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Showing posts with label designers at home. Show all posts
Showing posts with label designers at home. Show all posts

Designers at home: Francine Gardner of Interieurs


This is our first of hopefully many in the series: Designers at Home!  I am very excited to welcome Francine Gardner of Interieurs!   Francine is an amazing designer and has traveled the world in search of inspiration.  I am absolutely in love with her home, it is so personal and beautiful beyond words.  Francine was nice enough to answer a few questions for us about her life, her business and her design presence below.  I hope you enjoy a glimpse into her life and take time to discover her shop in New York the next time you are there, I know I will.



 




.        What are the three major differences when designing for yourself, as opposed to designing for your clients?

Budget! When designing for myself, I often need to compromise on the level of contractor, finishes etc..I do not plan or follow the process as I would for a client. I buy what I love regardless of the period, the importance of a piece of artwork for instance. My personal space is to be lived in, with the constant influx of friends, my son's friends, pets, kids… When I design for a client, I start with floor plans, look at the light, the flow and am extremely focused. Once a presentation is approved, I start the installation process and shopping process. I practically custom design everything for my clients, from kitchen to bathrooms,  cabinetry, interior architecture, pool etc… Then I go shopping for the unique pieces that will give the house its personality, always keeping in mind the client's lifestyle and budget.
 
2.       As designers, we tend to love many different styles and items.  How did you select the style for your home and why?

My current home evolved over the years. We bought it sight unseen as it was love at first sight, a stone stable and carriage house that reminded me of the houses of Gascony in France. It is filled with heirloom furniture mixed with modern pieces from my Showroom. From my travel, I have brought back textiles, art, objects, furniture which are part of the home. Books are present in every room, stacked or on bookshelves. My style is eclectic with a soul…if that makes sense.

3.    How would you describe the style in each of your homes?

The common denominator in all the homes I have designed is unique, eclectic. From Beach houses to ski houses, contemporary loft, apartment, country houses….the style is clean, uncluttered, with meaningful furniture. Attention is given to the surfaces: walls, floors, ceiling and each home is unique in itself but represent the life of their owners.

4.     Your homes tend to be very neutral, is there a reason behind this?

My clients live very busy lives, often managing multi homes. My goal is to provide a sanctuary where they can be themselves, at peace, I bring calmness to their lives and can only do so by keeping a neutral palette. The color come from the spines of books, artwork, flowers, objects…

5.      What is your staple piece that you incorporate into each of your designs and feel is necessary to a complete and finished product? (mirror, chair, art, etc.)

I would say our lighting is always unique and often custom made. All our project have at least one light by Jose Esteves, either from our Interieurs collection, or custom designed.

6.     What is your favorite room in your house and why?

My library…this is where I deep into my world of books and leave everything behind.

7.    What is your secret to creating an elegant space synonymous with comfort?

Proportions, textures, quality of the furnishings and a good floorplan.


Thank you again to Francine for taking the time to participate! 

all images via Francine Gardner


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soft details..


I am completely falling for the soft details of this space from the most recent issue of Lonny. The simplicity of the clean furnishings with the vintage pieces is perfect.  Soft and easy going.  This is the home of  antiques dealer Kay O'Toole in Houston.  Just lovely!   




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greige and pink...




I fell for the eclectic mix in this space, that and the windows and multiple fireplaces.  The wall color is fantastic and the little accents of pink and feminine touches are just perfection.  This is the home of Hilary Robertson, the owner of Mrs. Robertson in Ft. Greene and it is a divine mix of vintage and well traveled collections, just the way a home should feel.  






images via
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designers at home...



As all of you know there are some amazingly talented designers out there, and we would love to see them...  I mentioned before a series that I was thinking about and I am gearing up for it.  I have had some submissions already but I would always love to see more.  If you would like to share your home with us feel free to send them over as I would love to make this a regular series here on greige.


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at home...



I came across these beautiful images on No. 19 and completely fell in love with the layered and real life look of them.  Sometimes I really need to be reminded that I need to design for me..  it does not always work that way for me at home.  I am thinking it might be fun to start a new series of real homes - designers at home.. Are you interested?  Well if you are drop me a line and we will see where it leads..  Wishing you a creative and productive Monday!

images via


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megan megas at home..



So I know I have been changing it up a little around here with more and more chatting... but sometimes I think change is a good thing! (I hope you do too).  Anyway, I am going to chat this up because I simply love it.  I love the graphic pillow on the white sofa and I love the split wall with grey and creamy paint.  I love the lack of accessories and things.  This is pretty amazing.  I know it is not my home because my dog would knock that vase off of that little stool in about 5 minutes but I still love it.





This picture makes me wish I had not sold off my dining head chairs... humm.  I think I saw some yesterday and now I really want them back!

Images via found by way of cote de texas
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John Derian in Cape Cod













What a wonderful holiday retreat!  Simple and clean with a great mix of vintage in each space.  I love the natural state of the walls and the vintage textiles.  I hope you are getting ready to enjoy the long weekend with some fun activities!  We have a few parties to attend so it should be a great mix of just hanging out and visiting with friends and family.

images via martha stewart living and bon appetit

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Euro Trash at home..



I don't know about you but I completely fell for this space in the latest issue of House Beautiful.  They mirrors in the stairway are so gorgeous! I wonder if this would work on a curved stairway?  
I might be trying that out.  The entire color palette or lack of is really light and bright, I love it.
This is the home of Annie Brahler from Euro Trash.  I came across their site last week and put it together with some of my favorite images from around the web. 




Funny note.. this is the second time I have seen a LV bag used in the photos of a house.  Love that- mostly because this is the bag I have been sweet on for a while...


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