Janice Palmer may be genetically predisposed to her line of work. She grew up in a creative family, and at an early age, realized her love of fashion and furnishings. Today Palmer is the owner of Atlanta-based Palmer Design Group, which specializes in luxury interior design.
Background: Born in Jamaica and moved to the United States in my teens. Lived in New York and California, where I graduated from the Interior Designers Institute in Newport Beach. After graduation, I worked for commercial and hospitality design firms in California on model and high-end homes, club houses and active senior living communities. In early 2000, moved to Georgia and worked for a small company on model homes, high-rise condos and apartments.
My company: In 2005, started Atlanta-based Palmer Design Group.
Why I am a designer: I feel it is in my DNA. I come from a family of creatives, including architects, artists and a seamstress. My dad loves building and designing things. My mother loves furniture and entertaining. I realized at an early age that I loved fashion and furnishings. What sealed the deal was a visit to a Kips Bay (NY) decorator show house many years ago. I knew then this was my calling.
My design style: Classic contemporary. I love whites and creams and crisp and clean, with pops of rich colors.
As seen in: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles magazine, American Craft Council magazine; Atlanta Magazine; Luxe Interior Design magazine; Christmas at Callanwolde in 2013; Frontgate on houzz.com; and the "Guest Retreat Terrace" at the 2014 Atlanta Symphony Decorators' Show House & Gardens at Palazzo Rosa. Palmer's outside oasis, with its pops of orange, was voted "most loved" by show-goers.
Big honor: Being asked to be a designer in the Atlanta Symphony Decorators' Show House in 2011.
Cheap design trick: Metallic spray paint on outdated metal furniture or accessories; dimmers in living and dining room; and a live plant from Costco.
Design looks you are glad to see go: Chintz
New or re-emerging trends or looks you like: Mixing and matching metals. Now called "metal mashups."
Design pet peeve or overrated look: Boho Chic. Everyone wants the Restoration Hardware look even if it is not their true style.
Words of wisdom: Although this is your passion, remember that it is your career, and it is a business. (from my parents and ex-boss)
Biggest mistakes I have ever made: Listening and hiring the wrong people on the business end of things. Also, ordering the wrong-sized wing chairs with a very expensive, custom fabric.
Favorite rooms to design: Master bedrooms and guest bedrooms. They are some of the most overlooked rooms because most people's friends don't see them. They are the last rooms to be done – if ever.
Fun or unusual space I have designed: The "Young Lady's Room" in the 2011 Atlanta Symphony Decorators' Show house. I put a life-size mannequin draped in silk in the bedroom to show her love for fashion and cello to show her love of music.
Challenges you face as a designer: A client's outside influences, including the Internet, family and friends. Most people think they know what they like so they can do their own homes.
Common mistake homeowners make: Calling a designer after they have made some expensive mistakes.
Favorites:
Stores: The Mercantile; 14th Street Antique Markets; Kings Home Furnishings; and Mathews Furniture Galleries.
Showrooms: At the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center (ADAC): Ernest Gaspard; Travis & Co.; Fabricut; Donghia; and Baker. At the Atlanta Mart: Trowbridge (art) and Global Views
Unexpected finds: HomeGoods, Antiques & Beyond and estate sales
Magazines: Architectural Digest, Elle Decor UK, and the Robb Report
Blogs/websites: Material Girls and The Peak of Chic blogs. Website: Kara Mann Design.
Designers: Chad James and Amanda Nisbet
What I collect: Murano glass vases, china — and coffee table-style fashion and interior design books.
Favorite household product: Mrs. Meyer's laundry and cleaning products. My favorite scent is Lemon Verbena.
Favorite space at home: The downstairs guest suite in my Buckhead townhouse. It feels like a hotel. There is a cozy club chair in a corner where I read magazines or just sit — and pray or meditate.
Dream project: Luxury villas in a secluded and unexpected area of an island in the Caribbean.
Latest project: A vacation home in Atlanta for an international client.
Find Janice:
www.palmerdesignllc.com
Instagram: Palmerdesigngroup_Atlanta
Facebook: palmerdesignllc
Pinterest: palmerdesign group
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