Carmel Magazine

Carmel Magazine, Spring 2018

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I nterior designer Ashley Yeates is seemingly always moving. With two children, a long-haired Dachshund named Olive, a furni- ture line, a Carmel showroom, and much more in the works, the vibrant Texas native and former attorney thrives on reaching for the next project. +Olive Studio, her sustainable furniture and home goods line, was inspired by "wanting to make the world a better place for my puppy and children," she says. "The olive tree symbolizes longevity and strength and new beginnings." Without options in the market to satisfy the well-crafted and non-toxic pieces she wanted for furnishing her clients' homes, Yeates was frustrated. "The furniture that was coming in was damaged and the quality was not there," she says. "It didn't feel right." Three and a half years later, Yeates has successfully survived manufacturing challenges in attempting to build an elegant and environmentally friendly product line from scratch. "My furniture has evolved," she says. "I had no idea how hard it would be. The first manufacturers I used wanted to produce my line but weren't willing to change the toxic finishes. I was con- cerned about the health of the workers. I broke out in a rash just using touch-up paint." Yeates turned to local experts: consultant Michelle Saar, Kristi Reimers of Eco Carmel and painter John Reynolds. "Kristi was giving us non-toxic paint samples and John and I were testing fin- ishes and putting whiskey and wine on furniture to see how they held up," she laughs. Over time, she developed multi-functional pieces like the wal- nut Landon table, which has a suede top to be used as an ottoman that can be flipped over to become a coffee table; and the Herman stools, made of local black acacia with shelves under- neath for blankets or magazines. "You can use them for extra seating, put them together at the foot of a bed, or flank a fire- place," she says. "They are multipurpose." The Bolton sofa has sturdy cherry wood arms that can hold a coffee cup or be used as assistance for getting up. "Carmel has smaller homes so we like to make things all in one, so you don't need a side table," Yeates explains. "It's all natural, with linen and mohair fabric and filled with tree latex. Mohair is more durable C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S P R I N G / S U M M E R 2 0 1 8 107

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