As the holiday season is upon us, Kelly and I are putting together gift ideas for our families, friends and our amazing team at Kandrac & Kole.  We are also researching ways we can do something charitable to those in need.  We’ve been very blessed this year and it is in our hearts to give back. We’ve given many interesting and thoughtful gifts through the years and will share those as well as some new ones for everyone on your list! 

Holiday Gift Guide and Charity Ideas

A lively conversation about the latest interior design trends, travels to industry events, current design projects (the good, the bad and the ugly), do’s and don’ts, product recommendations and more. Just a warning - this is going to be fun and not too serious! After all, they do still have an interior design business running at full speed. Hosted by Joann Kandrac and Kelly Kole, two nationally published Atlanta Interior Designers with a wealth of information to share and stories to tell about their business, Kandrac and Kole and the  interior design world.

Arts

Literature

Performing Arts

Design

Food

Fashion & Beauty

Visual Arts

Home & Garden

Leisure

 We are huge fans of original art. It was a passion we both acquired later in life, partly due to a gallery owner, Donna Krueger of DK Gallery in Marietta, who helped us not be intimidated by art. We have become collectors of art – big and small in our own homes and advocate for original art in every project we design.  As we’ve discussed on other shows, art is for everybody. You’ll always remember where and why you bought that special piece that spoke to you in some meaningful way. Hanging original art is one of the single most important design tips we can give you for making a house a home.  In this episode, we discuss some of our favorite artists and why we love their work so much!  Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve  Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube    KANDRAC & KOLE BIO  Voted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US.  Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.  In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024.  Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.   Social Media Handles   https://www.facebook.com/kandracandkole/  https://www.instagram.com/kandrackole/   https://twitter.com/KandracKole   https://www.pinterest.com/kandrackole/

Artists We Love – Part 1 – The Inside Scoop

Design schools tend to focus on the creative process in interior design, but fall short when it comes to teaching the business side of the industry. In this episode of Inside Design, our incredibly talented friend and colleague, Kate Lester, shares valuable insights to help you run a more successful design business. Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve?? Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube Key Takeaways: 1. Get at least 5 years of real world experience before you even THINK of going out on your own. Make mistakes on someone else’s dime first.  2. If your scope of work is very fluid and your efficiency is at the mercy of others (i.e. contractors), billing hourly vs flat fee is the smarter way to go.  3. Above all, stay in your lane and remain true to yourself no matter what your creative peers are doing!  SPONSOR: Norwalk Furniture Norwalk builds heirloom quality furniture rather than landfill quality furniture. You know what that is also called? Sustainable! Doing their part to create healthy homes and environments is a core principle at Norwalk and we want to be a part of that.  Unlike many other manufacturers, Norwalk has a particularly fabulous array of patterns and bright, fun fabrics to partner with performance fabrics, leathers, and textures like boucle and velvet.  If you are in the Trade, you really must be sourcing Norwalk Furniture. Check out their website – norwalkfurniture.com and especially their 360-Design tool to help visualize pieces. They are shipping in under 8 weeks!  KANDRAC & KOLE BIO Voted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US.  Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.  In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024. Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala. KATE LESTER BIO Kate Lester is the creative director and CEO of Kate Lester Interiors & Kate Lester HOME. With a diversely talented design team in her studio, and two retail stores in Southern California, Kate is thrilled to be spreading her unique design vision with the masses. Her style ethos is all about creating spaces that weave classic lines, vintage finds, modern moments, and an infusion of at least “one weird thing.” Kate attended USC’s prestigious Marshall School of Business and went on to study Design and Architecture at Otis College in Los Angeles. Her industry experience includes working for some of Hollywood’s most famous designers before launching her own firm in 2010. Thriving at the intersection of livable luxury, humor, and realism, Kate believes that the homes she designs should always be carefully crafted, thoughtfully curated, and a direct reflection of the people who inhabit them. When not designing, Kate can be found in Southern California dragging her family to flea markets, running on the beach, or hesitantly participating in a plethora of extreme sports with her extremely persuasive (and brave) husband and daughter. FUNNY QUOTE:  “I am not that friend who will tell you to stop travelling to save money. I will tell you to call in sick and lead us both into financial ruin but at least we’ll have the memories.” SERIOUS QUOTE: “The next time you feel afraid to leave what’s comfortable in pursuit of what’s meant for you, remember this: the goal is not to fit in, the goal is to expand.” @powerhouse_women Social Media Handles https://www.facebook.com/kandracandkole/ https://www.instagram.com/kandrackole/   https://twitter.com/KandracKole   https://www.pinterest.com/kandrackole/

What They Don’t Teach In Design School With Guest Kate Lester

 Welcome to the Inside Scoop where we will uncover the charm and beauty of one of America’s jewels and the most beloved cities, Charleston, South Carolina. In this short episode we will guide you through the city. Consider it “A Day in Charleston with Joann & Kelly.”   Watch today’s episode on YouTube:  https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve     KANDRAC & KOLE BIOVoted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US.   Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.   In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024.   Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.   https://www.facebook.com/kandracandkole/   https://www.instagram.com/kandrackole/      https://twitter.com/KandracKole      https://www.pinterest.com/kandrackole/

Let's Take A Trip To Charleston!

  In this episode, award-winning landscape designer and horticulturist Wambui Ippolito highlights essential links between outdoor and indoor design. “It’s the garden, the person, and the way that person lives.”   Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve?    Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube   KEY TAKEAWAYS   1. Design is about the “totality” of a project. Bridging the inside and the outside creates the experience.   2.  If you don’t know where to begin gardening, planting herbs such as sage, lavender and rosemary is a good place to start.   3. Nature is a great healer and having a beautiful garden creates a feeling of peace and calm.   SPONSOR – This episode is sponsored by  Thibaut Design. Established in 1886, they are the oldest continuously operating wallpaper company in the United States. Need wallcovering, fabric, or trim in a pinch? Thibaut maintains industry-leading inventory levels in their state-of-the-art Charlotte, North Carolina distribution center. With 95% of products in stock at all times, Thibaut account holders enjoy speedy shipments, with in-stock items shipping in two days. Make sure to go to their website and click the inspiration link and check out their amazing room styles!! To open a Thibaut trade account, visit www.thibautdesign.com/trade/podcast.   KANDRAC & KOLE BIOVoted one of “Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers” by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the US.   Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy.   In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, “Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole.” This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, “The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly,” in 2024.   Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala.    WAMBUI IPPOLITO BIOWambui Ippolito is an award-winning landscape designer and horticulturist who in 2021 was named one of “11 Revolutionary Female Landscape Designers and Architects Everyone Should Know" by Veranda Magazine.   Heavily influenced by her early years in Kenya and a life filled with worldwide travel, Wambui has become one of the most sought-after garden designers in the country. In addition to her landscape design work, she lectures widely both in the United States and internationally.   Wambui specializes in fine estate gardening, with an emphasis on designing for humans and their pets. She views Nature as the greatest healer and seeks to make her gardens elegant and curative. Wambui is also a trained horticulturist, having graduated from the New York Botanical Garden’s School of Professional Horticulture.   SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES   https://www.facebook.com/kandracandkole/   https://www.instagram.com/kandrackole/      https://twitter.com/KandracKole   https://www.pinterest.com/kandrackole/    QUOTES   1. Funny quote: “Once you’ve seen a woman take her bra off without removing her shirt, it makes sense why they should be in charge of things.” – @thisislibertyroad on Insta   2. Serious quote: “I am woman – hear me roar!... Nature gives to us all in equal measure.” – Wambui Ippolito

Why Outdoor Design Is Just As Important As Indoor Design With Guest Wambui Ippolito

We have always followed the mantra – CREATE, COLLABORATE AND CELEBRATE. So in this episode of “The Inside Scoop,” we are celebrating other podcasts by letting you know some of our favorites. We encourage you to listen to them – we will share more in our next episode of “The Inside Scoop.” Watch today’s episode on YouTube: https://bit.ly/InsideDesignYouTube  Listen to today’s episode here: https://spoti.fi/3I46Lve BIO Voted one of "Atlanta's Top 20 Residential Interior Designers" by the Atlanta Business Chronicle, Kandrac & Kole Interior Designs is an acclaimed design firm with two decades of experience serving residential and commercial clients. Their work has been featured in leading publications across the U.S. Since 2005, Joann and Kelly have built a respected partnership. They are renowned for their dynamic personalities, distinctive use of color, and unique custom designs. Frequently invited to share their insights at industry events and on design panels, they are recognized as diligent business operators who remain approachable and genuine, radiating constant positive energy. In 2018, they used their infectious energy to launch their podcast, Inside Design with Kandrac & Kole. This lively, weekly conversation, where Joann and Kelly share design and industry insights, became so popular that they introduced a series of bonus episodes, "The Inside Scoop with Joann and Kelly," in 2024. Their dedication to the power of interior design also extends to their charity work throughout the U.S. and Guatemala. SOCIAL MEDIA HANDLES https://www.facebook.com/kandracandkole/  https://www.instagram.com/kandrackole/  https://twitter.com/KandracKole  https://www.pinterest.com/kandrackole/

Holiday Gift Guide and Charity Ideas

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