From The Desk of … Julianne Taylor
From the moment I met Julianne I knew there was something different about her. She was confident, funny and extremely warm. She was very engaging and always with a plan swirling in her head. As the founder and creative director of the luxury decor brand Taylor Burke Home, Julianne is always planning what’s next. She has lived in many places all over the world but settled in Charleston, South Carolina when she decided to make a go of her new venture in January 2012. Close to her family in Columbia and close to her factories in the Southeast, Charleston was the perfect choice for her family.
Taylor Burke Home sets itself apart by its made it America products which “offer premium craftsmanship paired with high design for a truly show-stopping piece in any space”. The newly launched Tailored line offers “12 new designs of upholstered chairs, sofas and dining pieces dubbed “bolder basics.” The Tailored line offers “popular styles for an everyday chic look, that retail at an attainable price point”. Julianne’s designs are show stopping and easy to spot. I love the personal touches she adds in to her designs. The Hexagonal Blake Accent Table, the first piece she designed, is named after her oldest. The hugely popular Grant Chair is named after her middle son. Clearly I am love with pieces from both the TBH and Tailored lines since we used the Blake chairs in the kitchen and the Evans chairs in the den. I currently have my eye on a pendant for my office.
When I asked Julianne if I could feature her for the desk series she was more than gracious with photos of her creative space, the space where all the TBH magic happens!
Tell me about Julianne Taylor and TBH. How did you get to the place you are today?
I’m an Interior Designer by trade, and my eye and perspective as a designer have really helped me with the success of TBH. We design and manufacture furniture and lighting that we sell all over the U.S. I believe hard work, perseverance and strong relationships have gotten me to the place I am today.
Would you do anything differently?
I can’t say that I would. I believe the bumps along the way teach you the perseverance that you’ll need to create a successful business. This business is not for the faint of heart!
You just wrote a book, DesignHER. What was that experience like?
It was a passion project lat year, and an incredible opportunity to celebrate women in our industry. I truly believe that together we are much stronger than by ourselves. It’s kind of strange when you write a book. People say, “You’re an AUTHOR now!”– But I don’t really consider myself an author. In reality, yes– but I’m a product designer at heart.
What inspires you to create?
The best scenario for to me to get creative is when I can get away to hide in the NC mountains. It’s time that I can just be quiet. I have sketched and created some of our best sellers during the times when I can get away and clear my mind. Fashion Week is definitely a huge inspiration for me as well. The colors and textures that we see on the runway definitely inspire some of our designs.
Favorite item on your desk?
I love colored pencils in any variety. I have a big caddy on my desk that holds pencils of all colors. It’s a reminder everyday that I need to be sketching and that no matter how tough the day is– I’m a creator of beauty. And THAT’S pretty cool!
What is your favorite way to unwind?
Porch time with the hubby while the kids play outside is always a great way to end the day. Charleston is such a beautiful place to live, and the weather is really nice most of the year.
Favorite style icon.
Thank you for this post on Julianne. Not only a force to be reckoned with in the design world, but she sounds like an all around fun, caring and inspirational woman.