Have you ever looked up at a high rise and wondered what it’s like to live there? Join interior designer, Steve McKenzie and top Atlanta Fine Homes and Sotheby’s realtor, Ally May for a personal tour of One Museum Place in Atlanta, Georgia. See what’s possible through Steve’s curated eye with a nod to the mid-century vibe. A logical questions when you’re neighbors with the High Museum of Art!
Serene midtown neighborhood with the High Museum of Art across Peachtree
Ally asked Steve for his design expertise in this space, “what would you love to see in this home”. Taking cues from the Atlanta midtown neighborhood, Steve honed in on organic and geometric shapes of mid century classics such as the Wassily chair, abstract sculptures, and a sensuous curved sofa.
Hope you enjoy this quick tour with Steve and Ally on You Tube and subscribe for more on design and lifestyle.
Get ready for gift giving season now! To help out, we’ve rounded up 5 top gifts for her. You know, the ladies in your life, like your mom, your BFF, your sister, your sister-in-law, your aunts. You get the idea. According to consumer guru, Clark Howard, it’s more important than ever to shop early. Avoid higher shipping fees as the season merrily rolls along, and avoid possible out of stock issues due to the pandemic. This week also kicks off the shopping season with Amazon Prime Days and Target deals. If you’re not an Amazon prime member, take a look at the program details here.
Gift giving season is almost here.
Let’s make mask wearing a bit prettier and handier with this mask necklace from Lucy Inspired. Lucy is a talented jewelry maker, dear friend, and you might recognize her from “Beach Flip” on HGTV.
Genuine brown leather necklace with a cute vintage-style key charm
Since I’m wearing less lipstick these days, I’ve focused on my hands and nails. What lady wouldn’t love this London Butter Little Luxuries set? Four beautiful shades to match your holiday moods, and not something I would buy for myself. A thoughtful gift indeed!
We will travel again, even if it’s a car trip, and to celebrate that give her a new, shiny, pretty travel mug from NYC’s Effie’s Papers? Choose from any number of designs of these thermal double-walled mugs.
Tantalizing travel mugs by Effie’s Papers
Darlings Fine Things always has the best gifts! Natural stone necklaces, “Zara“, features a 30” antique gold plated chain. Available in (photo) Jasper, Snowflake Obsidian, Quartz, Green Aventurine, Rose Quartz, Dalmatian Jasper, Amethyst, Amazonite, Black Onyx.
Who doesn’t love a new necklace?
This stylish, hard working leather tote bag is a smart addition to any ladies wardrobe. Â It stands open upright so you can see what’s in there, holds a 13″ laptop and tons more, and it is easy to clean. Â Lots of fashion colors to choose from too! Â
Simple, classic style, this leather tote is a thoughtful gift.
Make your list, check it twice and happy shopping! Next up, gift guide for grandchildren and a gift guide of consumable (gifts that get used up) gifts. Cheers!
It’s been quite a summer for everyone. Steve and I did a quick mental inventory over lunch, and we have much to be thankful for. Two new grand babies, family meals, gardening, continued work and quiet fun. Little did we know that our collaboration with Creative Candles would keep our creative juices charged throughout this spring and summer. We thank them for their top quality candles in mesmerizing colors, and kindness.
There is still time to use code MCKENZIE20 to save 20% on your total Creative Candles purchase by Sept. 6th.
Summer Collection works beautifully together
Spring kicked off with a virtual Baby Girl Shower. Keying off this darling Blabla stuffed elephant, Josephine, the Barely Blush pink and Moss Green palette developed sweetly. We shared the fun with our new mom-to-be, family and friends virtually.
Celebrations still happen! Custom cups and napkins by Sequins and Lipstick. Photo credit: Steve McKenzie
Then we really got creative, in our two bedroom condo and outdoor space. A romantic dinner for two on the balcony featuring lush greenery, textures and desert inspired candles.
Candle lit table with green plants. Photo credit: Angie Webb Photography
Festive family dinner was next and you know Steve loves to set a gorgeous table. He’s also a fabulous cook, so it’s a win-win for all.
Brass, creamy Wedgwood Edme dishes, dreamy linens, florals and candle light set the mood. Photo credit; Angie Webb Photography | Floral arrangement by Steve McKenzieThankful to be married to someone who makes me laugh. Photo credit: Angie Webb Photography Serve yourself bar set up! Photo credit: Angie Webb Photography
And our final summer wrap up is a self-serve cocktail bar with these vintage atomic candle holders and round bronze candles, an old-fashioned made with local Fiddler Bourbon by ASW Distillery, Schermer pecans to nosh on and bold buffalo check napkins.
Actually, this is a valuable documentation of this C-19 spring and summer. We’ll remember how and why we did so much work at home. Have you documented your experiences? Tell us what you’ve done to remember this crazy period of time. As always, thank you for traveling along with us. Cheers!
Anyone else adding green plants to their spaces these days? We’re fairly obsessed with house plants (a positive side effect of Covid). You know, propagating them, repotting them, trying to squeeze more of green into our condo. We’ve found lots of great information and plant ideas on Pinterest. Plants give us a sense of purpose, a sense of growth, something to care for, and add healthy benefits to our world.
Mixing sculpture, framed art, and plants makes me happy. Photo credit: Anthony Masterson Photography
We’re still home, a lot, all together. It looks like this will be the norm this summer. Let’s face it, if the kitchen isn’t working for you, not much else matters. Is it time to remodel your kitchen?
Finally fed up with the tiring work flow, dark cabinets and poor use of space, this owners of this 90s kitchen decided it was time to remodel, but without moving any walls, plumbing or electricity. Before and after photos tell this story, don’t they? You may want to take some notes…
Large but oddly trapezoid shaped island looks like it would be great but…it wasn’t!The flow is pretty good on this side.Opposite the island and there was a dance floor of empty space in-between!
Steve McKenzie came on board this project, assisting the homeowners and their contractor with the goal of maximizing and updating the spacious yet awkward kitchen. The family of six enjoyed cooking together and entertaining and knew there had to be a better way to use the space. It was also time to update colors, lighting and finishes with an eye toward resale. Steve started with reconfiguring the kitchen island and removing the high-low feature that so many of the kitchens had. Take a look at the after photo.
Inviting and invigorated kitchen island |photo by Christina Wedge Photography
By squaring off the island footprint, it became a focal point of this new cool blue-gray kitchen. Updated tile combined with dark pewter hardware and modern clear glass pendants gave it a brighter outlook as the hub of the home. The vivid antique area rug gave it added warmth.
Not only updated but added storage and warming drawer. Love that furniture leg detail! | photo by Christina Wedge Photography
Eating area view of kitchen | photography by Christina Wedge Photography
Steve’s team refinished the existing Lazy Susan table and chairs, added new seat fabric and a bright modern light fixture to complete the update. The family was thrilled with Steve’s solutions to their problems. Updated with the perfect tile, paint and fixtures, improved function and work flow, all with minimal disruption, all boxes checked off.
Feel free to share this with a friend and know we appreciate your taking time to spend time with us. How can we help you and your home? We would love to hear from you at shop@stevemckenzies.com or @stevemckenzies on Instagram.
Steve and I recently reviewed our calendars, looking ahead to the balance of Q1 and the opportunities in Q2. My eyes lit up at the Influencers of Midlife Conference, marked with colorful stars and underlines. It’s happening March 26 – 29 at the Hotel at Avalon, headed up by my dear friend, interior designer, over 50 fashion maven, Robin LaMonte. Steve wondered aloud and asked me why all the happy symbols (literally, in my journal)?
So I stopped to think, why am I excited about IOM? Here are my top reasons, and I think some of them may resonate with you too.
Renew, recharge and replenish!
Hanging out with like-minded women for a whole weekend! Women who are life-learners, hard workers, active, and eager to share, and know where I’m coming from. My kind of peeps…
Learning from these women, everything from wellness to fashion tips to business advice. Midlife is a pivotal transitional point in our lives, many of us experience a spiritual and emotional renaissance.
I see myself through a different lens with these ladies. So much potential!
Sharing in a spirit of growth, support and kindness to each other and ourselves.
Our collection of over 40 vintage turkeys sets the mood for November
As November comes to a close, we’re grateful for being part of so many homes, near and far. Whether Steve has had the privilege of enhancing your home’s interior or exterior design, or perhaps you’ve added a piece of his art to your walls, or given a chair a facelift with his fabric, know we are truly grateful for your trust in us and our team at McKenzie Design.
McKenzie Design is now taking clients for early 2020. Contact us for a complimentary consultation. Photo credit: Gustav Wilde
Wherever you are, enjoy your time with family and friends this Thanksgiving.
On Fridays, we review the highs and lows of the week, pause to ponder, and then plan for the next few weeks.
This Friday, we are loving the buildup of excitement for the upcoming Fall Design Events at AmericasMart and ADAC, the Southeast’s most comprehensive dual-venue design resource, and Steve was tapped to highlight the collaboration between these two trade shopping destinations. Over the past month, he thoughtfully created luxurious curated vignettes at each location which will be open to the trade. AmericasMart is open from Sept. 23-25 and Discover ADAC is set for Sept. 24-26 – hope to see you there!
We love dahlias…that’s our September obsession, as you can tell from Steve’s instagram account. Thanks to the sustainably-grown flower and fruit farm, 3 Porch Farm, dahlias have graced our table for two weeks. Maybe we’ll see you at the Freedom Farmers Market on Saturday. While you’re there, pick up some fabulous heirloom tomatoes too, and then make Southern Living’s Tomato Pie recipe, a real showstopper.
Finally as we pause and look ahead, the holidays (can you say Hallmark movies) will be here before you know it. We have company coming this year and thankfully we are ready for guests anytime with our beautiful American Leather Sleeper Sofa. It really is superb because there are no bars, no springs, stylish and comfy. Find out more at Verde Home, and remember to #shoplocal.
American Leather Comfort Sleeper Sofa at Verde Home
Today is National Dog Day. Another made-up holiday? Perhaps, but let’s take minute to love on our furry friends, and our family favorite dogs is the English Springer Spaniel, a cheerful, intelligent, attentive dog. Read on about our three ESS loves…
Oreo, guardian of the youngest or the oldest person in the room
When we moved from the Chicago area to Atlanta in 1990, we added our first Springer, Oreo to the family, and soon thereafter our son, Carter. That sweet dog let Carter and then baby sister, Mimi learn to walk by holding onto her fur and toddling along with them. When Oreo was done, she gave them a lick, making them squeal with giggles and let go, and then tucked herself into her kennel, her safe place. I can’t say enough about our Atlanta award-winning breeder, Karen Foster. She interviewed us, giving us the pup best suited for our lifestyle, and she was spot on with Oreo. Tip – Ask you breeder lots of questions about their processes as it could save you lots of time and heartache.
Guard dogs? Not quite, but they sure were sweet shop dogs.
As Oreo aged, we got another puppy to bridge the gap, Biscotti or Bisi. And was she every busy! She could find a tennis ball in anyone’s yard. This cute girl was a star in our Traditional Home story too. See her peeking in the front door?
Bisi looking for her kids Photo credit: Sarah Dorio
After Oreo’s passing, it was just Bisi and our three kids. So… 8th grade daughter, Mimi, sat Steve and I down for a powerpoint presentation on why we should adopt another English Springer Spaniel from Springer Rescue America. Guess what the answer was? You guessed it. Duke joined us one month later.
English Springer Rescue America has chapters all over the United States.Bisi hanging out in Traditional Home spread. Photo credit: Sarah DorioBisi + Duke hanging out upstairs. Photo credit: Sarah DorioAdventure Duke at Atlanta Memorial Park
Why do we love our dogs? They comfort us just by being there. We look forward to coming home to that wagging tail. My dog teaches me to be more patient. My dog teaches me to find joy in the little things. Dogs lift our spirits, they are natural mood elevators. They keep us socially connected at the dog park, running into a neighbor on a walk around the block. Whether you take your dog to a “yappy” hour at a local dog-friendly spot, or just give your pooch some extra love, celebrate time with your furry friend!
A month in Italy to create art – a dreamy opportunity! How did this come about, you may ask. Here’s a quick art recap of how Steve’s Artist in Residence at La Fortezza came about and the fabulous results.
You may remember last fall, Steve taught a painting workshop at Annette Joseph’s 9th century villa, La Fortezza. It was full of creativity, laughs and exploration. That lead to this offer from Annette, be the first Artist in Residence, creating work inspired by the region. And he said YES! So, this past July, he did just that, creating a body of work that reflects the history, geography and beauty of the Lunigiana region. Truly a gift to focus on art for a full month.
Plein Air Painting with Steve
Apertivo, yes please!
If you haven’t been to this part of Italy, add it to your travel bucket list. Lunigiana is a historic region between Tuscany and Liguria, drenched in history, unique foods and breathtaking views.
Being familiar with the town and nearby art store, Steve knew what supplies he needed to take and what he could purchase there. So, with brushes and paint in hand, he spread out in the spacious studio, working on many canvases and paper pieces at once, as the inspiration moved him.
Soldata Romano II
One of the benefits of being in one place for a longer period of time is you make friends with the locals. This was especially helpful as Steve wanted to make copies of historic rare books and ephemera at the local rare books archives, to incorporate into his paintings. With some patience and help with translating, he got more than he needed, including the Roman soldier seen above, an atlas of the region from 1785, and a lawyer’s goat skin bound book of contracts from 1635, all incorporated into various works of art.
It wasn’t all painting, there was cooking to be done, in Annette’s fabulous kitchen, plus visiting local museums, sites and an artists’ co-op. Check out Annette’s many workshops here.
A new favorite, Mutti tomatoes mixed with simple garden produce were the base for many suppers.
One of the artists shared some scrap chunks of Carrara marble with Steve. What an amazing new conduit for his art, another blessing from travels and learning from new friends.
Sculpture by Steve McKenzie – Carrara marble
How does one end such a wonderful month of painting? With a show of course! A downpour didn’t dampen our spirits either. The food truck brought the food inside the studio where our friends, local and from afar, ate, drank and danced into the night.
The next day, we packed up the art, said ciao to La Fortezza, and headed to the iconic beach town, Forte Dei Marmi, the perfect way to cap off a jubilant July.
