Text and Photography by Erika Ward
May 8th concluded the Atlanta Symphony Associates’ 41st Annual Decorators’ Show House and Gardens. Each year, the creme de la creme of the Atlanta design community create gorgeous spaces to inspire visitors and to raise funds for the Education and Community Engagement Initiatives of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra. This year was especially significant to me because it was the first time a Black interior designer was showcased as a lead designer. Before the final curtain call I was fortunate enough to interview the designer everyone was buzzing about, Janice Palmer of Y Design International.
Her assignment, The Young Lady’s Room, was one of the most talked about spaces on this year’s tour and for good reason. Palmer’s design cleverly encompassed multicultural influences mixed with the love of travel, fashion, and music.
“The inspiration behind this design is a a fictitious 20-year old renaissance woman named Malina. She is a music student at Juilliard,” as Palmer tells the story. “….And her love for fashion is a close second to her passion for the cello. If she [Malina] could have a dual career it would be as a top notch cellist who designs one-of-a-kind clothing with the flair of Marc Jacobs and Rachel Roy combined.”
As I toured the room, I noted the subtle Middle Eastern influence as seen in the shape of the custom headboard designed by Palmer’s assistant, Manisha Kulkarni, as well as the room’s color palette.
As opposed to referring to the rich shades as colors, Palmer thinks of them as spices. A warm blend of vibrant fabrics draw their hues from spices such as saffron, marigold, cinnamon, white pepper, lemon peel, lime peel, red wine and dark cacao. “I decided to build on a neutral foundation to allow the plush fabrics and spices to really pop,” Palmer explains. “Simultaneously, the backdrop [Benjamin Moore's AF-155 Weimaraner] creates a soothing, airy atmosphere. Take a look around. In this room alone there are a total of 6 windows where we see the sky and treetops. It’s like a bedroom in a treehouse.”
Murano glass fixtures, like this elegant waterfall Sillicate Chandelier by Baker Furniture,were a common thread throughout the show house.
This wingchair upholstered in Casamance fine fabrics, headboard, pouf, and bench are all custom pieces available through Y Design International.
The oversized octagonal mirror and handsome walnut Skate server by Baker Furniture balance out the femininity of the space and keeps it from feeling too girly.
My love affair with the Young Lady’s Bedroom continued into the en suite bathroom.
May 12, 2011 at 12:58 pm
What a gorgeous room!! I'm sad that I wasn't able to see it in person, but so proud to see a brown face in the group!!
Hope you're having a good week Erika! Xoxo
May 12, 2011 at 1:48 pm
Wow, the bedroom and ensuite are beautiful! Love all the fabulous colours and textures. The orange chair with the nailhead trim is probably my favourite piece, and I love the bench at the foot of the bed too. And the fabrics used for the cushions are fabulous!
The embellishments on the curtains are beautiful, especially the crystals.
Thanks for the introduction to Janice Palmer – I'm definitely going to be checking out more of her work
May 12, 2011 at 2:22 pm
The room is absolutely gorgeous! I will definitely be keeping my eye on Janice. She is such an inspiration to young black designers waiting for the chance to shine!
May 12, 2011 at 2:33 pm
I adore this room and bathroom. One of the best I've seen in a while. You're pictures are beautiful as well.
I did a post about the room and you today. I hope you can stop by and read it. Your post was very inspiring!
http://imperfectnest.com/elegance-meets-beautiful-color/
May 12, 2011 at 3:09 pm
How glam! I love the colors.
May 17, 2011 at 4:31 pm
This space is GORGEOUS! I am in love with that headboard…and that bathroom…and that desk chair…and the chandelier…everything is perfect. What a beautiful room!
May 17, 2011 at 10:15 pm
Thanks for showcasing Ms. Palmer. This is a beautiful space. Because of the variety of textures which keep your eyes moving from one surface to the next, there's so much to take in. I'd never get bored with this room. And that chandelier is something else. I haven't seen anything like it before – gorgeous!
~ Monique
May 18, 2011 at 1:10 am
Oh wow! I love those photos of the bedroom and bathroom. That rug in the bath is amazing! Thanks for sharing.
May 18, 2011 at 9:24 am
Oh yea. I can certainly see why ATL is buzzing with her!
I am off to get lost in her portfolio.
Thanks so much for sharing her with us.
Rashon aka Mr. Goodwill Hunting
May 20, 2011 at 12:06 am
Thats a great looking room! Fab!
May 21, 2011 at 3:09 am
The Young Lady’s room is a successful mix of color and patterns featuring an upbeat palette of yellow, green and grey furniture and accessories set off by a cool neutral wall color. Janice did a fantastic job by adding in fabrics of different textures (silk, linen, suede and cotton) and by pairing a mix of patterns with bold, playful Juju hats. Her advice for those who love color but find it hard to commit? "…build on a neutral foundation to allow the plush fabrics and spices to really pop”. That way, you can change the feel of your room without a huge financial commitment. Lastly, I love the elegant combination of fabrics used on the pillows. Outstanding job!
May 22, 2011 at 12:48 pm
Thanks for sharing her beautiful work and introducing me to yet another designer of colour!
anishka
September 21, 2011 at 9:36 pm
What is the colour on the walls?
September 21, 2011 at 9:55 pm
Hello Anonymous: the color is Benjamin Moore's AF-155 Weimaraner. It's mentioned in the article.
Thanks for stopping by!
November 9, 2011 at 12:30 pm
This is long overdue, she had done some amazing works over the past years!! BEAUTIFUL WORK!!