by Peyton Jenkins

The Athens-based interior designer shows her modern traditionalist style at Metal + Petal, her store and studio on Baxter Street.

Jade Joyner poses for a photo in front of her Metal+Petal neon sign at her office in Athens on September 21. Photo/ Peyton Jenkins

Q: : I see a lot of busts and statues in your interior designs, where does it come from?

Jade Joyner (JJ): My inspiration comes from my travels to different places in Europe. I am always traveling so that I can see different cultures. 

Q: With fall season coming, what are some trends you like for the new season that you have in the store?

JJ: I look for trends outside the norm, not just the classic pumpkin spice for fall. I like dried elements for fall and layering your home by adding in more warm colors. You go for the maximalist; (in the) summer, you do the opposite and remove rugs. You do not have to transition into seasons in cliche ways.

Q: Favorite fall tip?

JJ: Go outside into your yard and get limbs and branches and put it into a vase.

Q: For the game day suite you designed in Athens, what made you step away from the bold colors of red and black and go for a more neutral and muted look?

JJ: I think expected is rather dull, we wanted to embrace the idea of football with the art frame tv and great bar, we didn’t need to give a nod to Athens. We wanted it to be inspired but not themey.

Q: What is an issue you have with clients or shoppers sometimes?

JJ: Americans are used to fast fashion and fast design, when you do something like I do it takes time. Convince them that waiting on that amazing find is worth that $14,000 that they will spend on it. Those pieces make a room.

Q What department store does your shop most relate to?

JJ: Anthropology.

Q: There are lots of plants all in your store, why is that?

JJ: Plants are super important to bring in that natural side, they bring in fresh air and texture.

Q: How important are light fixtures in a home or a room?

JJ: Light fixtures are the jewelry of your room, mix materials and do not have glass fixtures and a glass table together.

Q: How can you create a timeless look?

JJ: Anything that you see that’s trendy on TikTok or Instagram, stay away from. You want to be ahead of the trends. Anything that you can buy at HomeGoods is already over. Stone, marble, different metals, not matching finishes, bringing in color but in a subtle way, toward grays and whites and doses of color.

Comments trimmed for length and clarity.

Exterior shot of Metal+Petal store located off of Baxter Street in Athens, Georgia. The name was inspired by matching a bold dark look (Metal) with lighter tones and more pastels (Petal). Photo/Peyton Jenkins

This gray toned ginger jar is part of a collection that is Joyner’s favorite piece in the store. Photo/Peyton Jenkins