Velvet & Linen’s Brooke Giannetti Talks Design + Her Home in the South

Grace Bonney, the founder of Design*Sponge, reflects on over a decade of running her influential interior design website, discussing its origins, evolution, and her philosophy on home aesthetics. Starting the site ten years prior, Bonney aimed to document the vibrant Brooklyn design scene that was underrepresented in print media. Initially conceived as an online portfolio to secure a magazine job, Design*Sponge unexpectedly became her full-time career, providing a stable platform for her passion. She acknowledges the ease of adapting content on an independent platform compared to print magazines, highlighting the freedom from external venture capital and the ability to be nimble. Bonney emphasizes Design*Sponge's commitment to showcasing diverse design aesthetics, actively seeking out unique homes beyond the prevalent trends seen on platforms like Pinterest and Instagram. She describes the rigorous process of contacting hundreds of homeowners monthly to curate a varied selection of features, noting the global prevalence of certain minimalist trends. While acknowledging the challenges posed by social media's homogenizing effect on design, where clients often request exact replicas of online imagery, Bonney encourages stepping away from the digital realm to find inspiration in tangible sources like libraries and flea markets. She believes in studying historical design to anticipate future trends and avoid becoming obsolete. The article delves into the phenomenon of design items quickly becoming clichéd due to overexposure, citing examples like "Keep Calm" posters and Shepard Fairey's Obama poster. Bonney discusses the editorial responsibility of selectively presenting homes to protect homeowners from negative feedback, especially when their personal spaces feature popular but overused items. She advocates against trend-driven purchases, urging individuals to acquire items that hold personal meaning rather than succumbing to fleeting fads. This philosophy extends to her own home, shared with her wife, chef Julia Turshen, where they prioritize items with sentimental value over purely decorative acquisitions, leading to a more meaningful living space. To combat design fatigue, Bonney has adopted a simpler personal aesthetic, opting for white walls in her own home to create a visual respite from the constant influx of imagery online. She admits that complete avoidance of fatigue is impossible given the perpetual visual onslaught from platforms like Pinterest and Instagram, but she sets boundaries such as not bringing her phone to bed. She strongly advises against purchasing cheaply made, disposable goods, recommending instead investments in well-crafted, potentially vintage items that can be restored. Bonney also shares specific trends she's currently tired of, such as chevron patterns, blackboard paint, and antlers, primarily due to their repetitive application rather than the items themselves. Ultimately, she encourages a thoughtful, personal approach to creating a home that reflects individual stories and values. #DesignSponge #GraceBonney #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #DesignTrends #SocialMediaInfluence #AuthenticDesign #DIYProjects #BrooklynDesign

The "Meeting of minds" article highlights a growing trend where artists, textile specialists, and interior designers are collaborating to create distinctive and innovative design solutions for homes. This collaborative approach fosters a synergy that leads to unique aesthetic outcomes, moving beyond conventional design practices. Traditionally, the fields of art, textiles, and interior design have often operated in separate silos. However, this article indicates a shift towards interdisciplinary cooperation, where the strengths of each discipline are combined to produce a more holistic and personalized living space. Artists contribute their creative vision and mastery of form and color, often translating their fine art skills into functional design elements. This could involve bespoke murals, custom sculptures, or curated art pieces that serve as focal points within an interior. Textile specialists play a crucial role by bringing their expertise in materials, textures, patterns, and weaving techniques. Their contributions extend beyond merely selecting fabrics; they are actively involved in designing custom textiles that complement the artistic vision and overall interior scheme. This might include developing unique weaves, dyeing techniques, or digital printing methods to create textiles that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, adding depth and warmth to a room. Interior designers act as the orchestrators of these collaborations, integrating artistic elements and specialized textiles into a cohesive and livable environment. They are responsible for understanding the client's needs and translating the collective creative input into a functional and beautiful space. Their role involves balancing aesthetics with practicality, ensuring that the artistic and textile contributions enhance the home's overall design while meeting ergonomic and spatial requirements. This trend signifies a move away from mass-produced, generic interior elements towards a more bespoke and artisanal approach to home design. Clients are increasingly seeking spaces that reflect their individuality and tell a story, and these collaborations enable the creation of highly customized interiors. The article suggests that this interdisciplinary approach results in richer, more layered, and personally resonant environments that transcend typical design trends. Furthermore, such collaborations often involve a deep understanding of historical and cultural contexts, allowing for the incorporation of diverse influences into contemporary designs. This fusion can lead to innovative reinterpretations of classic styles or the creation of entirely new aesthetic languages. The article implies that the collective intelligence and varied skill sets of these professionals lead to designs that are not only visually striking but also imbued with a deeper sense of artistry and craftsmanship. This evolution in design practice underscores the value of cross-disciplinary engagement in pushing the boundaries of what is possible in home aesthetics and functionality. #InteriorDesign #TextileDesign #ArtisticCollaboration #HomeDecor #CustomInteriors #CreativeDesign #Craftsmanship #DesignInnovation

This article explores the favored shopping destinations of leading Southern interior designers, highlighting unique retailers across 11 cities in the region. These designers share insights into where they find distinctive home decor items, from antique furniture and vintage finds to contemporary art, artisanal pottery, luxury linens, and specialty plants, catering to diverse design needs and client preferences. In Atlanta, Georgia, designers recommend a variety of shops. Leah Alexander of Beauty is Abundant sources accessories from SustainAble Home Goods, emphasizing their ethical commitment to artisan communities. Whitney Durham of Whitney Durham Interiors frequents local antique shops like Antiques & Beyond and Interiors Market for one-of-a-kind vintage pieces. For original art, she suggests Anne Irwin Fine Art and Gregg Irby Gallery, while Stanton Home Furnishings is her choice for quality, reasonably priced substantial furniture. Maggie Griffin of Maggie Griffin Design praises House of Hazen for its curated gifts and home accessories, Gramercy for luxury linens, and Marguerite’s on Dresden for high-quality items suitable for various occasions. Dawn Marie Heuer of Heuer Design Collective considers B.D. Jeffries her top choice for meticulously curated home goods and Westside Market for its eclectic mix of antiques and independent vendor offerings, also recommending JJ’s Flower Shop for floral needs. Moving to Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Arianne Bellizaire of Arianne Bellizaire Interiors prefers The Foyer for local artisan art and objects, and Patti Dupree for furniture and accessories. In Charlottesville, Virginia, Victoria Pouncey of Folly Charlottesville suggests Laurie Holladay Interiors for lampshades and Ivy Nursery for orchid centerpieces. Dallas, Texas, offers several notable spots. Michelle Lynne of Michelle Lynne Interiors Group likes Mecox Dallas for a Hampton-inspired aesthetic and Burlington Design Gallery for unique tiles, flooring, and custom pieces. Magic Hour is her go-to for handmade goods, and Urban Spikes for both live and faux greenery. Durham, North Carolina, features Nomadic Trading Co., a favorite of Liz Goldberg of CAROLYNLEONA for vintage furniture and rugs that add character and history to projects. Greensboro, North Carolina, is rich in antique stores; Anne Wagoner of Anne Wagoner Interiors mentions Caroline Faison Antiques for French and Swedish pieces and Acquisitions, Ltd. for English antiques, alongside gift shops like Carolyn Todd’s and Quintessentials. Houston, Texas, provides a wealth of antique shops and consignment stores like Memorial Antiques & Interiors and Heights Antiques on Yale, according to Hallie Henley Sims of Hallie Henley Design. She also highlights FOUND for its blend of new upholstery, fine antiques, and contemporary art, and Paloma & Co for unique art selections. In Jackson, Mississippi, Betsey Mosby of Betsey Mosby Interiors recommends Nancy Price for vintage and antique items, and various galleries such as VIEW GALLERY, Brown’s Fine Art, and Fischer Galleries for art. Lavish Fleur is her choice for flowers, and her own store, The Finery, for high-end gifts and accessories. Jupiter, Florida, features Pineapples, Palms, Etc., a preferred source for McCall Dulkys of Interiors By McCall for a modern coastal aesthetic. Knoxville, Tennessee, offers unique finds at OP Jenkins for lighting and antiques, Bliss Home for accessories, and Bradley’s for finishing touches and treats, as noted by Annie Tipton of Annie B. Designs. Finally, in Richmond, Virginia, Lizzie Cox of Lizzie Cox Interiors suggests Paper Plus for decorative items and Reynolds Gallery and Quirk Gallery for art and unique gifts. Kim Faison Antiques is recommended for rare European antiques. Angela Wilson Lee of Wilson Lee Interiors relies on Flowers Make Scents for floral arrangements and The Great Big Greenhouse for indoor plants, emphasizing their health and happiness benefits. #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #SouthernDesign #ShoppingGuide #Antiques #ArtGalleries #LuxuryLinens #ArtisanGoods #VintageFinds #LocalBusinesses #DesignInspiration

The perception of home makeover shows on television, which often depict rapid transformations within a single episode, is critiqued by Mark Brunetz, Emmy Award-winning co-host of the former Style Network series “Clean House.” Brunetz, who spent nine years on the show, reveals that these productions require extensive resources, including a crew of 100 people and a week of work for each home. He points out a significant disconnect between the glamorized on-screen portrayals and the reality of the design process, which is far more complex and nuanced than what is typically shown. Motivated by this insight, Brunetz launched a podcast titled "Scandalabra: The Ugly Truth Behind Beautiful Spaces," available on various podcast platforms. This podcast aims to delve deeper into the design industry, moving beyond superficial aesthetics and the emotional reveals commonly featured on TV. Since its launch in July, the podcast has featured 24 candid interviews with design insiders, with more episodes planned. These discussions have brought to light critical perspectives on the home improvement genre. One recurring theme in the podcast, articulated by designer Jaime Rummerfield, is that while home makeover shows have raised awareness about home improvement, they have also inadvertently cheapened the fields of design and architecture. Rummerfield draws a parallel between "fast design" and "fast fashion," where products are made to look appealing for a brief moment but lack durability and substance. This trend pushes poorly made furniture and quick fixes, prioritizing immediate visual impact over lasting quality and thoughtful design. Another criticism highlighted is the common practice of showing sledgehammer demolitions in every episode. While visually engaging for television, such structural changes are often unnecessary or inappropriate for many homes, demonstrating a focus on dramatic effect rather than practical design solutions. Brunetz's interviews frequently reveal that many people tend to copy design trends, which can result in homes that lack personal authenticity. Guests on the podcast emphasize that individuals often feel pressured to adhere to a single design style, influenced by quizzes or prevailing trends. However, the true objective of design, as argued by these experts, is to create a space that genuinely reflects the homeowner's personality and lifestyle, rather than a generic or trendy aesthetic. Angelo Surmelis, a guest on an episode titled “The Dangers of Idolizing TV Designers,” advises against mimicking the styles of TV design experts or blindly following trends. He asserts that companies often manufacture trends primarily to boost product sales, and that true design expertise for one's personal space comes from within. The article suggests that embracing personal preferences and individual taste is more crucial than following a prescribed "color of the year" or an "expert's" recommendation, requiring self-reflection to determine one's authentic style. Renowned architect Dean Larkin, known for his work on high-value properties, advocates for ignoring "isms" in design. He argues that adhering strictly to movements like midcentury modernism or traditionalism limits the opportunity to develop a unique personal aesthetic. Larkin stresses that a home should function as a personal sanctuary, reflecting the occupants and their family. He also cautions against rushing the design process, contrasting it with the expedited timelines seen on TV shows. Successful rooms, he contends, evolve over time. Larkin also challenges the concept of "timeless design," asserting that great design inherently connects people, space, and the specific era they inhabit, and thus is always subject to change. Regarding the impact of the pandemic on home design, Brunetz notes that it merely amplified existing issues. The increased time spent at home caused many to scrutinize their living environments more closely, revealing dissatisfactions with spaces that did not genuinely reflect them. Those who thrived at home during this period were often those whose living spaces resonated with their personal identities. To help individuals discover their personal style, Brunetz employs an interview technique where he asks about their hobbies, travel preferences, favorite clothing, or even what piece of furniture they would be, detailing its characteristics. This method helps people articulate their aesthetic inclinations, underscoring that everyone possesses a distinct style. #HomeMakeoverShows #DesignPodcast #InteriorDesignCritique #AuthenticDesign #DesignTrends #HomeDecoration #DesignIndustryInsights #ScandalabraPodcast #MarkBrunetz

Aurora James, the creative director of Brother Vellies, offers a glimpse into her personal style, shopping habits, and the unique elements that define her Brooklyn home. She discusses her preference for online shopping, specifically MatchesFashion.com, which she praises for its curated selection. Alongside high-end retailers, James is a frequent visitor to flea markets and vintage stores like Stella Dallas, where she sources unique vintage blouses. A strong advocate for supporting fellow designers, especially women, she engages in product trades with friends like Ace & Jig, Ulla Johnson, and Ryan Roche, fostering a sense of community and shared resources within the fashion industry. James reflects on a memorable Gucci dress, humorously recalling it as her 'wedding dress' for a CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund awards night, an event where she unexpectedly won, experiencing happiness rather than the anticipated tears of disappointment. Her home environment is a testament to her philosophy of surrounding herself with beloved items accumulated over eight years. She cherishes a driftwood coffee table sourced from LA, highlighting her appreciation for unique and meaningful pieces. When it comes to beauty, James maintains a consistent and minimalist routine. She is a devoted user of coconut oil and Lucas' Papaw, incorporating Aesop oil for nighttime hydration and various Origins moisturizers for daytime use, including 'A Perfect World' and 'Make a Difference Plus+'. She also emphasizes the importance of regular facials, preferring a low-key establishment called Audrey in Bedford, recommended by a makeup artist. James describes herself as 'not a big makeup person,' opting for a natural look with occasional use of eyebrow gel from brands like Anastasia and Glossier Boy Brow, and she made a conscious decision to stop waxing or plucking her eyebrows, rejecting conventional beauty standards. James also integrates her professional life and ethical considerations into her personal style. She mentions a shirt from Kenya, acquired through the 'T-Shirt Project,' an initiative that repurposes vintage shirts found in landfills in Kenya. This project aims to provide skills training using the proceeds and raises awareness about the environmental impact of discarded clothing in developing countries. As a lover of vintage, she often finds 'diamonds in the rough' during her trips to Kenya. Her passion for vintage extends to furniture, with regular visits to the Brooklyn Flea and interactions with furniture vendors. She proudly recounts finding vintage Milo Baughman pink swivel chairs on Craigslist for a low price, which she later rented out for a significant profit, demonstrating her keen eye for valuable vintage finds. Her home decor style is characterized by a love for vintage, brass, pink, and an abundance of plants, which she embraces even when they inevitably die, understanding it as a natural process. #FashionDesign #VintageStyle #HomeDecor #SustainableFashion #BeautyRoutine #EntrepreneurLife #BrooklynLifestyle #InteriorDesign #PersonalStyle