences for children with serious illnesses, disabilities, and other life challenges.

best of the week, camp twin lakes
Support this local non-profit, Camp Twin Lakes

Cheers to the weekend, and feeling good and doing good!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Upcoming Fall and Holiday Events

Fall is here so let’s embrace pumpkin spice everything, and get ready for the holidays!

We’re so pleased to once again partner with the talented Shelly Dozier-McKee on Saturday, Oct. 20th for an inspiring class, How to Style Your Bookshelves, to be held at Verde Home.

Space is limited, so click here to get your tickets right away.

fall, holiday, bookshelf decor
Learn tips from a pro!

Next up is the venerable NMP Gift Show (Northside Methodist Preschool), held every November in Atlanta featuring a curated selection of original art and gifts from talented local artists.  Artist and interior designer, Steve McKenzie will be there for the third year in a row with his fine art prints, original art, greeting cards, pillows and home decor featuring his iconic fabrics.  Mark your calendar for opening night Nov. 8th, Nov. 9th and 10th.  Admission is only $5 with proceeds benefitting the preschool scholarship fund.

holiday, fall, gift
NMP Holiday Gift Show Nov. 8th – 10th

Get your holiday spirit on with our friend Shelly Dozier-McKee (Did you know she was runner up in a 3M gift wrapping contest??) for the  Creative Gift Wrap class on Saturday, Dec. 1st at Verde Home.  Last year, the guests all applauded her!  Again, tickets are selling quickly, so click here to get yours.

holiday, fall, gift
Add something special to your gifts this year!
It’s time to make our own memories this fall and holiday season!

We’ll see you soon~follow us on Instagram for behind-the-scenes snippets and specials too!

 

 

 

 

MLK 50 | The Fight for Civil Rights Continues

Civil rights has been in the headlines a lot lately.  Whether it’s poverty, justice, education, decent housing, the quest for civil and human rights continues today.

This April 4th commemorates the 50th  anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  How will you discuss this historic event with your kids, family and neighbors?  To assist us and further these discussions, take advantage of a new city treasure, the Center for Civil and Human Rights.  

civil human rights Atlanta

Mark your calendar as you can live the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with your family at the interactive exhibitions of the Center for Civil and Human Rights on April 4th from 9am through 7:30pm.  Everyone receives free admission on that day too, thanks to the generous support of FedEx.  

civil human rights government
Center for Civil and Human Rights

 

The whole family will enjoy activities built around civil rights such as the Live the Legacy Photo Booth, an art exhibit showcasing SCAD art pieces, theatrical performances of Dr. King’s famous “I’ve Been to the Mountain Top” speech and much more.

Wherever you are, listen for the Global Bell Ringing at 7:01 PM on Wednesday, April 4th.  Join people around the world to commemorate the official moment of the commemoration of Dr. King’s assassination.

civil human rights Atlanta
Human Rights Activists from all around the world

To keep this momentum alive, read the pledge for a call to peace and action.

No Justice, No peace;
Know Justice, Know Peace”
is our rallying cry.

With humility and kindness, we will come together with one another and build a community of peace and goodwill for all humankind.  This is what we need to teach our children in order to make the world a better place.

You can find the Center for Civil and Human Rights at 100 Ivan Allen Jr Blvd, Atlanta, GA 30313 as part of Atlanta’s beautiful Centennial Park.  All photos are mine as this post is not sponsored in any way.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

New Chapter

journal, book, sketch, pewter, box
steve mckenzie’s Cypress Loop Sketchbook for all your thoughts and dreams

Dear Friends,

Change is always happening in the world and we want to let you know about some changes at steve mckenzie’s. Before we get into the changes, we want to thank you for your loyal dedication to our business. When we began this endeavor over 6 years, we had no idea how many friends and supporters we would come to know. We are eternally grateful for all of our friends we have made in the Atlanta design community and all of the consumers who have fallen in love with our product offering in the store.

We recently began an evaluation of our entire business model and have made some decisions about the next steps for our business. Therefore we have made a decision to close the retail portion of our business. However, you can’t get rid of us that easily.

Steve will continue with the McKenzie Design interior design business as well as producing his art and fabric, licensing for his art, rugs for Verde Home, stationery, and more. Also stay tuned for his first licensed furniture collection. Steve will also continue the classes that have become so popular (and sell out so fast). In fact, his design and art studio will remain at our current address and he loves visitors, always.

Verde Home, our fantastic business neighbor, will take over our retail space and will also continue to offer the Selamat Designs furniture and lighting line. Jill will join Verde Home as sales and outside sales to interior designers, thus expanding her offerings to include the full complement of Verde Home lines plus Selamat and Steve’s fabrics and wallpapers.

Now the majority of our current products need to be sold, and we will begin the sale March 7th.

However as a thank you to you, our loyal customers, please visit us before then for best selection and know we’ll pass on our best price.

We will continue to sell in the space through April 30th. Verde Home will officially take over the space May 1st.

In closing, know that we sincerely appreciate your support. We ask that you spread the message of Steve’s growing interior design and art business. If you are one of our trade customers, look for Jill to contact you soon to share all the lines she now represents and if you need to see her sooner, please contact her.

Many paths have opened on this amazing journey and we are grateful for each of you along these paths, and hope you celebrate this next chapter with us. We look forward to seeing each of you soon.

Sincerely,

Jill and Steve McKenzie

Spotlight on Art Artists Market

You know we love art, and we want to share this annual Atlanta art event with you— Spotlight on Art is the premier art series in the Southeast for both avid art collectors and casual buyers. Since 1982, its exhibitions have showcased new, original works by well-known and emerging artists.  Even more exciting, Steve McKenzie will exhibit in this venerable show!  Over 350 artists will show in this 6,000 square foot gallery space – something for everyone.  Original art adds so much to our lives!  Buy what you love ~

soa_marketw-13

Here are the dates so you can plan your visit…

January 29–February 3, 2018 Trinity School
4301 Northside Parkway NW Atlanta, Georgia

Free parking and admission

 

“…what began as a small school fundraiser has grown into one of the art world’s best-kept secrets.”
—Garden & Gun

SaveSave

Have You Been to…?

You know we love art.  Love art, think art, talk art, see art and make art.  Last week we had the pleasure of experiencing an original exhibit at the Museum of Design Atlanta.  Perfect date night on a cold evening.

Have you visited Atlanta’s Museum of Design Atlanta ? Yes? Great! Have you seen the current exhibit, Text Me: How We Live in Language? No? You need to experience it!

First, what is this museum? MODA believes that design is a creative process that can solve problems, transform lives, and make the world a better place. The museum’s exhibitions and programs exemplify this belief. Located within the Midtown Arts Corridor since 2011, MODA is the only museum in the Southeast devoted exclusively to the study and celebration of all things design.

Now, let’s get the details on Text Me: How We Live in Language which is an original exhibition curated by internationally renowned designer, writer, podcaster and brand strategist Debbie Millman.  Over 60 designers and artists explore typography’s power and pervasiveness across every aspect of our lives.  Through interactive, immersive experiences, Text Me showcases many of the ways we use typography to document every aspect of our existence.

Elle Luna painting The Crossroads of Should and Must mural
Photo by Andria Lavine

There are site-unique murals, controversial pairings of words and things, all made to make us THINK.

MODA Hall Photo by Susan Sanders
MODA Hall Photo by Susan Sanders

You move from room to room in the house.  Text is everywhere.

MODA Photo by Susan Sanders  Sofa from Switch Modern

Date night solved!  Take your honey to this thought-provoking exhibit soon as it ends on Feb. 4th.  Get tickets here, and support this amazing Atlanta treasure of art and design.

Helpful Hint:  Check out MODA’s kids and adult camps and classes too. It’s never too early to plan your spring break and summer family fun.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

New Year’s Sale on ALL Holiday + More

Happy 2018 to all! Kick off the new year with a big sale, 70% off all holiday and more.  That’s right – 70% off ALL Holiday and more, now through Saturday, January 6th.

This includes discontinued patterns from Royal Crown Derby, April Cornell and more.  Call or email for details.

See you soon!

sale, holiday, christmas, ornament

As always, we’ve got our eyes on new products and trends, bringing you the best and latest in design and home.  Follow along on our blog and Instagram as we scope out AmericasMart and Maison et Objet this month.  Cheers to a fabulous month!

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

11 Shopping Days Until Christmas

Let’s not panic! We have Christmas gift ideas for everyone, so make your list, check it twice, and shop local where we’ll gift wrap for you, feed you cookies and you can relax by petting, Duke,  our shop dog.  Find more ideas here.

 

Melamine Appetizer Plates  

Perfect in-law gift!

 

 

 

 

Steve McKenzie’s Indigo Ice Bucket

Perfect for the hostess!

 

 

 

leather, guy, gameClassic Dice Games Set

 

 

 

 

 

French Market Basketjournal, Thimblepress, pink, book

Perfect for he/she who totes things like dry cleaning, fresh market veggies and more!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day Dreamer Journal

Perfect for the Her!

 

 

Let us help with your holiday gifting and entertaining needs.  You’ll be glad you did!

SaveSave

“Black” Friday Shopping Fun

          Friday                                  noon – 5pm

#ShopSmall Saturday   10 – 4pm

Plus some of our fashion favorites are on sale…we hope you enjoy!

Burberry – Balmoral Packaway Hooded Shell Trench Coat – Black • Burberry • $795Bp. Foldover Crossbody Bag – Black • BP • $39
Women’s Wit & Wisdom Ab-Solution Stretch Ankle Skinny Jeans • Wit & Wisdom • $68
Women’s Sam Edelman ‘Penny’ Boot • Sam Edelman • $149.90
Women’s Michael Michael Kors Cowl Neck Sweater • MICHAEL Michael Kors • $58.96
Women’s Steve Madden ‘Ecentrcq’ Sneaker • Steve Madden • $59.95

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSaveSaveSave

SaveSave

2nd Annual Lantern-Making Creative Session at steve mckenzie’s!

We had such a blast creating some amazing paper lanterns for last year’s Atlanta Beltline lantern parade, we’ve decided to bring back our fun workshop in preparation for this year’s parade!!

Atlanta BeltLine Lantern Parade September 12, 2015 photos by Christopher T Martin
photo by Christopher T Martin

The lantern parade takes place on September 10th at 7:30pm, and marks the beginning of the annual Art on the Atlanta beltline exhibition, the largest temporary art exhibition in the south!

logo

The lantern making Creative Session will take place at steve mckenzie’s on Saturday, August 27th at 9:30am, and all materials – plus a bite to eat – will all be provided!

Lantern-Parade-2015-13

Our own paper expert (among other things), Xavier Neuner, will be leading this session and inspiring and encouraging the creativity of all!

Xavier Neuner
Xavier Neuner

So, start to put your lantern designing thinking caps on and get ready for a great time! Attend as a group, or just yourself… We promise a fun morning!

time-lapse-by-Sinan-Sinharoy-840x390

We’re looking forward to lighting up the Atlanta Beltline with you!!

Buy tickets for this event here.