What’s inspiring designer Joel Kelly right now

Glant fabric, warm metals, leather, and wood
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Joel Kelly
Photograph by Whitney Ott

“I always take my inspiration from nature, and fall is my favorite season. The horsehair wallcovering, Glant fabric, the patina of warm metals, leather, and wood—all glow richly like autumn foliage. After summer’s busy travels, now is the time to settle in at home and, of course, warm up with a fine Scotch.”

Joel KellyThis Glant pattern is timeless and lights up like fall foliage.

Joel KellyDalmata marble’s metallic flecks remind me of hunting for fool’s gold as a child.

Joel KellySandra Jordan alpaca in aubergine, R Hughes

Joel KellyCustom walnut finish from Block & Chisel

Joel KellyEames lounge chair, Design Within Reach

Joel Kelly“Tejido” by Holland & Sherry

Joel Kelly“Stingray” leather by Holly Hunt, Horsehair wallcovering by Phillip Jeffries, Antiqued Boyd Brass finish, Boyd Lighting

Joel KellyServe this in vintage Baccarat crystal.

Joel KellyI like the sculptural quality of primitive objects such as this antique Katanga copper cross currency from the Congo.

Joel KellyThe Meta credenza’s branches are symbolic of the season.

Joel KellyJennifer Jones’s paintings are often based on reflections in water.

Joel Kelly“Earth” fabric, Jim Thompson

Joel Kelly
Photograph by Harold Daniels

Joel Kelly studied at Georgia Tech and Princeton University as well as the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Immediately following school, he worked under world-renowned architect Michael Graves. Kelly founded his own design firm in 1998 and has earned top honors from the ASID Georgia Chapter, the Shutze Award, and accolades from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles. His work has been featured in national magazines such as Veranda and Traditional Home.

Resources
“Wisteria Orientale” in mahogany, Glant, Jerry Pair, ADAC. Dalmata marble, Allied Stone. “Prima Alpaca” in aubergine, Sandra Jordan, R Hughes, ADAC. “Tejido” in sterling, Holland & Sherry, R Hughes. Walnut finish, Block & Chisel. Eames lounge chair, Design Within Reach. “Stingray” leather in sea gull, Holly Hunt, Jim Thompson, ADAC. Horsehair wallcovering in Shetland, Phillip Jeffries, Jim Thompson. Antiqued Boyd Brass finish, Boyd Lighting, Jerry Pair. Meta credenza, Hudson Furniture. Jennifer Jones, Alan Avery Art Company. “Earth” fabric in copper brown, Jim Thompson.

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