We love connecting you with Interior designers that we know you would love and should definitely follow.  That is why we sat down with Atlanta’s interior design duo, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs to learn more about what drives their designs.

Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole are two of Atlanta’s Top 20 Residential Interior Designers according to the Atlanta Business Chronicle. Kandrac & Kole have been featured on HGTV as well as in The New York Times, Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, Better Homes & Gardens and Southern Home Magazine among others. Kandrac & Kole has established a well-known reputation for their approachable, dynamic personalities, their signature use of color, and their one-of-a-kind, custom designs.

Designers Joann Kandrac & Kelly Kole
Designers Joann Kandrac & Kelly Kole

Tell us a little bit about Kandrac & Kole.

Kelly and I were businesswomen before we became designers.  We believe those experiences helped us to create a thriving interior design business that we absolutely love! We do both residential and commercial design and have been lucky to have been published in several national and regional magazines.  Blogging is also something we have done for over 10 years about design projects, travels, and personal stories.  In January of this year, we launched a podcast named “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.  We sit back every week and discuss the latest trends, industry talk, design projects, product recommendations and so much more.

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Photo credit Lauren Rubinstein Photography of Kandrac & Kole recent work

What makes your work different/special? 

Our designs are colorful, sophisticated and exude warmth and personality.  One aspect of our business that may be unique is our charity work throughout Guatemala and the U.S.  We go to Guatemala every summer and build homes for the poor. This past summer we also did a shoe drive and put shoes on over 200 children.  
Here in the states, we participate with Dwell with Dignity, an organization that partners with local service agencies that have programs in place to take families from homelessness and poverty to self-sufficiency.  We provide complete home interiors that include furniture, art, bedding, linens, kitchen supplies, a pantry full of food as well as the first night’s meal.  Families come home to what will be their new standard of living. It is very rewarding to work with this charity that makes such a powerful impact on peoples lives.

Is there a specific theme or feel to your design/blog/podcast? 

We are approachable, real, authentic, and we share what we have learned over our 13 years in business.  We attend several industry-related conferences, have worked with design mastermind groups, business coaches and are always learning.  I think the messaging through our blog and podcast relates not only to interior designers and design enthusiasts, but also to all creative people and entrepreneurs.  Our mission statement:  “Imagine and create distinctive spaces.  Stay innovative and current.  Build lifelong client relationships.  Be successful entrepreneurs.  Be honest and thorough in the details. Have fun, laugh often”
Design by Kandrac & Kole
Design by Kandrac & Kole

What is your favorite color trend at the moment?

We really gravitated towards white walls and infusing lots of texture and pops of color in the furnishings and accessories.  Others we love are pink, green and navy.
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Photo credit Lauren Rubinstein Photography of Kandrac & Kole recent work

What color challenge do you or your clients often run into?

In regard to paint, colors need to be selected in the space they are going in.  Many times a client will say, what is your favorite gray color?  That is a hard question to answer since it can totally depend on the lighting in that space.  We like to push people out of their comfort zones when it comes to color.  We once had a client paint her bathroom ceiling black and she was scared to death and did it anyway.  She said it’s her favorite room!  

What is your top color trend do you see coming up for 2019?

Based on some of the manufacturers’ forecasts, it appears that we will be moving into warmer, earthier colors. I think these forecasted colors will be used as accents or in smaller rooms as well as being used on cabinets, bookcases, and doors.  On the other end of the spectrum, neutral walls will be here to stay for a bit longer.  
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Photo credit Lauren Rubinstein Photography of Kandrac & Kole recent work

What is your favorite “local” spot?

Scott Antique Market in Atlanta is every second weekend of the month.  It is the country’s largest indoor antique show featuring over 3,300 booths in two large warehouses.  You will find everything from furniture, rugs, art, lighting, silver, jewelry, clothing and one of a kind items.  

Make sure you check them out either via website, podcast, or while in Atlanta!  They have a new podcast out with Sherwin Williams color director, check out episode 43.