The Strategic Use of Color: Transforming Builder-Grade Spaces with Gabriela Eisenhart
My guest today for our “Think Like A Designer” series is Gabriela Eisenhart, founder of Silo Studio Design. We cover a lot of bases in this conversation: finding inspiration for a “wow” moment in a kitchen; how to use color in a mostly neutral living room; mixing heavy and light layers to create a serene bedroom; what to do with that empty area you may have on the 2nd floor landing space; and the biggest bang for your buck when you’re trying to outfit a home or room that has no obvious architectural style. In other words, maybe it’s a builder-grade shell and you want to personalize it and give it some character!
Watch this entire episode on YouTube HERE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
I recently had the pleasure of hosting Gabriela Eisenhart, the creative force behind Silo Studio Design, on the Slow Style Home Podcast. Our enlightening conversation spanned a multitude of topics within home design, each steeped in the ethos of slow style. Gabriela shared stories from her life and work that exemplify how taking a thoughtful, intentional approach to design can transform a space.
A Kitchen That Speaks Volumes
Gabriela invited us into her own home, introducing us first to her breathtaking kitchen, which perfectly encapsulates a "wow" moment with its design. Inspired by a local restaurant’s curved pizza oven, Gabriela tiled the entire kitchen wall, including a unique curved hood, with hand-tumbled tiles in creams and whites. This unconventional design choice not only reflects her creative vision but also honors the traditional Tudor style of her home. It's a harmonious blend of personal inspiration and architectural respect, showing how slow design allows for personal expression while maintaining a connection to the home's original character.
The Serenity of a Neutral Palette
In discussing her living room and bedroom, Gabriela highlighted the effective use of a primarily neutral palette, punctuated subtly by green—a color she considers a neutral. This disciplined color scheme creates a serene environment, layered with textures that prevent it from feeling sterile. In her bedroom, heavy boucle draperies, layered linens, and a custom-made armoire offer warmth and depth. Gabriela's story underscores the slow design philosophy, where intention and layering with natural elements lead to spaces that are both calming and inviting.
Adapt and Personalize Without Renovation
Not all of us can gut a space entirely, and sometimes, creativity thrives within constraints. Gabriela shared how she approached a transitional build with no major renovation budget. By investing in custom window treatments, she transformed the room’s architecture, emphasizing height and warmth. Gabriela’s approach—focusing on impactful, thoughtful changes rather than extensive overhauls—reflects the slow style mindset of making deliberate, meaningful design choices.
A Family Legacy Infused with Coastal Inspiration
A particularly heartfelt story was Gabriela's transformation of her family's restaurant, Nino's, into an evocative Amalfi Coast-inspired bar. Traveling to her father’s hometown in Italy, Gabriela drew from the vibrant colors of the coast, using blue and white tiles to evoke a sense of place while blending family history into the decor. The integration of family photographs and her grandmother's artwork deepens the personal significance and storytelling within the design. This space is a testament to how travel and family heritage can inspire home design, aligning perfectly with the slow style philosophy of creating spaces rich in memory and meaning.
Throughout our conversation, Gabriela reiterated a central tenet of slow style: the importance of imbuing every space with intentionality and personal story. It's about creating rooms that resonate with those who inhabit them, using design as a narrative tool. Whether bringing elements of travel into your home or carefully selecting textiles and colors, slow style invites us to engage with our surroundings thoughtfully. Gabriela's experiences remind us that with patience and intention, we can curate homes that truly reflect the tapestry of our lives.
Until Next Time
-Zandra
Links Mentioned In Episode
Photos Provided By: Gabriela Eisenhart
