WINTER 2017
THE
DESIGN DIASPORA
“
There is no magic to achievement. It’s really about hard work, choices, and persistence. MICHELLE OBAMA
CONTENTS WINTER 2017
FEATURES
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5 SETTING THE STAGE
Secrets to the art of layering.
10 LAYERED IN LUXE
Romantic retreat for two.
13 RENOVATE & REFINE Small space, big style.
19 COLOR WITH CONFIDENCE A bold mix of bright hues.
24 METROPOLITAN MIX
Surprise masculine makeover.
27 BAYOU CLASSIC
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Art takes center stage.
WHAT’S HAUTE
4 PILLOW TALK
Punctuate your space.
9 GET LIT!
Turn it up a notch.
IN THIS ISSUE
32 MEET THE MAVEN
Sweet tea and southern biscuits
34 ELEVATED ENTERTAINING
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19
Dining al fresco.
36 LAST LOOK
Word from the wise. THE OLIVE GUIDE
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LETTER FROM THE EDITORS
better together If there is anything that 2016 taught us, it is the necessity to come together. We're all busy, and it's so easy to let months go by without linking up with your girls. We made a point to connect last year at the fall High Point Market show. Doing that was probably one of the best decisions we made all year! It was so good to be in each other's presence, not just texting or calling. During that time, we realized that we had to bring that feeling of unity to The Olive Guide. This Winter Solstice edition is about YOU. We want you to see yourselves in the stories of the designers featured. We want you to be inspired by the images to create a home that you love. We want you to join us as we continue to build community between designers and makers. Thank you so much for reading and please don't hesitate to connect with us online. We want to hear from you!
QUINTEL GWINN @quingwinn www.quingwinn.com
NIKI MCNEILL @nikimcneill www.singlebubblepop.com
EBONY STATEN @thevogueroom www.thevogueroom.co
#TOGTakeover fall 2016 market recap
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Teal Geometric $50
Leopard Velvet $45
Modern Sand Neutral $38
pillow talk Our current lighting favorites that you can buy now.
Stylish companions from our go-to Etsy shop, Motif Pillows. A dash of pillow pizazz can instantly transform any room!
Osborne & Little Tabriz $95 Tangelo Solid Velvet $52 Black & Creme $102 4
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Setting the Stage interview by QUINTEL GWINN photography by JAMAL SIMMONS
image credit: Calven Mitchell
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THE SECRET IS IN THE LAYERING, SAYS RAQUEL JACKSON, VH1 SET DECORATOR, AND FOUNDER OF BLACK FEMALE INTERIOR DESIGNERS – A DYNAMIC NETWORK FOR DESIGN PROFESSIONALS OF COLOR. A MIX OF CUSTOM PIECES, HIGH END ACCENTS, AND BARGAIN FINDS SET THE STAGE FOR HER WELL-CURATED PERSONAL STYLE. THERE ARE SO MANY INTERESTING OBJECTS HERE. HOW DO YOU APPROACH COMPOSING A ROOM? It’s all about layering. I have my experience working in television to thank for that! There are design rules in television that we must follow as set decorator and designer -- creating depth, crafting lighting illusions, and watching out for clashing patterns. Reality television, talk shows, and theatre all have their guidelines for designing and decorating. When I designed my living room area I made a conscious decision to break some of those rules and implement a few. 6
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THE BARCART IS A BEAUTY! IS IT VINTAGE? Craigslist is a hit or miss -- we all can agree on that. As I was scrolling through the site, I came across this kick ass bar cart! She was perfect in size, perfect for my non drinking habit and for my home. I picked her up, took her home and polished her down with some brass cleaner. Look at her now! As for the liquor bottles, please excuse my limited options. At the end of one of our romantic rendezvous I quickly grabbed these bottles from my boyfriend’s car in a desperate attempt to fill my bar cart. The designer struggle is sometimes very real, I tell you, but we always prevail. WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE? I purchased the credenza from a shop here in Atlanta that specializes in vintage and modern pieces. I have no idea what the color is, but it was the perfect addition to my existing palette. I’ve contemplated painting it several times, but decided to leave it as it is. I polished the drawer handles with brass cleaner, but that’s about it. RAQUEL JACKSON @equiposedesigns www.equiposedesigns.com
WHAT TIPS DO YOU HAVE FOR MASTERING THE ART OF LAYERING? Explore eclecticism. Eclectic decorating allows you to travel the globe in a single room. Your diverse style is more favorable than you think. A taste from the past, present and future; sometimes all at once. A little bit of this and that mixed with a whole lot of love and meaning. Play with textures. If textures could talk what would they say? Allow your room to speak through it's textures. Does fur speak to you and say "please come hold me?" Or does silk say "I'm in the mood for love?“. Textures will
complement your layering and pattern style -- animal prints with fur, silks with floral patterns, cotton with solid colors. Next time you’re shopping listen closely. Your textures will talk to you. Consider creating art. If you can't afford it, make it. If you can't make it, fake it. Art is a form of expression; a free form of transitional thoughts, patterns and colors. A personalized painting is like owning one of grandmother’s quilts crafted from old clothes or fabric remnants. It's personal, meaningful and purposeful. THE OLIVE GUIDE
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“
I never lose. I either win or learn.
NELSON MANDELA
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Ariel Chandelier Currey and Company
Marley Warm Brass Chandelier Luxe Decor
Damon 6-light Pendant Joss and Main
Leaf Square Chandelier Worlds Away
Berkshire 6-arm Chandelier w/ Metal Shades Rejuvenation
get lit! Tap into your inner celebrity with a statement chandelier. Bold brass details that dazzle.
Vlamir 36 Light Pendant Dwell Studio THE OLIVE GUIDE
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interview by NIKI MCNEILL photography by JOHN COOLEY
Luxe layered in
ELEGANCE AND COMFORT COMBINE TO CREATE A WARM AND ROMANTIC MASTER SUITE.
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DESIGNER DON RICARDO MASSENBURG, JR. KNOWS LUXURIOUS LIVING. WHILE HIS CLIENTS SPEND SEVERAL MONTHS ON THE WEST COAST, THEY WILL, UNDOUBTEDLY, ENJOY THEIR COZY AND ROMANTIC BEDROOM DURING THEIR WINTER STAY IN NORTH CAROLINA. WHAT SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS DO YOU MAKE WHEN PULLING TOGETHER A BEDROOM? When I create a bedroom for a couple, I pay extra attention to details. I attempt to bring warmth and romance to the space. I want them to have a hard time getting out of the bed with all the luxurious layered bedding. My goal is to have them call me back in a few months to schedule a consultation for a new nursery.
DON RICARDO MASSENBURG, JR. @designinkredible www.designinkredible.com
color palette came to life with the layering of several textures, patterns, and finishes. I selected solid dark pieces to satisfy the mister’s taste and added pops of chrome, sheen and faux fur for her. It all came together beautifully to create this warm retreat. WHAT DO YOU ENJOY MOST ABOUT RESIDENTIAL DESIGN? It feels awesome having people invite me into some of the
HOW DID YOU APPROACH DESIGNING THIS PROJECT?
most personal and intimate parts of their homes and trusting
The creative process began with a neutral gray wall color --
me with all the details.
in this case, Wet Pavement by Valspar. The monochromatic 12
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Renovate & Refine interview by QUINTEL GWINN photography by REID ROLLS
“I didn’t know it then but my love for interior design had already begun…” IN A 1,050 SQUARE FOOT BROOKLYN CONDO INTERIOR DESIGNER TAMU GREEN SHOWS US THAT SMALL SPACES CAN BE CELEBRATED WITH REFINED AND SOPHISTICATED STYLE.
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TAMU GREEN @luxpadinteriors www.luxpadinteriors.com
“The warm wood tones, caramel colored leathers, cozy plaid patterns, and pops of deep orange all work beautifully.” WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE PIECE IN THE DINING ROOM? The two candelabra style pendants over the dining table really define the space without impeding on the gorgeous waterfront views overlooking the Verrazano Bridge. Six sleek side chairs surround the dining table on a typical day. However, when the table expands to eight, two grand host chairs upholstered in a plaid fabric from Romo can be added to either end. They serve as multi-functional pieces, one moonlighting as seating in the master and the other as a desk chair in the foyer, until they are summoned to the dining table.
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YOU MANAGED TO CARVE OUT ROOM FOR A BAR! HOW, SWAY? The foyer is another area paying double duty. Across from a small desk is a beautiful dark wood lateral file cabinet that is dressed as a bar. It holds the spill over cocktail utensils from the adjacent wine fridge area that was once just an awkward niche. I love this use of space because as soon as guest walk in, the wine fridge/ bar area lets them know they're in for an upscale entertaining experience.
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“Selecting fabric is still my favorite way to start the design process.�
WHAT MAJOR CHANGES DID THE SPACE UNDERGO? The renovation included opening up and redoing the kitchen, a full bathroom gut, refinishing the existing floors, adding recessed and decorative lighting, as well purchasing new furniture and decor. It was just a blank slate the first time I saw the space. I immediately knew removing the walls that separated the kitchen and dining area would make for a better entertaining space for my client, who wanted to be able to host holiday dinners and the occasional parties. It took some convincing, but the result is a beautifully open space with a large kitchen, dining for up to eight, and plenty of seating for guests to lounge around the TV. WHAT FIRST DREW YOU TO INTERIOR DESIGN? I was first introduced to interior design as a little girl by my mother. While interior design wasn't her profession, she always put meticulous care into the decoration of our home. She would sew custom window treatments, bedding and even reupholstered our sofa herself one year. I remember helping her coordinate patterns during frequent trips to the discount fabric store. I didn't know it then but my love for interior design had already begun. Selecting fabric is still my favorite way to start the design process. 18
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color with
CONFIDENCE
interview by QUINTEL GWINN photography by CHRIS CHARLES
After spending two years in the black and white world of architecture, Niki McNeill joined the team at Level Five Designs in March of 2016. She also brought her experience working for HGTV to the multi-family design world. We asked Niki to spill the beans on the details of a clubhouse renovation the design team recently completed.
image credit: Amber Robinson
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IT APPEARS THAT YOU HAD GREAT BONES TO WORK WITH. ANY MAJOR ARCHITECTURAL CHANGES?
THE BOLD AND VIBRANT COLORS OF THE PAINTING ARE SPOT ON! WAS IT DONE BY A LOCAL ARTIST?
The room had an excessive amount of white molding that
Rachel Stewart has been a friend of mine for years and I
really made the space feel dated. This community attracts
have been waiting for the perfect project to commission
young professionals who want their clubhouse to feel fresh
one of her large scale abstracts. When this project
and hip, so we opted to paint all of the molding a warm
started to develop and I realized I needed a six foot tall
grey. We complimented the new darker paint with a wall
painting, I knew who to call! Rachel and I sat down with
covering that has a touch of shimmer. Leaving the fireplace
my rug & fabric samples and from there, she worked
white and brightening up the ceilings really created a
her magic! She took all the colors in the palette and
beautiful contrast that wasn't there before.
blended them perfectly. To finish it off, she added gold leafing that jumps off the canvas when the light hits it.
WHAT’S YOUR FAVORITE DETAIL ABOUT THIS PROJECT? One of the coolest features in this renovation is actually under your feet! Using three different colors of luxury vinyl tile planks, we created an ombre effect that stretches from the front door to the fireplace. Once there, you'll notice a beautiful new fireplace surround featuring a herringbone ceramic tile. All of these updated elements laid a great foundation for some luxurious fabric selections! 20
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I MUST SAY THAT AT FIRST GLANCE, THE ROOM REALLY WOWS! WHAT’S YOUR SECRET? Any space can have that WOW factor, no matter the existing architecture, with strategic color placement and focus on the details.
THERE ARE SO MANY MATERIALS, TEXTURES AND COLORS IN MOTION HERE. WHERE DID YOU START? The rug was really the inspiration point for all of the colors in the room. The organic teal pattern of the rug paired so well with the sharp chartreuse green color, that I chose to use it on two custom chairs. The cut velvet feels incredible under your hands and the shape of the chairs invites you in. The sofa is a low pile slate blue velvet piece that we loaded up with silk & embroidered pillows. THE LIGHT FIXTURES ARE FABULOUS! WAS IT LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT? Most of the time, clients want standard and cheap when it comes to lighting, but this client challenged me to go bold! They specifically wanted something that was soft and a typical, so I presented these wood veneer loop chandeliers from LZF Lamps. Initially, I thought there was no way that they would approve these 55" diameter stunners, but they loved them. They certainly are statement pieces and a great change from the 20 year old ceiling fans that they replaced. NIKI MCNEILL @nikimcneill www.singlebubblepop.com
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METROPOLITAN MIX interview by EBONY STATEN photography by KAYE MCCOY
24 THE OLIVE GUIDE
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE A CAREER IN DESIGN? I always enjoyed decorating and breathing new life into spaces. However, I was often discouraged by people around me because being a designer was not necessarily seen as a lucrative career. I did projects for fun in the meantime, but it was not long
Atlanta-based interior designer Alexia Butts blends a memorable mix of mature finishes and clean lines to create a casual lounge.
after that I followed my instinct to pursue a career in design. After graduating with an Interior Design degree I decided to started my own company full time. WHAT WAS YOUR INSPIRATION FOR THE SPACE? This project was a surprise gift for my client’s husband. She wanted him to have a cool lounge space for him to relax post retirement. I was inspired by colors and textures found in traditional masculine spaces, but wanted to keep it modern. I chose the deep navy color for the backdrop. Although it is a small space, there is an entire wall of windows and the dark color makes the room feel more cozy. I brought in the grey tones for balance and the terracotta orange for energy. To create further contrast, I mixed the polished industrial metal elements like the chrome on the chairs and side table with raw wood textures. THE PAINTINGS ABOVE THE SOFA ARE PERFECT! ARE THEY ORIGINALS? With very little wall space, I just wanted to keep the artwork simple. I had the most difficult time finding art to fit the space and budget. So I created a pair of abstract paintings to go behind the sofa. I went to school for art and love making things specifically for clients. ALEXIA BUTTS @apt5interiors www.apt5interiors.com
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THE DECORATIVE ACCENTS REALLY POLISH THE ROOM. WHAT’S YOUR SECRET TO STYLING? All of the books on the coffee table are old high school yearbooks, the bar cart is stocked with the client's favorite spirits and the initial in marquee light nods to his love of movies. I really try to personalize a space with the client's personal items or things that represent who they are.
“I really try to personalize a space with the client's personal items or things that represent who they are.” 26
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Bayou Classic interview by EBONY STATEN photography by WHITNEY JONES
Mixing darkness and delight, New Orleans-based interior designer and home blogger Whitney Jones undertakes the challenge to transform an outdated dining room. Her solution is a creative display of art, color and style for a savvy client. AFTER:
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BEFORE:
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I’VE BEEN AN AVID READER OF YOUR BLOG AND SUPPORTER OF YOUR FACEBOOK GROUP FOR A WHILE NOW! TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOU AND YOUR BUSINESS. I’m a huge design enthusiast that fell in love with improving the quality of life for my clients through interior design. My favorite part of the design process is space planning. I’ve been moving furniture around and getting creative with layouts since I was a little
LET’S CHAT MORE ABOUT THIS BOLD TRANSFORMATION! The home has great flow and layout, but was extremely dated. We started in the dining room to pick up where we left off in her previous home, implementing most of the ideas from the previous design plan for the space. The first thing to go was the old carpet. It was replaced with beautiful charcoal slate tiles. Next was getting rid of the wallpaper. I had the drapes custom made and snagged a gorgeous chandelier for a great price.
girl. Many of my clients hire me to help maximize their
WHAT MADE YOU GO FOR THE BOLD AND DRAMATIC WALL COLOR?
square footage. It’s an enjoyable step in the process for us
When my client first hired me for her previous home, she told
both. Another big aspect of Whitney J Décor is custom
me that she wanted a black room. I decided to have the
drapery and pillows, as I pride myself in pulling together
dining room walls above the chair rail painted black to keep
beautiful fabrics that pair well together. Using my love and
the space from being too dark.
knowledge of space planning and then fabric mixing to transform rooms is the epitome of my business. The look of excitement on my clients’ faces after seeing their room totally transformed is the best feeling ever.
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WHITNEY JONES @whitneyjdecor www.whitneyjdecor.com
THE DINING ROOM ARTWORK IS DOPE! WHAT’S THE STORY BEHIND IT? My client is a huge art collector - all are originals that she’s had for years. There was a lot to choose from when it came to this dining room, but we chose the ones with the most glamour to bring a luxe feel to the dark, earthy background. The black and white pieces are from an Atlanta artist, Lydell Martin, and he’s easily become my favorite artist. He embellishes his pieces with rhinestones and crystals to make them shimmer from any angle. WHAT’S YOUR RECIPE FOR CREATING AN ECLECTIC SPACE. I love eclectic spaces. I don’t have a strict recipe for eclectic design, but I particularly like an eclectic space with lots of pattern and color. I love learning all about my client and translating what I’ve learned into a completed
space.
This
results
in
an
interesting room that mixes different styles, textures, and unconventional elements, like over-scaled, bold artwork.
“I particularly like an eclectic space with lots of pattern and color.” THE OLIVE GUIDE
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MEET THE MAVEN
Southern
SOCIALITE Mrs. Michiel Perry, 28, is a South Carolina girl who loves all things Southern and stylish. With a little inspiration while planning her wedding in Charleston, S.C. and decorating her first home in Maryland, Mrs. Perry was inspired to develop the online and offline lifestyle brand, Black Southern Belle, which focuses on African-American women in the South. In 2015, Mrs. Perry and her team expanded Black Southern Belle and developed an editorial division, ambassador program, online store, and jobs database for the brand. Members of the Black Southern Belle Collective host creative workshops and summits in the southern region to develop resources for the network.
CHARLESTON SAVANNAH ATLANTA CHARLOTTE NEW ORLEANS DALLAS HOUSTON 32
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Your home should rise up to meet you every single day.
OPRAH
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ELEVATED
entertaining produced by NICOLE TORRES
WINTER IS CELEBRATED AND WELCOMED DIFFERENTLY ALL OVER THE WORLD. LIVING IN FLORIDA, YOU WON’T EXPERIENCE ALL FOUR SEASONS, SO INTERIOR DESIGNER NICOLE TORRES BRINGS A LITTLE WINTER TO HER WEST PALM BEACH POOLSIDE.
Drink Recipe CRANBERRY SPARKLE Ingredients: cranberry juice, chilled sparkling wine, fresh cranberries, orange liqueur decorated with orange peels.
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NICOLE’S TOP TIPS FOR ENTERTAINING OUTDOORS 1
Use small heavy clips to weigh down the table cloth and napkins to keep them from blowing off the table.
2
Use large patio umbrellas to block guests from direct sunlight. No one wants too much sun!
3
Incorporate elements from your natural surroundings for decorative touches. I used greenery from my backyard!
“Adding natural elements right from my backyard is a fun touch!”
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LAST LOOK
LAST LOOK
“I believe your environment directly reflects how you feel. Your home is an experience. That design goes beyond the epidermis level of aesthetics and digs bone deep into the details of the life you want”
ELLE C. WOLFE INTERIORS photography by KAYE CHAMBERS
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