Five Questions With Gaelle Dudley, Founder, GLDesign Featured Designer 2017 Near & Far Aid Designer House Tour — “Surfside Sanctuary”
Your adolescence seems to have had a big impact on your approach to design. Can you tell us a bit more about why you choose “Live Beautifully” as the overarching theme/ mantra for your business?
I truly believe that surrounding oneself with beauty is integral to a good life. Beauty from within, and also around us, brings smiles and happiness. I grew up in France where affection, family gatherings and authenticity are key parts of our culture. We lived a very “real” life surrounded by beauty of all kinds (food, art, history, etc.). My design exudes my love for life through bold color, good vibes and welcoming casual comfort.
Your love of the beach, water and surf translates beautifully in your work. Clearly it’s a huge passion of yours! How can people bring a little bit of that “coastal vibe” into their home even if they don’t necessarily live at the beach?
Whether you live close to the water or in back country Connecticut, I like to tie in the coastal laid back vibe throughout all of my designs. Who wouldn’t want to feel like they are on vacation? It’s easy to adapt and introduce coastal neutrals for a more subdued setting or go bold for a bigger splash no matter the setting. Don’t let your location dictate whet you want to feel like in your home — let your heart do the talking!
You’re also quite talented when it comes to gardening. Tell us about how you became interested in landscape and container design and how you weave this into your design plans.
Plants are everything! Green is one of my favorite colors and to watch a plant grow in a beautifully designed space or move with the breeze, completes the picture. There are so many creative ways to integrate plants in design via landscape design. For example, meticulously designed urns, tabletop succulents and more. The vibe on the outside is as important as the vibe on the inside.
Many of your projects feature bold, colorful art — many of which are sourced from local artists! Tell us more…
I grew up in a family that collected original art by locally renowned French painters. My mother was a sculptor herself and studied at L’Ecole Des Beaux Arts. I have a true passion for art and love meeting new artists, connecting with them and sharing their passions with my clients. Art is an emotion and makes such an impact in a home. Without art or greenery, it’s not a finished space!
Do you have any advice when working with color? Do you have a signature color that you love to work with?
I wish I could say that I have one signature color. I guess if I had to pick, it would probably be indigo. But I do love yellow, turquoise, green and a ton of sand and sea palettes. I always say go with neutral palette and use pops of color via pillows, art or whatever else tickles your fancy. Paint that ceiling hot pink if you want to! Take risks and have fun.
About GLDESIGN Founder Gaelle Dudley
Inspired by a childhood spent on the coast of France and a wanderlust fed by New England shorelines, California dreams, and Florida pastels, GLDESIGN founder Gaelle Dudley weaves beach living into each client’s lifestyle. As a residential design and marketing leader in the global hospitality industry for renowned Starwood Hotel brands for over ten years, Gaelle brings her design pedigree to each home with style. From interiors to exteriors, renovation to new construction, the coast is never far from the heart in every project. Each vision comes to life using the finest quality materials, bold splashes of color, and dynamic textures. A busy mom of two boys, Gaelle’s own home reflects the balance of timeless chic living and family friendly spaces combined with laid back coastal vibes. When she’s not designing, you can catch Gaelle paddle boarding with her husband and rescue dog, running at the beach or cheering on her boys at a hockey rink or lax tourney. IG @livegldesign
For more information, please visit www.livegldesign.com
Purchase ticket for the House Tour HERE!