FACES of Atlanta: Dayka Robinson
Dayka Robinson is an Atlantan who has a passion for shelters and whose philanthropic work has elevated the concept of room service to a whole new level.
Dayka Robinson is a woman of many talents. Designer, blogger, thrift store fanatic and philanthropist, sheβs someone who has figured out how to use her natural gifts and talents not only to make a living, but to pay it forward and help others in the process, too. Itβs with great pleasure that we introduce Dayka as this weekβs FACE of Atlanta!
Tell us about your path to opening your own design firm, Dayka Robinson Designs?
Itβs been very organic for me. I really became interested in interior design when I purchased my first home in 2006 and knew I wanted a fixer-upper. As a part of the process, I devoured every shelter magazine I could get my hands on and stumbled on a few great design blogs late one night. I thought, βIf I love this so much, I need to find a way to do this full-time,β and I did! I started my own blog, Meditations on Life & Style (now DRD blog) in 2006 and from that, business has taken off and Iβve been lucky enough to have some incredible opportunities come my way as well. The road seemed so disjointed in midst of everythingΒ (and sometimes still seems that way!) but when I look back, it all makes perfect sense. I love how life works like that.
How would you describe your sense of style?
Modern Vintage. As a blogger and designer, one of the things Iβm known for is scouring the best second-hand stores to find some incredible vintage pieces and then re-imagining them in creative ways, be it via reupholstering, lacquering, or using the piece in a way thatβs different from its intended use. I love MidCentury Modern, Hollywood Regency, 1970βs glam, and even some of the stuff from the 1980βs, and I have a pretty good eye for being able to see what a discarded piece of furniture will look like once given a bit of love. I love bold patterns and graphic prints. Bringing all of these elements together is my greatest joy!
You helped create an amazing organization, Room Service Atlanta, that designs and creates meaningful spaces for those in need. Tell us a little bit more about the organization.
Room Service AtlantaΒ is a non-profit that I founded in 2011 with Erika Ward, a fellow Atlanta-based interior designer. Together, we organize local interior designers to redesign shelters in the Metropolitan Atlanta area and focus on residential facilities that service individuals and families in transition. Each participating designer selects their preferred space and then uses their resources to bring their design to life. Weβre blessed to have several amazing vendors who partner with us every year, including Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams Atlanta, our Premier Sponsor. This year alone, they donated over $30,000 of beautiful furniture, case pieces and accessories to our cause in addition to hosting our annual wrap party. We couldnβt be more grateful for MGBW Atlanta and all of our vendors whoβve helped us make Room Service Atlanta a smashing success.
Can you describe how having a beautifully designed space lifts the spirits of those you are helping?
The feedback we get about the work we do through RSA is phenomenal. One of the things we fundamentally believe is that everyone deserves a well-designed place to live in. We know how powerful it is to have a private space to relax and decompress after a hard day β¦ a place that is reflective of who you are and lifts your spirits. Itβs nice to be able to run into residents who ask, βWhy are you doing this if youβre not getting paid anything?β and to be able to respond with, βBecause youβre important and you matter.β Thatβs always the message we want to leave for our residents.
What is your favorite room in your own home?
My dining room, hands down. Itβs not totally complete but I found an incredible black and gold geometric wallpaper that I used as the starting point and it is 100% me. Sometimes I like to go in there and just run my hand across the wallβIβm still excited about it 10 months later! I also love that everything in the room is a mix of who I am and reflective of what I believe about interior design.
What did your bedroom look like when you were a teenage girl?
It was a tiny little box and forgettable except for 2 great facts: I had a patio with an exterior entrance off of my room (not too many teens can say that!) and my friends and I used to make these really cool story/picture collages to commemorate our special moments. I had those posters pinned up ALL over the walls. When I think about that room I remember about how much fun I had in high school and the great friendships I made. It was a tiny little matchbox, but it was a happy space.
What are your favorite spots in Atlanta for thrifting and antiquing?
Scottβs Antique Market, Scarlett Loves Rhettro, Kudzu, Antiques & Beyond, plus any random thrift stores I stumble across (Goodwill, Value Village, etc.). The random places are usually where I find the best stuff!
If you werenβt an interior designer, what would you secretly love to do?
Be a prosecutor or criminal defense attorney. I think I must have been one in my former lifeβIβm obsessed with that kind of thing.
Where do you turn for inspiration?
Shelter magazines (House & Home, House Beautiful and Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles), Instagram, and street fashion. I love following picture-based social media apps; Iβm constantly getting inspired.
What are your go-to paint colors that never go out of style?
For colors that never go out of style, I say stick with the basicsβblack, white and greyβyouβll never go wrong! My favorite brand of paint is Sherwin Williams and my tried are true colors are:
- Origami White (SW 7636)
- Tricorn Black (SW 6258)
- Snowbound Β (SW 7004)
- Mindful Grey (SW 7016)
What are a few of your favorite things about living in Atlanta?
I came here in 1997 to attend Spelman College and Iβve loved it ever since! I love that Atlanta has this slower-paced Southern thing going on, yet it still gives me access to the benefits of living in a metropolis. Stone Mountain Park is one of my favorite places to relax, the Biscuit & Sausage Gravy at Rosebud in Virginia Highlands isΒ to die for, and the fact that Atlanta has a pretty stellar music scene makes for great entertainment.
What do you like to do on a Saturday night?
Iβm newly single so Iβm enjoying going out! Iβve met some great new people this year so I like to entertain my closest friends at my house or hit a few restaurants, lounges, or bars with my friends and βsee what we see,β as my grandma likes to say. Iβm really loving my life right now.
What are you reading right now?
My nightstand is always piled with books! I have a Science of Mind meditation magazine that I read every morning and evening to stay centered, and I just finished Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life From Dear SugarΒ by Cheryl Strayed, which I LOVED. Iβm now simultaneously working on Comeback Love (Peter Golden) and Your Best Life NowΒ (Joel Osteen).
What are three things you cannot live without (excluding God, family, and friends):
- Vitamix blender. I eat Paleo (minus the biscuits mentioned above!) and eat/drink a ton of juices, smoothies and soups. This is the mother of all blenders.
- iPhone 5. I still donβt understand why anyone would buy anything else! This phone has singlehandedly revolutionized my life and business.
- Thrifting. I live for the score! Between the furniture and clothing finds, I have to admit that Iβm an excellent shopper. Iβd quite possibly die if I couldnβt hit another thrift store.
Thank you, Dayka! And thank you Amy Lesesne for todayβs beautiful photos! Follow Dayka here:Β www.daykarobinsondesignsblog.com.
