A few weeks ago during Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, I had the immense honor and pleasure of being included in a list that two years ago would have been crazy to think I would appear in; Rathbun’s Watch List. The brain child of Chefs Kent and Kevin Rathbun, Rathbuns’ Watch List was created to introduce food and beverage lovers to Southern chefs and beverage professionals who are making their mark on the Southern culinary industry. Through a partnership with ADAC, the Rathbun brothers expanded the event to also showcase the rising stars of Southern design professionals creating an evening that is as beautiful as it is delicious.
Designers are paired with a Chef and invited to create a space that completely encompasses who they are as a designer, while allowing the Chef to represent and share his or her culinary talent. I was thrilled when I found out I’d be paired with Chef Dylan Fultineer of Rappahonnack Oyster, Virginia. Immediately when I heard the word Oyster I started dreaming of the water, but I didn’t want to play it safe. So instead of designing a space inspired by say the coastal waters in Nantucket, I chose to do an East-Coast-meets-West-Coast vibe.
A more traditional table from Holly Hunt, drapery using Lacefield’s Sahara Midnight fabric, and accents such as ginger jars (lovingly borrowed from Parker Kennedy Living) represented the tried-and-true traditions largely found on the East, while the boldly designed wallpaper from Lindsay Cowles, the Morrocan rug, brassy modern chairs and console table represented the eclectic vibe of—say, Venice Beach. Together they made a crazy, mixed, in-your-face, go-big-or-go-home explosion I couldn’t have loved more.
Being tapped as one of the rising stars of design was humbling and overwhelming all at the same time. It was definitely a new chapter for my career as a designer, and has led me to really sit down and ask myself the important question: do I want to take on more design clients? That’s a question I’m not quite ready to answer, but it was pretty amazing to be surrounded by the talent of the design community and be recognized as Southern designer. Truly, MKR
Mandy- Thank you so much for using my wallpaper in your installation. You did such an AMAZING job!! You are so talented! I look forward to working with you again soon!