Photo by Kay Gaensler
Atlanta is well-represented by the symbol of the phoenix. Like the mythological bird, it rose from the ashes of a widespread 1864 fire that destroyed the city—including all of its antebellum structures. Atlanta not only rebuilt itself, but thrived to become a metropolis of rich character, artistic lineage and notable post-modern architecture. Known as one of America’s greenest locales, thanks to the shady oak trees and prominent parks, Atlanta is a beautiful and economically viable place to live.
Professional interior designers contribute to Atlanta’s legacy of rebirth by reimagining and re-envisioning spaces and homes. Within the design community, several stand out from the crowd, and we have gathered these major players here for you. These 15 interior designers, listed in random order, are at the top of their field. Not only do they provide design solutions for the office and home, but they benefit their community with their hard work, preserving Atlanta’s inheritance as a city that embraces change and progress.
Rachel Greathouse
Because of her belief that personality can be showcased through good design, Rachel works closely with her clients to create inspiring and functional spaces. Her approach to design is fun and friendly. In keeping with Atlanta’s postmodern style, she loves to re-purpose unique pieces, as well as combine old with new for a fresh look. Rachel has been featured in HGTV magazine and on TLC’s “Four Houses” TV show.
Joann Kandrac & Kelly Kole
Principal designers Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole founded the nationally recognized firm Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs. Renowned for their signature use of color and innovative custom creations, their designs have been represented in The New York Times, House Beautiful and Southern Lady Magazine. The successful team has an eye for fine details, plus a reputation for honesty and approachability. Not only are Joann and Kelly popular bloggers who benefit the city of Atlanta, their impact spreads throughout the U.S. and Guatemala with their charity work.
Laura Bloom
A current resident of Alpharetta, GA, Laura‘s 25 years of coast-to-coast experience ranges from her start as an Interior Design student in California to work as a Project Designer and Project Manager at top architecture firms in both New York and Atlanta. Her business, Home Expressions Interiors, has served Atlanta for the past nine years. Laura understands all phases of design work and that good design should accommodate the relaxed lifestyles of today’s modern families.
Simone Alisa
Simone‘s design philosophy is that less is more, and she strives for an elegant and timeless composition while capturing her client’s essential qualities. From commercial to residential, contemporary to traditional, Simone has Been There Done That—making it the perfect name for her design firm. Her work has been highlighted in Better Homes & Gardens and Vibe Magazine, among others. Simone helps out her Atlanta community by leading a quarterly design class for the Atlanta public library system.
Meriwether McAdams
With over 30 years of experience in interior design, Meriwether has developed a deep intuition about people, and seeks first to understand her client’s spirit before designing a space that best fits them. A graduate of the University of Georgia, she founded Meriweather Design Group, and her work now extends beyond the greater Atlanta area. Known for her classic and uncluttered design, Meriweather works in both residential and commercial atmospheres.
Michael Habachy
After 20 years in the business, Michael has developed his own signature style, which can be found anywhere from fashionable restaurants to glamorous homes in the Atlanta area. His knowledge of the craft includes the creation of custom furniture, ensuring a perfect fit and exact embodiment of his client’s vision. Featured in Veranda Magazine and on TBS’ “Movie and a Makeover,” Michael also recently created a vignette for The Museum of Design Atlanta.
John Ishmael
With over 20 years of interior design experience, John now owns and manages the Atlanta shop for Nandina Home & Design. Their company motto, “Real Life, Real Style,” takes into consideration the kids, dogs, and parties that come with everyday living—without sacrificing glamour and style. John is qualified to assist clients with all aspects of the design process, from space planning to more simple decisions, like paint and fabric.
Stephen Wayne Pararo
With a degree in Interior Design from Florida State University and one in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology, Stephen is savvy to both the art and science behind these two fields. He founded Pineapple House Interior Design in 1981, and since then has won multiple awards and been showcased everywhere from college textbooks to MTV and the Discovery Channel. His community involvement includes work with Childkind and the Missionaries of Charity.
Katina Benenate
Shortly after graduating from Georgia State University in 2005, Katina completed her first enterprise for a clothing store. A year later, she launched Benenate Designs with a strong focus on hospitality and healthcare. An entrepreneur who enjoys a challenge, Katina has worked on such major projects as Google Headquarters, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, and the Atlanta Hartsfield International Airport, to name a few. Known for her luxurious textures and bold patterns, Katina has also gained the respect of residential clients.
Rachel Oliver
A graduate of Auburn University, Rachel studied art and design in Italy. Conscientious of how a budget determines each project, she saves money (and the environment) by repurposing furniture and fixtures. Her interiors are comfortably chic, a balance of style and livability. Thanks to her background in art, detailed drawings and hand-drawn illustrations help bring her visions to life.
Bette Raburn
After graduating from American Intercontinental University with honors, Bette honed her skills at one of Atlanta’s premier kitchen and bath design firms. Through her business background with Avery Dennison, she was able to live abroad and travel extensively, giving her design vision an international influence. Bette is the owner of The Works, a single stop place for home renovation, and current president for the ASID Atlanta chapter.
Marni Ratner
After years of working for several respected architectural and interior design firms, Marni founded Studio M Interiors with the belief that a small shop would allow her to provide the highest level of personalized service and attention to clients. She concentrates on creating simple but memorable spaces for commercial and multi-family interior design, as well as residences.
Carl Mattison
A highly creative individual, Carl has been a calligrapher since the age of 10. He is a self-described color freak, and in addition to interior design, is also a practiced art director and graphic designer. His company, Carl Mattison Design, provides almost any design-related service you can think of—from interior design and renovations to graphic design, advertising, and photography.
Ann Wisniewski
After graduating from Brenau University in 1998, Ann and her architect husband John established AJW Designs, Inc. Ann seeks to create one-of-a-kind spaces inspired by the personal style of her clients, providing an elegant but casual feel. Her work has been highlighted in Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles and Atlanta Magazine, among other publications. The former President of the Georgia Chapter of the American Society of Interior Designers, Ann has earned the respect and confidence of her peers and clients.
Donna McAlear
With a PhD in cultural studies, a master’s degree in contemporary fine arts, and a bachelor’s degree in fine arts and art history, Donna’s approach to design is both strategic and cutting edge. Her background as a museum curator and international travels have provided her with a highly developed aesthetic that is the mainstay to her firm, New Mood Design. Donna’s passion for remodeling has been featured in TRENDS magazine and Atlanta Home Improvement.
Don’t forget to cast your vote at the end to determine Atlanta’s best interior designer. It’s easy. Make your choice below.
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