Kayla Turner Begins Interior Design Career in Boston

Loren Audrey Taylor, an interior design principal and visionary, shares her career aspirations, business journey, and personal recommendations in Atlanta. Her ultimate goal is to help individuals transform their lives by creating beautiful, unpretentious, and effortless living environments. She emphasizes the importance of surrounding oneself with loved ones and inspiring possessions, aiming to be a source of information and inspiration, particularly in educating others about the past and present of design. As a design practitioner of African descent, Taylor is committed to researching and highlighting the contributions of hidden figures in architecture, interior design, decorating, fashion, fine and folk art, culinary arts, and entertaining. She seeks to connect these findings to the Motherland, contextualizing lost languages and folkways within the distinct culture of the United States. Her vision includes articulating how these historical influences shaped American style, particularly acknowledging the sacrifices and perseverance of Black America, and challenging the narrative that often overlooks the architectural contributions of unofficial, unlicensed architects like Jacques Hemings in the original colonies. Taylor also aims to visually express her individual classicist style through collaborations with various manufacturers, including furniture, lighting, jewelry, and fashion, as well as developing home entertaining solutions. She envisions herself as a "triple threat" in the design industry. Her passion extends beyond individual projects to broader community impact, aiming to integrate classicist design foundations into modern home design solutions within mixed-use communities. She is particularly focused on revitalizing blighted neighborhoods in a way that benefits current residents, rather than displacing them. A core tenet of her philosophy is to spread entrepreneurialism and mentor both young and old in the design field, encouraging everyone to embrace a positive outlook and live well. Reflecting on her business journey, Taylor, supported by her mother Carolyn, describes her venture into interior design as somewhat accidental, driven by both her logical and creative tendencies. She acknowledges that starting her own practice was significantly different from the idealized portrayals of design careers, such as in the show "Sugarbakers." Despite the challenges, she is making progress in branding her unique skills and being understood in the competitive design landscape. For a personal itinerary, Taylor recommends exploring areas outside of Atlanta, such as Serenbe, Newnan, Peachtree City, and Senoia. She suggests dining at local establishments like Knife and Stone, Garlic, Palmers, and Hilary’s Bistro. For relaxation, she enjoys day spas, particularly Natural Body and the services of Ulrich Bielka (Uli). Her appreciation for architecture leads her to explore the works of Herman J. Russell and John Portman, as well as the historical designs of Neel Reid, Philip Trammell Shutze in Atlanta, and R. Kennon Perry in Newnan, Macon, Columbus, and Savannah. She credits Vincent Johnson of Atlanta Drafting House for his support and mentorship. Taylor actively engages with the design community, moderating in the Design Masters Group on Clubhouse and maintaining an active presence on Instagram and LinkedIn. #InteriorDesign #DesignPrincipal #AfricanDescent #ClassicistStyle #CommunityRevitalization #Entrepreneurialism #AtlantaDesign #ArchitecturalHistory #HomeDecor

April Tomlin, a distinguished interior designer, has cultivated a unique and recognizable style influenced by her upbringing and early exposure to construction and design. Her mother, a single parent who managed a plumbing business, sold real estate, and personally built their family homes, instilled in Tomlin a strong work ethic and a foundational understanding of construction from a young age. This environment fostered her innate ability to transform houses into homes, setting the stage for her future career in interior design. Tomlin recounts an early memory at age eight, where she and her brother rearranged furniture and painted her mother's bedroom walls, highlighting her childhood inclination towards creating beautiful living spaces. Today, April Tomlin Interiors is a thriving business catering to high-profile clients. Tomlin's designs are characterized by their compelling compositions, which skillfully balance intensity with serenity. Her aesthetic often features monochromatic themes, yet it is infused with sophisticated spontaneity, incorporating unique pieces that reflect her appreciation for both beauty and raw, imperfect elements. Tomlin describes her personal style as "earthy with a little edge," favoring casual and relaxed interiors. This is evident in her use of slipcovers, linen, wood, plaster, and neutral palettes, all contributing to a calm and inviting atmosphere. She also integrates unexpected elements like funky art, bold wallpaper, and interesting lighting to add surprise and character to her spaces. While she maintains a distinct personal style, Tomlin emphasizes that she adapts her designs to suit the client's personality, acknowledging that a designer's innate style will always subtly influence their work. Tomlin draws inspiration from exterior courtyards and gardens, aiming to replicate their peaceful and calm ambiance within indoor spaces. Her design pieces are sourced globally, with a particular emphasis on Australia, though she also frequently incorporates items from accessible retailers like Target, Crate and Barrel, One Kings Lane, and Etsy for filler pieces. She advocates for the use of raw, organic materials, such as unstained raw woods and various plasters, which she believes can elevate a plain wall without drawing excessive attention. One of her current favorite projects involves designing her own new home, a venture she relishes for the freedom it offers in expressing her uncompromised vision. For those looking to enhance their homes, Tomlin offers two key pieces of advice: invest in quality drapes and thoughtful lighting. She notes that drapes, even non-custom ones, are a significant expense but are crucial for preventing a space from appearing flat. She prefers soft linen drapes installed on ceiling tracks for a lighter, less heavy look. Regarding lighting, she recommends using dimmers, switching to soft white bulbs instead of Edison bulbs, and selecting unique fixtures that stand out. On the topic of design trends, Tomlin expresses enthusiasm for the minimal molding look currently popular in Nashville, incorporating drywall return windows and doors, no crown molding, and two-inch baseboards in her own new home. When asked about work-life balance as a wife, mother, and successful designer, Tomlin suggests acknowledging and accepting the need to prioritize. She dedicates her energy to her work, her children, close friends, and one charity, recognizing that sacrifices like ample sleep, a perpetually spotless home, constant self-grooming, and regular workouts are necessary. She finds joy in her children and work and believes it is acceptable for others to pursue hobbies that bring them happiness outside of work and family obligations. Her ultimate design philosophy is encapsulated in five words: "Do. What. Makes. You. Happy." She encourages individuals to create homes that bring them joy, editing out elements that don't and collecting pieces that evoke a smile. #InteriorDesign #AprilTomlin #HomeDecor #DesignerCrush #NashvilleDesign #EarthyDesign #WorkLifeBalance #DesignTips

Motif Home Gallery, a Saratoga Springs establishment founded by Kennedy Taylor of Studio K interior design, is transitioning from an appointment-only model to offering more regular hours and introducing a series of hands-on classes. The gallery, which opened in November 2022 at 18 Division Street, serves as a showcase for Studio K's design aesthetic and the brands it carries, such as Arteriors, Bernhardt, and Four Hands. The intention behind Motif Home Gallery was to provide Saratoga with a more modern design sensibility, moving beyond traditional furniture store concepts to create an immersive, gallery-like experience for visitors. Owner Kennedy Taylor, at 28 years old, also envisioned the space as a platform for emerging artists who might not have access to more established galleries. The gallery features the work of artists such as New York City–based photographer Adrian Lewis and contemporary equestrian photographer Kate Stephenson. An upcoming gallery opening for Stephenson is planned for the spring, which will also serve as a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society, highlighting the gallery's commitment to community engagement. Beyond art exhibitions, Motif Home Gallery is expanding its offerings to include a kitchen showroom. This addition will complement new lifestyle classes, such as cocktail-making courses in partnership with The Night Owl. Furthermore, the gallery will host candle-making classes with Alex Rizzo, known for her unique candles. These varied activities aim to provide a unique and interactive experience for Saratoga residents, diversifying the gallery's role beyond a retail space. The move to more regular operating hours, rather than strictly by appointment, is part of Taylor's vision to make Motif more accessible to the public. The gallery aims to fill a niche in Saratoga by offering a distinctive approach to home furnishings, art, and lifestyle workshops, distinguishing itself from other local establishments. The integrated approach of showcasing furniture brands, hosting art exhibitions, and offering practical, engaging classes reflects a comprehensive strategy to establish Motif Home Gallery as a dynamic cultural and commercial hub in the community. #MotifHomeGallery #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SaratogaSprings #ArtExhibition #KennedyTaylor #DesignFirm #LifestyleClasses #CommunityEngagement

Kelly Wearstler, a prominent figure in contemporary American design, views design as an intuitive process akin to falling in love repeatedly. Her distinctive style, characterized by sumptuous and vibrant interiors, is evident in high-end residences and luxury hotels worldwide, from Beverly Hills to the Caribbean. Wearstler's design philosophy is deeply influenced by a wide array of sources, including global travel, nature, architecture, fashion, graphic design, literature, and art, with particular admiration for the works of Pierre Cardin, Oscar Niemeyer, Carlo Scarpa, Louis Kahn, Gio Ponti, and Carlo Mollino. Her eponymous luxury-lifestyle brand encompasses a broad spectrum of design services, including residential, hospitality, and commercial interior design, alongside curated collections of furniture, lighting, rugs, fabrics, wallcoverings, tiles, luxe bedding, fine china, and decorative home accessories. Wearstler's design approach is marked by a sophisticated contrast of raw and refined elements, a harmonious blend of color, and a thoughtful integration of diverse periods of furniture. This unique methodology has earned her recognition on prestigious lists such as Architectural Digest’s Top 100 Architecture & Interior Design, Elle Décor’s A-List, Wallpaper’s Top 20 Designers, and TIME Style & Design’s Design 100. She conceptualizes each project as an opportunity for storytelling, aiming to create evocative, adventurous, and soulful narratives through a rich mix of materials and influences. Her mantra, “love color, take risks, stay curious,” guides her attraction to designs that intelligently utilize materiality, juxtapose various historical styles, and introduce an element of surprise. Born in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, in 1967, Wearstler honed her skills in interior and graphic design at the Massachusetts College of Art. After relocating to the West Coast, she launched her design business, initially gaining traction with the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills. This success paved the way for numerous international projects, including the Viceroy Santa Monica, multiple properties for the Viceroy Group, and the Four Seasons Anguilla, where she skillfully merged natural elements like driftwood and petrified wood with global textiles to redefine Caribbean luxury. Her portfolio also features the Bergdorf Goodman restaurant in New York City, which elegantly combines elements from the 1930s to the 1970s, and the Compartés flagship store in Los Angeles, a modern reinterpretation of classic European chocolate shops. Her residential work spans high-profile homes for celebrity clients like Cameron Diaz, Gwen Stefani, and Ben Stiller. A current venture, Proper Hospitality, involves the design of high-end residences and hotels, with completed projects including the Hollywood Proper Residences, Santa Monica Proper Hotel, and San Francisco Proper Hotel. These projects showcase her signature blend of vintage and new furnishings, custom lighting, bespoke elements, and local artworks. Upcoming Proper hotels in Austin and Downtown Los Angeles further demonstrate her expansive vision. Wearstler emphasizes the importance of client collaboration, stating that the most successful projects arise when clients actively voice their vision. Her role is to interpret and filter these ideas, creating spaces that evoke specific moods and tell compelling stories. She stresses the significance of scale and hierarchy within a space, advocating for a thoughtful mix of texture, history, pattern, and color to achieve balance and allow statement pieces to stand out. Her creative process involves deep research into a location's history and architecture, followed by an intuitive selection of art, rugs, and vintage pieces to establish the core vibe. She uses “vibe trays” to visualize how all elements, textures, and colors will harmoniously interact within a space, sourcing unique items from around the globe to curate truly distinctive environments. Wearstler sees windows as framed artworks that integrate external elements and colors into the interior, further enhancing the cohesive design narrative. Throughout her career, Wearstler has continually challenged herself, taking risks and expanding her artistic horizons. She views her clients, particularly those from the film, music, and art industries, as vital partners and teachers, each contributing unique perspectives that enrich her design process. A key distinction in her work is the tailored approach to residential versus hospitality projects; while both receive the same passion and explorative process, hospitality designs require a greater focus on commercial specifications and creating a comfortable, home-like atmosphere unique to the location. Turning points in her career include the Avalon Hotel, the Bergdorf Goodman restaurant, and the large-scale Westfield Century City renovation, all of which pushed her creative boundaries and fostered a sense of accomplishment. Wearstler's home collections target individuals who appreciate art, travel, and thoughtful details, offering environments designed to expand experiences and heighten senses. Her ongoing projects continue to explore new commercial and residential ventures globally, consistently seeking the next design adventure. #KellyWearstler #InteriorDesign #ModernAmericanDesign #LuxuryInteriors #HospitalityDesign #ResidentialDesign #DesignPhilosophy #ArchitecturalDesign #StorytellingInDesign

Dominika Barnes, owner of Coastal Chic Co and ModelCitizen Studio, discusses her career evolution and the strategic decisions behind her professional shifts. She initially established ModelCitizen Studio, a retouching house, 15 years prior, coinciding with the peak era of glossy fashion magazines, elaborate car advertisements, flawless beauty campaigns, and intricate special effects for movie billboards. However, the industry underwent significant changes, primarily driven by the transition to digital formats and the rise of international retouchers offering services at a fraction of the cost. The COVID-19 pandemic further accelerated these shifts, prompting Barnes to reassess her business model and career path. Recognizing the need for adaptation, Barnes embarked on a "remodel" of her professional endeavors. This led to the creation of Coastal Chic Co, an interior design company. She identified that her existing skills and assets, including a keen eye for design, proficiency with computer systems, tablets, and digital drawing, could be seamlessly transferred to 3D rendering. This pivot allowed her to leverage her artistic and technical capabilities in a new domain, particularly noting that on-site installations, a requirement in interior design, could not be outsourced to international competitors. Barnes also expresses an intention to explore the emerging field of NFTs (Non-Fungible Tokens), viewing it as another avenue to utilize her skills and assets. She emphasizes that what might appear as "giving up" can, in fact, be a positive turning point, facilitating evolution and growth. Her career philosophy is characterized by a lack of fear in decision-making and a strong belief in working tirelessly and passionately once opportunities present themselves. The interview also touches upon personal recommendations for experiencing Los Angeles. Barnes suggests a Topanga Canyon hike for physical activity, dining at Cafe Gratitude for nourishment, visiting the Art Angel gallery for visual appreciation, attending a performance at the Hollywood Bowl for auditory enjoyment, and a walk on the beach for spiritual rejuvenation. Barnes acknowledges several individuals who have significantly influenced her journey. She credits Ranjit Grewal for his encouraging words, which instilled confidence and prompted her to start her initial venture. Michael Muller is recognized for his trust in her skills, leading to collaboration on major campaigns. Lyle Owerko receives appreciation for allowing her to share in the creative process for his fine art photography exhibits. Barnes attributes her current success and position to the collective encouragement, support, and trust received from these and other gifted creatives throughout her career. #DominikaBarnes #CoastalChicCo #ModelCitizenStudio #InteriorDesign #CareerEvolution #DigitalArt #NFTs #Entrepreneurship #CreativeIndustry