We had the good fortune of connecting with Ilona Karneyenka and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Ilona, as a parent, what have you done for you children that you feel has had the most significant impact?
To start with, I’m blessed to have three amazing children. They sure can be a handful sometimes, but they are my world, and I love them to pieces. Like any other parent, I always try to improve and be better and wondering if I’m doing enough for them. But looking back, I can highlight a few things that impact/impacted them the most. One of them is that I (my husband and I, I cannot take all the credit 🙂 taught them how to do things on their own since they were little. I always let them help, and instead of doing something for them, I let them be a part of the process so they can learn. When our middle son was five, I taught him how to make his breakfast and pack his home lunch for school. I remember how empowering it was for him. He felt independent and proud of himself that he could do it. These little things give kids confidence, and prepare them for life ahead as well. I enjoy making pancakes for them every morning and packing their lunches, but if I’m not there for any reason, they can manage on their own without any frustration and stress. They can also take care of each other, and there is nothing more any parents would want than their kids sticking together. I also keep teaching them to speak up, to express their wishes and needs, talk about their emotions, and being able to see the best outcome out of any situation. Life is not always easy, not always fair, and definitely not black and white. Being able to notice all the positive and beautiful things is very important and rewarding. I listen when they talk without interrupting and putting my two cents. I make tea and cookies, or just a snack for them when they come home from school and sit next to them. Usually, in a couple of minutes, they start talking about their day, good and bad things that happened, their friends, teachers, etc. Those moments are priceless.

What should our readers know about your business?
We are a boutique interior design studio serving clients all around the Atlanta area and beyond. You can recognize our work by the use of color which we love incorporating to create uplifting inspiring spaces. We believe that connection with our clients before we start the project makes the whole process enjoyable for both sides whether it’s a quick room revamp or full house renovation. ​We take our time to get to know them, their lifestyle and history, which helps us to create very personal spaces with a touch of our signature style. Having a great team and awesome partners let us move our projects quickly and accommodate the client’s schedules. The biggest lesson I’ve learned along the way is that relations between you and other people are everything, valuing and acknowledging every person you work with is important. It took a few years of good and bad experiences with different people, but now I’m truly grateful to have a team that always makes us look good.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In the city of Atlanta, I love Botanical Garden, High Museum of Art, and Ponce City Market. Carroll Street Cafe is an excellent place for lunch – great tapas and deserts; Julianna’s Coffee & Crepes is perfect for breakfast or brunch. Yonah Mountain is my favorite getaway place – just 1.5 drive from Atlanta, If you haven’t been there yet – it’s a must – the view from the top is fantastic!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My husband Andrei – he is my biggest cheerleader, he supports my craziest ideas, and always by my side. Amy O’Dell – my interior design professor / mentor / friend Design Collective Atlanta – my design family Miko+Boone Home – more design family, great trade resource center

Website: www.orangeandorange.com
Instagram: @orangeandorange_atl

Image Credits
Anastasia Alkema Photography