Blog– Page 8– Coley Home

Featured Stories

Designer Spotlight

Coley Home Spotlight: Huff Harrington Design

Meet the creatives behind Huff Harrington Design! Recently featured in The Atlanta Home For The Holidays Show House, we adore their fresh yet traditional spaces. They masterfully blend the old with the new and we love following along to see what they're designing next. Read on to see how they styled their Coley Home piece in the show house. Tell us about yourselves & how you got to where you are today! Trudy was born and raised in Piqua, Ohio, though people are often surprised I’m not a born and bred Southern belle. I currently lead Huff Harrington Design as Lead Designer, where I bring a refined design sensibility, thoughtful approach, and a little optimism to every project. Before fully stepping into interiors, I honed my spacial design skills through l leadership roles with brands including Gap, Spanx, and Serena & Lily. Frequent trips to France – where I assist with international design projects and installations – have shaped my signature approach: blending old and new with a playful, unexpected twist. Outside the office, you’ll often find me strolling Chastain Park with my handsome Lab, Beau, or enjoying a lively dinner out with my husband, glass of bubbly in hand. Emma Caroline Lee has spent years with Huff Harrington honing her eye through countless design projects. Prior to that she tackled the world of luxury PR launching fine art, fashion and hospitality brands in Atlanta. While her heart lies with traditional themes she loves to create a mix and to elevate designs through fabrics and custom pieces, building a story around our clients’ existing furnishings. Her love of classic and traditional design is a perfect complement to the Huff Harrington mix of antique and modern. When she’s not designing, you can find her spending time with her adorable young family or traveling. One of the most meaningful parts of our work is connecting with clients. We take the time to really listen, understand their stories and the pieces they love, and translate their vision into spaces that feel personal, sophisticated, and always chic. You recently selected 2 Twin Claremont Beds - Charles with a fabulous brushed fringe. Walk us through the design process! One of the elements that grounded the design of the room from the very beginning was a fabulous imported antique settee we found in the South of France. Its sassy curves immediately set the tone, so it was important for us to find bed frames that echoed that curvy softness – the Charles did just that. As with any successful space, the devil is in the details. We had the most fun marrying the bed frames and settee through coordinating fabrics - ultimately choosing a stripe for the beds to bring in a tailored note. To soften the structured stripe - and of course adding a touch of unexpectedness - we finished the headboards with a brushed fringe trim from Samuel & Sons. Layered against the Farrow & Ball high-gloss walls, the subtle movement and texture was the perfect final touch, elevating the beds while tying the entire room together beautifully. The Claremont bed - Charles How would you describe your style? Classic at its core, with a deep reverence for both contemporary and antique influences. You have a design branch in both Atlanta and Paris. Do you often try to incorporate European influences throughout your design projects in the US? It truly works both ways – we’re constantly inspired by both sides of the pond. That said, there’s something especially compelling about incorporating a piece of French history into our state-side projects. A beautiful European antique has an effortless way of adding depth, soul and a bit of “crunch” when layered into a modern or traditional home. We always aim for a home that feels classic and lived-in. If you had to pick one, what is your favorite project to date? That’s a difficult question, as each project is deeply personal to each client. Knowing their story, understanding the heirlooms they cherish, and creating designs that reflect their lives make every project meaningful in its own way. What aspect of Parisian lifestyle do you adopt in your everyday life? I’ve always admired the ease of the French lifestyle – lingering over meals, choosing quality over quantity, and treating everyday rituals as small indulgences. And of course, there’s the skincare… a daily reminder that a good cream can, in fact, solve almost everything! What’s a wallpaper or fabric you are dying to use in a project? Tough question because there are so many that are on our radar but I recently stumbled across the most adorable wallpaper by Jordan Connelly that would be the perfect addition to a family vacation home. Favorite coffee table book? Well, at the moment , we are gushing over the most recent Atlanta Homes & Lifestyle magazine because Huff Harrington Design made the cover! What is your most requested design feature? ‘The Mix’ of new & old The mix – layering new with old to create spaces that feel collected, not decorated. It’s about balancing contemporary pieces with character-rich antiques to achieve spaces that are timeless, personal, and truly lived-in.

Coley Home Spotlight: Huff Harrington Design

Spotted

Spotted In The Happy Home by Ariel Okin

We’re excited to celebrate the release of Ariel Okin’s new book, The Happy Home: Layered Interiors for Joyful Living! Her mastery of color and patterns is on display all throughout the book and we are honored to be included! Explore the Coley Home pieces featured in the book and get inspired to create your own! Featured in Nomad, Snow, the Dressmaker Nash Swivel is the perfect addition to this cozy primary bedroom corner alongside the Upholstered Bennett Sofa! Photographer: Read McKendree | Styling: Studio Nectar Ariel brings a touch of tranquility to another primary bedroom through the Laney Slipper Chair in Ringo, Bay! Photographer: Donna Dotan | Stylist: Anthony Amiano

Spotted In The Happy Home by Ariel Okin

Designer Spotlight

Coley Home Spotlight: Megan Molten

Meet Megan! Based in Charleston, SC, she's the Founder and Chief Creative Director of Megan Molten Design + Shop. With her signature mix of modern flair and Southern charm, Megan creates bright, welcoming spaces that feel like home. We’re obsessed with her eye for detail and love how she brought her Coley Home favorites to life in her serene, family-friendly living room. Tell us about yourself and your journey to a successful interior design business and storefront! I studied business and marketing in school and, right out of college, landed a great job in medical sales. I spent 12 years in that industry, which gave me the opportunity to purchase my first home on my own. When I started designing and decorating my home, I shared the process on social media, and to my surprise, people loved it! I never realized I had a distinct style until I started receiving such a positive response. Around that time—when I was 31 or 32—many of my friends were also buying their first homes and asking for my help. We were all working with tight budgets, but I documented every project, sharing before-and-afters on social media. Again, people really responded to my aesthetic, and that’s when it started to click for me—I truly loved design. I never imagined it would become my career, but as I started taking on paid clients in addition to my full-time job, I realized: Wait, this is what I love. My corporate job? Not so much. I was lucky to be in the right place at the right time. Charleston was booming, especially during COVID, and people were moving here in droves. I was able to establish a strong brand and a signature design aesthetic, which has been key to our success. It’s authentic to who I am and what we do, and I think people are drawn to that. Today, we have a luxury interior design business serving Charleston and beyond, as well as a retail store—both a brick-and-mortar location and an online shop. We’ve also expanded to include a warehouse where we manage our online store and house merchandise for our design clients. And beyond that, we have licensed collections in lighting, mirrors, wallpaper, and more to come! What’s your starting point when designing a living room? Do you typically begin with furniture, color, or something else? Lately, we’ve been starting with wallpaper, paint, or a fabric print because clients are craving color more than ever. Once we establish that focal point, the rest of the room naturally falls into place. How do you find the balance between aesthetics and functionality when designing frequently used spaces like living rooms? These days, performance fabric is a must. Almost all of our clients expect it on their upholstery—it’s just become standard. The great thing about working with a designer is that we have access to an incredible variety of high-end performance fabrics that aren’t available to the average consumer. So, we can create spaces that are both beautiful and incredibly durable. Our clients have kids, grandkids, pets—they live an indoor-outdoor lifestyle, especially here in Charleston. Everything we design has to stand up to that while still looking stunning. It’s all about finding that perfect balance of style and function. What is one design element or trend you always try to incorporate into your projects, no matter the size or scope? When clients hire us, they expect creativity and personalization. It’s our job to push them beyond their comfort zone and introduce ideas they wouldn’t have considered on their own. That’s part of the value we bring! We don’t want to do what everyone else is doing—we want to create something fresh, unique, and exciting. What are your favorite areas to splurge when decorating your home, and favorite places to save? Lighting—splurge always! It’s like jewelry for your home. You want the real thing, not the knockoff. There’s a noticeable difference between good lighting and bad lighting, and if you cut corners here, it shows. For key spaces like kitchen pendants, dining room chandeliers, and powder bath sconces, invest in high-quality lighting—it makes all the difference. But in areas like guest rooms, guest baths, and kids’ rooms, you can save by opting for stylish but more affordable options, like Mitzi lighting. Another area where you should never skimp? Upholstery. Your main furniture pieces—your sofa, your chairs—these are things you use every single day. It’s like a mattress; you want it to be high quality, comfortable, and built to last. Other categories can go either way. With wallpaper, for example, you can splurge on grasscloth or save with vinyl. For rugs, wool is a luxury option, but polypropylene can be a great budget-friendly alternative. It’s all about knowing where to invest and where to cut costs. What are your go-to places for inspiration when designing new spaces? Our sample library is a huge source of inspiration. We receive so many incredible materials—wallpapers, fabrics, finishes—and we’re always waiting for the perfect project to use them in. I also love drawing inspiration from a project’s location. For example, if we’re designing a home in the Bahamas, we take in the colors of the palm leaves, the ocean, the sand, and think, Oh my gosh, this is the perfect project for that lime-green palm print wallpaper we’ve been dying to use! Color is such a huge part of our design process, especially in Charleston, but exploring other places and seeing how different environments influence color is a really fun way to get inspired. What are your favorite Coley Home pieces to incorporate in a living room? The Upholstered Bennett Sofa—hands down! We’re actually using it in a project right now with Lilly Pulitzer and Lee Jofa. It’s upholstered in the new Lilly fabric, and we added the cutest little skirt to give it a fresh, modern take on a traditional shape. It’s perfection. I also love the Loza Chair. We’ve used it in a few projects now—it’s big, cozy, and oversized but still has that modern silhouette. That’s what I love about Coley Home—they take classic shapes and reimagine them in a fresh, modern way. Plus, everything is made in North Carolina, which our clients love.

Coley Home Spotlight: Megan Molten

Coley Home Spotlight: Caroline Boykin

Meet Caroline! Based out of Raleigh, NC, Caroline creates the most incredible artwork, from intricate paintings to delicate sculptures. Read on to learn all about Caroline and how she styled her Coley Home pieces. Tell us about yourself and how you got to where you are today! Hey Coley Home! I am Caroline Reehl Boykin, a fine artist based in Raleigh, North Carolina and my work is inspired by the spirit of everyday life. For the past 15 years I have had the honor of creating artwork for clients all over the world. My paintings are filled with elements of nature, architecture, and form using many mediums. I find that unique color interactions within my paintings capture viewers and bring them into a conversation of life and movement. Through the use of porcelain, acrylic paint, and gold and silver leaf, I paint multi-dimensional works that transcend a subject and allow the viewer to decipher meaning. I have always loved to create. My childhood on the Alabama coast cultivated my enchantment with art and southern culture. Touches of this admiration for Southern hospitality and grandeur are seen today flowing through my paintings. While in college, a summer of studying figure drawing in Florence, Italy led me to the realization that being an artist was in my bones. I earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the University of Mississippi (Hotty Toddy!!) where I focused on ceramics, but I have always had a true passion for all mediums in art. Today I am blessed to have my studio right here in my home so that I can jump between businesswoman and momma easily. My husband, two girls, and bulldog, Blue, provide me with as much support as they do inspiration to my paintings! Caroline's Website How would you describe your artistic style in your own words? My work is rooted in the rituals of everyday life - morning light, the scent and shapes of flowers from our garden, my girls' infectious giggles, or an ice-cold martini my husband makes me after a long week. These moments are sacred rhythms woven into my paintings. I think my artistic style is a nice combination of Modern and Feminine. How do you approach mixing color and texture in your pieces? Color and texture are such important aspects of my work! In my Le Pointe collection, mixed color combinations are the foundation and the starting point of each painting. Once the squares of color are chosen for the painting, I then come back with more colors but in small marks to create a dance between the squares. When mixing the paint for these marks, I whip my paint to a frosting-like consistency to create little dots of texture. This mesmerizing texture creates the smallest shadows that move throughout the day as light moves across the painting. Caroline used a pair of Bongo Stools in COM (Customer's Own Material) to create the perfect accent pieces for her living room! Where do you personally look for inspiration? Everywhere! Small and simple moments inspire me most as of late. There is beauty surrounding us always, we just have to take the time to find it. This is what I want the viewer to feel when taking in my artwork. To admire the painting with an exhale and to get lost in a memory. I find myself within each scene of my Pout paintings. Do you have any tips for mixing art with furniture and decor in a room? My only tip is to purchase art that you love, and not just because it matches your couch! I find a home much more inviting and beautiful when it is filled with interesting art. What are your favorite areas to splurge when decorating your home, and favorite places to save? My favorite places to splurge and save are the same - antiques! Sometimes you find the save of the century in an antique chandelier or the biggest splurge in an antique Klimt sofa. Whether a splurge or a save, antiques are always necessary. Is there anything more fun than the thrill of the hunt? Most treasured piece in your home (besides your own art)? We have the cover of my great grandmother's bible framed and hung in our kitchen. My great grandmother Leavie, whom my oldest is named after, was born in the late 1800s and I inherited her bible which was so loved and used that it was held together by duct tape. We (very carefully!) took off the cover that is inscribed with her name and framed it in a gorgeous antique frame. It brings me so much joy to see it every day, a sweet reminder of my beloved family and what a matriarch looks like. What is your favorite spring or summer recipe? Food or cocktail! So many! We love to eat in my house! In the spring and summer, it’s anything made with in-season produce from our local Farmer's Market. We also love a skinny Piña Colada for a fun cocktail/mocktail around the pool. It's just blended coconut water, a little pineapple juice, pineapple chunks, and ice. When my girls aren't partaking, a splash of rum makes it even tastier! Thanks, Caroline!

Coley Home Spotlight: Caroline Boykin

Designer Spotlight

Coley Home Spotlight: MG Style

Meet Mary Glenn of MG Style! Based in Alabama, MG is a fabulous tastemaker and mother of the cutest little boy. We love her twist on classic style and following along to see all her great finds! Read on to learn how MG styled her Coley Home pieces. Tell us about yourselves & how you got to where you are today! Mary Glenn McElveen is a premier stylist and closet curator, transforming women’s wardrobe into an elevated extension of her identity through her styling and lifestyle brand, MG Style. After studying Fashion Merchandising and Marketing, Mary Glenn parlayed her innate sense of style and taste into positions in interior design. But through her leisure and travels, Mary Glenn realized the modern woman’s need for clear direction when shopping and with it, MG Style was born. Mary Glenn has guided this mission by offering genuine feedback and practicality to her clients, with current links and dynamic basics, while never holding back an opportunity to encourage women to stand out in a crowd. Through curating closets and striking looks for her clients, she has also found enjoyment in sharing her findings and inspiration with her loyal social media following. Most evenings, after putting her son Harlan down, she is draped in loungewear with her husband, Brooks, scouring the internet for the next beautiful find. You recently selected (4) Hastings Chairs in Mont Blanc, Ivory with Nomad, Snow Contrasting Cushions for your living room. Walk us through the design process! I’ve loved flexing my interior design muscle—especially with the help of my friend Emily Ehrhardt of Emily Ehrhardt Interiors—to turn our house into a home. I chose the Hastings Chairs for our formal living room and love the way they surround the round coffee table. I can’t wait to sip my morning coffee and enjoy quiet, peaceful moments in this space for years to come. The Hastings Chair in Mont Blanc, Ivory with a Contrast Cushion and Back Pillow in Nomad, Snow. How would you describe your style? My home decor is a true extension of my personal style. Rooted in neutral tones, elevated textures and details that add just the right amount of interest. What are your favorite styling pieces to splurge on and favorite places to save? In fashion, I love to splurge on classic pieces that can be styled multiple ways and through all seasons. My favorite splurge is a unique Chanel flat always sourced through The Coveted. In home decor, I love to splurge on antique pieces that catch my eye. What is the most requested product from your followers? This is a hard one! I get a lot of styling questions from my followers and send links to my belts and other outfit polishing pieces daily. What’s one niche holiday decoration you can’t live without? I purchase a fresh, beautiful oversized wreath every year. It’s something timeless and instantly sets the tone for the season without feeling overdone but still elevated. We have to ask! What’s currently in your bag? Oh gosh, a full mix of things! I always have sunglasses, my wallet, a lipgloss and a few extra pacifiers in my bag to get me through the day. Favorite winter/cold weather recipe (dish or cocktail, your choice!) I am not the chef in my household but my husband makes these really yummy bacon wrapped dates that are always a hit!

Coley Home Spotlight: MG Style

Spotted

French & French Interiors in Kips Bay Show House

We’re thrilled to be included in French and French Interior salon for the 2024 Kips Bay Decorator Show House Dallas! Designers Heather and Matt French always create the most beautiful spaces, so we were honored when they wanted to our furniture to bring their vision to life. Explore the pieces they used in this fabulous space, and get inspired to design your own! Read the Article Shop the Pieces: The Baxter Banquette in Vista, Cream with Vista, Bay Welt Shop Now The Gin Chair in Mohair, Slate Blue with Vista, Cream Welt and Walnut Finish Shop Now The Teeny Stool in Mohair, Slate Blue with Walnut Finish Shop Now The Bryant Sofa 2 over 2 in COM (Customer's Own Material) Shop Now The Dressmaker Sophie Dining Chair We no longer offer this style in velvet fabrics. If you would like to inquire about using velvet on this piece, please email hello@coleyhome.com. Shop Now

French & French Interiors in Kips Bay Show House

Designer Spotlight

Coley Home Spotlight: Jamie Kirkman

Meet Jamie Kirkman, founder of Jamie Kirkman Interiors! Jamie takes a pragmatic and creative approach to her designs, incorporating custom furnishings, special collections, and curated art. With over 25 years of experience, Jamie has perfected her design techniques and was recently featured in the Atlanta Home For The Holidays Show house. She featured Coley Home chairs in the dining room and we are obsessed with how they turned out! Read on to see how she styled her Coley Home pieces in the show house. Tell us about yourselves & how you got to where you are today! I've always been drawn to creating spaces that feel both beautiful and lived in, and my path into interior design began through hands-on learning and mentorship. Today, my approach is all about understanding my client and their personalities, how they move through their homes, and what matters most to them. I believe the best design reflects who you are while elevating your everyday life. I feel incredibly fortunate to do work I'm passionate about alongside clients who trust me with their most personal spaces. You recently selected (6) Evans Dining Chairs in COM with Mont Blanc, Blush Welt, and Bleached Oak Finish, as well as (2) Evans Dining Chairs in Miller, Taupe with a Mont Blanc, Blush welt, and Bleached Oak Finish for your Dining Space in the Atlanta Home for the Holidays Showhouse. Walk us through the design process! The lines of the Evans chairs were exactly what I wanted for the showhouse dining chairs. We then selected fabrics that could stand out against other beautiful features in the room while complementing the chairs' style. The geometric pattern on the COM chairs worked perfectly with the small scale of Miller Taupe, while the Blush Welt tied the chairs together to create a cohesive design. The Evans Dining Chair - COM The evans dining chair - Miller, Taupe with a Mont Blanc, Blush welt Do you have any tips for selecting the perfect COM for a space? When choosing COM fabrics, I focus on the room's function first, selecting options that are both beautiful and durable enough for daily use, helping clients find something they truly love and that suits their lifestyle. How would you describe your style? I'd describe my style as refined organic luxury. I love layering natural elements like wood, stone, and greenery with sophisticated details like brass fixtures and sculptural lighting. I aim for spaces that feel both curated and livable, while reflecting the client’s personality and lifestyle. What is the most important detail when designing a dining room? Lighting is everything. It sets the entire mood for gathering and entertaining. Beautiful ambient lighting that makes everyone look and feel their best. The table should allow for comfortable conversation with chairs that are comfortable enough that guests actually want to sit in for hours, and the overall space should encourage people to linger and feel the atmosphere. What is your favorite space that you have designed in your personal home? I love our primary bedroom. It's calming and restorative, designed as a true sanctuary with minimal furnishings and a soft, soothing palette. What are your go to places for inspiration when designing a new space? I love flipping through design books and following European interiors on Instagram for fresh perspectives. What is your favorite coffee table book? John Derian Picture Book There's something about his eye for beauty in the overlooked that really resonates with me. Thank you, Jamie!

Coley Home Spotlight: Jamie Kirkman

Designer Spotlight