DESIGN CRUSH: GRANT K. GIBSON

There are so many talented interior designers around the globe, many of whom have made a name for themselves and many who are just making their way.  Grant K. Gibson is one designer that is on the fast track to design stardom. 

A New York, turned San Francisco designer, Grant has established a look and identity with this work that is setting him apart in the design world.  Known for well-edited, classic and personalized spaces, Grant designs rooms that feel real, feel livable and most importantly look great.

Many of Grant’s projects have been featured in House Beautiful, the New York Times, Elle Decor and Traditional Home.  He has also made appearances on several HGTV design shows, and was selected by Elle Decor as one of “5 Designers to Watch.”

Grant K. Gibson

One of the things I admire most about Grant’s work is the understated elegance he brings to a room.  He is a master at layering, a genius at showcasing collectibles, a wizard at incorporating texture and color, and truly innovative to top it all off. 

When it comes to his personal style, Grant chooses to wear only black and white, keeping his look simple and classic.  Simple and classic can also be used to define his design esthetic, but when he adds the finishing touches to a room, it says so much more.

Below are photos of Grant’s SF apartment, which he renovated in lieu of paying 2 months rent to his landlord.  Boy did the landlord win in this deal. From the flooring,  moldings, paint and architectural details, every inch of his apartment is devine.

In his living room, I love that Grant incorporated this built-in wall unit and to give it even more style, added mirrors on the back wall to create visual interest and depth.  Check out the layering of accessories and artwork, many of which were purchased at 1stdibs.com and at local flea markets.

  This room feels so cozy and comfortable.

In this part of his apartment, Grant added bamboo shades, providing added texture to the space. I just adore the curved window seat and the placement of the skirted table.  I can just see envision myself sitting in front of these windows for hours, reading and napping.  And, the animal print rug adds that final touch of personality.

Always looking to “renovate with maximum style, at minimum cost”, Grant turned a Pottery Barn Teen bed  which he purchased for $500 into a stylish piece with the addition of an upholstered camel colored Mohair headboard.  Isn’t this just stunning?  The addition of cobalt blue walls really sets his bedroom off.

Chocolate linen drapes in the bedroom were dressed up with a greek key border.

In his bathroom, Grant replaced old, outdated tiles with $.99 black and white tiles.  It can’t get more classic and stylish than this.

Grant K. Gibson - the blog

Outside of his interior design business, Grant is an avid photographer, rarely being seen without a camera in hand.  Many of his photographs are available for sale in the shop section of  his website.  And for even more design pleasure, check our Grant’s blog, here!

Grant is one designer I’ll be watching and admiring for years to come.

Photo source

IT’S TIME TO WASH UP!

Have you noticed how cool bathroom designs are these days?  No longer is it just the floor tile, the vanity mirror or the shower curtain that give a bathroom style.  Sinks, and really cool ones, are becoming the shining stars of bathroom design.  If you need a little inspiration for a bathroom remodel, check out these fabulous bathroom sinks!

 

Photo source:  Southern Living, Circa Interiors, Vitruvit, Cooking Light

PURPLE RAIN

It appears that the color of royalty will remain a strong design influence into Fall 2010.  While purple is not a color that I would typically design a whole room around, I do love how it can give a room a shot of modern elegance and sophistication!

via elle decor

How would you use the color purple in your home?

MY TEN COMMANDMENTS OF INTERIOR DESIGN

As a young child, I was one of those kids that wanted to challenge every “rule” that came my way.  I just didn’t get why some things had to be a certain way… 
 Why did I have to make my bed every morning?
Why did I have to be in the house before dark?
Why did I have to take woodworking class instead of sewing?
 Well, now that I am older, I understand that “rules” exist to enhance our lives and to make us the best that we can be.  
 
 In the world of design, the concept of rules are no different.  There are “rules” of design, but they too should be challenged in order to help us achieve the best look and feel for the space in which we live.  When designing, I love to think outside the box, challenge my creativity and  follow 

My 10 Commandments of Interior Design!

 1.  Discover Your Personal Style

Read shelter magazines and search design websites to find photos of rooms that simply make you feel good.  Once you begin to identify with room layouts, furniture styles, colors and accessories that appeal to you, you’ll be better equipped to create the living space that makes your heart sing. I’ve collected photos from magazines for years and have them sorted by category.  Over the years, my design style has changed, but the core of what I like and don’t like have remained the same.  Creating your own inspiration library is a great way to really stay in tune with your style. 
2.   Never Use Anything You Don’t Love
Whether it’s a piece of furniture, artwork or a simple decorative object, using the things you love, as part of your decor, will guarantee a beautiful and comfortable home environment.  I meet people all the time that feel like they have to use something that was given to them as a gift.  If you don’t love the item, it will never feel good, no matter where you place it in your home.  Your home is your haven so make sure everything in it is something you treasure!
image via william yeoward
 
 

3.   Don’t Buy Items That Aren’t Essential To The Way You Live

If your lifestyle does not require a traditional sofa and loveseat, then do something different.  Try a combination of arm chairs with a coffee table as your living room decor.  Make your home function for you and your family and it will please you for years to come.
 

4.  Embrace Color

More than just about anything else, color added to a room can transform it from plain to powerful.  If you’re not a red wall person, use color as your accent,  in accessories, fabrics and artwork.  Don’t know what color(s) to use, check out your closet and see what colors you’re attracted to in your clothing.  Your clothing colors are a great source of inspiration for the colors you’re comfortable with, and that make you feel good. 
 

5.  Always Have A Touch Of Black

Ok, this is a hard one to explain, but there is just something that black does for a room.  Black helps to ground a space; black helps to define a space; and black helps to add substance!  You can add black via a frame, accessory, lighting or as an accent on a piece of furniture.  If you have a room without a touch of black, try adding the color somewhere and see how it changes the room…for the better.  It really is design magic.
 
via traditional home

6.  Do Something Unexpected

If you really want to make a design statement in your home, try using something in an unexpected way.  I love that this antique farm table was turned into the vanity/sink counter in this bathroom.  And, the shuttered window, rustic wood framed mirrors, metal pendant lights and antique armoire give this space even more character. 
 
image via kay douglas

7.  Mix and Match

Nothing is more lack-luster than a room designed with all one style of furniture.  When decorating, I love to use different styles and finishes of furniture, so that the space has an eclectic yet stylized vibe.  The mirrored nightstand, traditional poster bed,  old trestle table and cottage inspired bed linens add such unique personality to this bedroom.  If you love stained wood finishes, try incorporating a painted piece of furniture to mix it up a bit.
 
image via traditonal home 

8.  Personalize Your Space

I love to walk into a home and discover a piece that really reflects the people who live there. Maybe it’s a color your love or a material you covet.
This turquoise chandelier from Marjorie Skouras Design is a real show stopper.  As  person who loves turquoise this piece would be right at home in my foyer.
 
image via house beautiful
 

9.  Always Use  More Than One Pillow

Yes, I am one of those crazy pillow people.  I just think pillows add so much to a sofa, chair or bed.  I love mixing patterns and shapes to create a wonderful and festive mix wherever I can.  Try it…I think you’ll like it!
 
image via hgtv
 

10.  Don’t Settle

 As my last Design Commandment, this is a big one.  Whatever you do, don’t settle.  It may take months or ever years to find that perfect piece of artwork or the dining table that fits just perfectly in your dining room.  If you have a vision for your home, take the time, however long that is, to make it everything you want it to be.

imave via coastal living

Do you have a favorite design “rule” you use when decorating?

Photo Source:  Kay Douglass, Traditional Home, House Beautiful, HGTV, Coastal Living 

I SEE THINGS IN BLACK and WHITE

If you asked anyone if I was a person who loves color, they would definitely say yes!  I love wearing bold colors, (red is my favorite) and I love to decorate with color.  But, despite my love for color, I can’t help but be attracted to rooms that have minimal color, especially rooms decorated in black and white.

To me, black and white is such a strong, sophisticated and dynamic color statement.  While there may not be an intense pop of color, the combination of black and white can be just as vibrant and stylish.

 

via decor pad

 

via house beautiful

To make a black and white color statement successful, it’s best to have a variety of patterns so that the space has dimension and depth.  Try combining a black and white floral, stripe, check, and solids to create the best look.

 

via house  beautiful

via woodson and rummerfield

 

via tobi fairley

The incredibly talented designer Tobi Fairley incorporated this lovely chest into one of her design projects.  What an easy and inexpensive way to update an old or thrift store piece.

 

via cottage living

via decor 8

Even with white or ivory as the foundation of a room, infusing black as the accent color will bring it to life and give the space substance.

 

via design inc.

A single pillow can make a design statement.

 

via larry laslo

via max & co.

 

 

 

via house beautiful

 The next time you want to add a little color to your home, try decorating in a simple palette of black and white!

Do you have a black and white room?  I’d love to see pictures.

 

Photo source:  DecorPad, Woodson and Rummerfield, Tobi Fairley, Cottage Living, Decor *, Design Inc., Larry Laslo, Max & Co., House Beautiful

I CAN’T WAIT TO FILP OUT!

Just as the summer is winding down and the thought of unpacking boxes full of Christmas decor is a reality (yes, the boxes have arrived at the store already), there is something exciting to look forward to.

FLIPPING OUT!

Admittedly one of my favorite reality shows,  I just love the antics of Jeff, Jenny, Zoila and the rest of the gang.  Back for another season, beginning August 10th, Jeff Lewis appears to be in rare form.  The commercials airing right now showcase Jeff in some of his most memorable flipping out moments.  Whether you like Jeff or not, (I have a mad crush on him), you have to admit that he is one talented designer.  Having slowed down on his house flipping projects, Jeff has turned is attention to design work.

Here are a few fun facts, you may not have known about Jeff, Jenni and Zoila.

DID YOU KNOW:

  • Pre-Law and Political Science Major (somehow I can imagine Jeff as a politician)!
  • Has designed a  line of  home furnishings available on QVC
  • Practices Scream Therapy to relieve stress

DID YOU KNOW:

  • Was a competitive tennis player in high school
  • Considers herself a rapper (actually she is pretty good)
  • Has appeared on the tv shows Monk and Charmed
  • Jeff doesn’t know where she lives.  Jenni fears he will invade her world if he knew.

DID YOU KNOW:

  • Born in Nicaragua
  • Has two daughters
  • Became a US citizen in 1996
  • Has worked for Jeff for over 12 years (she deserves a metal of honor)
  • The oil painting of her, that Jeff gave her last year sold at auction for over $10,000

 

One of Jeff’s most recent projects was designing the House Beautiful Kitchen of the Year at New York’s Rockefeller Center. Just like most of Jeff’s designs, the kitchen we designed showcases a modern vibe, with clean, streamlined design elements. 

Here are a few other photos of rooms designed by Jeff.  For more of his fabulous design work, check out his website, here!

Jeff Lewis Design

Jeff Lewis Design1

Jeff Lewis Design2

And, don’t miss the new season of Flipping Out.  You’ll walk away having learned something new about design, and will be throughly entertained along the way!

 until next time…

MADE BY HAND

I was recently introduced to a fabulous magazine called Ready Made.  Why is this magazine so great you ask?  Well, it’s because everything in the magazine is made by hand.

Ready Made is not your stereo typical magazine for weekend do-it-yourselfer or hot-glue gun crafters, Ready Made is a magazine dedicated to the art of beautifully designed, beautifully made, beautifully crafted products, all by hand. It is about people who make things, the culture of making those things and the skill and craftmanship behind it  all.

As a person who has always crafted, (yes, I own multiple hot glue guns), I so loved the vast array of items featured in the magazine. There are some truly incredible designers and craftsmen (women) out there.  Ready Made has inspired me to take my “crafting” to a new level and see if I really can make something by hand.

Maybe with a little time and training I can create something as awesome as one of these pieces I discovered at Ready Made… 

 This wonderful cabinet was designed utilizing a variety of old doors and architectural pieces.  I think this would look fab in an art studio or the office of someone with a creative bent.

Thomas Wole designed this awesome piece of furniture using a collection of loose furniture pieces, electrical part, hardware and old drawers.  This has to be one of the most stylish shelving units I’ve ever seen.

The next time you have an old trunk lying around, why not turn it into a rolling bar.  What a great space-saving addition for an apartment or small cottage.

Have you ever walked around IKEA (2 hours is my shortest stint), wondering how to use their basic items in a unique way?  Well, Jeff Carter and Clay Ketter did just that and came up with this great idea.  Their Periodical Table use 11 of the Mackis Magazine files from Ikea.  To create a custom piece, they created a back board, attached the individual magazine files, added a base and then dressed it up with a splash of color.  This is would be such a cool way to store all my magazines!

There are so many other great pieces of work on the Ready Made website and be sure to check out their fantastic blog as well.

Have a great weekend…and happy crafting!

all image via Ready Made

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

One of the freshest product statements in the home furnishings industry right now is Acrylic furniture.  There is something so visually interesting about a piece of furniture that you can see through, but still possesses classic design features.  When it comes to decorating, acrylic furniture will not only give a room high style, but it  can help to make a room feel bigger, more elegant , modern and fun, all at the same time. 

Here are some stunning spaces, with more classically inspired acrylic pieces….

  

I love this desk.  It gives this traditional office space a hip, contemporary vibe.

 

Acrylic in colors is a fun way to add a touch of personality to a space.

 

  

  The beauty of acrylic is that it can mix with just about any style of furniture and still feel appropriate.

 

 This stool/magazine holder is a brilliant design concept.

AND, 

 just when you didn’t think acrylic furniture could get any better, along came two innovative design companies, Acrila and Espacio.

These two companies have taken the look of acrylic furniture to a whole new level.  The styling is absolutely incredible and the details are fabulous.

   

  Espacio is a UK based company offering a wide range of innovative and stylish acrylic and polycarbonate furniture.  The Pasha chair above, was designed by Italian designers Marco Pocci and Claudio Dondoli.  I love that this chair mixes traditional styling with a more contemporary material.  And, the fact that it can be used indoors or out makes it even better.  Check out the other incredible designs offered by Espacio, here.

 

( Baroque Chair from Acrila)

When i stumbled upon the line of acrylic furniture designed by Acrila, I couldn’t believe my eyes.  Was this really acrylic furniture? Really?  Founded in 2007 by Jean-Christophe Bernard and Isabelle Bernard in France, Acrila makes some of the most gorgeous acrylic furniture I’ve ever seen.  The design details they infuse in the products are incredible and the application of stylish prints gives their furniture a distinct look. 

Here are a few pieces to wet your palette, but you can check out their full offering here! 

 

 

 

Isn’t this folding screen wonderful? 

 And a touch of animal print is always stylish, even on acrylic furniture! 

Bravo to Acrila and Espacio for taking acrylic design to a whole new level.

 

Photo source:  DecorPad, House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Design Within Reach, Espacio, Acrila

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