Tiffany Acosta is the founder and principal designer of Grayscale Homes, a Montclair-based interior design studio and boutique known for crafting soulful, elevated spaces that balance modern living with timeless character. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Tiffany was let go from her position as a quality control manager at The RealReal. With no formal background in interior design, she took a leap of faith and founded Grayscale Homes — first as an online boutique selling curated home goods. The design side of the business didn’t emerge until about four months later, when clients who loved her aesthetic began asking for help with their homes. Today, Grayscale Homes has grown into a full-service interior design studio and retail boutique serving high-end residential and new-build clients across New Jersey and New York. Tiffany’s design philosophy centers on creating layered, personal spaces that tell a story. Through her work, she has built a brand that feels both elevated and approachable — rooted in storytelling, connection, and authenticity. For Tiffany, design is more than a career — it’s proof that even in moments of uncertainty, something beautiful can be built from the ground up. Learn more about Tiffany and Grayscale Homes in today’s Designer Friday.
Light walls paired with darker built-ins bring balance and visual interest without overwhelming this room.
Andrew Joseph: How do you incorporate client feedback into your designs?
Tiffany Acosta: It’s their home — their story. My job is to guide, not dictate. I take their feedback seriously because how they feel in the space matters most. I’m thoughtful about when to gently push them out of their comfort zone versus when to lean in and let their preferences shine through. It’s always a balance between trust and collaboration.
AJ: How do you stay organized while working on multiple projects?
TA: Strong systems and clear processes. I’m a big believer that creativity thrives when things are organized. My team and I rely on structured workflows that are easy to train on, update, and replicate — so even when we’re juggling ten different projects, everyone’s on the same page.
AJ: What is the most important skill for a successful designer?
TA: Listening — truly listening. Clients communicate in so many ways, even when they don’t realize it. How they talk about their home, what they linger on, what they avoid — it all tells a story. I pay attention to those cues because the best designs come from understanding not just what they want, but how they live and what makes them feel at home.
Classic detailing meets contemporary comfort in a dining room designed for leisurely meals and easy conversation.
AJ: What is your favorite thing about being a designer?
TA: No two projects are ever the same. Every client, every home, every story is completely different, and that keeps me endlessly inspired. I get to collaborate with people from all walks of life, each with their own taste and lifestyle, and translate that into spaces that truly reflect them. It’s never repetitive — it’s always evolving.
AJ: What is your favorite type of furniture to design?
TA: Built-in benches and banquettes — without a doubt. There’s something about the mix of function and form that I love. They bring warmth and intimacy to a space, but also open the door to endless design possibilities. Between the woodwork, the upholstery, the detailing, and the opportunity for hidden storage, it’s the perfect balance of practicality and creativity. And every single one ends up being a bit different — which keeps it exciting.
AJ: Best advice you’d give your teenage self?
TA: Today, they underestimate you. Today, they might see someone who’s unsure or trying to find her way — but that’s exactly what’s shaping you. Every bit of that doubt, every time you felt overlooked or underestimated, it’s shaping you into someone strong, determined, and wildly capable. One day, you’ll take those same insecurities and use them as the reason you chase the unthinkable and surprise everyone — even yourself.
A sculptural chair near the window feels almost cinematic, echoing the glamour of the Marilyn Monroe portrait nearby.
AJ: What inspired you to become a designer?
TA: I’ve always been drawn to creativity and art — it’s been a constant thread throughout my life. I was that kid always rearranging my room, sketching, and finding joy in making things beautiful and functional. Over time, I realized that design wasn’t just a passion; it was how I saw the world. Pair that with a natural pull toward entrepreneurship, and it all started to make sense. Building Grayscale Homes became this perfect intersection of creativity, storytelling, and strategy — where I get to dream, create, and lead all at once.
AJ: What is your favorite design tool to use?
TA: Canva! It’s such a creative playground for me. I use it for everything from initial mood boards to concept presentations to social content — it helps me visualize ideas quickly and beautifully. It’s this space where I can experiment with layouts, textures, and palettes before refining things in our more technical programs. I love that it bridges creativity and clarity — letting me communicate ideas not just to my team, but to clients in a way that feels approachable and inspiring.
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