From casegoods, bar carts and beyond, Society Social has all of the luxury furniture one could possibly imagine. Creative director and founder, Roxy Te Owens prides herself on her North Carolina roots and sources her upholstery and inspiration from her hometown. Society Social’s pieces are all designed and handcrafted in-house, and use the utmost quality materials one seeks at a reasonable price point. All pieces can be customized; from trims and tassels to paint finishes, every Society Social piece is truly one of a kind. Introducing this week’s Maker Monday, Roxy Te Owens.
Playfulness meets sophistication when it comes to the Kate Bullion Chair pictured above. Featuring grosgrain trim and white bullion fringe, this chair is classically ultrafeminine.
Andrew Joseph: You’re the newest Crayola color. What color are you and why?
Roxy Te Owens: French blue! I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, French blue is the new American neutral, it’s the new millennial pink! I believe the way in which the millennial pink movement gained popularity amongst modern decorators, French blue will garner the same excitement. French blue not only caters to the traditionalist, but also to Grand Millenials who are putting a fresh spin on traditional decorating. Serving as a neutral with grey undertones, French blue is a fresh, classic color that works with every style.
Andrew: What’s your favorite cocktail?
Roxy: A Gin Basil Cucumber Smash! I know during these quarantine times we’re all drinking just a little too much. I’m here to say it’s ok! I don’t know about you, but when I’m in need of a refreshing cocktail I always turn to a gin & tonic. When you think of the traditional gin & tonic, I’m sure a splash of lime comes to mind. Some recipes even include a slice or two of cucumber. But for my Signature Smash, I don’t like to skimp on the flavor — I love to also incorporate fresh basil. I’ve found it helps bring out the flavor of Hendricks which is my gin of choice.
The wooden console featured here is Social Society’s Chatham Console. Narrow, sleek, and supportive, this piece can fit in any part of your home. It’s made from split reed rattan, handwoven Zambales peel and elegant brass capped feet.
Andrew: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
Roxy: A lover of the classics. A reverence for traditional design with a heavy dose of color and mixed materials. Think beautifully layered vignettes rich with texture and natural materials like wicker, rattan and grasscloth… Lots of color and pattern, textiles, tape trims and passementerie galore. A look that evokes the comfort of home, a cozy & inviting warm welcome that is a stark juxtaposition to the sea of mid-century modern greys and beiges.
Andrew: What’s inspiring you in life (in the industry) right now?
Roxy: The resurgence of traditional design! Although for us, and our people, it has never been out of fashion. Now more than ever we are seeing gorgeous layered spaces, a mix of prints, patterns, colors, as well as textiles and passementerie galore. What a beautiful and welcome response to years of basic catalog looks void of the aforementioned.
Laid atop the woven chair is the Quadrille Bali Hai pillow in green. A classic ikat ogee print covers the outside, while plush down fills it up making it soft and stylish.
Andrew: Are you a good cook? If so, what’s your specialty?
Roxy: Spending so much at home this past year has lent itself times to more creativity in the kitchen. I’ve personally been trying to cut down on meat and have been testing out a few vegan dressings to help spice up vegetable dishes. They’re also great to use as marinades, on sandwiches, or as a drizzle over fried eggs. My current favorites are a beet tahini dressing and a lemon herb zest complete with mint, parsely, garlic and olives.
Andrew: What new skills have you taught yourself this quarantine? (baking, bread making, or a craft etc)
Roxy: Tiktok dance tutorials! 305 Fitness will always have my heart, but there is something to be said about channeling your inner 16-year-old and perfecting JLo’s Superbowl halftime routine on Tik Tok.
This scalloped edged piece is known as the Ameila Table. It is made completely of handwoven wicker that is durable, soft, and elegant.
Andrew: Where will be the first place you will travel to after COVID-19
Roxy: Europe! When I was pregnant with my daughter back in 2017, my husband Alan Dale and I ventured through 6 countries in Europe by plane, train, and boat, laughed at silly things and travel delays (because what else can you do?), ate all of the pasta and gelato and lobster, cried (hormones!), sunned, danced, took precious time for just us and did a lot of being grateful for all the good times, the memories made and the memories to come! Oh, what I would give to go back!
Andrew: What’s your best excuse for skipping a zoom call to watch TV?
Roxy: Two words. Brene Brown! Have you seen her new documentary on Netflix titled “The Call To Courage”? Her new documentary depicts how important it is to be empathetic and vulnerable in both personal and professional settings, and how life-changing it can be to choose courage over comfort in today’s culture. It’s a real pick me up if needed!
Designed with everyday gatherings and celebrations in mind, Society Social’s colorful collection of furniture has since caught the eye of tastemakers across many shelter publications. Roxy has also made appearances on national TV and hosted her own pilot “Carolina Reno” for HGTV. After nearly 10 years in the big city, Roxy, her husband and college sweetheart Alan, and their young daughter Austen Kelly returned south. They currently live in Roxy’s hometown just 5 minutes from the Society Social factory where she proudly continues her family’s legacy. Society Social opened its first ever flagship located in Charlotte, NC in 2019 and Roxy hopes to complete her most special design project to date, her family’s forever home, this year.
Andrew Joseph is a regular contributing editor for aspire design and home magazine. See more of his work here.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.