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…
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!
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.
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!
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.
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 |
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 |
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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.