Invitingly modern
Jonathon Quinn combines smart manufacturing and reclaimed materials in his modern and midcentury furniture designs.
The company: Decatur-based South of Urban, founded in 2012, designs and makes sustainable modern furniture ranging from credenzas and conference tables to sofas and custom work.
Designer/founder: Quinn grew up in Miami and graduated with a design degree from the University of Florida in 2002 and studied at the Vicenza Institute of Architecture (Vicenza, Italy). He then moved to Atlanta in 2005 and received an additional degree in architecture from Kennesaw State University in 2009.
What's popular: Credenzas and media consoles. Also custom record cabinets ($1,800 to $3,500) and the Z Lounger chair ($950).
Other favorites: Sofas ($2,500 and up); dining tables and conference tables ($3,000 and up).
Claim to fame: Recently collaborated on a wooden sculpture for the Venice Biennale in Italy.
What's new: Producing an outdoor chair and a line of outdoor furniture made from recycled plastic.
Where to buy: www.southofurban.com . For a studio visit, by appointment only, call 404-805-5307. Also visit the shop's Etsy site: South of Urban.
Natural instincts
In the ninth grade, Terry Furuta started working in a florist shop and discovered her love of flowers and plants. Today, the award-winning orchid designer is well known in the Atlanta area for her real and faux arrangements.
The company: Atlanta-based Terry Furuta Designs started in 2010. The shop offers both cut and potted (and fragrant) orchid arrangements, faux orchid (permanent botanical) arrangements and terrariums.
The founder/designer: Furuta grew up in Thomasville and attended the University of Georgia. She has a master's certificate in Ikebana from the Ikenobo school, based in Kyoto, Japan.
What's popular: Orchid arrangements using exotic as well as Phalaenopsis orchids (the most commonly grown orchid) in white and other colors for homes, offices, restaurants and client gifts ($65 and up). Also terrariums ($65 and up).
Other favorites: Faux orchid and succulent arrangements ($75 and up) and aeriums ($25 to $65).
Fun (or unusual) requests: Private terrarium parties. Also asked to give an orchid program (called Orchids and Guns) for guests at the annual dove shoot at Georgia's Whitehall Plantation.
Get schooled: Furuta offers classes in Ikebana, terrariums, air plants, and orchids and seasonal flower arrangements.
Claim to fame: Consecutive awards and trophies at the Orchid Society Show (2014, 2015 and 2016) hosted at the Atlanta Botanical Garden and at the Southeastern Flower Show.
What's new: Handcrafted moss paintings.
Where to buy: Terry Furuta Designs, 2970 Peachtree Road N.W., Suite 160, in Atlanta ( www.terryfurutadesigns.com ). Also at Atlanta Made, 1187 Howell Mill Road N.W. ( atlantamade.us ).
High design
After living and designing abroad for 10 years, Julianne Taylor returned to South Carolina inspired and ready to launch her luxury home decor brand: Taylor Burke Home.
The company: Based in Charleston, Taylor Burke Home started in 2012. The company produces design-driven furniture and lighting products, mainly in North Carolina, and other Southeastern states.
The founder/designer: Taylor grew up in Columbia, S.C., and graduated from the University of Georgia with an interior design degree. She then earned a master's degree in human resources from the University of South Carolina. When her husband was relocated overseas, Taylor designed home interiors in Australia, Spain, China and South Korea. After 10 years, Taylor and her family returned to South Carolina.
The main goods: Upholstered chairs and sofas, and pendant lighting. Many of the products have brass accents and fretwork detailing.
What's popular: The Hollings Chair ($3,325) and the 20-inch Don't Fret Pendant ($1,875).
What's new: The Don't Fret and You're Riveting ottomans, which feature a metal base and an upholstered top ($995 to $2,449).
Fun requests: Made a super-chic small bench with a Mongolian sheep skin, provided by a customer. Also, approached by Kendra Scott to make furniture for some of her new jewelry stores.
Where to buy: www.taylorburkehome.com
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