The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Designer mixes old, new in unexpected ways
Designer Jimmy Stanton is also the owner of Stanton Home Furnishings on Atlanta’s west side. The store mixes old and new in a modern and unexpected way that just feels right.
Owner & designer: Stanton grew up in Marietta and graduated from the American College of the Applied arts (London and Atlanta) while working for John Craft Interiors. He then worked for interior design firms Design Continuum & Image Design before starting his own business.
The store: Opened as a tiny 10-foot by 10-foot space at the Lakewood Antiques Market in 2001. After three months, Stanton moved into a storefront in Decatur. Years later, as the store evolved, Stanton Home Furnishings moved into a 14,000-square-foot showroom in the Westside Design District. Open daily, the store offers furniture, lighting and accessories in an everchanging mix of styles.
What makes it different: All products are sold off the floor for instant gratification. So every time you come in, there are new items.
Known for: Custom down decorative pillows ($100 to $250) in limited designs.
People would be surprised to learn: Everyone who works in the store has a design background and can help pick out furniture, fabrics and accessories.
A favorite item: The Marcoux Swivel Chair from CR Laine in a Sunbrella fabric ($2,013).
Popular gifts: Aquiesse candle in a French oak current fragrance. The large soy candle comes in a gift box ($38). Also vases ($15 to $300).
Designer vs. store owner: Owning the store is easy because I can order and design whatever I want — and hope customers will like it. When designing for a client, I have to measure and consider scale before putting the items together and adding accessories. Plus, get the client’s approval on all items.
As seen in: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles; Atlanta magazine; Country Living, DÉCOR; and Modern Luxury Interiors Atlanta.
Favorites
Blogs: Bespoke Banter (by childhood friend and designer Catherine M. Austin) and The Ace of Space by designer Vicki Gladle Bolick.
Websites: gilt.com and christopherspitzmiller. com (lighting).
Instagram: @ tracirhoads1 (Traci Rhoades Interiors); @ jefftrotterdesign (LA designer); @toddmurphy101 (an artist known for over-sized art pieces. Stanton has one of his owl pieces); @revivalrodney (Revivial, Rodney Simmons furniture and antiques emporium in Chattanooga, Tenn.); @theabeasley (an Atlanta stylist, designer, creative consultant); and @ stevengambrel (known for his city and country designs).
Atlanta-area home/ design stores (other than my own): BD Jeffries; Dixon Rye; Paris on Ponce; Switch Modern; and Kudzu & Co.
Design pet peeves: Tiny flat pillows.
Where should homeowners splurge: Designer pillows and unique lighting.
… and where should they save: Draperies
New (or re-emerging) designs I like: Color.
… and looks I am glad to see go: Matching furniture room sets.
Unusual purchase: A customer bought a massive sheep head to put over a baby’s crib.
Biggest design mistake I have made: Ordered a dining table for a client and looked at the picture, not at the dimensions. At the installation, I saw that the table was bar height and had to order a new table for the customer. I now use that bad table as my desk.
… and mistake homeowners make: Not measuring correctly. Sectionals, which can eat up a room, are often where customers make huge mistakes.
Best design advice I have received :Lessis more … unless there’s no budget. Then more is more.
About me
My homes: I live in the city and the country. During the week, I live at White Provisions Residences on Atlanta’s west side and near my shop. I also have an historic Greek Revival house in Madison, known as Honeymoon 1851 Mansion.
My home style: Comfortable modern. The city condo is more glitz. There is an Aerin lauder crystal chandelier in the den, white fur stools, a round marble coffee table, brass chairs and bold pillows. In Madison, there is more of a mix of antiques, found items and new pieces.
Favorite pieces in my Madison home: Chest of drawers and an oval antique mirror that belonged to my Gran.
Space I would like to design: I just finished the first season of HBO’s “Westworld,” and think it would be fun to design a dining car on a luxury train.
Latest project: Working on a Monte Hewett Homes-designed house in the Chastain area for long-time clients.
Where to find Jimmy Stanton Furnishings:
- Website: www.stantonhomefurnishings.com
- Facebook: Stanton Home Furnishings
- Instagram: @stantonhomefurnishings