Bradley Odom is a design maverick whose creative vision transforms spaces across the United States through his signature “masterful mix of the raw and the refined.” Rooted in the rich craftsmanship he learned in his grandfather’s Mississippi upholstery shop, Odom has emerged as one of the industry’s leading interior designers and visionary brand creators. 

After honing his skills directing visual aesthetics for international brands and studying at the Savannah College of Art and Design, he launched Dixon Rye in Atlanta’s design district in 2015, quickly establishing himself as a tastemaker featured in publications like Architectural Digest and The New York Times.

More than just a designer, Odom is a storyteller who curates experiences—from the carefully selected soundtrack in his store (named one of America’s Most Beautiful Home Stores) to the globally sourced antiques that speak of adventure and craftsmanship.

His design philosophy transcends trends, focusing instead on creating spaces and pieces that are both innovative and timeless, reflecting a deep commitment to quality and creativity inherited from his grandfather’s meticulous craft. Read on for our conversion with Odom about his early influences, designing against-the-grain, rejecting labels and where he is taking Dixon Rye next: 

DNN: First I want to talk about influences: Tell me about your grandfather’s shop and its lasting influence on you. 

BO: My grandfather, Alvis, was a master of his craft, operating out of a modest workroom nestled behind their home in Mississippi. During our visits, his workshop became a beacon, drawing us inevitably to his realm of expertise. Folk from all around the region would make the pilgrimage, their prized sofas and cherished chairs perched precariously on pickup truck beds, seeking Alvis’s transformative touch. In these parts, he wasn’t just a craftsman; he was THE artisan of upholstery, revered for his skill and dedication.

Even as a child, I could sense the reverence in customers’ voices as they discussed their projects with him. The air in that workshop was thick with the unspoken understanding that here, in this unassuming space, excellence was not just pursued but expected.

Watching from the sidelines, I absorbed valuable lessons about the importance of meticulous attention to detail, the pride in true craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to quality. These silent teachings, observed through a child’s eyes, left an indelible mark on my understanding of passion and profession.

DNN:  You’re known to embrace a “masterful mix of the raw and the refined.” How does this philosophy manifest in your new Dixon Rye collections and throughout your design work?

BO: I think you can see it in how I move through a space, almost like I’ve got this invisible checklist running in my head: What’s wood? What’s metal? What’s glass? What’s soft? What’s hard? You know? It’s about that balance – maybe one piece screams art deco, but we’ll pair it with something that feels more transitional or contemporary.

Thing is, I’m not a big fan of using those style labels to sum up our aesthetic. We put a lot of effort into making sure all those different “buckets” play nice together in a space. It’s not about picking one lane and sticking to it. I reckon that’s why we end up attracting clients who appreciate each of those individual styles. They see how we can take all these different elements and make them work together in a way that just feels right.

DNN:  What do you think is often misunderstood or overlooked about the process of designing and manufacturing? And, speaking as an interior designer, where are the gaps in the home furnishings market? 

BO: Never underestimate the power of a solid concept and a prototype. I think a lot of folks jump straight into design development without really fleshing out their concept. Big mistake! Same goes for prototypes – I’ve seen people try to skip that step to meet deadlines, and they always end up regretting it. It’s such a valuable opportunity to tweak and adjust your design.

When it comes to interior design, there’s this huge gap in affordable accessories…the simple stuff like styling a bookcase or a table. So much of what’s out there in that market just looks cheap and screams “made in China.” That’s why we tend to go for more artisan or handmade items. It might cost a bit more, but the quality and uniqueness are worth it. Plus, it adds that special touch that can really elevate a space.

DNN:  In addition to your own collections, what other vendors/makers/artists do your pieces fit well with? Who are your go-to vendors that you love working with over and over again? 

BO: Not without an NDA! (LOL) But seriously, we typically team up with vendors who do small batch production. There’s something special about working on collections with local or regional artists. Like right now, we’re collaborating with this local chef who’s also a ceramicist to create our own dinnerware collection. It’s not just about the end product – the whole process is just fun!

We love these partnerships because they let us create something truly unique, you know? It’s not mass-produced stuff you’ll see everywhere. Plus, working with local talent helps us support the community and bring a real sense of place to our designs. It’s a win-win all around.

Challenging the design status quo

DNN: Many designers/clients struggle with moving beyond safe, neutral palettes. How are you encouraging both designers and consumers to embrace more sophisticated, layered color schemes in their interiors? 

BO: We went down that road for a long time too. I finally took some time to figure out what was causing the disconnect between our interior design work and our retail store. Know what I realized? In our projects, we were taking more risks. We were creating these moments that felt like we were pushing the design conversation forward. But the store, even though it looked great, was playing it safe.

So we made a change. We started assuming our customers are educated, opinionated, and design-savvy. They can definitely see past beige, you know? Now we’re not afraid to take some liberties and really express a creative, artistic vision of what could be. We’re showing off more daring pieces, more unexpected combinations – really giving people a taste of what’s possible when you think outside the box.

And you know what? It’s paying off! Turns out, people were hungry for something different. They appreciate that we’re not just following trends, but setting them. It’s been great to see customers get excited about pieces they might not have considered before. It’s like we’re all on this design adventure together, and that energy in the store? It’s contagious!

DNN:  You’ve positioned Dixon Rye at the forefront of interior design trends. What emerging trends do you see in home furnishings that other designers should be aware of?

BO: I’m really digging all these ideas around powder coating lately. It’s not just for outdoor furniture anymore. I’m seeing it on glass and steel doors, matching the trim of houses and moving away from that standard black. And it’s not stopping at the front door – we’re bringing it inside too…We found these vintage picture lamps in Paris, and instead of leaving them as-is, we’re powder coating them in this bright fire engine red. It’s gonna be this killer pop of color, creating some tension in this mountain house project we’re working on.

And let’s talk about quality for a sec. I think people are really coming back around to the importance of heirloom-quality pieces. Sure, there was this whole generation that got sucked into the “fast fashion” approach to furnishing – you know, cheap and disposable. But now, people are wising up. They’re realizing, “Hey, my sofa only lasted three years.” Well, yeah – it was designed that way on purpose, so you’d come back and buy another one ASAP.

That’s not our style. When we make a sofa, we’re designing it to last 40 years. Period. It’s about creating pieces that aren’t just trendy now, but will stand the test of time. Stuff you can pass down to your kids, that tells a story. It might cost more upfront, but in the long run? You’re getting way more bang for your buck, and a home that feels truly yours. That’s what good design is all about.

Odom on finding inspiration abroad

DNN:  What design events, shows, markets, etc are ‘musts’ for you? And what is inspiring you and your new upholstery collection lately?

BO: The Paris flea market? …That’s always a must for me. I joke that when I’m gone, they better sprinkle my ashes down those market aisles. It’s just that special, you know?

And here’s a hot tip: hit up every art opening and exhibit you can. Seriously, every single one. It doesn’t matter if it’s not your usual style or whatever. Trust me, it’s like fuel for your creative engine – so informative and inspiring. You never know what’s gonna spark your next big idea.

Now, about our next upholstery collection – we’re going for something that’s architectural but still classic. Think classic forms, but we’re taking a really detailed, layered approach. You know what’s really lighting our fire right now? The beauty of the Orient Express and all those luxury train details. We’re talking rich textures, intricate patterns, that perfect blend of elegance and adventure. It’s gonna be something special, I can feel it. We’re aiming to create pieces that make you feel like you’re embarking on a glamorous journey, even if you’re just sitting in your living room.

Bradley Odom on fighting against shiny object syndrome

DNN:  For the design professionals reading this interview, what’s the one piece of advice you’d give them about pushing creative boundaries while scaling a successful business for both the interior design and the product development sides of your business? 

BO: …Stay true to your brand. Don’t go chasing after every shiny new idea just because you see someone else killing it with it. Stick to your guns. The vision you have for your brand – that’s your North Star.

Here’s the thing: good ideas, real game-changers, they don’t always catch on overnight. Sometimes you gotta educate your audience, bring them along for the ride. It’s like you’re the tastemaker that actually matters, not just following trends but setting them. And let me tell you, that’s a slow burn.

It’s tempting to want quick wins, sure. But remember, you’re playing the long game here. Your unique perspective, that special sauce that makes your brand, well, your brand – that’s what’s gonna set you apart in the end. It might take time for people to get it, but when they do? That’s when the magic happens.

So don’t get discouraged if you’re not an overnight sensation. Keep pushing your ideas, refining your vision. Be patient, be persistent. Building something truly special, something that resonates? That takes time. But trust me, it’s worth it.

DNN: Do you have a favorite design project or one you’ve found particularly rewarding? 

BO: Man, I’m really pumped about this project we’ve got going in Cashiers, NC right now. We started with this house that, let’s be honest, wasn’t exactly winning any beauty contests. But now? We’re turning it into this killer modern-day mountain home that’s luxurious but still feels approachable.

It’s like we’re pulling off this magic trick – the place is totally unexpected, but it doesn’t feel out of place or jarring. It just… works. And let me tell you, it hasn’t been a walk in the park. This project’s thrown some serious curveballs our way.

But here’s the thing that makes all the difference: our client is just amazing. When you’ve got someone who really gets what you’re trying to do, who’s excited about the vision – it makes even the toughest days feel worth it. It’s like we’re on this design adventure together, and that energy? It’s contagious.

We’re pushing boundaries, mixing things up in ways people might not expect in a mountain home. But that’s what makes it so exciting. Can’t wait to see people’s reactions when it’s all done. It’s gonna be something special, I can feel it.

DNN:  Lastly, do you have a dream project you’d love to have realized? 

BO: We’ve got some big dreams cooking right now. We’re putting out those vibes to manifest a boutique hotel.

And that’s not all. We’re also working on this whole evolution thing for our shop…We’re reimagining what our retail space could be, pushing boundaries, mixing things up.

I wish I could spill all the beans right now, but we’re still in that secret sauce stage…Keep your eyes peeled. There’s gonna be more to come on all of this. We’re just getting warmed up, and I can’t wait to show you what we’ve got up our sleeves. It’s gonna knock your socks off, I promise you that.Learn more about Bradley Odom and Dixon Rye by visiting them online.