Profile: Brooke Giannetti
by allthebest • 30 Nov ’11 • All the Best Portfolio • 21 Comments
Brooke and Steve Giannetti are two of the nicest (and most talented) people you could ever hope to meet. If you read design blogs (or shelter magazines) you have most certainly read Brooke’s blog Velvet & Linen and seen their work featured across the web.
Brooke frequently collaborates with her architect husband on projects, as well as their store, Giannetti Home. Brooke and Steve’s work has appeared in C Magazine, Romantic Homes, Country Living, Coastal Living, HGTV, New Old House, Rue Magazine, The New York Times and several regional publications.
Since 2009 readers have been inspired and delighted by daily doses of Brooke’s designs and aesthetics—always elegant, never fussy and fused with antiques, natural materials and warm, soft colors. Brooke’s blog, along with the Giannettis’ signature style, led to their first book Patina Style (published in August). The first printing of the book sold out in less than a month. I can unequivocally say that it is one of the prettiest books on my shelf. If you are still looking for a great gift idea, this book would surely make any design lover smile.
How would you describe your personal style?
My personal style has definitely been influenced by growing up in California and raising a family here: comfortable, natural, imperfect.
What is your most prized possession?
The five acres of dirt in Ojai where we will build our next home, Patina Farm.
What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Having dinner with my family every Sunday night at the Italian restaurant down the street.
What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
My family (Steve, Charlie, Nick, Leila, our two pups and 5 chickens)
What inspires your creativity and designs?
Our clients and my life with Steve and our family.
Who are your style icons?
Audrey Hepburn and James Perse. I like style that is clean, uncomplicated, and classic.
Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
My husband, Steve. After 25 years, we have a design shorthand and a trust in each other’s talents.
What books are currently on your bedside table?
“A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink (the perfect book to share with our children as they think about their lives after high school) and “The Business of Design” by Keith Granet (all the things they never teach you in college).
What is your favorite luxury in life?
Growing my own vegetables. After I factor in all of the time and the organic amendments, it doesn’t make financial sense, but my time in the garden keeps me sane!
Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
Steve. The day I asked him out on a date 25 years ago at the Cheesecake Factory in Marina del Rey turned my life from a confusing windy path into a
road of dreams. I have no complaints.
Profile by Ronda Carman
I love their style, so easy going, yet always elegant!
She is a lucky woman! Sometimes you truly find your soul mate. She knows she has! Wonderful!
I’m a huge fan of Brooke (and Stave). Nice post.
xo xo
I have been reading your wonderful designer profiles ever since I discovered “All the Best ” three years ago. To be featured here is a dream come true. Thank you for all of your kind words about our work and our book, Patina Style!
I look forward to having the opportunity to thank you in person. Perhaps at the next Design Leadership Summit, if not sooner!
xo xo
Brooke
Brooke! What a nice compliment…thank you! I can’t wait to see you again in person. Perhaps in Feb when I am in LA for the Design Bloggers Conference. If not then…the next DLS! xoxo
*** What a charming “tribute” to an incredibly LOVELY & TALENTED COUPLE~~~ theirs is obviously a TRUE, heartfelt story of love, trust & mutual admiration, mixed in with dedication to super-fab careers/work, ANNNND lotsa fun for their entire family… Don’tcha just luv em?!?!
I feel like they’re personal friends of Jim’s n’ mine… the fact that we’ve never actually met in person is of little consequence~~~ that they are TRULY FAB FOLKS is obvious!!!
Enjoyed this read~ many thanks!!!
Linda in AZ *
I just adore Brooke’s blog! She and Steve make the perfect couple – both in work and life.
Thank you for another great profile. ~inspiring
Brooke and Steve are inspiring. One feels the love immediately!
I admire their talent, obviously hard work and dedication to living with beauty and love. It does radiate so naturally around them.
pve
Brooke’s blog; she shares the wonders of her family life and her design life–plus you get to know a jewel of a person. Super post!!!
Mary
WOW! So stunning. Love the color palette. Even though it is sort of a traditional look, the collected items, hues, fabrics give the space a really elegant but still hip vibe.
Ronde,
I’ve had the great opportunity of meeting Brooke and Steve at their book signing about a month ago. I follow along the Velvet and Linen adventures of their designs, trips, and chicken reports. This is why blogging works because the people creating are the creatives in the world caring and sharing with others. Along the way we make great connections through discovery about others sharing their passions.
Ronda great post! Brooke and Steve All The Best is yet to come…
Cheers!
Great profile and great book!
I am a huge admirer of Brooke’s. She has grace and style and a great husband and family, but she is also modest and thankful. I think that makes her a truly admirable woman.
Thanks for this! Terri xo
Thank you for bringing Brooke and Steve over for a guest post. I am already a follower of this dynamic and uniquely talented couple and was thrilled to learn a few new things about them and their special style.
Thank you so much for this wonderful profile on such a lovely person. Brooke never ceases to inspire me, both in her work and by who she is. The art of simply being grateful is definitely a key to survival in our society and she has it down pat!
Absolutely enjoyed this wonderful interview and found myself nodding in agreement thinking “me too”….yes to the little things we sometimes take for granted like regular family dinners (means soo much to me now that they are geting older) the joy in seeing a vegetable or fruit sprout to life is pure happiness and I actually recently finished A whole new mind also. It left me overwhelmed in how things are changing so fast but was totally fascinating and looks like “right brainers” will end up ruling the world…lol. Enjoyed this very much!
What a lovely interview ~ I am a huge fan of Brooke and Steve and their aesthetic. I always feel like I am breathing a little easier, a little slower when I take in their designs. Thanks for sharing.
Loved the Q&A with Brooke. I’m a huge fan of the Gianetti’s; their sense of style, design, and tireless energy. Patina Farm is going to be fabulous!
Kudos to Brooke and Steve…they have certainly given “so many” the benefit of their asthetics. Adore their (patina) style! franki
Brooke and Steve are rare and wonderful! They are grateful, appreciative, generous beyond bounds, and talented! They share so much of everything they do!!!
What a team!!!
I’m in the other side of the world and love that the internet allows us to discover all these wonderful people through their blogs. I’ve been a fan of Brooke ever since I stumbled on hers. What a admirable couple (and family) they are, and yet so down to earth. Thanks for this interview!