MJN & Associates Interiors

Design Inspiration at Seagrove Potteries

2012-05-17T22:00:30Z

The High Point Market in North Carolina is the world’s largest home furnishings trade show, and a huge event among interior designers, who flock to the market from all over to scope out the latest up-and-coming home design trends. Our principal designer, Michelle Nettles, attended the recent Spring 2012 show, and in her travels discovered another unique design attraction in North Carolina- the Seagrove potteries!

Seagrove, North Carolina boasts a huge number of potteries in one place, with a vibrant community of artists that includes natives from pottery families and artists from all over the country who are drawn to the area. In fact, there are so many potteries and ceramic studios in the area that the state designated Highway 705 “NC Pottery Highway.” At one point on the route, you can stand in one spot and see 6 different potteries!

This area is a wonderland for anyone who loves handmade pottery or is looking for a unique piece of art for their home. The range of styles is staggering, from contemporary minimalism to rustic folk art styles, and everything in between.

We love how these serving pieces evoke the beach. They would be perfect for adding a bit of summer to your home decor.

This crystalline pottery is also quite beautiful, with iridescent accents and a lovely blue-green color.

If you are ever in the area, make sure to include the Seagrove Potteries on your agenda! There is so much creativity on display, and you’ll most likely find something fabulous for your Atlanta home.

There are many styles on display at Seagrove, and whichever style you love, we can help you achieve it! Contact MJN & Associates today to learn more about our Gwinnett County interior design services.

Buying Art in Atlanta: Don’t Miss the Decatur Artists Market!

2012-05-16T21:13:00Z

Finding the perfect painting or sculpture for your Atlanta home can be a challenge. Fortunately we have some great tips to help you choose art for your home, and the Decatur Arts Festival’s Artists Market is coming up on May 26th and 27th so you can put those tips to work!

The Artists Market is a great family-friendly spring event here in Atlanta, and a wonderful opportunity to peruse the work of artists from all over the southeast. The Market will feature over 160 artists, all selected through a competitive jury process, and is known for showcasing a high quality of work.

The art you choose for your home is personal, so make sure that you choose only pieces you really love. We do offer art selection at our interior design firm, but at the end of the day, you are the one who has to live with it. Don’t get too caught up in what matches your couch. If you choose what you authentically love, we can help you bring it all together to create a harmonious interior.

Another word of advice when it comes to art selection for interior design is not to buy too many small items. Especially at art festivals, it can be tempting to buy smaller pieces, which are less of a commitment financially and visually. However, your best bet is to stick to statement pieces, which will help you build an elegant room instead of cluttering up your space with lots of small items.

If you’d like some help choosing art for your home, or even just using what you have already collected, contact MJN & Associates Interiors! We’d be glad to help you pull it all together in your Gwinnett County home.

Image by Paul Nikitchenko via Ann Jackson Gallery

High Point Market Trends 2012: Blues

2012-05-16T20:23:49Z

In our last post we shared one of the latest interior design trends we saw at the Spring 2012 High Point Market- faded, driftwood-like finishes on furnishings. Today, let’s take a look at another great trend seen at market, the color blue!

Blue is definitely the “it” color right now, from bold, vibrant hues to more subtle shades. While “Tangerine Tango” is Pantone’s color of the year, various shades of blue-green and true-blue were all over the showrooms, providing a serene, calming vibe or a punch of bold color depending on the design.

Vases, throw pillows, and poufs or small ottomans are a fabulous way to work a trendy color into your home. They provide a large visual statement, yet can easily be swapped out depending on changing trends, seasons, or even just your mood.

Of course, there is something to be said for going big with an over-the-top statement piece. This luxurious blue damask ottoman is not for the faint of heart, but the traditional aspects of the design (tufting and textile choice) ensure that it will stand the test of time.

This shade of blue-green popped up again and again, and we love the way it is used here with cheery yellow and warm neutrals to achieve an elegant look that is marine-inspired without being kitschy.

So what do you think of the plethora of blues flooding the interior design world? Next week we’ll be sharing some of the interior design eye candy seen at High Point Market, so don’t miss it!

If you want a whole new look in your home, let us help you achieve it with our range of interior design services, from furniture selection to space planning, and much more. MJN & Associates Interiors can help you navigate the trends to create a home that fuses the best of classic and contemporary style to fit your life. Call us at 888.377.8026 for more information about our home design services for homeowners in Atlanta, John’s Creek, Duluth, and other local communities.

High Point Market Trends 2012: Washed Wood Finishes

2012-05-09T20:26:07Z

The High Point Market is not only the world’s largest home furnishings trade show; it’s also the place designers flock to in order to get a sneak peek of the big trends on the horizon in home design. Our principal interior designer Michelle Nettles recently returned from High Point, and she noticed some great trends to watch. One trend that was everywhere at this year’s market is the aged, faded driftwood look.

This pale, gently washed finish is a welcome departure from the usual suspects, and is perfect for those who want to walk the line between casual and elegant in their furniture choices. While the look has been around for a while, it was everywhere this year’s at High Point. If you haven’t already seen pieces like this in your local furniture store, you soon will.

There are a number of varieties on the theme, but all feature pale grayish finishes or natural wood with a lightly whitewashed quality. The piece above combines the warmer wood and cool, silvery tones perfectly.

Contrast always helps provide visual interest, so consider juxtaposing the soft finish of a driftwood finished table with a bold, graphic black pattern or shiny brass.

This finish is right at home in a coastal decor setting, but doesn’t have to be limited to that. You can play up the beachy vibe by adding nautical accessories, or keep things sophisticated and contemporary.

What do you think of this stylish furniture finish? No matter what style you’re trying to achieve in your home, our Atlanta interior design firm can help you bring it all together, so contact MJN & Associates Interiors today.

We’re going to be sharing lots more from High Point, so check back soon to see more trends from the Spring 2012 High Point Market.

Add Outdoor Style with Patio Umbrellas

2012-05-03T21:12:51Z

At MJN & Associates Interiors, we don’t just design indoor spaces; we can also help you add some style to your porch, patio, or other outdoor living areas. We love the idea of al fresco dining and entertaining, but with Georgia’s hot summer days, you’ve got to have some way to beat the heat. Enter the trusty patio umbrella!

Elle Decor has a great slideshow of pretty patio umbrellas, so you don’t have to choose between function and style. Take a look at a few of our favorites below.

These Sunbrellas from Pottery Barn can add a pop of color or graphic punch to your backyard. The black and white stripes is especially chic and could work with either a bold take on traditional or a minimalistic contemporary style.

Marimekko’s Madison umbrella cover has a lovely nature-inspired motif.

Room and Board’s Waikiki Orange umbrella combines form and function beautifully.

The Shadylace Parasol by Droog features a unique shape and a fabulous bright green color, not to mention the adorable little bird accent on top! It would be perfect for adding a feminine touch to your deck or patio.

Do you want to create the perfect space for outdoor entertaining or relaxation at in your Atlanta area home? We’d love to help, so call us at 888.377.8026 for help with any of your design challenges, no matter how large or small.

Spring Centerpieces for Mother’s Day

2012-05-01T19:51:38Z

Mother’s Day is coming up soon, and there’s no better way to say “thank you” to the special mothers in your life than to create a beautiful, spring-inspired brunch!

Southern Living has some great Mother’s Day recipes that moms will love, from mimosas and quiche to a gorgeous summer berry trifle. But the menu isn’t the only important part of this meal- show your mom how much you care by creating a beautiful spring tablescape. Here are a few ideas for Mother’s Day place settings that are elegant, feminine, and sure to earn you “favorite child” status.

This fun, multi-level centerpiece combines glass candle stands, simple white pitchers, moss, and some sweet little blossoms in pale pink, white, and bright spring green. The tiny bird’s nest accent adds a nice whimsical touch as well. (via Pinterest)

This elegant table combines a number of good ideas. Like the photo above, this one also uses a pitcher as a vase, this time with a lovely bouquet of lilacs. We love the loose, free-flowing arrangement, perfect for creating a casually elegant feel. The apothecary jars seen on the right are also a great centerpiece idea in their own right. Filled with moss, a birds’ nest, and other botanical elements, they make a great visual statement and conversation piece! (via Houzz)

This classic tablescape is the perfect embodiment of southern hospitality. Blue and white china paired with hydrangeas and crisp white chargers is simple yet gorgeous. (via Pinterest)

At MJN & Associates Interiors, we can help you create an elegant, versatile home that looks great all year round. Contact us today to find out more about our interior design services for homeowners in John’s Creek, Duluth, and other areas of Gwinnett County and Atlanta.

Add Savory Style with A Container Herb Garden

2012-04-26T18:50:21Z

Spring is here in Atlanta, and this beautiful weather means it’s time to spruce up the outdoor living spaces of your home. One way to add beauty and fragrance to your porch or deck is a container herb garden. Not only will this look fabulous, but you can also enjoy using fresh herbs in your cooking all summer long. Once you’ve gotten used to clipping a sprig of fresh basil whenever you’d like, you definitely won’t want to go back to the grocery store stuff!

Basil, mint, thyme, rosemary, and lavender are all good choices that are also easy to grow. Take a look at some great ideas for planting herbs in your outdoor living spaces, below.

Remember the cascading flower planter project we shared a while back? We love this version using galvanized steel planters and an abundance of herbs!

You can’t go wrong with a trio of terracotta flower pots in varying heights.

Hanging baskets are a great way to grow herbs, even in a small space. These ceramic planters are darling, adding a bit of pattern and color to the garden.

At MJN & Associates Interiors, we love helping our Atlanta area clients design every part of their homes, both inside and out. Contact us today to learn more about how our interior design services can make the most of your home.

images via Pinterest: 1, 2, 3

Artist Profile: Eileen Seitz

2012-04-23T22:13:26Z

Art selection is one of the many interior design services we provide here at MJN & Associates Interiors, and our principal designer Michelle Nettles always has an eye out for beautiful work to grace the homes of our Atlanta and Gwinnett County clients.

On a recent trip to the South Miami Rotary Arts Festival, Michelle was able to snap these photos of a great booth featuring vividly colored paintings, textiles and more by artist Eileen Seitz. The bright colors and quirky details in her paintings make them perfect for any space that needs an injection of personality.

In addition to a beautiful array of paintings, we love Eileen’s gorgeous hand-painted pillows and other textiles. These pieces are so distinctive and vibrant, just a pillow or two could liven up an entire room. They are a great way to add a spring and summer vibe to your home.

To see more of her work, visit Eileen Seitz online.

Art in Atlanta: Decatur Arts Festival

2012-04-19T21:45:51Z

Art is an important ingredient in good interior design, and we’re always on the lookout for great artists here at MJN & Associates Interiors. If you are searching for some unique and beautiful pieces to liven up your Atlanta home, mark your calendar for the Decatur Arts Festival! This month-long art extravaganza is the perfect opportunity to discover a new artist you love or find a painting, sculpture, or other one-of-a-kind accessory to add personality to your home. Take a look at the event lineup below.

Fine Arts Exhibition- This juried show features a variety of media, including paintings, photographs, and sculpture.
ArtWalk - Explore the galleries of Decatur during this free evening art walk. 20 different venues will be open late for shows and receptions.
Artists Market- This is your chance to shop the work of artists from near and far, with over 160 artists selling everything from paintings, jewelry, and glass art to ceramics, woodcarving, and more.

Visit Decatur Arts Festival for more information.

Do you need some help finding the perfect pieces of art for your home? If so, contact our Gwinnett County interior design firm today to find out more about our services, including art selection.

Decorating Outdoor Rooms

2012-04-18T21:44:47Z

When approaching the outdoor living spaces of your Atlanta home, treat the area like a room. The same principals of design apply, only with a few additional considerations. Take a look at some of our tips for creating outdoor living spaces so pleasant, you’ll never want to go inside.

Make your outdoor room comfortable by investing in good outdoor furniture. Try to coordinate the scale and style with your home.
Add a rug. Just like inside your home, rugs can define a space, add color, and create a richly layered look that a bare floor (or deck) doesn’t.
Choose durable, washable fabrics. Neutrals are always a good choice for foundation pieces like sofas and chairs, but you can always add in a pop of color or pattern with throw pillows.
Lighting is so important, both inside and outside your home. Lanterns, chandeliers, candles, or twinkle lights can all be used to set the mood, but don’t forget about the practical aspect of lighting- include landscaping lights and other fixtures to illuminate walkways for safety.

A well-designed outdoor living space can be as beautiful as any room in your house, and will bring so much enjoyment during the warm summer months. If you’d like to improve your home with an outdoor living space for relaxing, dining, or entertaining, contact MJN & Associates Interiors today. Give us a call at 888.377.8026.

photo via Houzz