Southern Comforts: Evon Kirkland Interiors

Keep reading to learn more about how Southern designer, Evon Kirkland McAngus, brings new life, a flair of color, and classic touches to any space, large or small.

What do you feel are lasting, timeless palettes that still feel fresh and up-to-the-minute?

I prefer backgrounds that are neutral and atmospheric in color. These clean palettes are accented using accessories with bold, saturated color. In designing the living room for the Charleston Symphony Showhouse, I used lavender with accents of lemon and silver. This unexpected and powerful color combination was grounded by neutral pieces in the room.

Which comes first: lifestyle or product/design?

Lifestyles have dramatically changed over the past decades due to technology, innovation and social awareness. Design has been dictated by these factors which are in direct response to the human condition.

How do you perceive design today: as catalyst for lifestyle change or as reaction to it or both?

I see design primarily as a response to lifestyle change. However advancement in technological design radically affects our lifestyle options. It’s these lifestyle choices that are the basis for defining each project.

Who are your 3 favorite fashion designers and why?

Dolce & Gabbana specialize in luxury items. They are known for responding to long-term trends rather than seasonal changes, reiterating my design advice that clients make timeless, sophisticated choices for major furnishings.

Donna Karen is known for sleek timeless collections of haute couture. She often introduces a bold color each season. While vivid, it always work with the neutral palette which defines her collections.

Lela Rose founded her company on a vision to create classic silhouettes with a whimsical twist. Her fabrics are always beautifully embellished with a nod to the era of glamour. Accessories and art always add the final style definition to a room.

What has been your favorite recent project?

Currently I am working on a renovation project that introduces a sleek, modern kitchen into an existing home with very traditional architectural bones. The project will require a new kitchen as well as renovations to the major adjoining spaces. My client’s love of vivid color and high design gives me an opportunity to transition the boundaries of these two distinctive styles. I have taken inspiration from Laura Kirar’s new collection for Baker Furniture. Her bold color accents in this collection have redefined traditional elements.

How do you go about assessing a client’s projects/needs?

For me, asking lots of questions and really listening to each client is the only way to begin the design process. Lifestyle is the first consideration for all my residential projects. Analyzing the client’s communication style is also something I focus on during the first meetings. After all, clients have to be able to understand and envision the design I create. Technology allows so many options in presentation and communication.

In your opinion, what makes a great room?

I feel that a great room is one in which there is no distinction between form and function. It is the harmonious blend of usefulness and beauty that defines a great space. Proper use of scale and lighting are integral components as are subtlety of ornamentation.

What is the ultimate goal of all your projects?

To create timeless design for individual spaces. The goal is to create a space that the client will appreciate and fall in love with at the same time. A successful project integrates good design with aspects of the client’s personal taste.