Interview with New York Interior Designer Sara Gilbane

Earlier this year, the seasoned, Traditional Home and youngster, Lonny collaborated to create a new digital shelter magazine, TRADhome. In it’s debut issue, TRADhome names 20 New Traditional Designers to Watch. On the coveted list is New York-base interior designer, Sara Gilbane. She is known for her classic modern-traditional style and artfully combining low-key and elegant pieces. Sara’s interiors are chic, yet grounded in practicality.
 

Simplified Bee: When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer? 

Sara Gilbane: After my first day of work at Kemble Interiors. I was thrilled to be working with Celerie Kemble and Christina Murphy and once I dove into those fabrics I never looked back!

SB: How would you describe your personal style? 

SG: I come from a traditional background and love bold color and pattern mixed with neutrals. My style has a bit of an eclectic loved feel with a sense of calm.

SB: Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project? 

SG: Architects Peter Pennoyer or Gil Schafer. 

SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones? 

SG: Benjamin Moore Linen White, Dove White, and Super White are always used on my moldings. Farrow and Ball Skylight is another favorite- a pale grey blue that makes you feel like you have been enveloped in a cloud.

SB: Which of today’s interior design trends are here to stay and which ones will we see fade away?

SG: Ikat, zebra, sisal, jewel tones, reclaimed wood, and bold color are all trending but they are classics and will never go away. Perhaps neon is one trend we will (gladly) see go.

SB: Where do you recommend clients splurge versus save? 

SG: Splurge on drapes, wallpaper, and a custom sofa ( you will LIVE on this for 20 years and it will be amazingly comfortable). Save on cocktail table, side tables, lamps. With this splurge/ save combo the splurge items are so unique people assume the rest of your pieces are special. Then again.... if you fall in love with something, buy it. Since you love it you will always find a way of working it into your next home.

SB: I love the timelessness of the nursery you designed that was featured in TRADhome. Tell us about your favorite design elements in the space. 

SG: We used a classic wool rug with a timeless geometric pattern in charcoal grey, celadon green, and slate blue to hide stains. The room had a tremendously high ceiling so we added silver star wallpaper on the ceiling and a custom painted pale blue and white circus tent stripe on the walls to add a sense of whimsy to the room. The deep mulberry colored rocking chair is one of my favorite pieces. It is so comfortable and the shape makes it perfect for a growing child ( not stuck in a nursery forever).

SB: You are embracing social media and write a blog {Travel for Design}, are on Facebook and can be found tweeting {http://twitter.com/sgilbane}. Do you prefer one over the other? What is your advice to other interior designers who are timid about trying social media marketing outlets? 

SG: I love the blog though I do not have nearly enough time to update it as much as I would like to. I need to be better with tweeting! I would advise other designers not to be timid. I was not sure anyone would read our blog and we have over 6,000 hits a day! Go forth and blog, tweet, and tumble!

SB: Fill in the blank. No room is complete without… 

SG: Art.

SB: What’s next for Sara Gilbane Interiors? 

SG: I would love to design a range of fabrics and wallpapers for one of the fabric houses. I am fabric obsessed!

*images via Sara Gilbane Interiors and TRADhome

Interview with Interior Designer Hillary Thomas

I was first introduced to interior designer, Hillary Thomas’ work in Lonny’s January/February issue and loved it instantly. In March of this year, I had the pleasure of meeting Hillary while at the Design Bloggers Conference in Los Angeles and found we share a similar design aesthetic which favors flea market finds, Asian antiques and an eclectic mix of old and new.

Based in Los Angeles, Hillary Thomas Designs was launched in 2008 when Hillary collaborated with architect Mark Appleton to redesign and decorate a Spanish-style cottage in Santa Monica. Originally from Locust Valley, Long Island, Hillary embraces a “wabi sabi" design approach; the Japanese term for "finding beauty in the imperfect." The results are unique, refreshing and inviting interiors.

Simplified Bee: Your designs are inviting, worldly and multi-layered. When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer? 

Hillary Thomas: Thank you, Cristin! And I have to just take a minute and tell you what a huge fan I am of your blog. I'm a triple Virgo (that's right), so your artistic and gorgeous approach to organizing is heaven to me! OK...on to the interview! Like so many interior designs, I was one of those girls who would stay up into the wee hours rearranging my bedroom (and my friend's bedrooms). And then when I went to college, the big joke amongst my friends was seeing how I would decorate my dorm room each fall. I think I really peaked when I decked out my room with all white and blue, complete with Laura Ashley border. Luckily I've expanded my color palate since then! After school I moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. I had modest success, but found that more and more friends were asking me to help them with their homes. Finally admitting that I'm just a compulsive decorator, I decided to go professional in 2008.

SB: How would you describe your personal style? 

HT: I'm totally inspired by the eclectic and global WASPs of the 1960s because they created a fascinating design revolution. People with the means and curiosity could engage new cultures like never before. They brought a deep respect for traditional manners and mores, which became infused with a layered, worldly, and sophisticated style. This juxtaposition of old and new brought about an entirely new design aesthetic and lifestyle that I like to call "Vintage Chic"...and that basically describes my personal style!

SB: What type of architecture are you personally drawn to? 

HT: Even though I'm from the east coast and not suppose to say this, I really adore old Hollywood architecture. It was kind of crazy, yet classic at the same time. Architects took inspiration from anything they could get their hands on -- Art Deco, Spanish Colonial Revival, Monterey Revival, Italian Renaissance, etc. and made it their own. I love the timelessness of John Woolf's estates and Paul Williams' (did you know he was the first African American architect west of the Mississippi?) modern interpretations of Tudor, Regency and Mediterranean. 

SB: Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project? 

HT: The greats, of course! Tony Duquette and Dorothy Draper. The styles that they started just keep inspiring  designers decade after decade. I'd love to see what new and outrageous things we could come up with together for this era of design.

SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones? 

HT: I can't live without beautiful color. Color is really the spice of life, whether a gorgeous color on a ceiling or a pop of color in an accessory. But every designer needs a go-to white, and mine is Farrow & Ball's White Tie. It is absolutely fool proof. But my FAVORITE??? Farrow & Ball's Hague Blue. I just melt whenever I see this color. It is perfect almost anywhere... library, bathroom, small bedroom, kitchen!

SB: Which of today’s interior design trends are here to stay and which ones will we see fade away? 

HT: That Restoration Hardware reclaimed look really needs to be over...so 2009! Collected, old school WASP style is back in a big way. Think Sister Parrish and Billy Baldwin. Comfortable and cozy with clean lines a beautiful color is always chic and never goes out of style!

SB: Where do you recommend clients splurge versus save? 

HT: The same rules apply to interior design that apply to clothing. You know, invest in classics that you'll have forever (a great jacket, shoes, sofa with nice, clean lines) and then go cheap and chic for the more trendy items (a cute top, a fun necklace, funky throw pillows). But above all, splurge on area rugs and window treatments. They are the shoes and handbags of a room!

{image via Lonny Magazine}

SB: You are embracing social media and are on Facebook, Twitter and will soon be publishing a blog. Do you prefer one over the other? What is your advice to other interior designers who are timid about trying social media marketing outlets?

HT: As we learned from Ronda Carmen at the Design Bloggers Conference, "Twitter is a cocktail party" and I'm not one to miss a cocktail party! I've recently starting "tweeting" and it's fun! I love the idea of being able to have these really quick, cheeky conversations with fans and my heros as well. But I have to admit that I do prefer Facebook. Maybe I'm just an old fashioned girl, but it just seems like an easier place to connect with others in the design world. Yes, our blog will be live in about a month and it's called "Happiness is a Pink Foo Dog." I'll be contributing along with all the gals in the office. We're very excited about it! Our belief is inspiration is where you find it and that's what our blog is about. My advice to designers who are timid about social media....you just have to do it and the sooner the better! That is the future of everything, especially design. Just start with Facebook because it is the easiest and get some comfort with that, then quickly move to Twitter and whatever else will be next. 

SB: Fill in the blank. No room is complete without…

HT: a bar (even if it is just a tray with some cool vintage glasses and a bottle of water), a splash of color (get creative and take a risk), fresh flowers (I'm partial to pink peonies), a stack of books (the more wabi-sabi, the better), and a very friendly dog (or maybe one that just roams room to room)! 

SB: What’s next for Hillary Thomas Designs? 

HT: At Chic Shop, we are about to introduce a whole new line of products that bring back in a really chic way what one might associate with a beloved grandmother, like needlepoint brick doorstops and Boyfriend Pillows (formerly known as Bedrest Pillows). Also watch out for a Dixie Highway Container Sale for One Kings Lane. Trés Vintage Chic! And a bunch of other things that my partner says I'm not suppose to talk about yet..:) Stay tuned!

*all images used with permission from Hillary Thomas Designs

Interview: San Francisco Interior Designer Scot Meacham Wood

Today I am thrilled to be interviewing the very talented San Francisco-based interior designer, Scot Meacham Wood. I had the pleasure of meeting Scot last year while seating on a social media panel discussion at Kravet in San Francisco. Immediately, I was charmed by his smile, humor and positive attitude. His beautiful design projects have appeared in several publications including SF Examiner, Rue Magazine and Style at Home. Scot also is a fellow design blogger {The Adventures of Tartanscot} and I encourage you to drop by to find out what’s inspiring him today.

Simplified Bee: Scot, your designs are sophisticated, inviting and timeless. When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?

Scot Meacham Wood: There was a gentle hint at my future in design when I was still quite young and would rearrange my bedroom at the age of 10, almost monthly. “Mom, can I move my bed to this wall?”  “Mom, could I have new lamps for my side tables?”  “Mom, I want new bedding.”  But, I really began to understand the power of design while working for Ralph Lauren.  I was with Polo for over 13 years - working in the Northern California stores - and it was amazing watching these beautiful spaces re-imagined each season.  The same space that was a New York loft one fall would be a French chateau the next.

SB: Your portfolio is beautiful and includes a range of styles. Which one is closest to your personal style?

SMW: I always find the greatest inspiration for any one of my projects from my clients themselves.  I’ve been incredibly lucky to have worked with some truly amazing people on the transformation of their homes. People always seem to be willing to transform their lives - and being in the front row (as it were) seeing people discard unneeded things from their pasts and seeing their lives from a fresh new perspective – never ceases to inspire me. I guess the space that most represents me is my own home.  But it is also the space that is in almost continuous evolution.  Furniture is constantly on the move.  Paint colors get changed.

SB: Who are your favorite designers?
 

SMW: Michael Smith.  Charlotte Moss.  Miles Redd.  Ralph Lauren.  Joe Nye.

SB: What are you favorite design magazines, books or blogs?

SMW: On the magazine front - I’m a huge fan of Elle Decor, House Beautiful, Arch Digest, Rue, and Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles.  For blogs – I love All the Best, Tobi Fairley’s blog, Grant Gibson’s blog, and the beautiful writing of Mrs. Blandings.

SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones?

SMW: Paint colors are part of such a delicate dance.  So much depends of the orientation of the house, and the quality of the light, I try not to have any pre-conceived ideas about specific colors.  What I DO love are people who are willing to go dramatic.  Dark colors.  Saturated colors.  And, frankly, I love using wallpapers.

SB: Which of today’s interior design trends are here to stay and which ones will we see fade away?

SMW: “Trends” in design are somewhat of a misnomer for me - maybe because I gravitate towards more classic designs.  But, because most interior design installations have such lengthy time span - sometimes 18 months to 2 years - most ‘trends’ have come and gone over that time period.

SB: Your designs showcase beautiful textiles, furnishings and home accessories. Would you share some of your favorite collections or resources?

SMW: I really love to shop. Really. I firmly believe that it’s a genetic marker from my mother’s side of the family. For textiles, I love Jim Thompson’s textiles, Lee Jofa’s collections, and the bright fabrics from Carleton V. When in New York - you’ll find me shopping through Thomas O’Brien’s shop in SoHo - and well as several places along Lexington Ave.

SB: What is your favorite room in your house and why?

SMW: I love my drawing room.  It’s the room where I entertain guests, the ‘heart’ of my home.  It also contains many of my favorite things.  My custom tufted silk-velvet sofa.  My Chinese needlepoint botanical rug. And most of my collection of portraiture is displayed there.

* all photographs published with permission from Scot Meacham Wood

Interview: San Francisco Interior Designer Kendall Wilkinson

Kendall Wilkinson’s love for interior design began while studying in Paris. Today, she leads the full-scale San Francisco firm, Kendall Wilkinson Design & Home. Over her distinguished career, Kendall has received many industry accolades and was selected as a contributing designer to the prestigious San Francisco Decorator Showcase six times and ELLE DÉCOR’s first Showhouse in 2010. 

Kendall has a wonderful ability to artfully mix authenticity and modernity while staying true to her client's tastes. Eco-friendly design has also been a priority and  recently she has helped several clients create "healthy homes."  

SB: Your designs are beautiful, inviting and multi-layered. When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?

KW: I always had a penchant for the arts, and in my early professional years was figuring out what that meant exactly. I knew I loved fashion, travel and architecture.  I was actually working in the film industry in Southern California for a few years when one fateful night over dinner with my interior designer mother, I had an epiphany.  As my mother discussed her job, I suddenly realized it might be the right career for me as well.  It was not long after that I went out on my own shortly was up and running with my own clients. Twenty years later, it was a career decision that still brings me much happiness. 

SB:  How would you describe your personal style?

KW: Like my interiors, my personal style is often influenced by French fashion, color, texture and layering of interesting things to create a look. I love reading fashion magazines to see how hemlines can influence sofa skirts- it’s a fun interplay between my personal style and my business.   I also notice that when I am really involved in a color scheme for a client, I tend to wear more of those colors. 

SB:  What type of architecture are you personally drawn to?

KW: Neo-Classical architecture has always appealed to me, hence why SF is an ideal places for me to be.  I particularly like how it can lend itself to a really contemporary interior, and does not necessarily dictate a classic design.  

SB:  Your portfolio is gorgeous and diverse in style. Was it easy for you to avoid a ‘signature’ style?

KW: I think that a designer can be really diverse, and still have a style that people recognize on some level. I like to think that I evolve, but still keep my core design principals intact.  Even though my portfolio is really varied at first glance, you might see that across the board I do tend to be quite tailored, crisp, and clean, and love the use of bold color.  I am traditional in my approach, but never stuffy. Antiques will also always be one of my truest loves, so you’d be hard pressed to see a project that didn’t feature my vintage treasures among the newer ones, whether it’s a very traditional or totally modern interior.

SB:  Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?

KW: Elsie de Wolfe, Sister Parish, Dorothy Draper and Albert Hadley are among my favorite influences. It would be amazing to partner with one of them.  I often draw influence from them, but try to put my own twist on their classics. It would be interesting to see whether they appreciated the new interpretations.

SB:  Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones?

KW: It’s amazing how a handful of colors can actually work well, and yet still look so different in many spaces. I often use a shade of blue called Ann Hall #39. In fact our design studio is painted in it. It is relaxing and fresh and turns from misty blue to gray blue depending on the light. I also love Benjamin Moore “Fernwood Green” and “Winter Gray” {which despite the name is a gorgeous violet shade}.   

SB: Which of today’s interior design trends are here to stay and which ones will we see fade away?

KW: Timeless design is timeless because the core principals remain attractive for years to come, even if the surface items are a little more trendy. For example, a given print or colors may become passé, but if they are upholstered on really well constructed, beautiful furniture, it can be easily changed. I like to create pieces that will become the antiques of the future, so it’s ok if they need a new throw pillow down the line.

SB: Where do you recommend clients splurge versus save?

KW: I do the splurge/save exercise often, as it’s a good way to evaluate the design elements that are really important to a client. I always say never save on things like your master bed, your carpets or your plumbing. But, if you need to use retail for a family room sofa or want to opt for less expensive chairs around a busy kitchen table, go for it. We have to be practical.

SB:  What’s the greatest reward you’ve had from your career in design?

KW: There is something so gratifying and joyful about putting the final touches on a design that you’ve poured your heart into. Any passionate designer you talk to will likely say the same. Good design can really change people’s well being, and the way they use their homes. It’s a wonderful feeling. I hope I have imparted that enthusiasm to all of my clients.

SB:  Fill in the blank. No room is complete without…     

KW:  Vision. A well-appointed interior is not always just about the things in it, but whether the space was approached with some foresight and love of design.  The rest just seems to fall into place.

SB:  What's next for Kendall Wilkinson Design & Home?

KW:  Kendall Wilkinson Design & Home have officially merged into a single enterprise this year. Hence my design team is more fully engaged than ever in the progression and aesthetics of the retail division. I see some really exciting things ahead as we continue to put our creativity to use in bringing our customers the most unique goods they’ve seen from us yet. 

Specifically, be on the look out for our new store window vignette - “Glamorous Escape”. Here I am sharing my love for what is hot on the runway and making it real in our shop. I have taken inspiration from Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar, and will bring it to life. I am loving the colors shown in the magazines with shades of pinks, puttys, grays, and minks, with a bit of sparkle! What’s hot in fashion can also be hot in design. As Coco Chanel once said, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” Explore your passions….be bold and unique. 

* all photos used with permission from Kendall Wilkinson Design & Home

Interview with Interior Designer Bunny Williams

New York-based design icon and tastemaker, Bunny Williams has been creating elegant, timeless and inviting rooms for more than 40 years. Before launching her own firm, she spent the first twenty-two years of her career with the legendary decorating firm, Parish-Hadley Associates. In addition to being an award-winning designer, she’s also an accomplished author, speaker and businesswoman. In October 2010, Bunny debuted her furniture line, Beeline Home II by Bunny Williams, at the High Point Market and received The Best of Market Award, which recognizes the showroom that best exemplifies design excellence. In addition,  Bunny recently released her latest book, “Scrapbook for Living.”

Simplified Bee: Your designs are timeless, inviting and fit each client precisely. When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?

Bunny Williams: I grew up in a wonderful house in Charlottesville, VA with a family who loved beautiful things and who loved to entertain. I had a little playhouse surrounded by a garden with wicker furniture and a small table with a miniature tea set. I loved giving tea parties for my dolls and rearranging the furniture. I learned early on how to create a comfortable welcoming house. I truly think becoming a designer was in my DNA. Later on when I moved to New York I was taught by the best, Mrs. Henry (Sister) Parish and Albert Hadley whose firm I worked at for many years. I opened my own firm in 1988 and have enjoyed working with many wonderful clients all of whom have helped me grow and expand my horizons as a designer.

SB: How would you describe your personal style?

BW: My personal style is all about making my houses comfortable and inviting for my family and friends, and of course, my dogs. I adore all kinds of furniture, love combining antiques and new pieces, and am always moving things around. I am a shopper and a collector. I love to be surrounded by books, have lots of comfortable chairs and good lights for reading. I get a kick out of putting something inexpensive and stylish next to a fine antique. It is the mix of periods, styles, and pedigrees that excites me.

SB: You have said that every design decision you make is based on a fundamental principle: “Knowing what you value is essential.” Throughout your career, has there been a common theme with what you and your clients value?

BW: It is true that I make design decisions based on the fundamental principle: “Knowing what you value is essential”. That underlying theme helps me understand each of my clients and is also important to me in designing my own homes. It is essentially getting to the core of how they live and how they want to live in the spaces I am designing for them. I would say the most common theme amongst all my clients is to have a home and surroundings that are comfortable, flexible and that suits today’s fast paced lifestyle. We all live much more casually today and people want a place to relax, enjoy a wonderful dinner, appreciate the outdoors, welcome family and friends, and feel at ease. In addition, they want the best quality their dollars can afford.

SB: Do you have “go to” paint colors? If so, which ones?

BW: My go to paint colors right now are all from Farrow & Ball. The quality of the paint is superb and the well edited color palette provides the perfect background for furniture and art.

My favorites are: Orangery, Blue Ground, with White Tie for trim. I also love Book Red.

SB: In March of 2009, you launched your first collection of furniture and accessories, Beeline Home. The collection is magnificent. The Eglomise Coffee Table and the Eclipse Chair are my favorites. What are your favorite pieces? Do you have any new pieces you can share with us?

BW: In my first BeeLine Home collection, I particularly love the Nailhead sofa. It has a high back the perfect seat depth, a charming scalloped apron, and nailhead trim which defines the silhouette of the piece.

In Collection II which we just introduced at the High Point furniture market a few weeks ago, I adore the Harvest table which has an unusual wrought iron base and is available with a cerused oak or honed marble top. It is very versatile and could be used as a center table in a foyer, a library table, or even as a dining table.

SB: In addition to designing, you have authored several books including An Affair with a House, On Garden Style and most recently Point of View. Was one easier to write than the others?

BW: Having written four books which is truly a labor of love and takes amazing discipline, I must say that the easiest one to write was “An Affair with a House”. Since the subject is my own house in Falls Village, CT which I bought and restored over many years and is where I escape to relax and work in my garden, the book felt natural and the words just flowed. My fourth book “Scrapbook for Living” published by Stewart, Tabori and Chang, with beautiful photographs by Amy Archer was also fun to write. It is filled with tips and things I have learned about creating a wonderful home that is well organized, personal and has soul.

SB: It seems you are embracing social media. You are on Facebook, tweet and write a blog {Bunny’s Buzz}. Do you prefer one over the other? What is your advice to other interior designers who are timid about trying social media marketing outlets?

BW: I think Social Media is definitely the way to connect with people today. I still love a hand written note and a telephone call, but the new ways to communicate are fast and fun. I just got an iPad and I am addicted! Stay tuned for our new website bunnywilliams.com. All of my enterprises will be there: my interior design projects, Bunny Williams Inc., BeeLine Home, and my shops Treillage. We will be able to link to other sites, show beautiful photographs, and Bunny’s Buzz will have the capability to show videos and give great tips and information.

SB: What is your favorite room in your house and why?

BW: My favorite room in my house is the Conservatory in the barn right next to the main house in Connecticut. It is a room filled with plants that during the day is one of my favorite places to read or visit with a friend as it gets beautiful light pouring through the hand blown glass windows. In the evening it becomes a candlelit dining room and is just magical.

*all images from Bunny Williams and used with permission