Atlanta Interior Designer Justin Q. Williams | Creating Elevated Spaces

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April 2026 

by Eleni Atmatzi

Photos courtesy of TrademarkDesignco.com

Justin Q. Williams, Atlanta-based interior designer, has built a reputation for creating spaces that feel both elevated and livable. As the founder of Trademark Design Company, he has spent more than a decade helping clients transform their homes through thoughtful design, refined materials, and a keen eye for sourcing. His work has been featured in publications including HGTV Magazine, House Beautiful, and Modern Luxury Interiors. We sat down with Justin to talk about West Midtown’s creative influence, unexpected design discoveries, and how anyone can bring intentional style into their space.

Q: The West Midtown area of the Upper Westside is known for its industrial-to-creative transformation. How has this unique neighborhood vibe inspired your approach to adaptive reuse and blending history with modern design?  

Justin: The industrial-to-creative evolution of West Midtown has been a major source of inspiration for my approach to adaptive reuse and design. The neighborhood has a unique authenticity—former warehouses, factories, and industrial buildings that have been thoughtfully transformed into vibrant spaces for living, working, and gathering. That layered history encourages me to look at existing  architecture, not as something to replace, but as something to celebrate and reinterpret.

Q: You often get asked about “Sourcing 101” for non-designers. What’s your favorite West Midtown source (shop, maker, studio) that any local can visit for materials or décor?  

Justin: One of my favorite places to recommend in West Midtown for anyone interested in sourcing materials or décor is Westside Market. It’s a great destination for both designers and non-designers because it carries high-quality furniture and accessories that are accessible, while also serving as a place to learn about different aesthetics in design.

Q: If Westside Market had a design challenge where every vendors’ product had to be styled into one cohesive space, what would your theme be? 

Justin: If I were creating a cohesive design concept using products from vendors at Westside Market, my theme would be “Refined Industrial Living.” The concept would celebrate West Midtown’s industrial roots while layering in warm textures, elevated materials, and modern silhouettes to create a space that feels both curated and livable.   

Q: Tell us about a time when a happy accident — a local vintage find, an overlooked material, or neighborhood detritus — became the hero of a design project. 

Justin: One of my favorite design moments came from a true “happy accident” during a renovation project. While the home was being prepped for updates, we removed sections of drywall and unexpectedly discovered a portion of the original brick structure hidden behind the walls. Instead of covering it back up, we paused and reimagined the design around it.  

Q: Many residents want functional design on a budget. What three unexpected items from local Atlanta markets or thrift stores would you recommend for an instantly elevated space? 

Justin: When designing on a budget, some of the most impactful pieces can come from unexpected places—especially from local Atlanta markets and thrift stores. A few well-chosen items can instantly elevate a space without requiring a major investment. First, vintage mirrors. I always encourage people to look for interestingly framed mirrors. A vintage mirror with patina or an ornate frame can become a statement piece over a console, in an entryway, or layered into a gallery wall. It adds both light and architectural character to a room. Second, ceramic vessels or pottery. Handmade or vintage ceramics are easy to find at random. These pieces work beautifully as sculptural  or vases. Even a single oversized vessel on a coffee table or bookshelf can add texture and a curated feel. Third, vintage trays or barware. Items like brass trays, crystal decanters, or vintage glassware are often overlooked but can instantly make a coffee table, console, or bar cart feel styled and intentional.  

Q: Designers talk a lot about concept and function. How do you translate West Midtown’s eclectic identity into interiors that reflect both personality and practicality? 

JUSTIN: For me, it is all about balancing character with functionality. The neighborhood has this incredible mix of industrial history, creative energy, and modern innovation—and I try to bring that same layered quality into a space.   

Q: You started Trademark Design Company at a young age — what’s the most unusual lesson you learned from early projects that still shapes how you coach everyday folks on sourcing and design today?

Justin: One of the most unusual lessons I learned early on with Trademark Design Company was that mistakes and constraints often lead to the most creative solutions. On one of my first projects, we were on a tight budget and had limited access to materials. I ended up repurposing items in ways I never would have considered—an old industrial chest became a coffee table, and surplus fabric was turned into custom pillows. The clients loved the result, and it looked far more intentional than I expected.  

Q: Let’s have some fun! If you had to design a signature room on the Upper Westside inspired by local landmarks (e.g., King Plow Arts Center, Goat Farm), what would it look like — color palette, textures, and vibe?

Justin: I would celebrate the neighborhood’s industrial roots, artistic energy, and creative spirit. For the color palette, I’d lean into warm neutrals and earthy tones—smoky grays, deep charcoals, soft taupes—punctuated with pops of saturated jewel tones like emerald green or rust to echo the vibrancy of the arts community. Raw and tactile materials would dominate the texture—exposed brick, reclaimed wood, concrete, and metal accents—balanced with soft textiles like linen, wool, and leather to keep the space inviting. Layered rugs and tactile throw pillows would soften the industrial edges. 

Q: From sourcing materials to final styling, what’s one myth about design you’d love to debunk for people who feel design is only for professionals?

Justin: In reality, design is more about intentionality than cost. It’s about thinking through how a space functions, layering textures, balancing colors, and choosing pieces that tell a story. A thoughtfully placed vintage find, a well-curated gallery wall, or even rearranging what you already own can transform a room more than buying all-new items ever could.  

Q:  If Trademark Design Co. hosted a West Midtown Design Crawl, what would be your first three stops (places, creators, spaces) and what design insight would you want participants to take away from each? 

Justin: My first three stops would celebrate the neighborhood’s industrial roots, creativity, and curated style, while giving participants tangible takeaways they could apply at home. 1. King Plow Arts Center – This historic industrial complex shows how spaces can be repurposed while honoring original architecture. Participants would see firsthand how exposed beams, brick, and concrete create character, and learn how to incorporate architectural features into their own designs for authenticity. 2. Design Within Reach – Here, the focus is on function meeting form. Participants would explore modern furniture that balances style and utility, understanding how clean lines, scale, and material choices elevate a space without overcomplicating it. 3. 14th Street Modern and Vintage Home -This is where we’ll surely stumble upon those “one of a kind” special pieces that will add the magic touch to a space. The crawl would leave participants with the understanding that great design blends history, function, and personal expression, and that inspiration can come from both the industrial and the artistic corners of a neighborhood.   

Q: What’s your favorite hidden gem café, maker, or creative hub in West Midtown that sparks your design thinking? Justin: It’s not much of a secret, but Marcel’s is my go-to eatery in west midtown. They’re always consistent and have such a vibe especially for a date night and the design is just as great which always leaves me inspired.//