Keisha Noel: A Mother’s Inspiration

A Tribute to Mothers on Mother’s Day

About a year ago, a gorgeous client, whose jewelry we had admired ever since she had started coming to the store, told us she was actually the jewelry designer, and asked us if we would like to carry her designs at Huff Harrington Home. Would we like to? Of course! But first we needed to know more about her jewels and about the stylish woman who designed them. As we peppered her with questions, the story that unfolded from Keisha Noel was a beautiful homage to her mother, Dr. Patricia Carter, the inspiration behind her jewels. What a perfect tribute to Mother’s Day! We hope you enjoy Keisha Noel’s story:

 

 Keisha Noel

“I attribute my love of jewelry and fashion to my mother! As a little girl I loved watching her get dressed for the many functions my parents attended. She was so fashionable and never too shy to try a new trend. She pushed the fashion envelope and was always successful in her choices. Her daring spirit in fashion also held true to her taste in jewelry.

 Keisha and her mother, Dr. Patricia Carter

“I think my love of jewelry is in my DNA!  As a child I spent countless weekends attending jewelry auctions or antiques shows with my mother in her quest to find unique pieces of jewelry.  She made sure each collector told us how the stone was mined and where it was mined.  On our ride back home we talked about what stones I had learned about and what countries I learned about that day.  When I got home I would research the stones and countries in my encyclopedia.   She made every outing educational.

“My mother wasn’t partial to any type of jewelry.  She loved genuine, costume, rings, earring, broaches, necklaces you name it she wanted it!   She has over 1000 pieces of jewelry and can tell a story about many of the pieces.    I recently asked her why she was still purchasing jewelry and her answer was “people always get rid of their clothing but jewelry never gets old.  Each piece has a story.

 Keisha and her always stylish and elegant mother, even on an outing to the grocery store.

“At the auctions, I recall looking through glass cases full of incredible baubles in hopes that one day my mom would let me select a piece. It took time but that day happened! While many children saved their birthday money for pizza or movies I saved my money to purchase jewelry. Needless to say, I purchased less expensive pieces, but with every piece, I put my spin on it! Broaches became pendants and pendants became earrings.

“The first piece of jewelry I purchased was a 3 CT amethyst ring. In my mind I was Elizabeth Taylor (who was a jewelry goddess to me). I was so proud of that ring, I wore it all the time but the nuns at my Catholic School didn’t love my new ring and mentioned that it might get in the way during handwriting class and asked that I leave it at home. I was crushed that I couldn’t wear my ring to school anymore so I saved my money and made the ring into a pendant. Quick thinking for a 3rd grader.”

Keisha with her own daughter: I think my daughter who is two years old has been bitten by the bug; when she sees a pretty necklace, she says “woo wow”!

Fast forward to many years later, following college, living in Barcelona, a pre law program marriage, and the birth of twins, KZ Noel Jewelry designs was born in a pearl market in Shanghai China.

“I accompanied my husband and father on a business trip to Shanghai a few years ago.  I had always dreamed of going to a pearl market, and it exceeded my expectations.  Not only were there loose pearls but jade and lots of it!  I was in heaven!  The first day at the market I was overwhelmed and spent about 3 hours just looking around; the second day I was ready to design necklaces for my friends and family in the States.   While I was checking out to leave the market, three ladies from London asked me what store I had found the beautiful necklaces I was holding. They were shocked to hear that I had designed them.  I spent the next 2 hours designing necklaces for them, and KZ Noel was born that day!  My first collection was called ‘Out of Asia’!”

 

One of the many pieces inspired by Keisha’s “Out of Asia” collection: Jade and fresh water pearls with a diamond accent.

 Quartz earrings with diamond posts uncut from jaipur

Three strand black lava necklace with fresh water pearls

Keisha Noel turquoise and pyrite necklace with a crystal from a chandelier

Druzy on a pyrite chain with a hand carved bone skull and a crystal from an antique chandelier

Keisha, a vision in her own jewelry, with her husband Daniel

The next generation: perfectly adorable!

“My mother never realized that the many trips to auctions and antique stores would help frame my life as a jewelry designer. I am ever so thankful for all of the important life lessons she has taught me! I don’t think that she ever thought on our many outings that I was actually watching, listening and learning.

 

Keisha’s beautiful Mom, today

“My mother is such a gift! Not only did she give me life but she helped give life to KZ Noel! What joy I have to spot a KZ Noel piece in her jewelry box amongst her other beautiful baubles….truly full circle!”

To Keisha, and to her lovely mother, and to all the mothers whose dreams and passions are the inspiration for their children, we salute you, admire you and wish you the happiest Mother’s Day!

Ta ta,

HH

Design Dossier: Atlanta Designer Alison Womack Jowers Works Her Magic

We were delighted when we recently got a chance to sit down with one of our favorite Atlanta designers, Alison Womack Jowers.  We’ve known Alison and her design partner (and mom), Cheryl Womack, for years and adore them as savvy design professionals and all around lovely and charming gals.  In fact, Alison and Cheryl came on our inaugaral trip to Provence back in 2009 and what a great time we had.

Alison Womack Jowers, one of Atlanta’s top designers.

Back here in Atlanta, Alison’s been a busy little bee and we’ve loved feasting our eyes on her collaborations.

HH: We had so much fun researching  your work in preparation for this piece and one thing really stood out: you seem to love to incorporate an element of surprise in your rooms – like strong shots of color or one really clean modern piece in a room of quiet antiques.  What’s your thinking behind this?

Alison goes all out with chartreuse. Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles. 

AWJ: I’m constantly analyzing the scale and style of furniture, fabric color and pattern placement and then refining these elements again and again until I’m at peace with a room (but trying to make it all look easy breezy!)

HH:  You know we adore art and it’s part of our DNA.  We see lots of abstract art in your work. Is that a hard sell with some of your clients or do may embrace and love it? Do you pick the art for them?

A jewel of a  Melissa Payne Baker  painting sits perfectly in this charming vignette. (Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.)

Alison loves abstract art and we adore the way she lets it play off traditional pieces.

AWJ: I am very drawn to abstract art.  I don’t feel it’s a hard sell but a natural complement to our designs.  We are in awe and thankful to so many artists.  It’s so exciting when we find the perfect painting that our clients love – and we love too!

HH:  Even though your rooms seem so pretty and polished, they also feel very comfortable and welcoming.  So, are you more a “live-in” person than a “look-at” person?

 Warm, welcoming and inviting spaces are one of Alison’s trademarks.  A little Lyliane Coiffard landscape hangs on the wall.

AWJ: Being from the South, I strongly feel a room should “welcome” you in.  Creating a room where comfort, elegance and livability blend together seamlessly is paramount.

Come on in:  we love the play of pattern here – and of course the punchy red rainboots. (Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles)

HH: What’s it like working with your mother?  Do you squabble or work beautifully as a team?  What do each one of you bring to the table?

AWJ: I adore this question!  Working with Mom has been the most rewarding work experience I could ever imagine.  I look up to and respect her as a mother, person and interior designer.  The knowledge and resources she continues to provide is invaluable.  I’ve always felt free to ask her any question, big or small.  Of course there are times when things get tense but this usually passes quickly. We work across the room from one another, have dinner together and travel together (for education, work and pleasure.)

The designing duo were featured in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles a while ago.

Mom has allowed me to take design risks that I may not have done working for or with someone else.  It’s a luxury to spend time working and playing with your best friend.

HH: We notice you like to participate in designer show houses that benefit a good cause.   Tell us about some of your favorite show house rooms.

AWJ: Mom and I are always proud and honored to participate in a show house benefiting a good cause.  We have great admiration for the hard working committee members who tirelessly spend all year making each and every last detail come together.

One of our very favorite shots of Alison’s work. This one is from the Atlanta Symphony Show house at the St. Regis. (Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles)

I have to say my very favorite was the Atlanta Symphony Decorators Show house held at the St. Regis here in Buckhead.  We had the master bedroom and we wanted sophistication with an edge.

The most gorgeous master bedroom.

The inspiration was based on the beautiful light coming into the room.  We began with a soft, restful color palette of silvery grays and white and accents of vibrant yellows with hints of blue.  The end result was bold and muted, modern and classic.

To die for.

HH: Sounds like a perfect harmony of opposites attracting – and we think you nailed it!  And here’s another question: what design elements can’t you live without?

AWJ: Transitional style has taken the spotlight – and I think it’s fabulous!  Incorporating a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces, finishes, materials and fabric into a clean, minimalist color palette creates a smart and sophisticated room.

 

We love this pretty space that’s all about being light and gracious.  (Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles) 

I love making a bold statement on the walls with few carefully chosen modern paintings and then pulling a color from the art to repeat with fresh cut flowers in a glass vase or throw pillows.  I also like to carefully plan and place accessories to pull a room together – and I try never to forget that less is more when it comes to accents.

Pure Alison Womack Jowers in an Atlanta Symphony Decorators Show House:  a glorious mix texture, punches of color and abstract art. Love this. (Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles)

HH: What trends are you keeping an eye on?

AWJ: I’m always on the lookout for one-of-a-kind-pieces that put a unique, refreshing twist to my design.  It’s the curiosities that make a house a home and engage your guests.

 Delicate wallpaper makes a major statement in this dining room. (Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles)

I’m also keeping an eye on softer tones of black and white that take the edge of the contrast; gorgeous electric blues like azure, beryl, teal, cobalt and sapphire and light, fresh and honey-toned woods.

Alison likes Bonnie Beauchamp Cooke‘s Femme en Teal. So do we.

(HH: oh we totally agree…loving peacock blue right now.)

HH: Your client has a tight budget.  Do you advise them to purchase art, furniture or flooring?

AWJ:  That’s a tough question because everyone begins a project from a different place.  99 percent of budgets don’t allow you to buy everything at once so I like to begin with an overall design plan for each room.  This can be broken down into phases 1,2 or 3 based on budget or priority.  One benefit is that you can “live and learn” what you ultimately want out of a room.  And you’re going to end up with a richly layered, well-traveled room versus a store-bought, all-at-one-time look.

It’s all about the details that make up the rich and layered look that Alison loves. (Atlanta Homes and  Lifestyles)

HH: And we can’t resist asking what’s your favorite paint color these days?

AWJ:  Sherwin Williams Alabaster SW7008.  White walls give a clean, bright contemporary appearance to a room.  To avoid a look that is too sterile, steer towards a soft shade of white with a hint of rose or magnolia.

 Sherwin Williams Alabaster White. The perfect white.

HH: Name three things you like to work into a room.  

AWJ: A touch of black and at least one fine antique or an unusual accessory.

A fine antique married to modern. A match made in heaven. (Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles)

HH:  Alison, we’re just in awe of your lovely, elegant and light touch.  Thanks so much for your time and sharing your clever and sophisticated insights with us.

And, as we say around here:  ta ta…

p.s. If you’re in town, don’t miss the 2014 Atlanta Symphony Decorators Show House.  We were lucky enough to have a sneak peek and it’s wonderful.

French inspired interiors: Designer Pamela Pierce

For years, I’ve been hooked on the evolution of Pamela Pierce’s wonderful French inspired interior designs.  And yesterday, I received my first issue of Milieu magazine and was so excited! After writing a blog about Milieu a few weeks ago, I decided to subscribe personally and now I know that a new friend will arrive periodically in my mail box and put a smile on my face every time.

I’ve been thinking a lot about Milieu and the fabulous designer at its helm, because as I was researching the Milieu blog, I discovered that so many of the  ideas in my idea book (we all have idea books, right?) were Pamela Pierce designs.   I’ve been a fan of Pamela Pierce’s since I first spotted that iconic Houston house, decorated so beautifully for Christmas, in a 2003 issue of Southern Accents Magazine. Do you remember it?  I devoured every page and those little sheep have been imbedded in my memory forever!

The Houston house that got me hooked on Pamela Pierce designs.

I loved the Anduze jar at the top of the stairs, which started a whole other passion.

And the Biot jar in this alcove was the beginning of a long love affair.

I remember thinking how gorgeous it was that they photographed this veranda when it was wet. And more Anduzes to whet the appetite.

This is still one of my favorite shots and one that I would happily replicate on any table today.

And what could be nicer than two biot jars greeting you at the front door?

I’ve since learned, of course, that this was Pamela Pierce’s beautiful home in Houston that she has been meticulously updating over the years. Unknowingly, I have watched the evolution of her style and realized that at every turn, I love it even more than the last one. And although she has evolved the look of her house, I would still happily use some of her signature older pieces today, because her style is classic, universal and always appealing.

Pam Pierce’s signature iconic checks that sent the design world spinning for checks. I still love them!

The oversized linen slipcovers that I copied for every club chair in my house (and still use!).

Pamela Pierce’s old living room was featured in Veranda magazine many years ago.

My idea book was brimming with pictures from Pamela Pierce’s next Veranda feature (with gorgeous photos by Peter Vitale), when the designer gave up the over-sized slip covers for a more tailored look.

The next update, featured in Veranda Magazine a few years ago, showed that her signature white has never changed, as well as her passion for the Biot jars.

Possibly my all time favorite shot, from wonderful photographer Peter Vitale, that captures what we at Huff Harrington love best: the marriage of old and new, in a stylishly elegant vignette.

And another favorite Biot jar, carrying roses.

We can see the evolution from lush to simplicity in this beautiful bedroom. My idea book had these silk taffeta curtains earmarked in this beautiful pinkish lavender color.

But I also just love the crispness of the tailored look, without the curtains.

Fast forward a few more years to Veranda’s most recent coverage of Pam Pierce’s home (photographed by Laura Resen) and what do we have? A whole new chapter in my idea book, about paring everything down to its simplest element, and mixing gorgeous textures, shapes and eclectic “objets” to bring together a cleaner, crisper, leaner look without all the layering that we previously saw.

Love the Frank Gehry chair mixed in with some of the classic pieces. Always white!

And love the Eames chair, a stylish and comfy nod to mid century modern.

Tailored slip covered chairs and a scoop neck floor lamp to replace what might have been a chandelier (hmm … not sure how I feel about that!).

Possibly the most interesting evolution, I think, has been to watch Pam Pierce’s subtle changes in her kitchen.  And I kid you not, each one of these made it into my idea book!  I finally looked at them all one day and realized that they were the same kitchen!

The older version, such a classy marriage between West Texas and Southern France!

I’m so glad the bull’s head got to stay, but bye bye to the lantern and a new French style baker’s rack table replaced the butcher block.

And now the latest: A sleek modern Parsons table has replaced the  ornate versions of the past.

I’m so excited that by discovering Milieu magazine, I managed to uncover all the links in my idea book to one very talented and inspiration designer out of Texas, Pamela Pierce. What do we owe her for the most? Possibly our love of Biot and Anduze jars, that she so beautifully uses in all of her interiors, to this day. Last week, we had a fabulous shoot at Huff Harrington Home. I don’t want to spoil the surprises from our talented photographer, Mali Azima. But here’s a little sneak preview of what she shot in a corner of our store.

 

Pamela Pierce, I think you would approve!

Ta ta …

HH

PS We read every bit of mail we get:  Tell us about your idea books! We’d love to hear from you!