DESIG N my INVESTMENT

by Christina Johnson & Phylea Carter

ABOUT DMI Christina Johnson and Phylea Carter established their Atlanta-based interior design firm, Design My Investment (DMI), during the pandemic. Can you believe it? That timing set the foundation for these two dynamic women to come together, blend the best of their determined personalities, and offer superior design options that beautifully “wow” and enamor their clients.

As Christina grew up in Charlotte, North Carolina, she’s mostly a country girl. Phylea grew up in Baltimore, Maryland, part of a bustling metropolis. Put the two together and they bring clients the best of both worlds. Southern comfort meets big city vitality, an amazing partnership of style, class, warmth, and hospitality.

Certainly, Christina is a ball of energy while Phe (pronounced “Fee” as she is passionately called) expertly steadies the ship with balance and serenity. They’re a dynamic duo who work together to curate the most stunning of spaces. Together they have accrued over 30 years of experience in the interior design business.

This dream team definitely utilizes fashion as a template to design and believes fashion and design go hand-in-hand. Although all their design elements are current, stylish, and fly, the spaces they curate are classic and timeless. Their design work stretches past the walls of Georgia and can be seen in many other cities as well. They bring clients an amazing global team!

OUR CONTRIBUTION What’s awesome is that we’re sometimes hired just based on how others see us as stylish and innovative. Not only do we turn heads with fashion, but we also blow minds with our dope designs. Every outfit has a foundation, a starting point if you will. Design is no different. Your pants, skirt, shirt, or dress are equivalent to picking a sofa and drapes. Our accessories always take our outfits up a notch or two! Throw pillows and coffee table books set the tone for accessorizing a completed room.

Spring and summer are perfect seasons to bring about newness and environmental changes in your home or place of business.

They bring a new energy that invites colorful aesthetics, making you want to entertain and enjoy your space. Spring is also a great time to clean, refresh, and declutter. We know this theory is true because it’s our busiest time of year. Our work load ranges from full renovations to simpler aesthetic enhancements. No matter how detailed or minimal the job, we never lose sight of what we consider gospel here at DMI. First, lighting is the jewelry to any room, just as important as a functional piece of furniture. We will never forget to dress your walls, even the fifth one; don’t forget to look up! Your ceiling is a wall, too. Lastly, no space is complete without greenery. Plant life in every room!

WE WOULD LOVE TO SHARE SOME WAYS TO SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE for spring and summer. One of the biggest ways we change the face of a space is to update the lighting. Whether you’re entertaining, working, or just relaxing, the lighting proves key to the room’s tone and mood. We make sure adequate LED cans bring out the brightness, and we always put our lights on dimmers so you’re in control in setting the mood. Some people might opt for ceiling fans, but we prefer a stunning piece of what we call “room jewelry.” Chandeliers are eye candy and a beautiful way to change the room’s entire trajectory. The chandelier you choose often depends on the space’s other furniture pieces and how the lighting accents them. When your family or guests walk in, their eyes go straight to that hanging accessory because it’s the center of the space! We love mixing metals but suggest that, if you’re new to decorating, you try to stay within the same color palette. No matter your space or situation, DMI can help you obtain that fresh WOW factor as you live, work, or play in comfort.