Ep. 348: Home at Last with Gil Schafer

How to Decorate

Award-winning architect and best-selling author Gil Schafer joins us this week to discuss his beautiful third book, “Home at Last”. Gil shares the inspiration behind his new work, along with a behind-the-scenes look of a few of the featured homes. Gil discusses some ways to blend styles and design homes that stand the test of time, advice for creating spaces that foster family memories, and how to think out of the box without being too gimmicky. Gil is one of the most sought-after architects of the last two decades because of his authenticity, his impeccable style, and his practical approach to designing the house of your dreams.

What You’ll Hear On This Episode:

• Gil shares how personal experiences like marriage and the pandemic shaped his perspective between books.
• How we can create our “forever homes” to adapt to changing needs over time.
• Tips for considering landscape architecture early in the design process.
• Some of the unique stories behind projects featured in Home at Last.
• Ideas for updating a bedroom and sitting room combination space.
• The importance of blending architectural styles to create classic designs.
• Why Gil says he’s allergic to gimmicks!
• If you are able to, it’s helpful to have an architect or landscape designer evaluate the land before purchasing it to make sure the house can be built safely and efficiently.
• More about the beautiful English Country home and its gorgeous stairwell.
• What emotional pieces and places have affected Gil’s personal style and served as inspiration?

Mentioned:

Ballard Designs

Gil Schafer

IG

Home At Last

Decorating Dilemma:

Thank you for writing in! Gil has some great suggestions to help modernize and tie in the bedroom with the sitting room spaces. First, consider installing custom built-in cabinetry across the nook area. This can help you better organize the space and allow the TV to be lowered to a more comfortable viewing height. Larger scaled lamps on either end of the built-ins would also help make the space feel more intentional. Slipcovering the green velvet chairs in a clean, white fabric may appeal to your husband's more modern taste while keeping one chair to balance the space. Use a folding screen around the desk area to conceal electronics and cords in a neat yet removable way for when the space is used as an office. Hang the bedroom curtains on a high-mounted rod to make the most of the tall ceilings and draw the eye up. Layering patterns would help tie the space together. Replace the carpet with jute or sisal for a softer, flatter surface, and layer area rugs on top to highlight the antique rug. And finally, add artwork around the television after it's lowered to make that wall feel more integrated into the space. Best of luck, and keep us updated!