For more than 25 years, Atlanta-based B.D. Jeffries has been a go-to source for a mix of high-end home goods and gifts.
Owners: Brad and Debbie Weitz, who met at UGA, opened B.D. Jeffries in Atlanta in 1992. They opened a second store in Charlotte, North Carolina, in 1998.
The store: The lifestyle and home décor store started out offering fine alligator and crocodile accessories, but soon grew into a multifaceted source for custom furniture, art, antiques and handmade crafts from around the world.
In-house designer: Atlanta native Kati Hardwick earned a degree in residential design at the Art Institute of Atlanta. In 2013, she joined the Atlanta store, which offers in-home design consultations for any size project.
The main goods: Transitional and modern home furnishings; handsome upholstery; French and Belgian antiques; and accessories, such as vintage Moroccan rugs and custom lighting.
Other favorites: Artisan jewelry, such as Vintage La Rose ($300-$3,000) and original artwork ($1,500-$8,000) from regional artists, including Carrie Penley, Jane Ingols, Susanne Carmack, Amy Gordon and Natalie George.
Popular gifts: Longchamp bags ($50-$145) and luggage ($300-$800); first-rate selection of frames ($40-$300); William Yeoward crystal ($150-$800). For men, Peter Millar apparel ($45-$1,000).
Favorites
- Blogs or websites: Hunted Interior; Elle Décor; Domino; Houzz; Amber Interiors; and Elizabeth Heier.
- Instagram: Cloth & Kind; Ashley Stark Kenner; Christiane Lemieux; House and Garden UK's instagram stories. Also local designers including Suzanne Kasler, Beth Webb, Barbara Westbrook, Shayelyn Woodbery and Amy Morris.
- Atlanta-area home/design stores (other than our own): Dixon Rye, South of Market and Swoox.
- Places for unexpected finds: Roman and Williams Guild in New York.
Biggest design mistake I have made: Did not catch a typo on the length of a custom bench for a client. It was made almost twice the size that we needed. We put it in the store, and (thankfully) it sold the next day.
… and mistake homeowners make: Using under or oversized furniture. Also hanging artwork at the wrong height, usually too high.
Current design obsession(s): Wall coverings on accent walls. Also ceilings and closets.
New (or re-emerging) designs I like: The Wabi-Sabi, the Japanese philosophy of embracing imperfection.
Design looks I am glad to see go: Barn doors.
Most unusual request: A custom-built cabinet in the client's house for the dogs' toys.
Latest project: A new-built family home off Northside Drive. The media/game room was so large, the cabinetry and case goods were custom made to fit the room's scale.
Up next: Master bath and closet in the 2018 Southeastern Designer Showhouse in Atlanta.
Find BD Jeffries at:
• Website: bdjeffries.com
• Instagram: @bdjeffriesatl
• Facebook: BD Jeffries
Southeastern Designer Showhouse & Gardens
10 a.m.-4 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 1-4 p.m. Sundays. April 19-May 13. $30-$35.
2805 Normandy Drive, Atlanta. southeasternshowhouse.com
