Sophisticated, sultry and sometimes surprising come to mind when describing interior designer Bradley Odom, owner and interior designer of Dixon Rye. The Westside Atlanta-based store is filled with gorgeous furnishings and accessories and is also home base for his design business. Chances are you’ve seen his work, such as in the recent Traditional Home article “Green Day” highlighting his kitchen design prowess. “Buy better, fewer things,” is his philosophy. Get to know Bradley Odom better today as he’s our latest interior designer crush!
Where did you grow up, and how did that influence your design interests today?
I was born and raised in Mississippi but have also lived in several distinctly different Southern towns: New Orleans, Birmingham and, my long-time home, Atlanta. The rich heritage of the South informs not only how I design, but also how I work with clients: family first, entertaining, outdoor/indoor living, lush greenery, inviting spaces and personal stories reflected in everyday objects.
What’s been the educational journey that led you to Dixon Rye? What was your goal in opening a design store in Atlanta?
I’m a retailer at heart. I’ve spent the majority of my career with large retail chains where I learned not only about customer experience but ultimately about how to build a brand. Curating the shop has been a dream, but it was also important to me to incorporate my love for and education in interiors into the business. To achieve this goal, I decided to go back to school at SCAD, where I earned my degree in interior design. After graduating, opportunities presented themselves that enabled me to achieve my dream of opening the shop. There’s something about being a shopkeeper that inspires me: I get to work with our customers on a daily basis, each one playing a part in informing where we go and what we do next. The design business is ultimately an extension and injection of what we do in the shop on a daily basis into clients’ homes.
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What is a “New Southern” look? What are some key elements that should be in every room?
I’m often asked about this but don’t know that there is a “New Southern” look. I try and focus on the individual client, but I do think it’s important that there is consistency in all of our projects, since the client came to us either knowing the shop aesthetic or having seen a former project. For me, I do always incorporate the following elements in every room: wood, metal, antique and modern — creating that irreverent juxtaposition we love so much.
What are some of your own favorite design or fashion stores in the Southeast or beyond?
Okay, so it’s not the Southeast, but I’m a big fan of RTH SHOP in Los Angeles. I make a point to visit anytime I’m in LA, but I’m really excited that they just launched their online site. I also love everything Hudson-Grace. It’s my go-to for all things tabletop. They have a beautiful shop on the westside at Westside Provisions. Of course, Sid Mashburn is always a favorite for clothing. It’s where I buy all my white jeans that I wear year round. Imogene + Willie in Nashville is full of inspiration and incredible denim.
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Where do you travel for inspiration?
If you follow my Instagram, you’ll quickly learn that I escape Atlanta for Old Edwards Inn in Highlands, NC, every time I get a chance. It’s a quick 2.5-hour drive from Atlanta. The team there is so accommodating, and I’ve been going for so long that they just know what I like … which is mostly to just be. Although I don’t travel as much as I did prior to opening Dixon Rye, I love anywhere in Europe, but especially London. I have good friends there and am always inspired by the gardens and architecture. I love the hustle and bustle of that city! I always also find little shops that have interesting things that I can find something in.
You are a master of using colors from nature, especially green. Why does green appeal to people and work well in a room?
It’s funny, when I first read this question, I wondered why the focus on green. After much thought, I realized you are right! I clearly have a thing for green. I believe it began when I was only 21. I rented a small house just outside of town from my parents and painted my bedroom hunter green. I thought it was the best thing ever. It’s obviously stuck with me, as my current bedroom is Studio Green by Farrow & Ball. Our first showhouse room was green, as well as several other projects. I contribute it to my love of nature. There’s something cocooning about it that I love.
What are some movies or TV shows you’ve seen where the interior design caught your eye?
A favorite set design still today is from the movie, A Single Man. The interiors, cars and fashion are some of the best!
What are your three favorite accessories to have on a coffee table?
I personally love anything that isn’t books on a coffee table. I feel like books are so overused to decorate. Don’t get me wrong, I love a beautiful design book as much as anyone else, but I like to have them all together in a cabinet. For coffee tables, I prefer anything that has been collected or curated by the owner. Personal objects that make a statement or start a conversation are always winners. My coffee table currently is occupied by a handmade Moroccan bowl, an antique brass architectural compass and a plaster artist study of a female figure found in Paris.
Thank you, Bradley, for sharing your expertise with us today! Find Dixon Rye at 1085 Howell Mill Road NW Suite A-1 Atlanta, Georgia 30318. Hours are Monday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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