September 2008 - The Parklander Magazine

HOME DESIGN
M E E T
C E C I L
H AY E S
Photo by Keith Majors
The Parklander is honored to introduce its newest decorating
columnist, top designer to the stars and bestselling author, Cecil
Hayes. Beginning this month, this internationally renowned
design expert will offer sage advice and expert decorating tips to
our readers every month. Named to Architectural Digest’s List of
Top 100 Designers, Cecil, who is a Parkland resident, is the
author of several books including 9 Steps to Beautiful Living and
The Art of Decorative Details. Each month, Cecil will captivate
readers with innovative gems on the art of interior design in a
friendly, easy to read, hands-on format.
Born in Malone, Florida, Cecil had a profound early interest in
art and design. She received her B.A. degree in Art Education
from Florida A&M University in 1967 and her design degree
from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale in 1973. She married
Arzell Powell in 1984 and he soon became her future business
partner. Cecil created Cecil’s Designers Unlimited in 1975 and
quickly became the first African-American interior designer to
be recognized worldwide. In 2002, she founded The Mikala
Collection, her signature luxury furniture line of upholstery,
chairs, consoles and tables.
Her many prestigious awards include membership in
Architectural Digest’s AD100 (a listing of the top interior
designers and architects worldwide), the Visionary in Design
Award from the Design Center of the Americas (DCOTA), a
NAAP Hall of Fame Award, as well as induction into the
Smithsonian Institute’s Cooper-Hewitt Design Museum.
Cecil’s signature work can be seen in the celebrity homes of
Samuel L. Jackson, Wesley Snipes, Ty Law and music mogul
Tim Mosley, to name just a few. In addition to Architectural
Digest, her award-winning decor has graced the pages of
prestigious publications such as The New York Times, The
Washington Post, The Robb Report, Florida Design and
Southern Living.
In addition to being ranked among the world’s top interior
designers, Cecil is an active philanthropist. Her Circle of One
Foundation was created in 2001 to inspire talented young artists
in Florida to reach their dreams; thousands of scholarship
dollars have been donated to high school seniors interested in
pursuing art-related careers. Additionally, Cecil’s Circle of One
Foundation supports local community efforts to raise funds for
the African-American Research Library and Cultural Center
in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
30 SEPTEMBER 2008