Atlanta interior designer Niki Papadopoulos did not like math as a child. But she does like problem-solving. And to her, that is what interior design is all about.
Background: From San Jose, Calif., but moved to Atlanta in 2002 when I got engaged to my husband, who owns Athens Pizza in Decatur. I attended American InterContinental University (when it was in Buckhead) and started at Laslie-Williams Inc. in 2004 as an intern – and never left. I followed Mark when he opened Mark Williams Design Associates in 2008.
My design style: I like an eclectic and collected feel for my own home. But for clients, it is about creating an environment that is comfortable for them.
Household object (or issue) I am fussy about: Pillows. I'm constantly straightening up our pillows and chopping them.
Where you've seen my work: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Holiday House 2014; Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Serenbe Showhouse 2014; and the magazine's December 2014 issue.
Claim to fame: Named one of Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles 10 Under 40 in 2010, but many people know me because of my last name. It's not one you easily forget, and I'm related to every other Papadopoulos in Atlanta.
Best way to quickly refresh a room: Wallpaper and lighting
Design pet peeve: Drapery hung too low
Over-rated design trend: Anything rustic.
Design trends I like: The resurgence of brass and gold tones.
Design trends I am glad to see go: Chevron, Ikat and damask. Done and done!
Fun or unusual space I have designed: Just completed a project in Highlands, N.C., for some repeat clients. It's a typical cabin, but we executed the interiors in a very modern aesthetic with lots of color.
Challenges I face as a designer. Getting clients to realize that it is not about individual items in the design but the composition of the space as a whole.
Favorite design sources:
Atlanta-area showrooms:
- At Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC): Jim Thompson; R Hughes Atelier; Baker; Moattar Ltd.; Martin Nash; and Paul Plus.
- At AmericasMart: Codarus; Blue Ocean Traders; Calvin Klein; J Douglas; Europe to You; Global Views; and Phillips Collection.
Books: Two current favorites are “Art of the House: Reflections on Design” by Bobby McAlpine and Susan Ferrier. Also, “Aero” by Thomas O’ Brien.
Unexpected finds: Accessories at Noah J. & Co and Lush Life in on East Andrews in Buckhead. Highland Row Antiques in Poncey-Highland has great mid-century modern items, and Sarah Cyrus Home in West Midtown has an eclectic collection of items on consignment.
I collect: Art when I travel — not expensive pieces but pieces that will remind me of the adventure. When I traveled to Germany with Hansgrohe, I purchased a small figure sketch. It is only 6 inches by 6 inches, but it's one of my favorites.
Favorite household possessions: Books! I love design and art books. My husband favors cookbooks.
Space I would like to design: A restaurant (since my husband is in the restaurant industry).
Most recent project: Seventh Midtown, luxury residences and penthouses at the corner of 7th Street and Peachtree Road. We designed all of the public spaces as well as unit plans, finishes and fixtures.
Up next: Working on the interior design of One Museum Place as well as the Swann Ridge Townhome project at Serenbe. Also our new office space at ADAC.
Find Niki at:
- Instagram: nikipapadopoulos
- website: www.markwilliams-design.com
- pinterest: http://www.pinterest.com/np6703/
- facebook:
About the Author
