Gift Market by Weezie is officially open for biz! Bringing Weezie to our customers IRL is a big "pinch-me" moment. Designing the space with a designer we've long admired was the cherry on top.
We worked with ATL-based designer Anna Wooten Loggins to bring the space to life (in only a few months we might add!) Keep reading to learn more about Anna Wooten and her process for designing the space.
Tell us about your journey to interior design.
I have always loved envisioning how spaces can be transformed to fit the families who live in them. Growing up, I was influenced by my Southern grandmothers, who both had an eye for design. I also spent weekends exploring historic homes and new builds with my father, a real estate broker in North Carolina. After attending North Carolina State University’s College of Textiles (where I fell in love with fabric), I moved to Atlanta, began working for a high-end design firm and attended the Art Institute. In the five years since I founded my namesake firm, I’ve worked on residential and commercial projects up and down the east coast.
Your style in a few words...
I favor a modern take on traditional style. I love to incorporate antiques and found pieces, but always include them in an updated way. My clients come to me with all sorts of styles, and marrying my look and their taste into one cohesive space is all part of the fun.
What inspires you?
In the South, where most of my work is centered, it's important to create a sense of warmth and welcome. Whether I’m designing for a family with young children or a couple enjoying their retirement years, I want my clients’ homes to feel inviting and tailored to their needs. I grew up in a very traditional home, so even in my more modern designs, I never stray too far from my roots!
You recently helped us pull off our first brick-and-mortar retail space — our pop-up in Atlanta! Can you give us a glimpse into the process of bringing this beautiful space together?
The goal was to create a shoppable space that felt distinctly like Weezie, with enough nods to a primary bath that guests could imagine bringing Weezie products into their own homes.
Since the island is the first thing you see when you enter the shop, we knew it was the perfect spot for a pop of signature Weezie blue. Layers of Pepper Home curtains and wallpaper help to make the space feel warm and inviting — more like a home than a store. Kate Williford’s floral pieces work so well against the backdrop of the wallpaper and add that perfect feminine touch. And the pair of blue chairs by The Inside are both great to look at and super practical, providing a cozy perch for men to sit while ladies shop.
When it was time to design the iconic towel wall featuring all of Weezie’s unique towel designs, I was drawn to the lucite-and-brass aesthetic of Luxholdups hardware — the towels almost seem to float! Throughout the space, we incorporated classic fixtures from Circa Lighting to dial up that luxe, layered, lived-in feel.
Did I mention we did all this in a matter of weeks? Since we knew this space would be a three-month pop-up as opposed to a permanent retail shop, we stuck to a conservative budget and in-stock resources to make our deadline. With the help of everyone at AWI and Weezie, we were able to pull it off, and we’re all thrilled with the results.
What are you reading?
Finding Home: the Houses of Pursley Dixon (inspiration on every single page!). House Dressing by Janie Molster, Classical Houses by Thomas Proctor and of course, I can’t wait to open Kristy Woodson Harvey's holiday book, Christmas in Peachtree Bluff!
Who are you following?
@katiedavisdesign, @katharineparaviciniltd, @heidicaillierdesign
What’s next for AWI?
Currently at AWI we’re designing a home from the ground up on the cliffs in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico and beginning a furniture redesign project on a beachfront home in St. Petersburg, Florida. Here in Atlanta, we’re finishing up some long-term projects that will soon be ready for photography, and starting a few new renovation projects in town. My “big picture” design goals include a handful of large long-term projects and a book featuring my work, entertaining ideas and favorite recipes.
Recent interiors splurge?
My most recent splurge was a set of antique French green leather dining chairs from Interiors Market for my own dining room!
Recent interiors steal?
We recently found a Hickory Chair dining table at a warehouse sale that we’ll strip and refinish for a client's dining room. It's going to look like a million bucks!
Sourcing:
- Wallpaper: Blake Mint Wallpaper & Emma Sky Wallpaper
- Curtains: Emma Sky Curtains
- Hardware: Brass and Lucite hardware from Luxholdups
- Cocktail chairs: Cocktail chairs in Ocean Velvet
- Chandeliers: Alberto two-tier chandelier
- In-store drinks: Navy Hill tonics
- Art: Paintings by Kate Mullin
In the ATL area? Stop by our Gift Market and see the space for yourself. Follow along at @weezieatlanta to stay in the know on events and more!
