Atlanta designer Kerry Howard is well known for creating clean, transitionally styled spaces. In addition to his design projects this year, Howard will serve as president of the Georgia chapter of American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).
Background: Grew up in Liberty, a small town near Greenville, South Carolina, and graduated with B.A. degree in art with a concentration in interior design from Anderson University (S.C.). After graduation, worked in the furniture industry designing furniture showrooms before moving to Atlanta in 2003.
His company: Atlanta-based KMH Interiors is a full-service, turn-key interior design firm, founded in 2003. KMH (Kerry Michael Howard) are his initials.
Lucky break: Auditioned for "Top Design" on Bravo. "Though my time on the show was short lived, the TV exposure helped save my business during a fallen economy," he said.
My design style: Very transitional, which I define as a mixture of old and new, and a clean aesthetic that borders on modern. But still embrace my Southern and traditional roots.
Seen in and on: Elle Decor, Traditional Home, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Modern Luxury, Interiors magazines; and ASID's InDesign magazine. Also HGTV and Bravo.
Claim to fame: Serving as president of ASID's Georgia chapter. Also winning numerous ASID awards for residential interiors. Being nominated for South East designer of the year by Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) and Veranda Magazine two years in a row.
Best way to transform a room: Lighting. Beautiful lighting can make or break a room.
Favorite or inexpensive design tricks: Using a wall covering on a ceiling in a foyer, powder bath, or coffered ceiling. It visually brings the eye up, and it helps accent the architectural elements within a space.
Design pet peeve: Using different colors throughout a home. It breaks up the flow within the space. One of my signature design trademarks is to paint the entire home the same color, and use pops of color
Over-rated design trend: Chevron. I see it everywhere. It's time to stop the madness!
Design (new or re-emerging) trends you like: Brushed brass, not be confused with polished brass. It will be hard for most people to embrace this after they have emptied their homes of all their polished brass fixtures.
Design trends you are glad to see go: Reclaimed furniture knockoffs. I would much rather see clients purchase antiques or repurposed pieces of furniture.
Most unusual request I've received: Asked to meet a client at a construction site to talk about the new space before the foundation was poured.
Favorite space to design: A dining room. It is where a family comes together to share their day. It is a special room that requires comfort, beauty and room to grow.
Hardest space: Designing spaces in high-rises can be challenging. There tends to be a lot of wasted space in condos. But my challenge is to make that space work for the client.
Unexpected finds: Scott Antiques Market and the Westside Market
Favorite design sources:
Atlanta-area showrooms & stores:
ADAC: Robert Allen; Schumacher; Duralee.
AmericasMart: CODARUS; Currey and Company; and Regina Andrews
BJORK Studio
Kai Lin Art
R Hughes
Stanton Home Furnishings
Steve McKenzie’s
Magazines: Veranda; Lonny; Architectural Digest; House Beautiful; Traditional Home; The Atlantan; and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles
Books:
“Billy Baldwin: The Great American Decorator” by Adam Lewis
“Modern Glamour: The Art of Unexpected Style” by Kelly Wearstler
“The Things that Matter” by Nate Berkus
Designers: Kelly Wearstler, Jamie Drake and Nate Berkus
Blogs/websites:
southernhospitalityblog.com
thehighboy.com
blog.stevenmckenzies.com
kandrac-kole.com
I collect: Old vintage scarfs. I like to transform them into pillows for me and my clients.
In my home I'd like to have: I live in a condo, but dream of having a home with a potting shed or greenhouse.
Favorite household possessions: Three window-size mirrors. The gothic-style frames came from an old church in North Carolina. I had mirrors installed in the frames.
Most recent project: A bungalow, which faces Piedmont Park, on 10th Street.
Up next: Will design a couple of spaces on the 15th floor of the AmericasMart in downtown Atlanta. One space will be a design think tank, where designers can meet with clients and research vendors before shopping the mart. It also will have seminar space for events.
Find Kerry Howard at:
Instagram: KMHINTERIORS
Website: www.KMHInteriors.net
Pinterest: KMHINTERIORS
Facebook: KMH INTERIORS
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