In an exclusive interview, we profile Gillianne Griffiths, Creative Director and Principal Designer, and the inspiration behind Studio Griffiths. Gillianne and her team create effortless, sophisticated interior spaces that are carefully composed and in perfect tune with their clients’ needs. Here she shares what drives her.
LifestyleIn conversation with Studio Griffiths
Next ArticleIn conversation with Studio Griffiths
Visionary Interior Design Embraces Modern Minimalism
26 June 2024
What inspired you to launch Studio Griffiths in 2014 and how does your life experience inform your current design philosophy and aesthetic?
My inspiration is my love and passion for interior design and transforming interior spaces; I love to help clients turn their home into something beautiful. Interior design is all about how we experience spaces. It’s a powerful, essential part of our daily lives and affects how we live, work, play and even heal. My design aesthetic is minimalistic, with a strong emphasis on clean lines and simple shapes. I believe, in terms of design, that less is more, so I strive to create designs that are timeless and have a modern feel. My minimalistic approach also helps to reduce distractions and create a sense of order and clarity.
How do you strike a balance between simplicity, style and elegance while still pushing creative boundaries and incorporating innovative ideas?
By incorporating elements that surprise and delight; carefully adding integrated accents that enhance visual interest without overwhelming the minimalist aesthetic. Streamlined interiors can thrive on simplicity; however, they also require the richness of textures, high-quality materials, and meaningful objects to achieve an elegant and refined look. It's all about finding creative solutions to common design challenges and infusing personality into every corner of the room. By pushing the boundaries of what is possible in interior design, we can inspire our clients and peers to think creatively, embrace change and push themselves to new heights of excellence. Every space needs to tell its own unique and inspirational story, and to quote Coco Chanel, ‘Simplicity is the keynote of all true elegance’.
Can you walk us through your process for understanding and translating a client's vision into a successful design solution?
Collaborating with the client is key to defining the project’s goals, establishing a design direction and addressing any questions or concerns they might have. Active listening is pivotal for understanding their wishes, lifestyle and vision for the space, which helps tailor the designs to their unique preferences. Additionally, understanding the financial constraints and project timeline is crucial for aligning the client's expectations with their budget. Transparency is essential for building trust and enhancing the overall experience for clients.
In your experience, what are the key elements that contribute to creating interior spaces where all components work in perfect harmony?
Keeping space, line, light, colour, texture and pattern balanced is key to creating a unified design and an aesthetically pleasing interior. Striking a balance between positive and negative space makes a space feel inviting. When all these elements work together harmoniously, achieving perfect balance becomes effortless.
How do you stay informed about the latest directions in interior design and architecture, and how do you incorporate these insights into your work?
I take advantage of online sources, webinars, networking with my peers and experiment all the time with my own space to remain current in the freshest design trends and to gain valuable insights and observations. Also taking feedback from clients is vital for my growth to improve efficiency, productivity and quality in my practice.
Can you share your vision for the future of Studio Griffiths and how you will continue to deliver design solutions that leave a lasting impact on your clients?
As the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and technology becomes increasingly prevalent in the design process, my vision is to stay current and authentic while remaining true to my design philosophy. Design is fundamentally about judgment and human experience, so finding the balance between embracing technological innovation and preserving the essential human touch in design is paramount. Additionally, we look forward to broadening our services to embrace more commercial offerings such as workplace and retail design.
