Whether you are looking for something modern, traditional or a mix of both, Atlanta’s Kolo Collection can help turn your outdoor space into a comfy, high-style retreat.
The owners: Michelle Larrabee-Martin and Greg Martin. Greg grew up in Kansas and earned a finance degree from Kansas State and a law degree from the University of Kansas. He moved to Atlanta in 1999 for a job. Michelle is originally from Columbia, South Carolina, and graduated from the Art Institute of Atlanta. After college, she worked at the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC) for more than 15 years. Greg and Michelle met on a blind date in 2000, married in 2001 and opened their store in 2003.
The showrooms: Kolo Collection, a locally owned premium outdoor furniture showroom, opened in 2003 in Atlanta's Westside design district. In 2015, the company opened its second showroom in the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC).
The goods: Key brands include Brown Jordan, Summer Classics and Lloyd Flanders. One of the store's top but lesser-known brands is Jensen Leisure, known for its Ipe wood. Another line that is doing well this year is Seaside Casual, a 100-year-old-plus company that now produces beautiful and durable all-weather furniture, made from recycled materials.
Known for: Vast options of materials, price points and styles. Also designer services, including in-home consultation and space planning, no matter the size of the project.
What's popular: Outdoor furniture, including Adirondack chairs, made from recycled milk jugs and water bottles.
Other favorites: Consoles, used as a bar or for food, in the outdoor dining/grilling area.
Favorite new accessory: The sleek, rechargeable LED Balad Lamp from Fermob.
Claim to fame: Kolo was featured on CNN International's Passion to Portfolio in January 2017. The show aired worldwide.
Favorites
Blogs or websites: Style Blueprint; Travel + Leisure. For keeping up with Atlanta: Curbed Atlanta and What Now Atlanta.
Instagram @: barbarawestbrookinteriors; Lordaecksargent; and chateaugudanes (watching the restoration).
Atlanta area home/design stores (other than our own): Our Westside neighbors, Bungalow Classic and Verde Home.
Places for unique (& unexpected) finds in Atlanta: Architectural Accents.
Design pet peeves: Beautiful homes with amazing landscapes, designer interior furnishings but with outdoor furniture that looks like it was bought as an afterthought at a big-box store.
Where to splurge in outdoor spaces: On deep-seating furniture, including sofas, sectionals and lounge chairs with cushions.
… and where to save: On seating for kids. For outdoor dining, we love benches for kids.
Current design obsession: Ipe wood furniture.
New outdoor designs/colors we like: The rich new blues.
… and outdoor designs we are glad to see go: Old, rotten Adirondack chairs sitting on the front porches.
Unusual request: Outdoor furniture in a completely exposed space that would not get hot in the sun.
Latest project: New pool furniture at Atlantic Station.
Find Kolo at:
- Website: www.kolocollection.com
- Facebook: Kolo Collection
- Instagram: @kolocollection
About the Author
