Otherworldly visions and bright colors can be found in Kate Hayes and Krista Sharif’s modern-day heirloom brand, Brite Bodies.

The designers behind Brite Bodies, Kate Hayes and Krista Sharif, with the Vivienne pedestal

Brite Bodies collection pieces including the Pillar pedestal, Frank martini table, Antoine cocktail table, Abbott coffee table, Ettore pedestal and Prism pedestal

“We were ultimately inspired by the feeling of escapism and transcendence during a time that we were desperately searching for those feelings.”–Krista Sharif

It is apparent that we have entered a time in history that is strongly influenced by the past yet wildly different from anything we’ve seen before. This is evident in music, fashion and design. Interior designers Kate Hayes and Krista Sharif saw that unusual and nonconformist theme in the zeitgeist, and not only did they love and appreciate it, but they want to share it with their community. Enter Brite Bodies, the Atlanta-based plaster furniture design studio helmed by the two designers. Brite Bodies works with a team of local artisans, artists and creators to produce pieces that are timeless enough to become heirlooms but still cheeky enough to spark intrigue—think pieces with bold patterns yet simple silhouettes, indulgent colors with simple functions. “We were ultimately inspired by the feeling of escapism and transcendence during a time that we were desperately searching for those feelings,” says Sharif. “We are also both moms and our children are constantly reminding us to be in awe of things again; they see things through this wacky kaleidoscopic lens and it is so refreshing to watch that. We were also heavily inspired by some of our favorite fashion icons and musicians—all a bit punk rock and irreverent.” Their inaugural furniture range features 11 designs and pays homage to the work of creatives including Vivienne Westwood and Ettore Sottsass. “Brite Bodies seeks to reinterpret the bold spirit of some of our favorite artists, designers, authors and musicians—from the playful maximalism of Ettore Sottsass to the planetary watercolor illustrations found in Antoine de Saint-Exupéry’s The Little Prince,” continues the designer. After a year of lockdowns and quarantines, themes of escapism and surrealism are prevalent in the collection, bringing bright colors and otherworldly combinations to the forefront. 308 Gordon Ave. NE, britebodies.com

Brite Bodies is soon to release another rendition of the collection next year.