24.8.07

Patricia Gray Interview

Vanessa De Vargas of Turquoise LA has done an interview with me on LA Apartment Therapy.Thanks Vanessa.

Apartment Therapy Interview / Patricia Gray

It's not everyday that you stumble upon a blog from an actual practicing interior designer. Which is what happened to me when I found Patricia Gray's blog. Patricia is an award winning, highly recognized interior designer from Vancouver Canada, who finds time in her busy schedule to update her blog almost daily!

Her blog features inspiration she finds via the internet, including other designers and architects that she admires not to mention sneak peeks of her work. She has been published in Architectural Digest along with other notable magazines that you can view here.
I wanted to find out more about Patricia so following are some questions I asked her about business thus far.

How did you come to be a designer?
I started at 5 years old rearranging furniture, at 10 sewing cushions & curtains. Whenever we visited I would come home and sketch the house floor plan in detail and then try and recreate the rooms using my cut-out paper doll folders. I played with fabric samples and color chips for fun. When I was in my early 20’s I found out that there was a profession called “Interior Design”. So I enrolled at a local college and loved it. I then went on to study History of Architecture and Decorative Arts in Paris through Parsons School of Design.

What's your favorite color to work with and why?
I usually start with a neutral palette and get all the elements of the space correct, and then I add in color through materials & paint. I love neutral backdrops that are classic & timeless, and the color usually comes in the artwork, accessories, area carpets etc. That way color schemes can be changed relatively inexpensively over the life of the home.

What color combinations do you see using in the future?
Right now the materials I love are earthy: limestone, travertine, wengee wood, teak. The fabrics are natural: linen, wool mohair, silk, leather, suede. For the accent colors I would choose Kelly green mixed with touches of black or rich cinnabar mixed with a warm mink brown and of course white, white, and white.

What are your greatest sources of inspiration?
The ocean, art galleries and SHOPPING.

What interior or furniture designers, past or present, do you most admire? Francis Elkins – she was the epitome of the evolution of the American Style in Interior Design and was the inspiration for such Interior Design luminaries as Billy Baldwin, Albert Hadley & Michael Taylor. John Saladino – His style is so classic, cultured and highly refined.

Describe your design theory in 4-6 words.
well detailed, beautiful materials, comfortable, memorable .

What is your signature mark that you always try to implement in a space?
I don’t know because I am always changing and evolving.Maybe others see what it is more than I do. I have been described in Architectural Digest as “being forward thinking and creating outside the box”.

If you could redo any space, past or present, what would it be?
I would love to be able to go back in time and redo my grandparents’ home or perhaps the Petit Trianon at Versailles.

What have you learned about having your own business that you wish you knew when you were just starting out?
Just to have fun and enjoy the process.

What are your best practices when it comes to client relations?
Love your clients, be kind and gracious at all times.

What 5 things does a well designed home need?
- welcoming entry
- a great kitchen
- easy maintenance
- beautiful art
- comfortable places to sit

If you hadn't become a designer, what do you think you would be doing now?
I'd be in Paris working at Chanel as a fashion designer.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
Being better at what I am doing now.

32 comments:

  1. Great interview, really nice to know more about you and how you think when you create.

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  2. This was a great read Patricia! Sewing at 10! You truly are an inspiration!

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  3. Hi Patricia,

    Vanessa De Vargas wrote/interviewed you for this post on AT LA????

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  4. Anonymous24/8/07

    this was WONDERFUL! Excellent questions...riveting answers!

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  5. Great interview, and very insightful too! Thanks Patricia :)

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  6. Hi Bhavna
    I come from a long line of seamstresses. I think I was threading a needle in the womb.

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  7. Hi Jordan
    Your are absolutley correct. It was the lovely Vanessa who was gracious enough to interview me for this post on LA Apartment Therapy. Thanks for noticing.

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  8. Hi Franki
    Thank-you.

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  9. Hi Peak of Chic
    Thank-you.

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  10. My apologies to Vanessa De Vargas for misquoting her name on the previous version of this post. So sorry Vanessa!!!

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  11. Congrats Patricia! Great interview. (Isn't Vanessa wonderful?)

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  12. Hi Patricia - what a great interview - congratulations! You are getting well deserved attention.

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  13. Thanks Style Court
    Vanessa is terrific. She asked me some really thought provoking questions. That makes an interesting interview.

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  14. Thanks Suzy...you are too kind!

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  15. Wonderful interview !!! I love that your answer about " Chanel designer " In Paris . You are so chic Patricia.

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  16. Hi Patricia! Congratulations! You are receiving some well deserved attention. Very nice interview. And it's true...designing full time and keeping up with a blog as wonderful as yours is quite an achievement! :)

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  17. Hi Patricia,
    Congrats on the interview. I loved your answers.

    Jackie

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  18. Just great, as always, I love learning more about you Patricia!

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  19. I think we have a bonafide celebrity in out midst now! Kudos to you Patricia! You deserve to be recognized your wonderful talent!

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  20. I'm so happy for you! You deserve all of this. You are amazing Patricia. You inspire every one of us!

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  21. Thanks for featuring this, Patricia! It was so interesting - glad I didn't miss it.

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  22. Enjoyed learning about you.

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  23. Terrific interview. I will need to learn more about Francis Elkins now that I know she is an inspiration to your work.

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  24. Chanel! I love it! Great interview, I loved reading it. It makes me so proud of you!!!!!!


    Joni

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  25. What a brilliant interview!! So much great advice, esp. for designers. I couldn't agree with you more...love your clients and have fun :)

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  26. I like your list of 5 things a home needs. I have committed it to memory because I couldn't agree with you more! I need to work on my front entrance. And we are starting a quest for some great art. I have bought one very good painting and a number of sketches. I find it's the one "accessory" that totally elevates a whole room. In fact, I would say that great art is pivotal in creating a truly great-looking room. Of course, bare walls can also give a soothing effect, which is an art in itself, the mood...

    Thanks for your great ideas! :)

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  27. Thank-you to everyone for reading my interview and all your wonderful comments. It is much appreciated.

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  28. Anonymous6/9/07

    Oh my goodness, I just saw this (you know, the frenzied period after being away, etc. etc.) How wonderful for you. I think your comments are very heartfelt and so interesting. Great piece!

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Patricia Gray | Interior Design Blog™

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