The Style Files: Lee Kleinhelter

Lee Kleinhelter opened her fabulous Atlanta store, Pieces back in 2004 after sensing a void in the style market there. She sought out to create a concept that could bridge the gap between the mass-market stores we all know and high-end antiques dealers. Pieces offers a variety of unique textiles and accessories along with an array of vintage furnishings that have been given new life through new paint and upholstery. If you mention Pieces to most design lovers, they can most likely envision the store’s signature aesthetic. It is a great mix of unique furnishings, poppy colors, and amazing vintage inspiration. It’s a little East Coast, a little West Coast, and decidedly Southern with a modern twist, just like Lee.

Name: Lee Kleinhelter

Occupation: stylist, shop owner, mom

Hometown: Greensboro, NC

Current City: Atlanta

LDV: What do you love most about your career?

LK: I love styling and pulling pieces together. Editing and seeing a project come together is what I enjoy the most. 2nd most favorite would be bumping into a cool object or piece  of furniture that we salvage and bring back to life. So many of our pieces go through lots of steps, and it's always fantastic to see them transform. Of course, with our vintage pieces, the absolute final joy is when they find a great home. But back to favorite: by far it is editing and styling.

 

LDV: Where do you find inspiration?

LK: Restaurants, hotels, traveling ... But honestly it could be a paint chip, my child's new sippy cup or spread in a fashion magazine. I believe we all need to get out and see different things to be inspired. It's easy to get stuck in our daily routines. I also find it refreshing to stop and flip through old magazines. I'm so glad I saved some of my favorites since most are no longer in print. We are constantly on our phones and computers...so its nice to stop, relax and flip through the beautiful pages of what's gone on before.

{Room Designed by Miles Redd}

LDV: Who are some of your personal style icons?

LK: Miles Redd is just beyond fabulous. His color! And Billy Baldwin of course. I also spent hours studying architecture and building models in school. That is when I fell in love with Richard Meier (obviously love all the white grids). And then... I also have secret mentors in other areas of design (fashion, etc) who inspire me...I'll tell you about those some other time.

LDV: How would you describe your own style?

LK: Clean, WELL edited and styled with a punch of color.

LDV: What is the trait you most admire in a person?

LK: Honesty.

 

LDV: What is your principal weakness?

LK: Without a doubt, shoes.

8. What is the best piece of advice you have ever received?

Always trust your gut feeling.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I'm not sure if its happened yet.

10. What is your idea of living “la dolce vita”?

Doing what I love for a living, and waking up every day with the two most important men in my life. I feel very lucky.

Bloom:  Palm Tree

Food: Cheese. Amazing cheese!

Drink: Lately, Skinny girl Margaritas (wish I had invented!)

Thing to Wear: Great shoes!

Destination: Would love to go back to Parrot Cay or St. Barts, both to die.

Season: Fall

Musician: Lady Gaga (dying over her clothes)

Television Show: All Bravo.. And Flipping Out. I can always relate!

Book: Sadly, lately, I don't have time to read.

{An Entry from Mrs. Lillien’s Blog}

Magazines: Vogue, Us Weekly, Elle Decor, ALL travel magazines

Blogs: Ms. Lillien

Texture: Soft fur (like our tibetan goat fur pouf...to die!)

 

Fabric or Pattern: Chevron

Color: Hot Pink...like our tufted hot pink/chrome chairs.

Scent: Basil

Extravagance: Have I mentioned shoes?