Talk Shop: Melanie Turner // Melanie Turner Interiors
ABOUT MELANIE
Inspired by fashion and borrowing a palette from nature, Melanie Turner’s curated interiors possess a timeless quality that celebrate architectural details and classic design. Turner is an advocate for not only surrounding oneself with beauty, but also living beautifully. Interesting artwork and layered collections are signatures of her edited designs, and balance, scale, and a strong handle on color all factor into her residences, creating a timeless effect. Melanie’s passion for designing beautiful interiors transpires into sophisticated yet unassuming spaces that change the way people live.
Melanie Turner Interiors has been recognized three times as ADAC’s Southeastern Residential Designer of the Year, Top 10 Designer by Traditional Homes, and awarded Kitchen of the Year by Architectural Digest. MTI’s design projects are located throughout the United States and Mexico, and the firm has recently opened a store in Big Sky, Montana. And just recently, the designer has published her first book—Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take On Beautiful Rooms, a gorgeous tome filled with engaging, juicy splashes of color, beautiful traditional interiors with a twist (our favorite) and a chic take on contemporary style. We sat down with this talented designer to talk about her first book, how she got her start in the industry, and where she finds inspiration.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Fresh, Edited, Inviting
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
No, I’m the mentor :)
What does your home say about you:
Creative, whimsical, and blending of modern elements.
Where do you find inspiration:
Film, nature, fashion.
Who are your style icons:
YSL, Gucci, Dior.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Self serve bar, variety of people w/ different backgrounds. And never sitting couples next to each other!
Do you collect anything:
Art, vintage bar glasses, and garage sale silver.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
@rodarte, @serenacrawford, @erikmadiganheck, and @mcalpinehouse.
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
Always follow: proportion and scale.
To be broken… always mix styles (traditional with modern etc)
How did your book come to life, and what was your favorite part of creating it:
By accident. I wanted to do a book on my 100 year old home and my book agent said to do it on my projects instead!
Wardrobe staples:
Fun sneakers, cool jacket, basic jeans, and top.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Anything by Bradley USA.
Best interior advice you ever received:
Don’t copy another’s designs.
Best career advice you ever received:
From Thomas Pheasant - 3 pearls; the job is creative, like the client, or they have a lot of money.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in art, it will set your home apart from others.
Save on fabrics, choose solids instead of patterns.
Your greatest extravagance:
Restoring my home!
Favorite places to shop for home:
Antique markets, Paris markets, Roundtop, and Scotts Market in Atlanta.
Most prized possession and why:
Lucy, my Granddaughter, and my home.
Your interiors motto:
Every job is unique.
Your life motto:
Use your voice, not to judge, and to help others.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Buy what you love, group collections together. Go into closet and see what colors you like to wear and use those in your home.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Sushi and dark chocolate
Drink: Tequila
Film: Sabrina (original!) - love the mansions, the Paris Apt, mid century furniture, couture clothing
Hotel: El Fenn in Morocco or renting a home on the Amalfi coast
City: London or Paris
Bedding: Melanie Turner Interiors Bedding sold at Melanie Turner Home ;)
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Tea! Hot w/ cream
Playlist: Michael Kiwanuka, Andrea Bocelli, Amy Winehouse, Drake, Usher, Nina Simone
Weekend Activity: driving around town with top down looking at architecture and spending time with Lucy my granddaughter
Design Book: Slim Aaron books
