Image By Velvet & Linen
Originally Posted October 24, 2010 - DC Metro Mom
I am positively giddy to share with you this month's "Mission: Design" installment featuring Brooke Giannetti from the blog Velvet & Linen. For those not familiar with Brooke, you are in for a treat! She is an absolute force of nature for all things design.
In addition to running Giannetti Home, a design firm and furniture storefront that provides clients with Architectural, Interior Design and Landscape services with her husband Steve, she is also a busy mother of three. Despite a full "To Do" list, Brooke still makes time to regale her readers with adventures in personal and professional design projects, flea market excursions and family fun events. All are chronicled in her blog which delivers a healthy dose of design 3 to 4 times a week at Velvet & Linen.
Image By Velvet & Linen
After discovering Velvet & Linen a few months ago I became an instant fan. I found myself lingering through all of Brooke's old blogs, perusing the gorgeous portfolio of homes that Giannetti Home has created. I also read through every one of the shelter magazine articles that profiled Brooke's gorgeous home in Santa Monica as well as her family retreat in Oxnard, CA.
I decided I must ask Brooke to share her design insights with DC Metro Mommy readers. Thankfully Brooke agreed and gave me an interview laced with not only fabulous design ideas but also advice on how to juggle work and family. Brooke was also gracious enough to share her favorite online stores and design blogs.
Image By Velvet & Linen
Claudine: What guided you to the world of interior design?
Brooke: My mother first introduced me to the importance of creating a beautiful home. She was always decorating our family home and filling it with flowers and unique accessories.
My first decorating experience was decorating my own room when I was a teenager. It was lavender with white accents. I'm not sure if it would hold up today, but I loved it at the time!
It wasn't until I married Steve that I realized that I wanted to focus on interior design as a profession. I first started helping friends with their homes. As my children got older and were in school for more hours, I started helping Steve's clients. My career evolved slowly as my family life allowed.
Claudine: You have a thriving business, Giannetti Home, which offers a host of services including: architectural design, interior design as well as a fabulous retail space. What inspired you to bring all these elements together to start a business?