What’s Hot Now!

INDULGENT BEAUTY
During the course of his high-profile career, Atlanta native Max Sanchez went the distance as a hairstylist, landing top stints at Las Vegas’ Wynn Hotel, Los Angeles’ Beverly Hills Hotel, Miami’s Delano Hotel and several Ritz-Carlton properties before returning home to open Spa Sentio—along with brother Chris and cousin Holly Osias—at the Westside Provisions District in May. Designed with a sexy, chic, white-hot aesthetic, its interiors double as a canvas for a rotating selection of art from nearby Solomon Projects—including the likes of Joe Walters, Kathryn Refi and David Humphrey—while a colorful nail polish-drip mural by Scott Ingram (see cover) smartly camouflages the door to the treatment rooms. The space is anchored by a serpentine manicure table, crafted from reclaimed wood and iron by Decatur-based blacksmith Jason Smith, and features luxe pedicure bowls that Sanchez describes as “the Bentleys of pedicure stations.” Clients submerge their feet comfortably from gilded Louis XV French bergère armchairs that have been reupholstered in bright white Sunbrella fabric, companions to the stunning settee that greets guests upon arrival. For a real indulgence, the 24K gold facial, enhanced by revolutionary Gamma technology, is said to create incomparably radiant skin. Spa Sentio (which means to feel, perceive and experience) has the local exclusive on Sundari skincare products while Niko, a favorite of Hollywood stars, is the makeup of choice. Wedding services and bachelorette parties are specialties of the house, and if you’re seeking a senior hair stylist, Sanchez and Osias still wield their shears at the adjacent Dragonfly Salon. 1170 Howell Mill Rd., Suite 102, Atlanta 30318. (404) 733-1820; spasentio.com —K.A.

A NEW LEAF
A futuristic hydroponic plant wall contrasts with exotic succulents, antiques and local artists’ works at Garden, landscape designer Matthew Klyn’s new storefront at the Westside Provisions District. Doubling as a gift shop and design headquarters, Garden champions an organic modern aesthetic that works beautifully for urban settings. Most of the plants Klyn selects are low maintenance, so there’s minimal pruning or irrigation required, and design services vary widely in both cost and scope, running the gamut from something as simple as a front door path to a complex rooftop garden. Don’t miss the on-site vintage Ford truck (which he calls “Lucy”) that’s used to transport plants to and fro. 1168 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta 30318. (404) 941-9154; gardenatl.com —K.A.

SMART & CHIC
Atlanta design doyenne Suzanne Kasler has just launched a new collection of home accessories for Ballard Designs Ballard Designs. It marks the first time the company has collaborated with an independent designer to produce exclusive signature pieces. More than 40 designs are making their debut, including an array of mirrors and other unique wall decor, available through the company’s catalog, full-price retail stores and website. ballarddesigns.com —C.S.

TRAVERSE THE TREETOPS
In what is sure to become an architectural icon, Atlanta is now home to the nation’s largest tree canopy-level walkway. Standing 40 feet above ground, the winding concrete pathway—unveiled earlier this year at Atlanta Botanical Garden—offers visitors unparalleled eye-level access to the upper reaches of oaks, poplars, hickories and black cherries as well as stunning aerial views of the woodland below. 1345 Piedmont Ave. NE, Atlanta 30309. (404) 876-5859; atlantabotanicalgarden.com —S.B.

CONTEMPORARY COOL
CB2, an offshoot of Crate & Barrel with a young, modern vibe, opened its doors last month on the Midtown Mile. Only the seventh CB2 to open nationwide, the 14,000-square-foot store is home to trendy housewares and contemporary furnishings, most of which are designed for smaller spaces. For urban dwellers outfitting their condos and offices, the styles are as appealing as the price points.  1080 Peachtree St. NE, Atlanta 30309. (404) 894-3763; cb2.com —S.B.

ADORN ALL THINGS
Nicholas Kniel Fine Ribbons & Embellishments in Sandy Springs just marked its 10th anniversary. And while the shop has long carried ribbons, buttons, flowers and feathers that can’t be found anywhere else in Atlanta, Nicholas Kniel has also become a go-to source for clients across North America and Europe who are looking for unique embellishments.

What many in Atlanta may not know is that beyond the beautiful silk flowers (ranging in size from teeny to 12-inches in diameter) and ribbons (priced from 50 cents per yard up to $65-plus per yard for vintage styles), Nicholas Kniel is known for an array of other services, including millinery, bridal, holiday décor consultation, custom-made masks, chic French-style bulletin boards and gift wrapping for important occasions. “Every time I wrap a gift, the client says the recipient is never going to want to unwrap it. I love it when I hear that they looked at it for an hour before they opened it. It’s great for special moments,” says Kniel.

Perhaps not surprisingly, Kniel says that customers often use his store’s wares for home décor projects as much as for fashion. Take buttons, for example. “As many people buy them for curtains and pillows and home embellishments as they do for clothes,” he notes.

With fall on the horizon, and the holidays not far behind, Kniel and his team are stocking the shop with a wide variety of elegant holiday ornaments and often work with customers to build, edit and add to their Christmas tree collections. And whether someone is looking for how-to advice or sheer inspiration, Kniel has published two books that offer both: Ribbon: The Art of Adornment (Gibbs Smith, $40), and Ribbon Flowers ($49) are available at the shop and through its website. 290 Hilderbrand Drive, Suite B16, Atlanta 30328. (404) 252-8855; nicholaskniel.com —C.S.

­DEBONAIR DEALER
A Savannah native steeped in the disciplines of art and design, Austin Hill arrived from Nashville to open his namesake Brookwood Hills gallery in March, an unpretentious space cloaked in avant-garde gray. The location is convenient to Midtown and Buckhead dwellers alike, and the gallery’s moody manner makes it the perfect backdrop for colorful, contemporary art with a playful persuasion, including the works of Nashville-based headliner Trevor Mikula. Austin Hill Art, 1831 Peachtree Rd., Atlanta 30309. (404) 351-1737; austinhillart.com —K.A.

ONLY THE BEST 
Preferred by locals as much as discriminating brides up and down the East Coast, OwenLawrence has augmented its selection of fine tabletop—including Hermès, Saint Louis Crystal, William Yeoward, Haviland and Lalique—with museum-quality home accessories from Georg Jensen and a trio of exceptional lines from Baccarat. The shop now offers rare Baccarat jewelry, Baccarat furniture as well as accessories by Philippe Starck, and was one of just eight stores in the U.S. to introduce the French crystal company’s striking collection with Marcel Wanders. 1200 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta 30318. (404) 869-7360; owenlawrence.com —K.A.

STYLE SHIFT
AVA is bringing custom, American-made furniture to Atlanta via its new retail showroom at the Westside Provisions District. Shifting the design aesthetic to a clean, modern look, the company’s new line—launching later this month—will feature pieces with architectural wood detailing. AVA has also recently been named the exclusive Atlanta partner of Eco Fiber Rug Company, which offers handmade, GoodWeave-certified, organic fiber rugs from Nepal. 1100 Howell Mill Road, Suite 150, Atlanta 30318. (404) 607-1700; avadesign.com —B.D.

INDUSTRIAL CHARMS
Designer Jeff Jones recently launched three lines of tables as part of his newest venture, Jeff Jones Home, available in the Atlanta area exclusively at Bungalow Classic. The “L” and “X” lines are characterized by combinations of powder-coated flat bar steel and reclaimed wood, while his Sawhorse line features bases made of sawhorses gathered from timber framing craftsmen. 1197 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta 30318. (404) 367-8522; bungalowclassic.com; jeffjoneshome.com —B.D.

EXCEPTIONAL OFFERINGS
Featuring a number of chic furniture lines that are new and exclusive to
Atlanta, tastemaker Ryan Hughes’ new design showroom, R Hughes, is a breath of fresh air in the local design community. Located in the Westside Provisions District, R Hughes offers many collections based in California and Europe, including the Helene Aumont Collection, Coup d’Etat Antiques & Industrials, Jiun Ho, Marcali Designs and Ochre.1170 Howell Mill Road, No. 315, Atlanta 30318. (404) 607-8877; r-hughes.com —C.S.

CREATIVE CONFIGURATIONS
Atlanta holds a lot of clout for becoming the U.S. headquarters for EGO Paris in late 2009. Customization is at the heart of this Parisian outdoor furniture brand. Customers can start with a beautifully crafted aluminum piece from the company’s three collections, and then tailor it toindividual tastes by choosing from more than 300 combinations of colors and finishes. A configurator on the company’s website lets you virtually see your choices. Or simply stop by Logan Gardens in ADAC, Atlanta’s exclusive carrier of EGO Paris. 351 Peachtree Hills Ave., Suite 506, Atlanta, 30305; (404) 231-4808; logangardens.com; egoparis.com —S.B.

LODGING IN LUXURY

This month, New York-based Exhale Spa will open at the Loews Atlanta Hotel, joining current hotspots Restaurant Eleven, Market Eleven and Bar Eleven on the premises. Chic but understated, the four-star, four-diamond property—which opened in March at 12th & Midtown—marks the first new-build Loews hotel to open in eight years. Inviting waves of industry to this happening Peachtree corridor, the contemporary mixed-use development boasts ample amenities, sweeping views and ultra pet-friendly accommodations. Offering 414 guest rooms and 52 luxury residences, the property features kosher kitchen capabilities, Audi Q7 TDIs as official hotel vehicles and the largest ballroom outside of downtown. 1065 Peachtree St., Atlanta 30309. (404) 745-5000; loewshotels.com/atlanta —K.A.

Atlanta Decorative Arts Center News

• Jordan Spencer, a recent addition to the Atlanta Decorative Arts Center, is now the Southeast’s exclusive dealer of Lorts Manufacturing. Also featuring lines by Aritalia Group and Hart Associates, Jordan Spencer combines custom finishes and timeless style to bring your design concept to reality. Suite 323. (404) 846-8041; jordanspencer.com —B.D.

• Ernest Gaspard & Associates welcomes A. Rudin, a Los Angeles-based custom upholstery business, back to its ADAC showroom. Interpreting classic seating to suit personal tastes and showing a commitment to quality, A. Rudin produces classic, clean-lined pieces that are both stylish and comfortable. Also available in the showroom are lines from the likes of Brown Jordan, Dakota Jackson, Tesori and Heirloom Furniture, among others. Suite 109. (404) 233-8645; ernestgaspard.com —B.D.

• The J. Nelson showroom has relocated and expanded to a new space on the fourth floor of the design center that beautifully showcases an array of exquisite collections, including Ann Getty House Collection furniture, Gracie and Zuber et Cie wallcoverings and Beaumont & Fletcher fabrics. Suite 417. (404) 477-2225; jnelsoninc.com —C.S.

• After being acquired by Jared Paul last fall, the venerable
Paul B. Raulet showroom—celebrating its 50th anniversary—is now Paul + Raulet. Although the name change was subtle, and designers can still find many of the same lines they’ve relied on over the years—including McLean Lighting and funiture from Kittinger and Minton-Spidell—there are also new additions to the showroom, including Cortina Leathers, Cloth+Paper, Chella Texiles, Fong Brothers and Andrew Martin designs. Suite 326. (404) 261-1820; paulraulet.com —C.S.

ADAC is open to design trade professionals and is located at 351 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Atlanta 30305. (404) 231-1720; adacatlanta.com

FRESH ON THE SCENE
For owner and interior designer David D’Ambrosio, a textiles scion who left Atlanta three years ago to work at Miami’s Fanny Haim, Redefined Home Boutique realizes a long-held dream. Returning this spring to snag prime real estate on Howell Mill Road, he’s filled the Westside Provisions District boutique with a fresh mix of industrial found objects, antiques, transitional upholstery and locally made custom furnishings; standouts include a charcoal-and-gold chicken wire cabinet and a richly finished round table carved from a single piece of wood. Lighting from Currey & Company as well as works by regional artists like Jenny Henley add pop to the neutral backdrop, which is accented by varying shades of D’Ambrosio’s favorite color—at the moment, aubergine. 877 Howell Mill Rd., Atlanta 30318. (404) 815-7250; redefinedhomeboutique.com —K.A.

It’s All Covered

• Tai Ping Carpets at The Galleries of Peachtree Hills recently unveiled its newest hand-tufted collection; Vestige features 21 historically inspired patterns in New Zealand wool and silk, many with jute and flax accents. 425 Peachtree Hills Ave. NE, Suite 12A, Atlanta 30305. (404) 233-4151; taipingcarpets.com

• Bell Carpet Galleries recently expanded its offerings, adding fine kitchen and bath cabinetry plus design services to its already-impressive repertoire of flooring options. 6223 Roswell Rd., Atlanta 30328. (404) 255-2431; bellcarpetgalleries.com

• Angora Rug Couture, which opened on Miami Circle in late 2009, is a premier source for knotted angora wool rugs, including reproduction Turkish Oushaks and traditional Tibetan carpets. Custom designs and special blends of wool, silk and mohair are also among the offerings. 656 Miami Cir. NE, Atlanta 30324. (404) 467-2200; angorarug.com

• Verde Home’s newest rug collection, Verde Sole, comprises graphic designs by the owners as well as special editions by SCAD students. Each is hand-knotted in the traditional Tibetan style with 100 knots or fewer, adding modern appeal to an age-old craft. 1000 Marietta St. NW, Suite 244, Atlanta 30318.
(678) 927-9113; verdehomeinc.com

• Eve, Inc., which opened in March, is a veritable treasure trove of to-the-trade-only carpets. What owner Eve Oxford doesn’t carry, she can have made by one of the many mills around the world with which she has longstanding relationships. 345 Peachtree Hills Ave., Suite 350, Atlanta 30305. (404) 233-8958; eveoxfordrugs.com —K.A.

Verde Home’s new Verde Sole Tibetan rug collection

INVESTMENT PIECES
Tew Galleries, which launched Timothy Tew’s eponymous fine and estate jewelry collection in January, welcomes the artistry of a new jeweler this month: Rebecca Myers. Known for her dramatic, contemporary botanical designs in 18K yellow gold and oxy silver, the artist will be available to meet in the gallery September 9 through 11, with select pieces on view throughout the month. 425 Peachtree Hills Ave., Suite 24, Atlanta 30305; timothytew.com/jewelry-collection —K.A.

Gallery Hopping

• After more than 20 years as Bennett Street Gallery, Susie Pryor’s signature showplace and contemporary art gallery has been renamed Pryor Fine Art. 22-F Bennett St. NW, Atlanta 30309. (404) 352-8775; pryorfineart.com

• Anne Irwin Fine Art recently doubled the size of its Bennett Street gallery and regularly publishes a coffee table book penned by Irwin herself, featuring up-to-date information on the gallery and its artists. 25-D Bennett St. NW, Atlanta 30309. (404) 352-1855; anneirwinfineart.com

• Kai Lin Art, a contemporary gallery that opened in Midtown in 2009, focuses on emerging Atlanta artists and operates on an accelerated exhibition calendar with new exhibits opening every eight weeks. 800 Peachtree St., Suite A, Atlanta 30308. (404) 408-4248; kailinart.com

• O'Karma Gallery, known for carrying works by Atlanta artist David Fraley, recently partnered with Watson Gallery, where 19th- and 20th-century English and French paintings mix with works by modern American artists. 1119 Hemphill Ave. NW, Atlanta 30318. (404) 874-9461; okarmagallery.com

• Madison Gallery has moved from its former ADAC space into Foxglove Antiques & Galleries on Miami Circle, where it stocks 19th-century American, British and Continental oil paintings, watercolors and sculptures. 699 Miami Cir, NE, Atlanta 30324. (404) 816-4033; madisongallery.com —B.D.