Photograph by Caroline C. Kilgore
A Georgia native, Wheeler founded J. Wheeler Designs in 2012 after a decade of experience in residential interiors. His classic-meets-contemporary style has been injected into small and large scale spaces throughout Atlanta and the Southeast. He believes the home should be a “haven and the primary centerpiece for life’s moments.” His work has been featured in national shelter magazines such as Elle Décor, House Beautiful, Real Simple, and Rue.
“There are two places in the world that I love: Paris and Harbour Island. My family started going to that spot in the Bahamas several years ago. It’s a magical and nostalgic place for me. I love visiting in the early spring, when the doldrums have set in here in Atlanta. These items have a sophisticated, beachy vibe that remind me of that special place.”
Photograph by Gary Moran
The base looks like a fishing basket. Vestal Table with smoke glass, round, John Lyle, johnlyledesign.com
Photograph by Caroline C. Kilgore
The peacock feather’s vibrant blues reflect the blues of the water. “Plumas” and Ombre Tassel Fringe, both by Osborne & Little, Ainsworth-Noah, ainsworth-noah.com
Photograph by Caroline C. Kilgore
Keiko Coghlin’s ceramics have a texture like coral. Matilda Morgan Ceramics, matildamorganceramics.com
Photograph courtesy of Phillip Jeffries
To me, this wallcovering exactly reflects the colors of the island. The blush tones look like the island’s pink sand. “Beyond,” Phillip Jeffries, phillipjeffries.com
Photograph by Caroline C. Kilgore
Family heirloom turquoise pawn jewelry from the 1950s.
Photograph by Caroline C. Kilgore
These are bits of Harbour Island coral I’ve collected over the years.
Photograph courtesy of Fuse Lighting
This sconce hangs like fishing line. Geneva sconce in polished nickel, Fuse Lighting, fuselighting.com
Photograph by Caroline C. Kilgore
At the island, I often carry a pair of opera glasses for scanning the horizon.
Photograph courtesy of Stone Yard
This pendant looks like a buoy. Vidra Pendant Light, Stone Yard, stoneyardinc.com
Photograph by Caroline C. Kilgore
“Joli” bouclé in teal, Holland & Sherry, R Hughes, r-hughes.com
This article originally appeared in our Spring 2017 issue of Atlanta Magazine’s HOME.
