Jeremy Graef is the Founder and Principal of Interiors at Connate Design which offers bespoke furniture and interior design services. Born and raised in Southern California, Jeremy grew up loving the architectural diversity of his state, and views the California lifestyle and philosophy as a major inspiration for his work. Before starting Connate Design and Home, Jeremy worked for AD100 firm Magni Kalman and won many accolades such as the Luxe RED Award for Best Regional Contemporary Interior Design in 2018 and 2019. Find out more about Jeremy in this week’s Maker Monday.
The Marmont Dining Armchair was created with only luxury and comfort in mind. With a hand-sculpted wooden frame, this Mid-Century Modern dining chair features tailored seat and back-rests.
Andrew Joseph: You’re the newest Crayola color. What color are you and why?
Jeremy Graef: I would be “Carmel Blue” because I love the rich deep blue waters along the coast of Northern California. I instantly have a feeling of serenity once I hit those deep blue waters. I’m naturally drawn to shades of blue, and I think this color is bold, crisp, authentic, and timeless.
AJ: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
JG: My design style is architectural in nature with clean lines, using warm and complementary materials, and bringing a tailor-made design to each space. I love to keep the materials in their natural state as much as possible. Showcasing stones, metals, and wood through custom built-in designs and complimenting with custom rugs and warm contemporary furniture. I enjoy mixing found and new items for a curated room and draw a lot of inspiration from California’s mid-century modern past.
AJ: What makes you angry?
JG: Living and growing up in Los Angeles, I have a strong appreciation for the various forms of residential architecture, whether it’s Craftsman, Bungalow, Mid-Century, Tudor, Ranch House, etc. So it always pains me when I see them being torn down, in order to build mostly cookie-cutter “modern” homes. I’d love the opportunity to renovate a “vintage” home and bring it into the 21st century.
AJ: What is the last book you read?
JG: I recently read “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion. I couldn’t put it down. I think I finished it in less than two days. It’s a very powerful and moving book about Joan’s personal struggles with the sudden death of her husband, while also helping her daughter get through a devastating illness. It was incredibly insightful and gut-wrenching all at the same time.
AJ: If you could live in any home in a movie or television series, what would it be?
JG: Since I recently visited the Stahl House, which has been in many movies and TV shows, I wish I could live in that beautiful home in the hills above Hollywood.
Harlow Coffee Table: This playful coffee table features a cantilevered design, which has the illusion of tilting or being off-balance. Its wood construction uniquely complements the conceptual nature.
AJ: What are your ideal weekend plans?
JG: I enjoy hiking, and so an ideal weekend is one with little going on, so I can hike during the day and rest or catch up with friends at night. It has been such a busy year, but I always try to hike on the weekend to recharge and get the creative juices flowing.
AJ: What was your first job?
JG: My very first job was working at a bowling alley in my hometown. I worked in the back offices, scheduling all the adult leagues, and making sure their dues were paid. A good amount of responsibility for a 16-year-old! And yes, I also joined a junior league, but no, I was not very good!
AJ: Do you get your eight hours a night? – what is your schedule like?
JG: I can’t remember the last time I slept for eight hours. It doesn’t matter what time I go to bed; my body (and my dog) wakes me up between 6 AM and 6:30 AM, and I can never go back to sleep. But after walking my dog in the morning, I’ll usually have about 30 minutes of quiet time where I can enjoy coffee and finish a crossword puzzle or two.
AJ: How would you describe your personal style?
JG: My personal style varies based on my mood, or events I may be attending that day or night. But it’s almost always well-tailored, simple designs. Muted color tones such as burgundy, dark blues, blacks, greys and creams. Although if I’m going to the Caribbean or somewhere tropical, I’ll be sure to wear brighter colors!
AJ: What would your dream project or dream client be right now?
JG: My dream projects are with clients and architects who want to create innovative and beautiful homes and spaces and trust me to refine and successfully complete their vision. Of course, a client with an unlimited budget that allows me to be as creative as possible, without questioning any of my decisions, is the ultimate dream, but also a client that has a realistic budget and wants to be collaborative and decisive is amazing. I have been lucky to have amazing clients this past two years that are super collaborative and trust my vision. It is all about the trust to see their vision through and create their dream home. I dream of one day doing a hotel project because it is a different level of design than homes or offices and I think it would be very fun to do.
The Grant Bookshelf is crafted by hand with style, sophistication, and modularity in mind.
AJ: What are you most proud of?
JG: I’m most proud of breaking out of my comfort zone and starting my own interior design firm at the onset of a global pandemic. It was a major step to leave a company where I worked for eight years and rose to associate partner, but I knew it was the right thing to do. Fortunately, I’ve been lucky to find amazing clients who had trust in my abilities.
AJ: What are three things you can’t live without?
JG: My husband, our dog Grant, and my family. Even though I’m an interior designer, I am not very materialistic. I thrive best when I’m surrounded by the people (and animals) I love and could not imagine life without them.
AJ: How would you define your work in three words
JG: Sophisticated. Tailored. Timeless.
AJ: Where is the first place you want to travel now that everything is opening up?
JG: The top of my list is Africa. I will be planning a trip in 2023 to celebrate my 40th birthday, and would love to visit South Africa, go on safari, visit an orphan elephant sanctuary, travel to Egypt, and end in Morocco.
AJ: How do you define beauty?
JG: Being comfortable in your skin and loving yourself. That is all that matters.
About the Maker | Raised and educated in Southern California, Jeremy Graef appreciates the exceptional architectural diversity of California. His projects highlight the art of landscape and illustrate the seamless relationship between the interiors and exteriors. Thus, emanating the idealized California lifestyle and philosophy.
In his tenure at Magni Kalman Design, as Associate Partner, Jeremy completed custom residences for high-profile clients throughout the United States, with award winning architecture firms. His time with Magni Kalman Design lead to multiple interior design awards and feature publications, including Robb Report Home & Style and Galerie Magazine. Accolades include the Luxe RED Award’s for Best Regional Contemporary Interior Design in 2018 and 2019.
In addition to his residential interior design work, Jeremy has extensive knowledge of bespoke furnishings and his products will soon be available through Connate Home.
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