A Designer’s Love Story: The Readings On The Wall

Souk Bō'hēmian + Nōmad

Since living in the Atlanta suburbs for over 10 years now, I’ve learned to accept the city traffic on I-85 as part of the package. But every time I drive into the city, there’s still a spark of excitement I can’t quite shake. The energy shifts, creativity buzzes in the air, and inspiration seems to wait around every corner. One of my favorite places to tap into that vibe is Ponce City Market—a hub of culture, food, and beautifully curated shops that make supporting local feel like a full-on experience.

Sometime ago, I wandered into a boutique that completely captivated me: Souk Bō'hēmian + Nōmad, a Black woman-owned retail shoppe that I now consider a personal treasure trove. The moment I stepped inside, I was hit with a sense of wonder. From the bold and beautiful clothing to the eclectic mix of jewelry, artisanal booze, and globally-inspired home decor, every inch of the store radiated intention and soul.

INSPIRATION: Souk Bō'hēmian + Nōmad, Book Gallery Wall

But what really stopped me in my tracks was their book gallery wall—a stunning, floor-to-ceiling display that turned literature into art. I just stood there, staring. It felt like a portal, a creative sanctuary wrapped in stories and style. And in that moment, something clicked. I thought to myself, I can create this at home.

INSPIRATION: Souk Bō'hēmian + Nōmad

So, I did what any inspired, slightly impulsive designer would do: I took a few photos, soaked in the vibe, and let the vision marinate. My creativity was overflowing. After making a few joyful purchases (because let’s be honest, it’s impossible to leave Souk Bō'hēmian + Nōmad empty-handed), I jumped in the car and headed straight to IKEA. I picked up simple white picture ledges—the perfect blank canvas for the vision I had in mind.

IKEA: Mosslanda Picture Ledge

BEFORE

After I purchased the picture ledges from IKEA, it was time to paint. I had some leftover Mystic Turquoise paint from another project, and I couldn’t resist continuing it onto my book gallery wall. That burst of color felt like the perfect backdrop to tie the entire collection together. It’s calming, creative, and just a little unexpected — exactly the energy I wanted to bring into the space.

BEHR: Mystic Turquoise, Eggshell

For many years, I’ve carried my forever books Peanuts, Jazz, and Lofts with me from place to place — through dorm rooms, first apartments and shared spaces.. They were always packed with care, though rarely given the space they deserved. Now, after all this time, I finally had the opportunity to bring them out into the light.

I spent a weekend displaying my old books I had since college — titles that somehow managed to stay with me while so many others came and went. Among them: a charming stack of Peanuts comic collections that reminded me of simpler days, a beautiful photo book on Lofts that once fueled my dream of living in an industrial space with exposed brick and steel beams, and a well-loved volume on Jazz, filled with photos and stories of the greats whose music filled my college nights.

Now, alongside those classics, I started adding new voices and visions that speak to who I am today as an interior designer. Books like AphroChic, Iconic Home, Old Brand New, and Jungalow light a creative spark in me. They’re bold, rooted in culture, full of color and life — and they celebrate a deep sense of identity and storytelling through design. These books don’t just sit on a shelf; they energize me, challenge me, and bring me joy.

Displaying all these books together — old and new — feels like a full-circle moment. They’re more than just inspiration; they’re chapters of my personal and creative journey. And finally, they have a home that reflects just that.

It feels good to give them a home.

AFTER - Book Gallery Wall At Home

Photo By: Marc Mauldin Photography, Inc.

What started as a casual shopping day turned into the beginning of a design transformation in my home. It reminded me how spaces—especially ones created with love and cultural depth—can light a spark in us. Souk Bō'hēmian + Nōmad wasn’t just a store that day. It was a muse.

If you ever find yourself in the City of Atlanta, do yourself a favor: stop by Ponce City Market, carve out time to explore, and don’t miss Souk Bō'hēmian + Nōmad. You never know when or where inspiration will strike—but when it does, let it flow!

The Design Details:

Design & Organization: Its Not Complicated Organizing

Photography: Marc Mauldin Photography Inc.

Paint: Mystic Turquoise

Mosslanda, Picture Ledges, White: IKEA, Atlanta

Iconic Home, Book: Amazon

Aphrochic, Book: Amazon

Peonies, Book: Amazon

Textures, Book: Amazon

Jungalow, Book: Amazon

Old Brand New, Book: Amazon

Revolutionary Women, Book: HomeGoods

Unseen, Book: Amazon

Black History, Book: Amazon

1000 Record Covers, Book: Amazon

Housewarming, Book: HomeGoods

Black Ivy, A Revolt in Style, Book: Amazon

50 Oscar Nights, Book: HomeGoods

ABODE, Book: Amazon

Simplicity, Book: Amazon

I’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment below and share your experience, your favorite design tips, or even a piece that holds deep meaning in your home. Let’s inspire each other to create more spaces that feel like us.

And if this post sparked some ideas for your next project, feel free to share it with a friend who needs a little design encouragement. 💛