Elegant sconces from Rejuvenation flank a stylish hanging mirror by Modest Hut, creating a perfect mirror selfie moment in this bathroom.
Andrew Joseph: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
Noel Gatts: I love this! It is so on-brand for me to discuss my design approach from multiple sensory angles. Outside of my eye for color and visual balance, I embrace a holistic approach to design, where all of the senses are considered. Audible, olfactory, tactile and even gustatory elements come into almost any area of a home, so I intentionally consider them all. I personally feel that no space is complete without the option to listen, smell, touch and taste your experiences within it. From there, I consider balance and weight of color, pattern and textures so that there are sprinklings of repetition throughout with a focus on specific elements that bring the dweller comfort and inspiration. I’m so inspired by life, that I cannot imagine a space that exists without welcoming music, fragrance, comfort and food.
AJ: If you had a superpower, what would it be?
NG: If I could pick any superpower it would be flight, hands down! I’ve always had thrilling dreams where I’m soaring above, feeling safe, free and peaceful while being able to observe the beauty all around me from a fresh perspective. In a way, design feels like flying! It’s consistently envisioning a place from a bird’s eye view with seemingly endless possibilities. It may be as close as I’ll ever come to flying.
This vintage settee, upholstered in Schumacher fabric, is enhanced by the warm sunlight that softly filters through the patterned roller shades.
AJ: What was your first job?
NG: I mucked horse stables and fields in exchange for riding lessons! As someone with a strong gag reflex, it was challenging. But, the joy of being in communion with nature and spending time with the horses was well worth it. My first CAREER was as a musical theatre actress based in NYC. It was an adventurous life traveling the country and playing some super fun roles in what was an emerging pop/rock genre at the time. I went on to play several fierce women, and was even offered my first Broadway show the very week that I found out I was pregnant with my second child! Unfortunately, I got super sick with each of my 3 pregnancies, so it was a no-go for the show. But, it opened up the opportunity for an eventual family-friendly pivot into interior design.
AJ: What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
NG: Lemon! It’s the perfect vibrant component to any dish. My neighbors have always known to come to me if they need to borrow one, and if there aren’t any in my house…it’s a culinary emergency. As a designer, it’s helpful that a bowl of lemons is my go-to for kitchen styling, as well. Also, currently, I’m a little obsessed with Trader Joe’s Italian Soffrito! It’s an amazing blend of sundried tomato, red pepper flakes, garlic, and herbs…and it brightens almost everything.
This dining room features striking black accents such as a sleek console, chic dining chairs, and an eye-catching woven chandelier.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
NG: I’ve basically always felt mentally like an 80-year-old… wise and compassionate, but stubborn. So this is a good exercise for me, though maybe a bit backward. I could’ve loosened up a bit as a teen. So, I guess I’d say… Be confident and less rigid, but protect your peace. Take your time. No one has it all figured out immediately. You are uniquely you for a reason, and your special blend of style and gifts will serve you well. Also…live a little!
AJ: How do you define beauty?
NG: Beauty is striving for good health, finding comfort and confidence with your natural gifts, and leaving enough room for exploration, discovery and appreciation of the diversity all around you.
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