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

Entertaining FLAIR

I love books, all kinds of books, but one on my  favorite book topics are books about entertaining and decor. And, the newly published book by Joe Nye, FLAIR, takes the cake. This is one of the most exquisite entertaining, design and style books I’ve come across. 

Flair

Exquisite Invitations, Lush Flowers, and Gorgeous Table Settings

Broken down in to four sections, Table Settings, Paper, Flowers and Essentials, FLAIR offers up detailed party planning information, accented by beautiful photos that will definitely inspire you to entertain. The Table Settings section will show you how to create beautiful centerpieces and unique place settings. In the Paper section, you’ll learn everything you need to know about invitations, complete with a great list of shopping resources.  When it comes to Flowers, Joe will show you how to use flowers to enhance your decor and creative ways to display them.  Finally, in the Essentials section, you’ll be reminded of all the basic party planning techniques, but will surely learn something new like I did.

As a Los Angeles based designer, Joe Nye has been named one of the 100 Best Decorators by House Beautiful every year since 2003.  Just looking through his book, I can definitely see why.

One of the things I love most about FLAIR, are the examples of how to mix old and new items together to create an eclectic and stylish look.  The book also gave me great ideas on how to mix home decor items with traditional tabletop/entertaining items, to create a real sense of personalization.  I’ve never been a big antique china fan, but this book has really given me a new perspective on how wonderful old china patterns are, and how they can really enhance a tablescape.

If you think Joe Nye’s design style is limited to the world of entertaining, think again.  He has an obvious love for interior design and has decorated his NY apartment with loads of personality and FLAIR.  Below are a few photos from the feature that appeared in House Beautiful. 

 

I can’t wait for Joe to publish his next book, but until then, FLAIR will be added to my favorite design book list!  This is definitely one book you’ll want to add to your bookshelf.

 

What’s your favorite design/entertaining book?

REIN-CARNATION

I love to decorate with fresh flowers and am always looking for creative and inexpensive ways to add them to my home.  So, while doing a little research on flower trends, I was surprised that my reasearch lead me back to a staple in the flower family–Carnations!

I’ve always thought of carnations as a cheap filler flower, and have made it a mandate to my husband that if he sends me flowers, there are to be no carnations in the arrangement.  Well, after realizing just how dynamic arrangements can be, made only with carnations, I’ve changed my tune.

  Carnations can be beautiful!

carnations via bhg

via bhg 

Carnations are available in a load of colors, but if you can’t find that perfect hue, ask your florist to dye the carnations to match your favorite Pantone color.  It can be done.

A little greenery added to a carnation arrangement gives these inexpensive flower a whole new look.  

There are lots of carnation varities to choose from and you’re sure to find a style you love. 

I am so glad I’ve discovered how beautiful and stylish Carnations can be. Now I can have fresh flowers in my home all the time and it won’t break the bank. 

Why don’t you use carnations to create a beautiful arrangement for your home…and send me photos to share with my readers.

 until next time…

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

PARTY PLANNING 101

 When it comes to party planning, there are some basic rules of thumb:

Location, Invitations, Decor, Food & Beverages and Atmosphere.

But, how you interpret these “rules of thumb” is what gives your party style and panache. 
 Here are a few tips to make your next party a fabulous & stylish one!

THE LOCATION…

When choosing a location, pick a spot that will reinforce the “mood” you want to create for the event. 
For an outdoor party, incorporate some indoor decorative elements to give a warm, home-like feel.

via verandah

THE INVITE…

The invitation you select to communicate your party will set the tone for the event. 
I say go with something spectacular! 
 
One of my favorite, and I mean favorite stationery/invitation companies is Ceci New York.  Lisa “Ceci”  Johnson is the founder and creative director of this magnificent line of paper goods.  Her designs are classic yet sophisticated, and the colors, textures and details she applies makes each invitation a work of art. And, if her invitations weren’t enough to make you faint,  Ceci worked with the USPS to develop a custom line of postage stamps, showcasing her beautiful designs. What could be better than gorgeous invitations and a postage stamp to complete the look. You can check out her full line of stamps at Cecizazzle.com.
 

 

 Ceci New York Proud Peacock Collection

   

CeCi  New York Custom Designed Postage Stamps.  How cute are these!

 Ceci New York has a faithful following of customers, including many celebrities. 
The invitation above was custom designed for Sean “P Diddy” Combs’ annual White Party. 
 

THE DECOR…

Once the invitations are in the mail, it’s time to focus on the decor.  Layering is the key for creating a stunning visual statement.   
Layer your linens on the table; Create layers with your dinnerware; Incorporate layers of fresh flowers as the centerpiece.  Give the eyes lots to look at!
Whatever elements you use, creating layers of texture, color, pattern and dimension will give your table that wow factor.
 

 via carolyn roehm

 FOOD & DRINK…

When it comes to your food and beverage selections, do something that will have your signature touch on it: 
Mix-and-match your stemware to create an eclectic and colorful statment. 
Create a signature cocktail that reflects the theme or occasion you are celebrating. 
And, finish the evening with a dessert that stands out.

via carolyn roehm

via southern living 

THE ATMOSPHERE…

I don’t think any party is good unless there is a bit of mood music to infuse the atmosphere. 
 Whether you choose Jazz, Swing, or a little R & B, make sure to have music playing in the back ground.  Here are a few of my favorite party cd’s, available from Brisa.

 image via Brisa

So the next time you get ready to plan a big soiree, make a statement–a unique and personal one! 

Photo source:  Veranda, Ceci New York, Carolyn Roehm, Southern Living, Brisa

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