Podcast Summary: How to Decorate – Ep. 397: Slow Design with Gabriella Eisenhart

Release Date: January 21, 2025

Introduction to Guest: Gabriella Eisenhart

In this episode of How to Decorate, hosts Caroline and Liz from Ballard Designs are joined by Gabriella Eisenhart, the visionary founder of Silo Studios, an award-winning interior design firm based in Atlanta. Gabriella brings over 12 years of experience in residential design, blending traditional elements with modern aesthetics to create spaces that tell her clients' personal stories.

Gabriella's Background and Evolution

Gabriella shares her journey into interior design, noting her Italian heritage and upbringing in her family's restaurant business in Atlanta. She initially pursued fine arts and transitioned into interior design after having her second son. In 2012, she launched her own company, originally focused on residential furnishings, which later evolved into a design and renovation powerhouse.

"I jumped in head first because I wanted to learn along the way. It started easy, but soon we were gutting entire houses, and it was a tremendous learning experience." [02:09]

Philosophy of Slow Design

Central to Gabriella's approach is the philosophy of "slow design," which emphasizes thoughtfully curating a home over time rather than furnishing it all at once. She advocates for quality over quantity, encouraging homeowners to invest in pieces that hold meaning and will last for generations.

"It's all about the collection and the curation of everything. We don't want to fast furnish these homes with pieces that don't matter." [08:20]

Implementing Slow Design with Clients

Gabriella discusses how she integrates slow design into her projects by prioritizing essential furniture first, such as beds and sofas, before introducing custom and artisanal pieces. She emphasizes setting realistic timelines and managing client expectations to ensure a cohesive and enduring design.

"Within three months, we can start placing key pieces, and for custom items, it might take six to nine months. It depends on whether it's a single room or the entire house." [11:12]

The Role of Art in Design

With a background in art, Gabriella highlights the significance of incorporating meaningful artwork into home design. She conducts "art tests" with clients to determine their preferences and often collaborates with local artists to create bespoke pieces that enhance the narrative of the space.

"The hardest part of my job is finding the right match for art. We partner with local artists for commissions, allowing clients to have a special piece uniquely theirs." [17:27]

Gabriella's Portfolio Highlights

Gabriella shares standout projects, including a Buckhead condo featuring a harmonious blend of monochromatic tones with vibrant accents like mustard and velvet chairs, anchored by a bespoke Marilyn Monroe painting by local artist Steve Penley.

"We designed the room around Steve's painting, and he customized the colors to complement the space perfectly. It was a seamless integration of art and design." [21:27]

Another notable project is the renovation of her family's restaurant, Nino's, where Gabriella revamped the bar area with blue and white tiles inspired by the Amalfi Coast, creating a coastal Italian ambiance that honors her father's heritage.

"We tiled the entire bar and back bar in blue and white, echoing the Amalfi Coast vibe. It was a tight budget, but we achieved a stunning, cohesive look." [33:37]

Designing Her Own Home

Gabriella offers a tour of her own home in Atlanta's Candler Park, showcasing a unique blend of traditional Tudor exterior with Mediterranean-inspired interiors. She highlights specific design elements like a custom curved kitchen hood and a monochromatic living room that seamlessly integrate functionality with aesthetic appeal.

"The curved tiled hood in my kitchen was inspired by a pizza oven at our family restaurant. It adds both functionality and a beautiful design element to the space." [28:13]

Designing Children's Rooms

Addressing the challenge of designing spaces for growing children, Gabriella emphasizes creating adaptable and timeless rooms. She invests in quality furniture, like sturdy beds, and incorporates flexible design elements that can evolve with her children's changing tastes and needs.

"When designing kids' rooms, I create a warm canvas with durable pieces they can grow into. This allows the space to adapt as they grow, ensuring longevity and continued functionality." [38:11]

Listener's Decorating Dilemma and Advice

The episode concludes with Gabriella addressing a listener’s decorating dilemma about balancing color schemes in a New York City rental apartment. Julia, the listener, seeks advice on whether to wallpaper specific areas to harmonize her entryway and kitchen without making the space feel too busy.

"I suggest either continuing the warm grass cloth into the designated area or utilizing the proposed floral pattern to bridge the two spaces. However, avoid applying the floral on the beam to maintain visual cohesion." [43:33]

Conclusion and Follow Gabriella

Gabriella concludes by inviting listeners to explore her work further through her Instagram (@silostudiodesign) and website (silostudios.com). She also mentions a home tour available on YouTube, providing a deeper insight into her design process and portfolio.

"To see the curved hood and more of my projects, visit my website or check out the home tour on YouTube by searching Gabriella Eisenhart." [48:24]

Final Thoughts

This episode offers valuable insights into the thoughtful approach of slow design, emphasizing meaningful choices and enduring quality in home decoration. Gabriella Eisenhart's expertise and personal experiences provide listeners with practical advice and inspiration for creating spaces that truly feel like home.

Notable Quotes:

• "It's all about the collection and the curation of everything." — Gabriella Eisenhart [08:20]

• "We don't want to fast furnish these homes with pieces that don't matter." — Gabriella Eisenhart [08:20]

• "The hardest part of my job is finding the right match for art." — Gabriella Eisenhart [17:27]

• "I love antiquing. It's my meditation." — Gabriella Eisenhart [06:37]

• "Grass cloth warms up a space so much." — Gabriella Eisenhart [43:33]

Where to Follow Gabriella Eisenhart:

• Instagram: @silostudiodesign
• Website: silostudios.com
• YouTube Home Tour: Search for "Gabriella Eisenhart Home Tour" on YouTube

For more insights and decorating tips, visit howtodecorate.com and subscribe to the How to Decorate podcast on your preferred streaming platform.