Posts Tagged: Kate Long Stevenson
THE NEW FORMAL: CATHERINE M. AUSTIN INTERIOR DESIGN VIA ATLANTA HOME & LIFESTYLES
It is always a thrill to see a favorite project published. This labor of love with longtime clients was recently published in one of my favorite publications, Atlanta Home & Lifestyles. The Atlanta design community is near and dear to my heart. Not only did I grow up there, but I also went to design school in Atlanta and began my design career there. Many of the items featured were sourced through the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center and made their way through previous homes for these dear clients before ultimately landing in Washington, D.C.
See below for the full feature along with other images from our photo shoot…
HOW THIS CHARLOTTE DESIGNER SPOTLIGHTS RISING ARTISTS: CATHERINE M. AUSTIN INTERIOR DESIGN VIA ARCHITECTURAL DIGEST
I am delighted to share this lovely article that appeared in Architectural Digest this past week about my passion for working with artists and connecting them with clients. Using original art and educating clients is a cornerstone of my design aesthetic. I am so grateful I found a profession that allows me to combine all of my desired careers (artist, art history professor, curator, and designer) into one! Thank you to Katy Olson for sharing our story and to all the artists and galleries I have had the privilege to work with over the years!
CATHY AUSTIN SHARES HOW PROMOTING EMERGING TALENT CAN BENEFIT YOUR PROJECTS, TOO/ TEXT BY KATHERINE OLSON
Austin works with artist Charlie Havanich, pictured here, who is represented by Hidell Brooks Gallery. “I adore Charlie and I just acquired one of his works,” Austin tells AD PRO. “The image in the picture is a commission for one of my clients that bears an uncanny resemblance to a young Jackie.” / Photography: Charle Hanavich
Cathy Austin began her career not in design, but in art, working at Sotheby’s across departments including European Porcelain, American Paintings, and American Furniture. “I assisted the experts cataloguing the works for the auctions, handling archives, client contracts, condition reports, and arranging presale exhibitions. I began as an intern and archivist and also worked as an administrator,” recalls Austin. When she transitioned into interiors, Austin kept connected to the art scene, attending shows like Maison et Objet and TEFAF—but also in a more tangible way, sourcing local Southern talent for her interior-design projects.
FINAL CALL: ATLANTA HOME & LIFESTYLES SOUTHEASTERN SHOWHOUSE CLOSING WEEKEND AND SALE
It is hard to believe this is the closing weekend of the Southeastern Showhouse & Gardens presented by Atlanta Home and Lifestyles Magazine. Many thanks to all who have come to see the showhouse filled with so much amazing talent. I will be at the house tomorrow from 1-4 for the final day for anyone who wants to pop in to say hello!
I have had many inquiries about items available in our space. Showhouses provide an amazing source to get incredible high end pieces, custom furniture, art and antiques…many of which are priced well below what they would sell for on the showroom floor. So, if you see something that catches your eye, make sure to look at the price list in each room to see what is still available. You might find the perfect Mother’s Day gift!
ART WITH HEART: ATLANTA HOME & LIFESTYLES SOUTHEASTERN DESIGNER SHOWHOUSE & GARDENS
“Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” -Pablo Picasso
I think original art is one of the MOST important design elements in an interior. It reveals the personality of the inhabitant, elevates the other surrounding items, and adds a magical dimension to any room. Working on the art for the Southeastern Showhouse was a dream come true. Two of my favorite artists, Brad Thomas and Alexis Walter created works specifically for my spaces and my favorite Charlotte galleries, The New Gallery of Modern Art, Hidell Brooks Gallery, and SOCO Gallery allowed me to curate my own dream installation from the artists they represent, many of whom have become friends. The majority of works are by Southern contemporary artists with a nod to my NYC days represented by Stephanie Hirsch and Scott Duce seen below. By playing with scale, unifying colors, and juxtaposing different mediums, I tried to create harmonious compositions throughout the spaces.
2016 PANTONE COLORS OF THE YEAR: ROSE QUARTZ AND SERENITY
I was over the moon to hear that PANTONE had selected not one, but two of my favorite colors to be the 2016 Colors of the Year: a soft pink and an blue known as “Rose Quartz” and “Serenity.” This is the first time PANTONE has selected two colors to represent the Color of the Year.
Leatrice Eiseman, Executive Director of the PANTONE Color Institute, elaborates, “Rose Quartz is a persuasive yet gentle tone that conveys compassion and a sense of composure. Serenity is weightless and airy, like the expanse of the blue sky above us, bringing feelings of respite and relaxation even in turbulent times. As consumers seek mindfulness and well-being as an antidote to modern day stresses, welcoming colors that psychologically fulfill our yearning for reassurance and security are becoming more prominent. Joined together, Rose Quartz and Serenity demonstrate an inherent balance between a warmer embracing rose tone and the cooler tranquil blue, reflecting connection and wellness as well as a soothing sense of order and peace.”
I am constantly looking at my photographs for design inspiration. Sometimes I am aware of what is inspiring me and other times, it is not until after I have completed an interior that I realize the source. It was not until a favorite design blogger Carmen Natschke of The Decorating Diva brought up the connection to PANTONE’s “Color of the Year, that I realized from where my inspiration originated. My “happy place” is Sayulita, a small surfing/fishing village on the Nayarit Riviera in Mexico. I have spent hours gazing at this horizon watching it transform into a myriad of pinks and blues from sunrise to sunset.
I am drawn to the same colors in art that I am in nature, which was the starting point for this bedroom I designed for the 2015 Traditional Home Junior League of High Point this past spring. It all began with a painting…
I envisioned my “imaginary” client as the sophisticated daughter of the family. She is well-travelled, artistic, and likes a modern, yet glamourous room that still reflects her Southern roots. A portrait by favorite artist, Kate Long Stevenson, (from Hidell Brooks Gallery) became my muse for the project. I had her in mind whenever I was making decisions for the space. The portrait and the large vintage abstract provided the color palette that inspired the design scheme. The room is a blend of unique pieces from High Point based craftsmen along with a collection from her travels around the world. A Moroccan inspired headboard, Murano glass lamps, original modern art, bespoke linens, dressmaker detailed drapery, and glamorous materials such as shagreen, agate, brass, and velvet add to the feminine mystique of the space. I indulged myself with an “imaginary” trip around the world for inspiration for the space…from the palaces of Morocco and India to the Murano glass factories and sunsets on the Nayarit Riviera.
Pale blue walls and a high gloss pale pink ceiling evoke the Sayulita sky. The colors are repeated throughout the space in the fabrics, paintings, lamps, flowers, accessories, and finishes. The “Jaipur” print by Clarence House brings the palette together on the headboard and dust ruffle adorned with bespoke Leontine Linens. A Brunschwig & Fils linen velvet reflects the Rose Quartz on the ceiling. Pink Murano glass lamps by Louis Gaskill and accessories by Addison Weeks continue the theme. Cream and gilt furnishings by Bernhardt provide a neutral backdrop.
Vintage watercolors from Gillian Bryce at 214 Modern Vintage and an over scaled 1970s abstract from Darnell & Company add dimension and layers to the space. A deeper shade of pink pulled from the fabrics and the art is used at the window and on the antique settee. Brass light fixtures by Aerin Lauder for Circa Lighting highlight the space. A gilded iron chair by Celerie Kemble for Henredon is dressed in a deep lavender velvet from Kravet. Accessories from Made Goods in lavender snakeskin and jade linen add an exotic touch to the space while an Indonesian elephant looks right at home in her painted glory.
ROSE QUARTZ AND SERENITY PAIRINGS:
Whether in soft or hard surface material, the pairing of Rose Quartz and Serenity brings calm and relaxation. Appealing in all finishes, matte, metallic and glossy, the engaging combo joins easily with other mid-tones including greens and purples, rich browns, and all shades of yellow and pink. Add in silver or hot brights for more splash and sparkle
For more design inspiration, please follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to Bespoke Banter. Thanks for reading!
TRADITIONAL HOME & JUNIOR LEAGUE HIGH POINT SHOWHOUSE SNEAK PEEK
From High Point to the World!
Next month, I am thrilled to be participating in the 2015 Designer Showhouse sponsored by Traditional Home and the Junior League of High Point. The “From High Point to the World” themed showhouse will host a grand opening party the evening of Friday, April 17, 2015, and open to public for tours beginning Saturday, April 18th. Tickets are available by clicking here.
“We’re thrilled to include the Junior League of High Point’s Designer Showhouse as part of the Traditional Home 2015 National Showhouse Tour,” says Ann Maine, editor in chief of Traditional Home. “The High Point Market is the heart of home furnishings industry and the opportunity to bring recognition to both talented designers and leading furniture companies only fuels our enthusiasm. Through the decades, the Terry family has been an integral and influential part of the city’s history. It’s appropriate to pay tribute to them by showcasing their beautiful Tudor Revival home. Collaborating with the Junior League to help raise funds to benefit their community programs is something the Terry family would have appreciated.”
Nancy and Randall B. Terry built the house circa-1912. It is likely one of the earliest homes in High Point’s Roland Park, as well as one of the first examples of the Tudor Revival movement in High Point. Randall B. Terry Jr., publisher of the High Point Enterprise newspaper, was the last of the Terry family to reside in the home. Sitting on a corner double lot with a pool and a sprawling back yard, the house boasts 15 rooms with many period details as well as a separate two-story carriage house.
Businessman, newspaper publisher, and philanthropist Randall B. Terry, Junior cherished the companionship of nine Golden Retreivers he named for figures in Greek Mythology-Achilles, Ajax, Apollo, Athena, Diana, Nike, Rumor, Venus and Zeus. At the time of his death in 2004, Mr. Terry agreed to have a caretaker live in his home with his 6 remaining dogs until the last one passed away. In the summer of 2014, the remaining dog Diana died. For those who did not know Mr. Terry well, he referred to the house as the “million dollar doghouse.”
Before – Upstairs Bedroom
I fell in love with the history of this house and envisioned it as being the epicenter of High Point shenanigans in its hey day. I was excited to showcase the local talent and work with so many design peers I admire. In many ways, the design community is just like High Point…a gracious small Southern town. Everyone knows everyone and enjoys their company from the sophisticated grand dames to the talented eccentric characters!
My bedroom is located on the front of the house with abundant natural light and elegant 10 1/2 foot ceilings. I envisioned my “imaginary” client as the sophisticated daughter of the Terry clan. She is well-travelled, artistic, and likes a modern, yet glamorous room that still reflects her Southern roots.
This large vintage abstract painting provided the color palette that inspired the design scheme. The room is a blend of unique pieces from High Point based craftsmen along with a curated collection from her travels around the world. A Moroccan inspired headboard, Murano glass lamps, original modern art, bespoke linens, dressmaker detailed drapery, and glamourous materials such as shagreen, agate, brass, and velvet will add to the feminine mystique of the space.
A portrait by one of my favorite artists, Kate Long Stevenson, (from Hidell Brooks Gallery) became my muse for the project. I had her in mind whenever I was making decisions for the space. I begin with the artwork to ignite a spark of inspiration. In the same way a museum exhibition is created to enhance the colors of the paintings, I pull colors out of the art to design the scheme. My interiors tell the story of the character that inhabits the space. Aesthetically, I incorporate something modern along with something antique and include a mix of high and low elements that are reflective, sculptural, textured and natural.
Indian inspired prints and embroidery with cut velvet animal print from Clarence House will cover custom designed pieces in the space.
I am excited to be working with Bernhardt Furniture who is graciously loaning several pieces for the interior.
I indulged myself with an “imaginary” trip around the world for inspiration for the space…from the palaces of Morocco and India to the Murano glass factories and sunsets on the Nayarit Riviera.
For more updates, check out the Showhouse Showdown at Madcap Cottage who is interviewing all of the designers and the inspiration behind their spaces including…
Libby Langdon
Kara Cox
Leslie Moore
Christi Barbor
Lisa Mende
Traci Zeller
Jack Fhillips
Parker Kennedy
Lisa Sherry
Aida Saul
Holly Phillips
Margaret Fisher
Laura Covington
Mickey Sharpe
Lorraine Hayes
John Paullin
Jennifer Hutton
Eric Ross
Michelle Workman
The room is dedicated to our sweet beloved Isabelle (1999-2015) who is now frolicking with the other golden angels…Achilles, Ajax, Apollo, Athena, Diana, Nike, Rumor, Venus and Zeus.
For more of my design inspiration, please follow along on Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter and subscribe to Bespoke Banter….Thanks for reading and please visit again!
THE A-HA MOMENT: THE PINK HOUSE-A HAVEN FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
The A-Ha moment is one of clarity. It is a defining moment when you gain real wisdom that can be used to change your life. This moment can be inspiring, surprising, original, deeply personal and worth sharing. It often arises when there is an obstacle that needs to be turned into an opportunity.
Last week at Blogfest 2012, the editors from House Beautiful encouraged us to share an A-Ha moment from our design work. Up and coming designers Michael Herold, Jill Goldberg, and John Call shared their A-Ha moments with the group and challenged us to do the same.
My A-Ha moment came while working on the Pink House, a unique respite for breast cancer survivors and the Carolina Breast Friends organization. The Pink House serves breast cancer survivors in numerous ways: Wellness Education, Library and Computer Research Center, Fitness and Nutrition Centers, Self-Image Services, Arts & Crafts Workshops, and Counseling Services.
When I first saw the house, it was a beautiful historic home that had recently been renovated, but there were no funds to furnish the interior. What seemed like an insurmountable obstacle at the time turned into the most wonderful and fulfilling opportunity.
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| The Living Room Upholstery from Charles Stewart |
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| The Living Room Accessories donated by Circa Interiors and Antiques |
The organization wanted us to create a sophisticated, calming and feminine atmosphere. This was a haven where women would come together for fellowship, support and inspiration.
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| The Living Room Re-upholstery donated by Design Services, Inc. |
Albert Hadley said, “Decorating is not about making stage sets,…it’s really about creating a quality of life, a beauty that nourishes the soul.” We wanted the survivors that entered this space to feel like their spirits had been lifted and their souls nourished.
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| Painting donated by Kate Long Stevenson in honor of her friend Neil Maddux Miller |
We found several pieces at local flea markets and tag sales. With some refinishing, new paint and re- upholstery, we were able to turn others people’s cast off furnishings into beautiful pieces for the Pink House.
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| The Library Window Treatments donated by Custom Window Treatments |
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| The Sun Room Carpet donated by Stark |
When we first began this project, I honestly did not know if we would be able to pull it together. We had several different rooms that needed to flow together along with random assortment of found items and upholstery that needed some unifying element. I finally understood the expression “making a silk purse out of a sow’s ear!” Fortunately, we ended up with our A-Ha moment and we were all thrilled with the final product.
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| The Exterior Renovations donated by J.E. Dunn Construction |
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| Yours truly with Newell Turner, Editor in Chief of House Beautiful and Beth Greene, Executive Vice President of Marketing and Strategic Branding for Kravet, Lee Jofa and Brusnchwig & Fils |
PROJECT PINK HOUSE: A HAVEN FOR BREAST CANCER SURVIVORS
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| Renovations donated by J.E. Dunn Construction |
Last September, a dear friend invited me to visit the Pink House, a unique respite for breast cancer survivors and the Carolina Breast Friends organization. Inspired by CBF founder Kristy Adams-Ebel, this vision became the passion of more than 200 Charlotte women who are breast cancer survivors and members. The Pink House serves breast cancer survivors in numerous ways by providing Wellness Education, a Library and Computer Research Center, Fitness Center, Nutrition Center, Self-Image Services, Arts & Crafts Workshops, and Counseling Services. When I saw the Pink House for the first time, they were in the midst of the renovation that had been donated by J.E. Dunn Construction. They had done a magnificent job renovating this beautiful historic home, but had no funds to furnish the interior. We held a ladies only “Pink Party” in November to raise money for the interior. The generosity of the Charlotte community was incredible. In one evening, we raised enough to furnish the first floor of the house. From there, we approached several vendors and workrooms to see if they would donate their time and talent to help with the cause. Thanks to the donations of the design community, we were able to complete the entire house which opened its doors in May of the this year. We held another “Pink Party” this spring to celebrate the opening and raise funds to help CBF hire an executive director. We were completely humbled by everyone’s kindness and generosity. Not a single person we asked declined to help.
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| Painting donated by Kate Long Stevenson |
We approached Kate Long Stevenson to see if she would be willing to do a painting in memory of a friend she had lost to breast cancer. Kate created the most beautiful abstract work and dedicated it to “memory of my extraordinary friend, Neil Maddux Miller. May her vibrancy, grace, and incredible resilience continue to inspire us all. “ The painting resides above the mantel that is now the focal point of the living room where Carolina Breast Friends will hold their monthly meetings. Neil’s law firm donated her office furniture for use in the Executive Office which was designed by local designer Lee Cooney. To see more of Kate’s work go to www.studiokate.net.
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| Upholstery donated by Design Services, Inc. Discounted fabrics provided by Cowtan and Tout, Schumacher, Lee Jofa, Kravet and Karen Saks. |
Mike and Sabrina Polly of Design Services of Charlotte agreed to donate all of the labor for re-upholstery. We found several pieces at local flea markets and tag sales (such as the Mint to be Yours Tag Sale last fall). I had worked with Mike for years, but did not know that his wife was also a breast cancer survivor. It was incredible to see how his workshop turned other people’s cast off furniture into beautiful pieces for the Pink House.
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| Drapery donated by Custom Window Treatments New upholstery from Charles Stewart through Darnell and Company |
Sharon Coppede of Custom Window Treatments is a breast cancer survivor herself. She agreed to donate all of the labor, lining, and inner lining for all of the window treatments in the house. The ladies that work in her design studio all donated their time to make the beautiful drapery in the above image. Sharon has joined Carolina Breast Friends and has started mentoring ladies who have recently been diagnosed.
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| Lampshades donated by Lux Lampshades Accessories donated by Circa Interiors and Antiques |
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| Needlepoint Rug donated by Stark Carpet Blinds through Fine Designs, Inc. |
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| Orchids donated by Pamela Lovett |
For more information on the Pink House and Carolina Breast Friends, please go to www.carolinabreastfriends.org.