Blog Posts – Page 3 – Ironware International

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Barbara Gisel

BARBARA GISEL launched BGD in 1975 and has built a world-renowned reputation, with a diverse residential and commercial clientele throughout the United States, Europe and South America.

Barbara Gisel

“It is our philosophy that design which combines a refined quality in aesthetics, wellness, workmanship, and materials provides the client with value that is sustainable.“

Breakfast room by Barbara Gisel Design with a customized Emma Chandelier. Photo by Gridley and Graves Photography.

Interior by Barbara Gisel Design with a customized Eden Chandelier

What is a common mistake that you find in interiors?
I often see windows that are not flanked by walls and therefore no place to stack curtains!

Describe a memorable design challenge…
Fitting all of a client’s desired functions in small spaces! It is always a fun challenge to see how efficient we can be with the spaces we are given.

Describe a favorite piece in your personal home…
I adore my Venetian carved table and mirror of carnival characters. Every time I travel, I try to bring something unique back to my home.

What informs your aesthetic direction?
Client personality and our program determine the aesthetic direction that we take for each client. The “program” is a Barbara Gisel Design specific questionnaire that we send our clients when we begin working with them. It helps them give us an idea of who they are and their specific preferences. It is very personalized. We find it important to incorporate the requests of our clients without sacrificing style and taste.

What are three things you can’t live without besides family, faith and friends?
My dogs, exercise and a family home in Canada.

Why do you choose Ironware for your projects?
Perfect lasting style, high quality and good finishes.

What is one piece of advice you have for an interior designer just starting their career?
Be patient! It takes a long time to have the confidence and the experience to have answers to design problems.

Why is interior design important?
Interior design is important because it is your environment. It is where you live. It influences your mental state and your physical comfort.

What is most exciting to you in your career at this moment?
I have been a designer for 44 years. I feel that I have the experience I need to work with any client on any project. I also enjoy training those just starting out in the industry. We all learn something every day. You never know it all!

A few BGD projects:

Maryika Pendant and a pair of Karel Lamps are shown here, Cru Uncorked, Moreland Hills

Viale, Las Vegas

Research and development center

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Young Huh

We were thrilled for our Ondine Chandelier to be a part of the installation by Young Huh at Kips Bay Decorator Show House in 2019.

“Kips Bay Decorator Show House designer Young Huh debuts Young at Art, a fifth floor romantic aerie that explores the mythology and allure of an artist’s studio. Both reflective and reflexive, Young at Art is a combination work space and study where the act of contemplation and creativity is celebrated in an environment of strong silhouettes, bold strokes of color and striking pattern.”

Our 3-tiered Ondine Chandelier with black and white lamp shades were painted by Young and design friends Danielle Colding, Audrey Margarite, Nick Olsen and Alberto Villalobos, who nicknamed the fixture The Friendship Chandelier | Photo by Ngoc Minh Ngo

To view more of Young at Art from the Kips Bay Showhouse take a look here.

DESIGNER SPOTLIGHT: Chrissy Howard, Jinx McDonald

Chrissy Howard

When Chrissy Howard, lead designer at Jinx McDonald shared her final installation of the Ondine Chandelier with us we asked if she would be willing to share more. What are your favorite moments when designing a project? Most common mistake you see in interiors? What’s your favorite piece in your own home? Our Designer Spotlight series continues to grow; thank you for sharing with us Chrissy!

CHRISSY HOWARD has nearly twenty years of experience in residential design. She earned her bachelor’s degree in interior design at Florida State University and is a licensed interior designer. Her extensive history in the home construction process gives her unique insight into managing projects as well as working with building trades. She enjoys collaborating with clients to translate their ideas into fabulous interior spaces. She finds inspiration in traveling and has a deep interest in architecture.

Ondine 12 Light Chandelier
Interior by Chrissy Howard, Jinx McDonald Interior Designs, Inc.

What is your favorite and least favorite aspects of being a designer?
The ” big reveal” with a client is so special. I cherish that look when the realization hits them that this is THEIR home—all of the time and effort is so worth it. My least favorite aspect of interior design is relaying bad news: long lead times, work delays, overdue COM fabrics, damaged items, etc.. I hate disappointing people!

Most common mistake you see in interiors?
Call it a pet peeve, but I think that one of the most common mistakes is rugs that are too small for the space! For me, it grabs my attention and I find it difficult to get past it!

Describe a favorite piece in your personal home?
I have a large scale (36″W x 60″H) vintage print Florida map that I love, especially since a native Floridian. I love being able to see all the different cities I’ve lived and the different places I’ve traveled to.

Why did you choose Ironware for this project?
The client used this fixture as our starting point for her master bedroom, so everything else was built around this fixture!

What music are you listening to right now?
I listen to all different types of music, it just depends on my mood. Right now I am into alternative artist Billie Eillish. I also love old school Willie Nelson, Leon Bridges and the Lumineers; they are on a constant rotation.

Name three things you can’t live without besides family, faith and friends? Good food, great music and fun games…I love to play board games and cards.

What is your favorite local hang out? I am a homebody, so my house!