The New Southern | Artist Spotlight: Chambers Austelle

The New Southern is an arena for unity and connection — a safe place to champion and support others while also cultivating curiosity and creative prosperity. When I first came across the talented Chambers Austelle's work a few years ago, I was shooting for a dear friend and client Lindsay Rhodes. There was a strong stoic woman staring at me from the wall and I was immediately captivated. Her worked stopped me in my tracks and made me think beyond the confined expression while I absorbed her vibrant playful color choices. There is meaning between this visual dichotomy and I love how Chamber's continues to explore the evolutionary role women have within our society and our role with beauty. I recently am the proud owner of almost a 6ft by 6ft piece (I am shooting this beauty soon).... I walk by her every morning when I am headed out the door and I can't help to feel liberated and a sense of connection.... a connection with Chambers's work and a connection to the strong women before us who endured so much to make our generation a more freeing and loving place. While we are all pursuing our own dreams and enduring our own hardships, I encourage us to be reminded that we have the power to leave our communities a more loving and light-filled place for the next generation of strong men and women. I am deeply grateful for Chamber's gift and I hope her work inspires you all to do beautiful and thought-provoking things this week!

I am excited to introduce to you this Charleston based contemporary artist,  Chambers Austelle, who greatly contributes curiosity and passion through her art. A highly creative child that found her calling in college...She believes in doing what makes you happy, living life in the south while using her art to question the perception of women.

As a female professional with a desire to champion other powerful women who are paving their own way, I admire that Chambers is so deeply inspired by our role in society along with a curiosity with our relationship to beauty. Featured in Charlie Magazine’s “50 Most Progressive” and a variety of national publications — her work has been exhibited on both the east and west coasts and belongs to many private collections, as well. Using saturated, vivid colors to establish a feeling that matches that of fashion photography. The bright backgrounds against white dresses, behind elegant faces are bold and thought-provoking. The colorful and enlightened artwork feels just as funky as it does nostalgic and inspirational. 

Photo: ©Lindsey Shorter Harris

Chambers Austelle is able to speak volumes through acrylic, pastels and ink. There’s so much more than meets the eye to both her pieces and what brought her to where she is today. Changing course from a psychiatrist to an artist — I was excited for the opportunity to get to know her a little bit better and share her talent with you all! Xx

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about yourself…

Chambers Austelle: I’m an artist living and working in Charleston, SC with my husband and three dogs. I’ve always been extremely creative. As a child, I could either be found up in a tree, or inside destroying my room with paint, glitter, and any other material I could find. I originally wanted to be a psychiatrist, but switched my major to studio art in college. I don’t think I was necessarily making the decision right then and there to be an artist, I just knew I didn’t want the lifestyle of a medical student. I now work from my home studio — using primarily acrylic paints, pastels, and ink. I’m slightly obsessed with travelling, French food, naps and, well obviously, dogs.

AR:  How are you modernizing / updating southern style with your art?

CA: In my work I am exploring the way in which our society views women and their relation to beauty. I place idealized women in isolated settings saturated with bright colors, challenging the viewer to confront the dichotomy between the perception of liberation and that of confinement.

Now alongside these classical portraits of women (and family members), we have these contemporary portraits of women in our homes that ignite and encourage a conversation about our roles in society and continued plights.

All Art Showcased Above is Copyrighted to ©ChambersAustelle

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with Southern style across the country?

CA: Living in Charleston, I am completely spoiled. The Dewberry is one of my favorite spots. They have this wonderful mid-century modern meets southern chic style designed so purposefully. Nothing is overdone and everything works together so well.

AR: What are your favorite hometown design interior boutiques?

CA: Fritz Porter, JLV Creative, and Workstead.

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

CA: For a cool white, Chantilly Lace by Benjamin Moore, and for a warm white, Whisper by Dunn-Edwards. For black, it’s Black Beauty by Benjamin Moore.

AR: What’s your life motto?

CA: Do what makes you happy.

AR: The key to making a house a home? 

CA: Function and personality. Your home is your space, and it should reflect you. Don’t be scared to personalize it. I’m also a huge believer in purpose. Make sure you know what the function and purpose of the space is, and then design accordingly.

AR: Life advice you’ve gotten that made all the difference both personally and professionally?

CA: Have faith in yourself. My mother always instilled the belief in me that I could do anything I wanted to. Most of the time what’s stopping you from doing something is the belief that you can’t.

AR: What’s the best piece of business advice you could provide for creative entrepreneurs starting out? 

CA: Research! Research creatives and businesses you love, read a million articles, reach out to people in your community and network. Also remember to be patient and give yourself a break!

Saturday In The Garden. ©ChambersAustelle

Purple and Red Wrap. ©ChambersAustelle

Unnamed  ©ChambersAustelle

AR: Who are some of your favorite artists/makers? What do you love about their work?

CA: Sophie Treppendahl – I love how painterly she is and how she can make any subject matter interesting.

Freckled Pottery – I have always loved pottery and her vases and mugs are just the best. They are so simply and her color choices pair perfectly with the freckled glazes.

Jane Pope Jewelry – Jane makes to most beautiful custom rings. She is definitely on the top of my wish list.

AR: What’s your advice for mixing old with new?

CA: Do it! If you’re having trouble knowing where to start, I’d suggest adding a few modern accessories, like lighting fixtures and rugs, to vintage/antique furniture.

Photo: ©GrayBenko Design: Chassity Evans of @LookLingerLove for @CoralHouseHarbourIsland

Photo: ©AlyssaRosenheck Design: Lindsay Rhodes Interiors 

AR: What’s your favorite housewarming gift?

CA: Plant, candle, or original art (or all three if I really love you).

AR: Design book you’ll always have on your shelf?

CA: New Nordic Design. My brother brought it back for me from one of his Europe trips, so it wins by sentimental default. 

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A Guide to Social Media Etiquette Part Two: Q's and A's Plus The Do’s and Don’ts

Happy Monday sweet friends!! A few weeks ago, I released my first Social Media Etiquette Blog Post about Copyright and Crediting. I received tremendous feedback along with really great questions via email and instagram DM's! This has officially kicked off a series I will be doing for all of you regarding Business & Growth for your creative and entrepreneurial endeavors. In this series, I will be providing answers to your weekly questions as it relates to best practices in the industry, social media do's and don'ts, how to's in creating an authentic and strong visual brand along with my quick photography expert tips and tricks. My ethos behind The New Southern is to bring light into your life and into your home through my collaborations while also being a resource for your own creative prosperity. This is a community where we can connect, share ideas, while focusing on living our best life with the things we have. I hope you enjoy and please feel free to use this as a resource. Let us all live from a place of love this week, further embrace our community, and be a light of support for ourselves and others. Xx

Q: How do you deal with problem clients on social media?

AR: First, at the beginning of any relationship it is important to communicate expectations of the business and social media for both parties. I walk my clients thoroughly through my contract and explain copyright, their use, and how to navigate any future third party requests. I do this in the beginning of our relationship with a few reminders here and there and most often I don’t have to say anything else and everyone shows respect. However, there are a few that will pop up later and pretend to forget all the due diligence that was dicussed. I initially am very patient and will reiterate the contract and come from a place of curiosity. I remove emotion, never assume intentional and come from a place of understanding. However, if they are a consistent repeat offender (aka: not photo crediting, giving away my digital assets to commercial brands, or using in a way that is not permissible, or plagiarizing my book - yes, this has also happened) I either get my attorney involved or communicate that “they do not have the authority, it is non-permissible use”.

I respect my clients deeply and I am a tremendous champion to those I have worked with in the past to present. There is nothing more soul crushing than to see a client’s disrespect on the back end of a contract. After, 8 years in business - I suss this out, protect my rights and do not have the energy to manage other peoples integrity. You either have a moral compass or you don’t. I have also arrived to the point in my career where I let the toxic clients go. My creativity is too important to have it drained by another human’s ego. Life is too short not to be enjoyed here while we are all doing the best we can. The ingredient is respect and we can’t move forward in any relationship without this.

Q: What do you personally do when a brand or publication uses your Copyrighted Photo without credit and you reach out but they don’t respond?

AR: Brands, commercial companies and editorial publications are receiving your images from somewhere. Identify the source and educate them on copyright. Each instance is an opportunity to teach and learn. In addition, go to the company, brand or publication and let them know to remove the image immediately and that it is “not have permissible use”. If the source is your client, please remind them that all 3rd party requests should be handled through the rights owner of the image (refer to my copyright post for further information on this). 

1. Brand Scenario: Are they selling product through the image?
   They legally cannot do this without authorization or a licensing agreement from you, They will need a licensing agreement and fee in place from the rights owner of the image which 99% of the time is the photographer. At this point, you may back invoice the brand for image use and send them an agreement or you may request for them to kindly remove the image as the rights owner.

2. Brand Scenario: Are they using the image for inspiration?
   Thank them and ask kindly and privately for them to photo credit your copyrighted image. This is often an oversight and they fix this immediately!

3. Print Publication:
   This is rare as most professional and national outlets understand and do their due diligence for photography sources. Educate your talented clients about the process and ensure there are open lines of communication when opportunities present themselves. I have only run into this issue when ex clients refused to credit even with the understanding that they were not the rights owner.

4. Online Publication:
   Ask kindly and privately for them to photo credit your copyrighted image. This is often an oversight and they fix this immediately! Also, although I am the rights owner, I also request for online publications to additionally design credit as I continue to champion my clients.

5. If all private and kind attempts fail: Delegate to an attorney. Bless it, release it and let your attorney handle it. Xx

Q: How do you balance business associates as both clients and friends?

AR: My response to this question has evolved through the years. Previously, I believed in having a "blended life" over a "balanced life". Where my professional and personal existence were all one. As I have grown as a creative, an author and a photographer, I have been more intentional in protecting my balance. I give 110% to my clients. In the past, not having clear boundaries resulted in me being taken advantage of. This was a lesson I had to learn the hard way. I like the structure of balance where I show up and give my clients 110% from start to finish while having boundaries with my personal relationships and time. I live a pretty public life and I protect my sacred moments. Some of this doesn’t apply to my longer term clients. A few of these women have turned into beautiful and honest relationships. At the end of the day - it is about respecting inspiration, protecting our peace and championing those we respect.

Q: How have you handled a broken agreement or people using your images without consent?

AR: 99.9% of the time this is innocent and unintentional. I very simply and kindly ask for whatever was breached to be corrected. I prefer a quick phone call or email. If the client is a repeat offender, I have my attorney handle it to communicate the process and the legal obligations that were originally agreed upon. 

Q: What are your thoughts on businesses copying your every move on social media? How do you handle it?

AR: I say this with a half smile, but get used to it! If you are doing something interesting and cool, people are going to copy you! It happens to creators all the time. I recently had someone DM from high school telling me that they were unfollowing me because they were about to use my content for their “new” business. I mean……. I can’t. It is certainly annoying but this is the reality. Here’s the deal, 99% of the time I do not give it oxygen. Also, CONGRATULATIONS! Take it as a sign that you’re doing something interesting (you already know this) Legally protect your business and intellectual property from the beginning with copyrights and trademarks. I am also human and this can get me down when it is someone I know OR when a large editorial magazine rips off The New Southern ™ book. This unfortunately happened recently. They cut me out of my own moment and I pursued them legally.  I was furious and was breathing fire. At the end of the day, anger and negativity are the biggest creativity killers and it isn’t worth living in this energy. Have faith in the process and hire a good legal team in the very beginning to set you up for success. Know this: there is room enough for everyone to succeed and those who are successful and personally fulfilled are the ones who are creating from a place within themselves and paying respect to those who have inspired them.  

Poster: ©Pia Jane Bijkerk & Erin Loechner for Street Cred 2011. Handmade fonts by Yvette Van Boven and Grace Bonney of Design Sponge..... (Image to the right is Me, Hello Xx)

THE "DO’s + DON’TS"

Do: GIVE PHOTO CREDIT ANd Design Credit (Pinterest is not a source)

Photo credit is industry standard. There are two major events that simultaneously take place when a photographer clicks his/her shutter:

1. A copyrightable work is instantly created; AND

2. The photographer is deemed the exclusive owner of the copyright of that photo.

Although I own the rights to the work, I intentionally give credit to every designer I post on my feed. I think it’s so important to give credit where credit is due and I believe that there is room for absolutely everyone to be successful. For more on copyright, please refer to the first blog post in this series HERE.

BEST PRACTICES: Simple Recipe for Success (And if you’re unsure...just ask!)

1. Ask yourself, "Did I take this image?" If no…

2. Credit the photographer in the main comment + tag in the image.

3. Credit the designer in the main comment + tag in the image.

4. Credit the source (if a national editorial outlet) in the main comment + tag in the image.

Don’t: COPY OR STEAL

Y’all — ignorance is not a defense. Designer’s put so much work into designing a space. We collaborate for months leading up to a shoot, and then my team and I spend countless hours editing and prepping an image. So, in saying this. . .please and with love do not post work that isn’t your own without credits. Do not screen grab images to sell product on your feed without proper licensing agreements in place. Please do not apply filters to work that you do not own. If you are a content creator or photographer, please do not "duplicate" or make a derivative copy from another photograph that is not your own (this is illegal). If you are not the photographer or copyright holder, do not distribute images to 3rd parties that you do not have the authority to distribute without the permission of the copyright holder.

Curiosity and educating yourself with the law is key. It takes time but if you come from a place of wanting to learn, there will always be someone willing to help — I promise. I have had it all happen and none of it feels great. I have seen my work on E! News without my team’s authorization because the person providing the materials pleaded ignorance as their defense and ignored or was dishonest about obtaining media clearance. I have had two photographers copy my images / galleries per frame which is called copyright infringement and derivative work. My logo has been copied numerous times and I have seen my galleries in foreign print magazines because old clients took matters into their own hands. Much of this behavior, I believe is rooted from a lack base mentality... and fear from the individuals behaving this way. Everyone can win at the same time and it is so important to opperate from a place of love over judgement and competition.  This mentality will  help navigate the business while still maintaining healthy and collaborative relationships. 

BEST PRACTICES: SPEND TIME DOING THE DUE DILIGENCE IN TRACKING SOURCES. ALSO, EMBRACE A TRANSPARENT COMMUNICATIVE BUSINESS MODEL FOR YOU AND YOUR CLIENTS WHERE THE GOAL IS FOR EVERYONE TO WIN AND SUCCEED. 

Do: CONSIDER POSTING WORK THAT IS YOUR OWN

I love helping other businesses grow and my number one rule of thumb is this — be consistent, be authentic and invest in producing your own content. My focus has never been on the number of followers but on building a community through genuine connection, grounding myself in producing authentic work that I am proud of on a daily basis. This was the case when I first started out and still holds true to this day. I encourage being inspired by other accounts, I encourage you to dive in deep and figure out what you love and don’t love. But, most importantly, I encourage you to produce content authentic to you and your business. People want to see what YOU can do, what YOUR personality is, WHO you are and WHAT YOU are working on. It is a mistake for businesses starting out to consistently pull content they themselves did not create. My account has turned into a resource of both inspiration and aspiration for many but at the core it is a place for me to celebrate my collaborations and challenge my own growth by being authentic and innovative everyday. For my quick styling and photography tips click HERE with Dering Hall. 

BEST PRACTICES: Put blinders on to what others are doing and do the real work for your businesses. Invest in photography and if funds are limited — the best camera you have IS THE ONE IN YOUR HAND aka Your phone. Share the projects you are working on, share what is inspiring you, share your latest install or big win, share your biggest learning lesson from the week. If you are going to put content out there, have it be a true reflection of your business and brand. Let it also be a resource and add substance for others.  

Don’t: COMPLY WITH LARGE BRANDS' HASHTAGS WITHOUT READING THE FINE PRINT IF YOU DO NOT OWN THE IMAGE. *** This is a new ONe. 

These days there are lots of large commercial companies asking if it is okay to regram images by complying with their designated hashtag. This hashtag is essentially a loop-hole for free marketing material to sell product (where a license and fee need to be in place upon use). Although it is great exposure, make sure you are getting permission from the copyright holder before reposting with another commercial company's hashtag. Essentially, a large brand's “hashtag” is an agreement to their terms and conditions which typically states that they now have the rights to use and sell this image basically for free. Professional photographers make a living on licensing deals with larger brands — i.e. if a company wants to use my image to sell lights, then we work out a licensing agreement and they essentially lease the image from me to market their product. As a photographer, I have a full legal team in place to review contracts for myself and my clients when things pop up. So, if you have not thoroughly read the terms and conditions affiliated with these hashtags or get permission from the rights-holder, someone else’s photos are being passed around for free!

BEST PRACTICES: Read the terms and conditions of the "hashtags" and my usual response is this,  “Thank you so much for your interest in my copyrighted image and collaboration. I AM HAPPY TO give you the right to use as inspiration on social media with photo credit and design credit. THank you again and please let me know if you would like to use the image for marketing purposes.” And of course. . .READ READ READ the fine print!
 

Do: UTILIZE HASHTAGS TO TARGET YOUR AUDIENCE

I am a Hashtag Hoe (sorry Mom!). Seriously though…Think of hashtags as buckets. We are able to utilize a quantity of 30 buckets, “hashtags”, to intentionally place your brand. Research the hashtags that you love and feel authentic to your brand. Start putting your work in those buckets. Again, the internet is at SCALE and a great place to grow an authentic community.

Don’t: SHAME or BE A TROLL

For those of us who are the creators of the content — it’s important that we are recognized for our work, wherever it may land. I have been called names, blocked, been made fun of, and publicly harassed over asking for photo credit.. This goes back to what I learned in pigtails and kindergarten which is to play nice in the theoretical, digital sandbox so to speak. You can learn so much about an account by its tone and crediting standards. We are all responsible for setting a tone of support and connection here and my goal through both my photography and #TheNewSouthern is to always be a destination of love, support, mindfulness, and a resource to inspire your home and your soul. The world is a better place when we check the egos at the door, recognize the humanity in others, and operate from a place of love!

BEST PRACTICE: I encourage us all to Operate from a place of love and utilize social media not as a place of comparison, rather from a place of unity and connection.

Do: GROW AUTHENTICALLY

... AND PLEASE DO NOT PAY FOR FOLLOWERS!!! This is such a bizarre concept to me and the quickest way I can tell if we will be internet friends or do business together. If you pay for followers or hire a “marketing company” to like, unlike, or artificially inflate your account, then these fake accounts are ultimately missing the gift of an authentic and engaging community. I can’t tell you all enough how much each and everyone of you mean to me and inspire me Daily! I have made incredible friendships through this community, I have learned about many of your touching stories, I am connected to you all in a way that adds substance to my day. I am grateful for your unyielding support and love!!! This community is a true gift and cannot be bought.  

HOW TO TELL WHEN SOMEONE IS PAYING FOR FOLLOWERS: 

Look at the account's individual followers, Look at the account's likes versus follower ratio. If an account is averaging 30 likes per image and has 10k followers or 80 likes and has 20k followers — this is low engagement and the account is most likely purchasing followers. My account is authentic and I wouldn't have it any other way. Plus, people who pay for followers are also spamming their true followers with bots… 

BEST PRACTICES: Simple: Grow naturally and with a community driven focus. I encourage Building a business organically and staying authentic to the company's vision! Your business and account are about providing value to your clients and community. When used as a form of community and connection, social media has the capacity  to be  a great unifier and truly a beautiful place. 

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CLIFF NOTES:

1. Release the FEAR today. Choose Love and GIVE Love...

2. Remember your why.

3. Feel free to share this as a resource. Sending you all much light and love!

The Ultimate Dream Home in Scottsdale with MyDomaine!

I am so uplifted by the power of collaboration, creativity, and positivity that I can barely put that energy into words. It happened to me recently on a shoot in Scottsdale, AZ with the amazing Bria Hammel, and it was one of those days that so clearly affirms my belief in The New Southern’s message and encourages every day to make new strides that push our work forward.

It was like the two of us spoke the same language. Bria and I were totally on the same page regarding our industry, styling, and design, but on a much larger level, we both believe that collaboration is the absolute key to building everyone up around you. She, like me, is a firm believer that the digital space is our new currency for making an impact and sharing love, light, and new ideas. When the two of us worked hand in hand like so many believers in The New Southern do,  our finished product was so much more striking than I initially imagined. Bria approaches every situation with an open mind and a killer eye and together, we had such a contagious energy. I know I carried it on with me beyond that trip to Arizona and am radiating it even now, months later.

The space is an absolute stunner—a vacation home with unexpected vignettes throughout and rich layering that makes for comfortable living and amazing photography. I’m so excited to share this project with you, and so many thanks to the friends at MyDomaine for making it happen!

Visit MyDomaine to view more of the gallery here! Xx

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The New Southern | Designer Spotlight: Sean Anderson

A designer with unequivocal style and natural given talent worthy of recognition, who also happens to be a very dear friend of mine....Simply put, Sean Anderson is an interior design mastermind. Forging the right path for himself through the freedom to be unafraid in doing his best places his taste and remarkable work ethic into a niche in and of itself. Fresh, functional, black, white, classic and contemporary — It’s a timeless mingling of the old and the new. His stunning portfolio lives on through individually unique interiors that each capture the collected beauty of the soul calling it home. No two will ever be the same.

The New Southern prides itself on collecting creatives as a part of its movement that are just as wildly talented as they are soulfully connected. Sean’s ties to his intuition and obsession with detail, keeping work personal and hands-on, allow him to stay in an abundance of liberation and inspiration. With the belief that your home houses your story, he focuses on surrounding clients with what they love — effortlessly showcasing their story and taste. No work begins until Sean has met you and understood the nature of your presence. Blending textures and hunting for the obscure. It’s a grand presentation of a life well lived, setting the stage for all that is still to come. Sean, as your friend and your photographer... it is an honor to share your most recent project and Memphis showhouse on the blog this morning. May you all be inspired by not only the layers of this home but also the layers of this talented human's soul. We are all in this together and let us continue to thread our connections for a more full and loving life. 

The thing that I adore most about Sean’s design aesthetic is that it is so true to who he is — full of stories and fit with unexpected surprises. I can always spot the work of Sean Anderson without losing sight of the life which inspired the space. His ability to harness the essence of his clients and understanding of The New Southern as a moment where everyone has a place makes me proud to champion him, not only as a beloved friend but as a creative force, too!

Alyssa Rosenheck: Tell us about yourself...

Sean Anderson: I grew up in a small town in Mississippi with an incredibly tight knit family (who, to this day, are my very favorite people!). My mother was the type of person who always encouraged my siblings and I to do OUR best, not BE the best...there’s a huge difference in the two! Knowing that any type of corporate job would never work for me, I spent several years doing this and that, trying to find MY PATH. You name it, I’ve done it. I’ve bussed tables as a waiter, scrubbed toilets as a janitor, the list goes on and on...It wasn’t until my early thirties that I began discovering, after doing several design projects at my own home, that I had a certain way of viewing things differently and how people responded to it. My career path grew from a small group of loyal friends and word of mouth. Here we are today, some 5-6 years later, and I couldn’t be more happy with where I currently find myself. Not to say the path was always easy! 

Self-doubt has a profound way of creeping in and making its presence known. One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned the past few years is to listen to that little inner voice, to trust my own intuition. Once I was able to let go of the confines of worrying about not having all the answers, of realizing there would always be lessons to learn with each new job, that mistakes are indeed stepping stones — I found a freedom that now allows me to be unafraid of taking on a challenge, that doing MY best is always the right path.

AR: What does The New Southern mean to you?

SA: To me, the New Southern is a feeling, simple as that. I don’t believe it to necessarily be about design styles or objects. It’s about the emotion created within a space. Southerners are known for the distinct characteristics they possess, their hospitality and kindness. Its these attributes that create welcoming environments — spaces where everyone has a place.

AR: What innovative trends are you seeing with the NEW Southern style across the country?

SA: I’m seeing less focus on what’s trendy. More and more, people are incorporating things into their space that mean something, objects that have a story to tell. There’s an integration of time-honored classics into the modern mix, a fusion of past and present.

AR: What are some lessons or pivots you have learned from that you are willing to share?

SA: That there is no place for ego in this business. The moment the focus becomes about likes and recognition, you’ve begun the downward spiral — I myself am guilty of it. It's important for each creative to recognize the unique qualities they possess and to not view this as a competition with others, but rather, with ourselves. Support and recognition of others achievements, and finding the ability to be inspired and motivated by that is what truly brings about growth in this business. Keep the work the focus!

AR: What are your favorite hometown design boutiques?

SA: I’m a bit of a scavenger, I love finding unique, one of a kind pieces in the most random spots — a hidden antique shop or an estate sale. So, for me, it’s often less about sourcing at the expected spots and more about the hunt for the obscure. However, Dixon Rye in Atlanta (even though it’s not where I live), is my absolute favorite store to visit and source items. My good friend Bradley Odom* is the owner and I must say, he has created one of the most awe-inspiring, truly magical places I’ve ever seen. Dixon Rye is my little designer slice of heaven on earth.

*Bradley Odom of Dixon Rye was featured on The New Southern earlier this year! Check out their Shop Spotlight.

AR: What is your morning routine? and what life hacks make you more productive?

SA: Without fail, coffee immediately upon waking up, then time spent in front of the computer mapping out my day. I’m a list person, a planner; without which, nothing gets accomplished. My days are spent checking off the lists, my nights are when the planning occurs. My nights spent in solitude, soulful music providing the backdrop (usually a glass of wine in hand), are when I’m most open to exploring ideas and can truly allow myself to expand creatively.

AR: Favorite shade of white and black paint color?

SA: I’m known primarily for my black and white interiors. So if I tell you that, I’m out of a job.

AR: How are you living your best life right now?

SA: By finally finding myself comfortable in my own skin! The past few years have brought about many changes for me both personally and professionally, each providing countless lessons learned. It's those lessons that have lead me to this point and have given me the freedom to be open to whatever comes my way. I’m no longer afraid the unknown, of not knowing what’s coming next, it excites me. I can’t wait to see what my future holds.

AR: Where do you go to get inspired? 

SA: I truly believe everywhere, every moment of every day, it just depends on how closely we are paying attention. If we allow ourselves to be open, we can find it even in the most unlikely of places. I’ve found myself inspired by a particular color-combo on a can in a grocery aisle, a combination I would’ve never thought of. What’s key for me is making a mental checklist in the moment that occurs and later finding a way in which to incorporate that idea into a design.

AR: The key to making a house a home? What does a home need more of and less of?

SA: Paramount in making a house a home is surrounding yourself with what YOU love, not things that you believe others will love. Your home is YOUR space and should reflect your individual taste. It should be filled with things that tell YOUR story, not the story you’ve been programmed to portray. Just as no two people are the same, no two interiors should ever be the same.

AR: Who are some of your favorite artists/makers? What do you love about their work?

SA: In the past couple of years I’ve begun working more and more on specially commissioned pieces of art for projects and am in complete awe of the talent the South possesses! Not only am I impressed by the ability of these artists but by their willingness to work and help execute my vision. Amongst a field of favorites, a few standouts include: Addie Chapin, McKenzie Dove, Blayne Macauley, Catherine Booker Jones, and William McClure.

AR: What’s your advice for mixing old with new?

SA: Finding that sweet spot where the juxtaposition of opposites converge is always where you’ll find that just right mix. Don’t take it all so seriously, have fun with it!

AR: My momma always said…

SA: What didn’t she say — and always ended up being 100% correct about! She prompted me to never be afraid of a challenge, to always treat others the way I’d like to be treated, to always remember that God is the reason for any blessing that comes my way.

AR: Design book you’ll always have on your shelf?

SA: There are simply too many to pick just one. My current favorites include anything by Axel Vervoordt, “The House that Pinterest Built” by Diane Keaton, and “Evocative Interiors” by Ray Booth.

AR: What’s your dream project/client?

SA: Not that I’ve ever given this question any thought...BUT, a midwestern ranch for Sandra Bullock.

AR: The greatest color combination that ever existed?

SA: Without question, black and white. It’s THE only color combination that truly possesses endless possibilities.

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A special thank you from Sean to the talented individuals and Southern artists who contributed their time and efforts to this beautiful show-house:

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David Anderson Architect 

The Longtown CompanY

WILLIAM MCLURE

Social

Hey Rube

Stash Home

Anna Wunderlich

David Lusk Gallery

Catherine Erb Photography
(Also featured on TNS! Read her Spotlight.)

Allison Rogers

38 Woodwork

Jay Adkins Photography

Sarkis Kish

Garner Picture Framing

Addie Chapin

Blayne Art

Ashely Finnemore

Handy Dandy ProductionS

George Gallery

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