Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Coombs.
Elizabeth, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
After graduating from Mississippi State University’s College of Art, Architecture, and Design, my husband, Braxton, and I moved to Washington, D.C. to start our careers. I was fortunate to land my first job out of school with one of DC’s top luxury design firms. Working with the team in DC provided me with an excellent learning experience. I was able to contribute to projects ranging from smaller vacation homes to 30,000+ square feet estate homes. It was an invaluable experience which equipped me to launch my own business.
In 2011, I became more interested in putting more of my own spin on projects, so we decided to take a leap of faith and started Modern Antiquity Design at our home in Alexandria, VA. Our office consisted of a guest bedroom closet that we converted into a working studio. Most of our initial projects were smaller (i.e. a bedroom here or a dining room there), but we continued to grow our business.
Braxton and I both grew up in Mississippi and knew that we would always end up moving closer to home at some point. In 2013, Braxton and I made the decision to move to Atlanta. We recognized that this would essentially be a re-start for Modern Antiquity, but we also knew that it was the right decision for our family.
Between moving to Atlanta in October of 2013, and the birth of our first daughter, Alexandria, in July of 2014 you can probably imagine that there has been little time to grow a business and be a ‘Mom’. I’ve really tried to balance work life and family life, and it’s tough! However, we have been very fortunate and our business has continued to grow (even after adding our second daughter, Lily, in January of 2017).
Today, Modern Antiquity focuses on providing luxury interior design services to the Atlanta market. Not only do we have multiple client projects occurring at a given time, but we have also begun to renovate and sell homes in Atlanta. We’re excited to see what the future holds for our team at Modern Antiquity!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I’m a designer, not a business operator. Ideally, I would love to sit in my studio and design beautiful spaces all day long, but as a business owner, you can’t do that. Starting out, I learned that you wear many hats as the owner of a small business…. For example, not only have I been the principal designer, but I am also the CEO, CFO, Head of Human Resources, Head of Marketing, and Head of Customer Service. It’s a lot of work being a one-woman-show! Not to mention while also trying to be a Mother and Wife.
While starting a business is indeed a challenge, it has been an incredibly rewarding experience. Today, our team is growing and we’re incorporating additional support and expertise in many areas of our business.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Modern Antiquity Design – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
Modern Antiquity creates custom interiors with attention to every detail. We’re there to help with every part of the design process, from beginning to installation, to ensure that the end result is seamless and that the design of your home is completely and uniquely all about you.
We provide our luxury design services when clients buy furniture and furnishings directly through us, and we have an extensive line of offerings that fit many styles and budgets. Finished rooms are the objective, whether done one at a time or a whole houseful at a time, but we’re also happy to help with whatever small project design need you may have as well.
Modern Antiquity recognizes that no two clients are ever alike, and each design is customized to fit the personal aesthetic, style, and needs of that particular home. These characteristics, coupled with our design experience working in some of the most desirable communities in the Washington, DC and Atlanta areas has given Elizabeth and Modern Antiquity an extensive background that allows us to create graceful yet highly functional interiors.
Our goal is to provide you with the space you’ve always wanted that can be enjoyed for years to come.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We plan to grow! As our business continues to grow, we continue to have the opportunity to work with great clients and continue to expand our design capabilities.
While continuing our primary focus on providing luxury interior design services, we’re also excited to incorporate “Modern Antiquity Homes” into our offerings for clients. Currently within our “Homes” offering, we purchase, design, and renovate homes in the Atlanta market which are then offered for sale.
Be on the look-out for a blog post on our latest “Decatur Flip” project!
Contact Info:
- Website: modernantiquity.com
- Phone: 770-274-6710
- Email: info@modernantiquity.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modernantiquitydesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/modernantiquitydesign/
Image Credit:
Julie Anne Photography
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