What a trip! It's going to take a few posts to share all of the fun we had in Atlanta. Although I didn't believe it was possible, the second day of our trip was just as fabulous as our first.
In the morning we braved the icy roads. Thank goodness Steve is from Maryland. Our car would surely have been spinning out of control if I was behind the wheel! Fortunately we made it to our first destination: Mrs. Howard and Max and Company, the two gorgeous stores owned by Phoebe Howard. A trip to Mrs. Howard always puts me in a design tailspin. The attention to every minute detail in each room is astounding.
This dining room is just beautiful and is one of my favorite rooms in Mrs. Howard, . Love the grey blues, the antique Swedish piece against the wall. Suzanne Kasler's Amsterdam Side Chairs upholstered in a neutral raffia fabric are perfection.
I'd love to hang this simple chandelier in my living room.
During my last visit to Mrs. Howard I noticed that Phoebe had several pieces whose finish had been stripped. The pieces were then bleached, giving them a wonderful patina. This time I was still drawn to pieces with that finish, like this charming desk and mirror...
Steve and I both spotted this side table.
I loved the contrast of the more refined details with the rustic finish.
Phoebe Howard has filled both stores with wonderful accessories. I spotted these beautiful marble urns on the way out. Great shapes and color.
Seeing the third floor at Max and Company is always worth the climb up the stairs. The ceiling is my favorite detail.
The oval shape of this zinc table gives it a more feminine quality than the regular rectangular shape of most industrial tables.
The nail pattern was reminiscent of a decorative motif that you would find on a more traditional table.
The colors in this room are swoon worthy. Pale lavender has been a favorite of mine since my Mom let me paint my entire room that color when I was 16. Of course I wasn't quite as sophisticated as Phoebe who paired it with the palest of blue and peach. Yum!
There is something so beautiful and calming about the symmetry of this room.
There is beauty in every corner. I love the cabinet detailing throughout both of the stores.
Copying is a form of flattery, right? I need to use that brass picture rail detail for a client.
It gives the room some sparkle and an added level of detail that Phoebe Howard is known for.
Nobody makes a prettier bed than Phoebe Howard. I wanted to hop right in!
The best part of our visit? Chatting with Phoebe Howard herself! I always enjoy Phoebe's sense of humor, and honesty.
Phoebe Howard, Angela from Washington (right) and me.
Our next stop was Suzanne Kasler's office, conveniently located just above Mrs. Howard. Although her office wasn't large, the natural light streaming in from all of the windows and the open floor plan made her office seem quite spacious. Of course it was very well organized, and her design staff was just lovely. Suzanne was getting ready to have the office photographed for a magazine, so sorry no pictures allowed.
After showing us around her office, she gave us a tour of her new home!!!! Again, it's going to be photographed for a magazine soon, so unfortunately you'll have to wait. Believe me it's worth it! It is obvious that Suzanne put a lot of thought into every detail. It was so much fun hearing her talk about her design process while we walked through her home. I also enjoyed seeing the eclectic mix of gorgeous antiques she has collected, many of which were the inspiration for her line of furniture.
It was really hard to leave Suzanne's home, but she had to go back to work. So Steve and I went off to explore more of Atlanta. Come back and find out what we discovered!
xo
Brooke
