Loren Taylor creates classic interiors that have been called well-edited and engaging.
Designer & background: Taylor graduated from Southern Polytechnic State University and studied interior design at Brenau University. Taylor is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers and the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art. Taylor lives in Newnan, where she also teaches Zumba and barre classes.
The company: Loren Taylor Interior Design was formerly Anna Abrams Design, named for her maternal grandmother. In 2015, Taylor changed the name of the boutique design firm, which focuses on high-end residential projects from concept to implementation, often including custom furniture design.
Early influence: At age of 5, she visited the Newnan-Coweta Carnegie Library, which offered an Egyptian architecture, art, and history display.
Big break: In 2007, asked to design the guest retreat in the Atlanta Alliance Theatre's Christmas House.
Where you have seen my work: Atlanta Alliance Theatre's Christmas House 2007 and 2008; Christmas at Callanwolde 2011, 2012 and 2013; Atlanta Symphony Show House 2013, 2014 and 2015; American Craft Council's "Make Room" exhibit in 2014. Publications include Atlanta Magazine Home 2016 and Traditional Home 2014 and 2015.
Design pet peeve: When a client opts to design a theater room or man-cave before addressing the main floor.
Design obsession: Paying homage to the architectural intent of a space.
New (or re-emerging) looks I like: Decorative lighting fixtures; Brisby or inverted pinch pleat panel curtains; original artwork; and antiqued mirrors.
… and looks I am glad to see go: Travertine; wall-to-wall carpet; and Ikat fabric on everything.
Most unusual request: To install a set of French doors in tiny living room that did not open to the outdoors or look out to a space where the outdoors could not be seen.
Biggest design mistake I have made: Trying to appease a client's atrocious wall color selection, which she had painted prior to hiring me. The color on the entire main floor was the antithesis of what she wanted to convey when you entered her home.
… and mistake homeowners make: Buying online. You can't gauge the scale or quality of what you are getting from a picture on your computer.
Favorite design tricks: Covering most upholstery in a room with the same color fabric, but in different textured fabrics.
Biggest designer challenges: Getting clients to hire us during the design phase so that we can work with the architect or builder before key decisions have been made than affect the desired results.
Favorites
- Atlanta-area home/design stores: Foxgloves Antiques; William Word Fine Antiques; Bjork Studio; Dixon Rye; The Gables Antiques; Moattar, Ltd., Travis & Company (ADAC) and Grizzel & Mann at Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC).
- Blogs/websites: 1st dibs; Peak of Chic; Cote de Texas; Eddie Ross; Habitually Chic; Nicole Gibbons Style; and Mark D. Sikes.
- Instagram: Darryl Carter; Bunny Williams; Kelly Wearstler; Elaine Griffin; Mary McDonald; Richard Sharpiro; Grank K. Gibson; and Madcap Cottage;
- Magazines: Traditional Home; Veranda, Milieu, Elle Décor, Architectural Digest, Luxe Magazine, Interior Design Mag, House and Garden UK, Garden and Gun, Southern Living, Atlanta Magazine Home, Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles, and Interiors Atlanta.
- Places for unusual (or great) finds) in Atlanta: Pieces; Stanton Home; B.D. Jeffries; Erika Reade Ltd.; Atlanta Made; Steve McKenzie's; Huff Harrington Home; Design Within Reach; Greenhouse Mercantile (Newnan); and Boxwoods Gardens & Gifts
About me
Favorite pieces in my house: Michael Berman Ltd. "Regency console;" Hickory Chair "Eton sofas" in my keeping room; Kathryn McCoy Design amethyst geode lamp and centerpiece bowl; Slip-covered outdoor sectional from Chip Cheatham's former store Pierce Martin store at ADAC west; and Mattaliano "Frank #5" slipper chair.
Household issues I am particular about: Laundry. I generously bathe many loads with Clorox bleach and Borax, then crisply fold.
What I collect or can't stop buying: China, crystal, fabric, and wrapping paper. One of my favorite china patterns is my mother's formal wedding china called "Solitaire" by Lenox.
Dream project: Design the interiors of a J. Neel Reid or Philip Trammel Shutze home.
Find Loren Taylor at:
- Website: lorentaylorinteriordesign.com
- Instagram: lorenaudreytaylor
- Pinterest: lorenaudreytaylor
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