Designer Advice with Imani James

Aug 28

**A design by** **Imani James. Captured by** **Marc Malden Photography, Inc**.

DETAILS
Who — Imani James Where — Around the globe
Beautiful — Travel

Let’s go places!

While studying abroad in Paris, I met some incredible designers, including Imani James. Whether bonding over tequila shots at a local bar or perusing Monet's gardens, Imani and I have stayed in touch, and I’ve gained so much inspiration from her. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, Imani James Interiors offers a beautiful design portfolio with remarkable knowledge of cultured design services.

One of the many qualities I admire about Imani’s approach is her ability to travel around the world and incorporate those experiences into her home designs. So, I asked Imani if she would share some advice on traveling with a design-centered goal.

As a well-traveled interior designer, what would you recommend a person look for in a specific country when sourcing items for their home?

“France is a treasure trove for unique antiques, with the Paris Flea Market standing out as the largest antique market in the world. Here, you can find one-of-a-kind prints, vintage dining chairs, consoles, and many other items that can add a unique touch to a home. Brazil's vibrant art market is a weekly celebration of local talent, offering a fantastic opportunity to support artists and acquire custom art at a great price. The art scene in Cartagena, Colombia, particularly in the neighborhood of Getsemani, is also excellent for sourcing art.”

Which country is best for sourcing modern interiors?

“Italy is great for modern and contemporary projects, particularly in Milan. Milan is very fashion-forward, and the furniture and design options reflect that.”

Which country offers the best value for sourcing?

“Countries with a wide range of sellers who are not completely fixed in their prices are ideal. Istanbul, Turkey, and Marrakesh, Morocco, come to mind. They have an enormous selection of textiles and rugs. The souks in Marrakesh are known for their lighting, rugs, accessories, and fabrics, where buyers can find bargains and haggle with local vendors.”

Is there anything else you would recommend people look for when traveling with sourcing in mind?

“When traveling, I always pay close attention to the design elements in boutique hotels, especially in another country. I also visit local flea and street markets to source unique items.”

Wow, there you have it, folks! Insider advice on sourcing when traveling from one of the best interior designers in the Atlanta area. So next time you’re traveling abroad, keep an eye out for local antiques and art. If you're in metropolitan Italy, immerse yourself in the modern art culture. And always remember to draw inspiration from local boutique hotels.

Sourcing items abroad can add an exciting adventure to your trip! Beyond that, bringing items from different cultures into your home creates a diversified and unique environment in the overall design. By doing this, you create a gem of a home—a special oasis—that not only triggers memories of nostalgia but also makes your home stand out from everyone else’s!

This is your sign to book that trip abroad and make it even more beautiful!

If you are interested in learning more about Imani James Interiors, you can visit her website and instagram.