Austin Home Decor Stylist Offers Tips for Cool and Calm Interiors
N’Kisha Manske shares her expertise as summer approaches and we spend more time at home
As part of Governor Greg Abbott’s phase one plan to reopen the Texas economy, restaurants, retail stores and malls are now open at 25 percent capacity. Local Austin businesses — like lifestyle store Hearth & Soul — are implementing safety precautions that enforce social distancing and sanitation.
“We’re going to limit the capacity to 15 people in the store at a time,” says Hearth & Soul stylist N’Kisha Manske. “We’re going to adjust how we do our pay station by moving our credit card processors at the front so customers can do contactless pay.”
Hearth & Soul stylist N’Kisha Manske.Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, investing in exciting home décor pieces can easily set a new tone and make your home a brighter place to be.
One bright idea is to participate in Hearth & Soul’s candle program. Profits from sales of their monthly candle go to a different charity. This month, the selection is a beautiful 10-oz. Mer-Sea candle with hints of balsam, cedar, whiskey, and fire. The store is now supporting The Kindness Campaign in Austin, whose focus is teaching emotional awareness, empathy and community-building to children.
Manske is eager to help clients make their spaces look their best while incorporating their personal sense of style. When it comes to home décor, Manske believes it’s important to choose pieces of furniture that will inspire creativity and productivity — especially as we spend more time at home.
From accented pillows to statement chandeliers to timeless coffee tables, Manske shared eight Hearth & Soul pieces and tips that will give your home a splash of summertime and a fresh perspective.
“With the pieces I picked, I wanted them to all flow in some way,” says Manske. “We’re going into summer, and we want to see lighter colors and fun patterns but also pieces that you want to invest in to carry you through the rest of the year.”
The Anders Chair by Oly Studios
The Anders Chair is the perfect combination of industrial, rustic, and high design. The Iron frame is accented with charcoal finished wood arms and a light hide seat and sling back. The generous proportions give it a light and modern feel while creating a comfortable seat for any room in the house. “I love that this chair is modern, sleek and will go with nearly any style,” says Manske. “The good thing about its neutral palette is that it gives you the opportunity to expand and express more of your style with accent pillows or throws.”
The Long Whisper Chandelier by Ngala Trading
Each chandelier is made by hand with varying lengths of striped leather, creating layers of movement and texture. The ambient light from within the fixture emerges into the room in a soft glow. “These statement chandeliers are so neat and capture such an Austin style,” says Manske. “A great choice for spring and summer months in the kitchen as well as an outdoor covered space.”
The Bloom Coffee Table by Regina Andrew
The Bloom Coffee Table is strong enough to be the center of attention and light enough to blend well in the setting. The sculpted design creates a timeless piece that can be used throughout your home. “This coffee table is airy enough to keep your space light but also is strong enough to stand out as a statement piece,” says Manske.
Johanna Crystal Lamp by Regina Andrew
This solid crystal cylinder lamp base features a sleek silhouette and uniquely designed natural brass neck. The understated yet glamorous Johanna fits in with almost all styles of decor, whether traditional, transitional, modern or even coastal. “We love this lamp and its versatility with any space,” says Manske.
Ardmore Silk Pillow – Love Bird Leopards by Ngala
Leopards are a mark of chieftaincy in Zulu culture, and this regal couple is surrounded by the florets and lucky beans of the coral tree. Every Ardmore pillow is individually cut and sewn in Johannesburg, South Africa. They are the perfect addition to any room in the house and are certain to bring color, charm and a story to your interior. “These are my favorite,” says Manske. “I love the pop of color that these pillows bring to any furniture piece. The patterns are unique yet classic, and they are also a great conversation starter.”
Ardmore Velvet Pillow – Riverchase by Ngala
Crocodiles and Strelitzia, or Bird of Paradise flowers, combine with vines and banana leaves in this design, which celebrates these ancient reptiles and beautiful flora of the Zambezi basin. This Ardmore pillow is also individually cut and sewn in Johannesburg, South Africa.
Starla Michelle Painting – “Adorned”
Local Austin artist Starla Michelle painted this beautiful piece. Starla is a professional Austin artist and Texas native. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in Design Communications from Texas Tech University. Her art and design interests are varied, but her focus is on pushing the limits of impasto style paintings combined with mixed media. Intuition, emotion, and a spiritual connection all play an integral part in the creation of each painting. “We love our local artists,” says Manske. “This piece will surely bring a fun pop of color and happiness into your space.”
Phillipe the Sheep by Interlude Home
With an antique bronze patina and ivory curly genuine sheepskin, the Phillippe Sheep Sculpture is a charming accent that’s sure to get people talking. “Phillipe always brings joy to our guests as they walk in and see him,” says Manske. “This sculpture piece is unique and will make a statement as well as spark a great conversation.”