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!
Bradley Odom, pictured here against his favorite Farrow & Ball shade of green, is known for his sartorial and interior design savvy. Image: Anthony-Masterson
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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“The mix of materials in this Atlanta living room really warms the space,” says Bradley. “It gives this house soul.” A subtly patterned rug by Jaipur Living anchors the room, filled with furnishings and accessories mostly from Bradley’s own store, Dixon Rye. Image: Anthony-Masterson
Bradley incorporated some of the client’s existing pieces, such as the chest in the foyer. Crisp white walls allow the rich colors to stand out. Goat art is from the whimsical Atlanta company BOBO Intriguing Objects. Image: Anthony-Masterson
Sculptural shapes and nature-based art are a recurring theme in Bradley’s designs. Image: Anthony-Masterson
Vignettes in his store are arranged like rooms in a house. Bradley seeks out artisans and brands not carried elsewhere. Image: Anthony-Masterson
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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Color-blocked draperies hold their own, even against wallpaper from Jim Thompson Fabrics. The pendant is by Urban Electric. Image: Anthony-Masterson
The dining room in the same house has a juxtaposition of traditional elements, such as the China hutch and Parsons chairs with striking wall art, also from BOBO Intriguing Objects. “We needed art that wouldn’t be lost in the wallpaper; it needed to be monumental,” says Bradley. “I think the elephant accomplishes that.” Image: Anthony-Masterson
For a cozy look, Bradley chose a custom Dixon Rye upholstered headboard that matched the rich green walls in this farmhouse bedroom. Bedding is from Legacy Linens. Image: Sarah Dorio
“We went for a dark and moody feeling that represented the Dixon Rye aesthetic in this Serenbe show house room,” says Bradley. “We had a custom daybed in velvet made to run the length of the wall. We wanted it to feel like a space you could spend an afternoon in reading a book.” The spider art was found in an old book at an antique market and framed for impact. Image: Sarah Dorio
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.
“I love being surrounded by all my favorite things,” says Bradley about his own master bedroom. “The bed I designed and had made as part of the DR Private Label collection.” Layers of green and brown fill the masculine space. Image: Anthony-Masterson
Vintage accessories and art are layered elsewhere in the bedroom. Image: Anthony-Masterson
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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