Photograph by Raftermen
Kerry Howard often hits this Peachtree Road area at both the start and the end of his design projects. The stretch of Buckhead from Peachtree Hills Avenue to West Paces Ferry may be best known for its high-end fashion boutiques, but there are also many great home stores, from longstanding favorites like Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts and Pieces to budget finds like Nadeau. We asked Howard to show us some of his most frequent haunts.
“I’ll begin my inspiration at Peachtree Battle Antiques, and later I’ll go to Gramercy or Jonathan Adler for the finishing touches,” he says. Retail options along the corridor are especially handy for last-minute details during installations. “I’ve been known to pull up to the curb,” he says with a laugh.
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams
“If Gramercy Fine Linens is the dessert, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams is the meat,” says Howard. “They carry pieces that make a statement and fill the room. Everything is big and bold, and I believe that you should go big or go home.” Since the furniture is made in North Carolina, many products can be delivered in just a few weeks. Howard also loves that MGBW supports local causes like Dwell with Dignity and Serenbe’s artists-in-residence. 3081 Peachtree Road
Peachtree Battle Antiques & Interiors
“I’m not really an antiques person, but here I can find one-of-a-kind pieces that add personality,” says Howard. With its tall metal windows and 100-year-old brick walls, the building itself exudes ambience. Vendors offer an exceptionally wide selection, from period to vintage pieces. Adding an acrylic base or high-gloss paint can transform dated accessories, notes Howard. 2395 Peachtree Road
Gramercy Fine Linens & Furnishings
Linens can be one of the last pieces of the design puzzle. “It’s the easy-hard part,” says Howard. That’s when he relies on trusted sources to deliver on short notice. He says Gramercy always has a lovely selection of decorative pillows, and he’ll use a few even if he has to economize on other linens. The store also consistently stocks the sorts of understated, rich textures and patterns that Howard favors. 2351 Peachtree Road
Jonathan Adler
Back in 2008, Adler was a judge when Howard competed on Bravo’s Top Design—and Howard became a fan favorite known as “Big Daddy.” Adler is known for his cheeky accessories, which add a touch of humor or glamour to a room, says the Atlanta designer. “I like to see that layer of fun,” he adds. “It reflects my personality, and I think it’s nice for a designer to leave a little bit of themselves in a client’s home.” 3065 Peachtree Road
Circa Lighting
Often Howard designs a room from the top down, starting with light fixtures. “Lighting sets the tone for an entire room,” he says. “You can really create a special space with lighting.” Circa’s quality, variety, and customer service make it one of his go-to sources, whether he’s choosing a sexy beaded glass fixture for a bedroom or a sleek outdoor lantern. 3078 Roswell Road
This article originally appeared in our Summer 2016 issue of Atlanta Magazine’s HOME.
