Dayka Robinson
In just three short years, Dayka Robinson has made a name for herself in interior design. In 2009, the Spelman grad started a blog. A year later, she launched a design business. In May, Robinson, 35, was named one of the “15 under age 40” tastemakers shaping Atlanta’s arts and design scene by Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles.
Background: Grew up in California and moved to Atlanta to attend Spelman College. After graduation, worked for Kroger's corporate side for a few years before realizing interior design was my calling. I live in Stone Mountain.
Decorating style: Modern traditional. I veer toward traditional furnishings that have been updated with modern colors and bright patterns.
Family inspiration: My grandmother's love for thrifting
Best thing about my job: Being able to design a life by designing a room. I believe the spaces we live in are tied to how we feel about ourselves.
Favorite home design accessories: Textiles and custom drapery. I also love a good lamp!
Cheap trick: Lining IKEA curtains to give them a custom look that's budget-friendly.
Quick and easy ways to transform a room: Paint, pillows and fresh flowers. Nothing can beat a $40 can of paint and new throw pillows (with down inserts) to revive old furniture. Fresh flowers are an inexpensive way to brighten any space.
Design pet peeves: Polyfill throw pillows and novelty bedding for kids.
Favorite rooms to design: Any room. But I have a special love for powder rooms, dining rooms and master bedrooms. These are spaces where clients tend to be open to pushing the limit and stepping outside of their comfort zone with their selections.
Hardest space to design: Ill-shaped rooms. But I love a design challenge.
Most common design mistake homeowners make: Neglecting to measure new pieces or establish a furniture plan prior to purchasing new furniture.
Favorite design stores and showrooms: Robert Allen, Duralee, Kravet and Schumacher are my "never fail" fabric showrooms at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC). Martin Nash, Blue Ocean Traders, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, Jackson Charles Home & Steve McKenzie's.
Places for great (and unexpected) finds: Estate sales, thrift stores and resale shops. Favorite Atlanta-area haunts include: Goodwill (especially OTP stores), Scarlett Loves Rhettro, Highland Row Antiques and the Atlanta Step-Up Society.
Favorite design website: Domaine Home, a new décor site
Interior design heroes: David Hicks, Sarah Richardson and Celerie Kemble
Current design obsession: White epoxy floors
I collect: Vintage chairs and beautiful fabrics. I can't pass up a one-of-a kind chair.
Dream space or product to design: A small, boutique hotel or a bed & breakfast. I also would love to design my own line of bedding.
Household items I am fussy about: Good sheets and new bed pillows
Favorite household products: Caldrea products in Ginger Pomelo
Giving back: In 2010, co-founded Room Service Atlanta (RSA). The non-profit asks local designers to share their talents to create comfortable, relaxing and inspiring interiors for homeless families in area shelters.
Coming soon: A paper line of custom, inspirational wall prints
Next project: DaykaTV, a Web-based design series starting this fall
Find Dayka:
web: www.daykarobinsondesigns.com
blog: www.daykarobinsondesignsblog.com
Twitter: @daykarobinson
Facebook: daykarobinsondesigns
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