In The Theatre and Its Double, Antonin Artaud is setting the stage for his views on the dramatic arts, proclaiming, “I cannot conceive any work of art as having a separate existence from life itself.” On May 9th, the Southeastern Design Showhouse & Gardens, produced by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine, opened its doors and quickly proved a home can be both a place for life to unfold and a work of art.
Setting the Stage with Design
This was achieved by eighteen design teams who created dynamic rooms in which attendees could imagine a luxurious life unfolding within them. And we are proud to say that among the products taking center stage are a number of our offerings in lighting and furniture. It was a bonus that our participation contributed to a philanthropic cause, as the event benefits the Atlanta History Center.
Stefan Alexander’s Master Bathroom
Atlanta-based interior designer Stefan Alexander, whose addresses have included a number of exotic locales the world over, tapped several lamps and one of our favorite chandeliers for his master bath. The placement of notable antiques in the setting reflects his mastery of classicism and restraint. But it is these statement pieces combined with contemporary touches that garners him applause. We asked him about his ability to mix old and new: “I have a long history with antiques,” he explains; “my parents and grandparents on both sides were collectors. Bringing the new in, such as the black and white photograph by Nick Burchell hanging above the bathtub, creates a dynamic that I enjoy.”
The scenes Stefan saw playing out as he designed the backdrop revolved around a well-traveled couple who wanted much more than a bathroom; they desired a veritable retreat. “I could see one of them sitting at the secretary writing in a journal or dashing off a thank-you letter while the other is pouring them a drink before they dress for a night out,” Stefan says. “They don’t have to leave the room to do these things.”
Our Martine Chandelier illuminated the space in a golden glow while presenting a cool countenance, the gesso white finish on the exterior and the contemporary gold leaf finish on the interior a warm/crisp contrast. Two pairs of Wortham Table Lamps lit the vanities flanking the expansive shower, the gold leaf finish on the lamp bodies a contemporary echo of the gilding on the commanding ornate mirrors. Each move Alexander made heightened the drama of this space, which we enjoyed experiencing when we toured the showhouse.
Holly Hollingsworth Phillips’ Bedroom
Holly Hollingsworth Phillips, owner of The English Room in Charlotte, NC, is an interior designer known for knockout color and dynamic art. She chose a number of our products for her bedroom and bath, explaining to us how she envisioned the character who would live within the setting, “I designed them with my eldest daughter, Violet, in mind. She is the most adventurous spirit and has traveled extensively already, even living abroad in Italy for her Junior year in high school. Like me, she is mesmerized by craft and heirlooms created by other cultures. We both love art, color and appreciate the creativity behind it.”
As Holly was selecting products for the rooms, top of mind was the fact that she knew the house would have mainly neutral spaces: “I wanted to be sure to capture my love of color without making it too pastel or sweet so I incorporated the tribal elements to bring in a little more edge.” Inspired by the Moroccan sunset, she conceived the overall theme to reflect her personal love of travel. “The items are meant to be a collection rather than a decorated space,” she explains. “The exotic and worldly compilation made up of unusual items was intentional from the start.”
Illuminating the eye-catching bedroom is our Grand Lotus Gold Large Chandelier, gleaming overhead in an antique gold leaf finish. Two shell-encrusted Marchmont Chests serve as bedside tables, and our Tatum Desk, which is wrapped in lacquered linen in a morel finish, is the writing table from which her imagined globetrotter would chronicle her journeys far and near. To see these two spaces and the other rooms in the showhouse at 4315 Garmon Road NW, which is open through June 2nd, you can find all the information and purchase tickets online. If you go, leave us a comment to tell us which was your favorite room.
New Additions to Our Team
We are thrilled to announce that we have two new additions to the Currey & Company team. We’ve named Jenny Heinzen York as our new Director of Marketing. With more than 20 years of experience in the home furnishings industry, Jenny has a comprehensive knowledge of home décor retail, interior design and wholesale. Her primary role will be to work closely with the sales and executive teams to develop a strategic marketing plan that further enhances our brand awareness and growth initiatives across all channels of distribution. Take a bow, Jenny!
Pamela R. Bailey, who joins us as the new Director of Showrooms, has been known to us for over 20 years. She first met Robert Currey when he was a supplier for Crate&Barrel and she was a sales person in the first C&B store in Cambridge. As she rose in her career, she worked with Brownlee Currey at the Oakbrook and Michigan Avenue locations of C&B in Chicago. Most recently, she was an independent consult in product development and design for overseas furniture factories, which makes her ideal for maximizing company sales growth and profitability through developing and supporting all of our showroom efforts. “Pam brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to our organization that will help support our showroom initiatives and staff,” says our Senior VP, Bob Ulrich. Welcome to the team, Pam!
Setting the Stage for Summer Markets
It’s difficult to believe we’re launching into the “official” first day of summer with Memorial Day next week; before you know it, we will be seeing you all during our summer markets. With this visual reminder as to where we will be when, we bid everyone a wonderful start to the warmer months. Artaud said about the theatre: it “is the only place in the world where a gesture, once made, can never be made the same way twice.” This is equally true with the rambunctious activities that signal summer is in full swing so be sure to capture all of your special experiences, which will bring you happy memories for years to come. In every aspect of life, it’s important to always remember we’re setting the stage for the future!