If you live in Atlanta, you’ll know Melanie Turner’s interiors are synonymous with understated grandeur. Having brilliantly brought to life some of the city’s most revered residences, including her own Pink Castle, Turner’s work preserves the past while embracing modernity.

What a treat to read her debut volume, Inviting Interiors: A Fresh Take on Beautiful Rooms, and be able to pore over the elegant spaces that are each divided by style. Within the chapters—Clarity, Colorful, Calm, Collected, and Cool—a wealth of design inspiration awaits. Melanie was gracious enough to indulge me in a Q & A and Rizzoli shared a selection of images to whet the palate. Enjoy, dear readers!
What’s a design day in the life of Melanie Turner like?
Editing, putting out fires, being creative.

Your barrel-vaulted ceilings are one of my very favorite design elements you execute—what inspired them?
Harrods food court in London.
Your work reflects a seamless transition between original architecture and newer additions. How do you piece a house back together after multiple renovations?
Go back to the original/classic architecture and be true to the original.

What’s your secret for the sleek, glowing white ceilings seen in so many of your rooms?
Venetian plaster with no “pimples”! Meaning no can lighting, no air vents, no smoke detectors etc.
Blue is such a cornerstone of your design palette, what makes this hue a neutral?
Since the sky and oceans are blue it makes up most of the world so it works with everything.

Spring is on the way and many of us are clamoring to enjoy more time outside. What are your must-have elements for comfortable and beautiful outdoor spaces?
Santa Barbara umbrellas, lots of potted plants from Elegant Earth, dining table for al fresco dining.
It is evident that travels have inspired many of your spaces. What is the first place you’d like to visit when the world returns to normal?
Capri and hike! Eat at restaurants and be with friends!
Rapid fire favorites, Atlanta edition:
Museum: Atlanta History Center
Antiques: Interiors Market and Scotts Market
Furniture: Bungalow Classic
Clothing: Neiman Marcus and Ann Mashburn
Tabletop: Mrs. Alice
Lunch: The Chastain
Cocktails: The Garden Room
Dinner: Le Bilboquet

Add this beautiful book to your Easter basket, it will last longer than the jelly beans!
All photography by Mali Azima via Rizzoli New York.

2 Comments
LOVE THIS – ABSOLUTELY BEAUTIFUL!
March 31, 2021 at 8:29 pmgreat interview! loved reading!
April 2, 2021 at 1:21 pm