October 20, 2009

The Perfect “Pieces”

Since this month is occupied by my ”favorites” on my blog, let me introduce you to Pieces. If you are a designer, homeowner , stylist or lover of vintage items with a sophisticated and modern twist, then Pieces in Atlanta is a must see. Lee Kleinhelter, an interior designer, opened Pieces in the Buckhead district in 2004 as a way to offer clean lined furnishings with a twist. With a desire to inspire, Lee also has an amazing talent to bring vintage items back to life. Her love of interesting and one-of-a kind pieces that she meticulously rejuvenates and pairs with other pieces in her store, turns what she does into a work of art. Below she talks about being inspired by fashion and architecture, how to mix pieces together and her number one rule of design. For more info you must check out their website which is pure eye candy for the designers soul. www.piecesinc.com

What or who inspires you?

I’m inspired by architecture, geometric patterns, color, fashion, magazines, everything……

As an interior designer, what’s your favorite room to design?

My favorite room to design always depends on the situation & project. Normally, my most favorite are the rooms you, originally, think are going to be the most difficult then you push the envelope to try something really different and it all just comes together. That’s the most fun! The obvious rooms to design aren’t always the most interesting to tackle.

Your store carries a combination of eclectic, modern, vintage, and quirky pieces. What do you think is the trick to combining all these different styles in one’s home?

The key is to mix items and keep it interesting with unexpected elements. The ‘less is more’ approach. This will keep the eye moving and makes the space interesting by using different design elements. An example is….rustic natural wood pieces mixed with clean modern lined upholstery and well edited accessories.

What was the vision behind your store?

Offering unique pieces and mixing them in a way that is unexpected that inspires the regular consumer, the stylist and the designer.

Do you have a best seller? Or what’s your favorite piece?

I’m in love with the vintage mirrored pieces. They add so much character to a space.

Do you work with local artists and designers?

Yes, we work with all types in the industry – designers, stylists, architects – working on all different types of projects. We truly enjoying working with everyone, not just those in the industry. We have such a broad range of customers.

Events at your store? Classes?

We occasionally will have events at the store. Our most favorite was a Domino magazine launch party. We loved Domino & wish they were still in distribution. We hosted a party for Tara Guerard of Soiree by Tara Guerard, who was doing of book signing of her book “Southern Weddings.”