Keith Robinson

Robinson’s latest endeavor is Repurpose, a new home furnishings shop at Serenbe. “The concept is a ‘consignment boutique of sorts’ where cast-offs, throwaways, extras as well as worn and found objects are restyled or ‘repurposed’ for a new life,” he says. But don’t expect a flea market-type atmosphere. “Imagine a store where each object is unique in some way—its age, patina, quirkiness, usefulness and beauty creates a desire to make it a part of your life.”

Keith Robinson’s special events company, Gloriosa, is something extraordinary. An outgrowth of his passion for fine art, international cuisine and spatial design, it’s known for the owner’s innovation, personalized service and couldn’t-be-more-exacting attention to detail.

The fact that Gloriosa offers such a wide variety of options is no surprise once you know more about Robinson’s personal journey. “I started working outside the home at 12 years old,” he recalls, “and by the time I was 20—in college and working at a florist shop—I started to see that there were things that I could do to make a living outside of my degree [in landscape architecture and environmental design]. I did freelance work early on in many different creative avenues, from faux painting to designing and manufacturing women’s belts and jewelry, even some modeling. But in the end, I really wanted to be my own boss; I wanted to create my own schedule. I was fortunate to catch the eye of a few key people in the Atlanta business community and the rest is history.”

Not surprisingly, he’s had mentors along the way. But Robinson gives most of the credit to his parents. “The greatest gift that they have given me is the understanding that I was capable to achieve anything I put my mind and heart to,” he says. “Their boundless support and encouragement led me to be the person that I am today.”

By constantly striving to meld elements from various periods in history with the most current trends of the culinary and decorative arts, Robinson has distinguished Gloriosa. And, though hard-pressed to pick a favorite historical era, he admits that La Belle Epoche is one he’s partial to because “there was such an emergence of talent that was taking risks creatively, pushing the ‘establishment’ to see things in a different way.”

Not unlike Robinson himself.

Antique Paris porcelain, silver pitchers, cake plates and glass cloches are always on display in Robinson’s kitchen.	Antique textiles are some of Robinson’s favorite things, and his dining room table is covered by a superb example.

MY OWN HOME REFLECTS A LOVE FOR... a bit of wear. It’s an eclectic mix of styles with a strong influence of French and Italian antiques. I love to surround myself with things that have a great history—or story.

MY SIGNATURE COLORS ARE... green, shades of white and anything in the red family.

THE PLACE I LOVE TO TRAVEL TO MOST IS... any European destination, because I enjoy being anonymous.

THE ONE THING I CAN'T LIVE WITHOUT IS... Keihl’s Creme de Corps moisturizer.

MY FAVORITE MUSEUM IS... Boston’s Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.

WHEN I GET AN UNEXPECTED DAY TO MYSELF, I LIKE TO... let it unfold and not feel guilty for “wasting time.”

THE PERSON I LOOK UP TO MOST IS... my father, because of his selflessness.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO ENTERTAIN AT HOME IS... dinner for an intimate group.

THE ONE PLACE IN ATLANTA I ALWAYS TAKE GUESTS IS... Sotto Sotto Restaurant.

WHAT MOST PEOPLE DON'T KNOW ABOUT ME IS... I don’t like cocktail parties.

I GET MY BEST INSPIRATION FROM... nature.

MY PROUDEST PROFESSIONAL MOMENT CAME WHEN... we completed the décor, catering and set-up for the movie premiere of “Gettysburg”
at the Woodruff Arts Center in 1993—an event for 1,200 people.

WHEN I'M NOT DESIGNING PARTY MENUS FOR OTHERS, I LIKE TO EAT... a healthy salad with a piece of fish.

THE CAR I DRIVE IS... a Mercedes Benz CLK 430.

MY SUNDAY ROUTINE IS... if not working, get a latté, walk the dog and run five miles.

MY FAVORITE SHOPPING SPOTS FOR CLOTHES ARE... vintage stores.

MY FAVORITE PLACE FOR QUIET CONTEMPLATION IS... on a long run.

IF I COULD DESIGN A DREAM EVENT FOR MYSELF IT WOULD BE... a celebration of life! It would be in the country, in the autumn, outdoors, phenomenal food with a Southern-inspired approach. There would be influences from the south of France as well as the hills of Tuscany.

A detail of Robinson’s collection of antique porcelain.	Antique glassware in his kitchen is evocative of the pieces found at Repurpose.

Keith G. Robinson, Gloriosa Design,
(404) 523-8077; GloriosaDesign.com
Repurpose, (770) 463-3060