Brooke + Steve Giannetti
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Now that we live in Tennessee, we visit the 30A area in Florida once a year to get a dose of coastal calm. A small home in Alys Beach would be lovely. Of course, I would never refuse a charming cottage in the Cotswolds as an option :)
What are three words to describe your style?
Patina
Calm
Rustic
Tell us about your childhood bedroom?
Brooke: My parents let me design my bedroom in the 1980’s. It was a pale lavender with white and green floral accents. I had a great writing desk with built in book shelves to store all of my favorites. Books were my escape and the characters were some of my best friends.
Steve: My childhood bedroom was tiny. 9’x9’. There was a bunk bed and a desk. Maybe that’s why I became an architect!
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house?
When Steve and I first got married, he bought me a charming antique English Victorian bamboo cabinet with orginal glass doors and lovely birds painted on the sides. This small piece has moved with us throughout our marriage. It’s now located in our Attic Guest Apartment where we use it as a bar.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be?
We love English designers. I’ve always adored Robert Chime and his delightful fabrics.
Steve’s favorite architect is Wallace Neff. His homes are classic but also charmingly quirky.
No room is complete without : at least one antique
People think of me as a decorator(Brooke)/architect (Steve), but I am really mostly an animal caretaker (brooke)/guitar player/painter (steve)
Things you omit from
• A flower arrangement: baby’s breath
• An hors d’oeuvre platter: strong scented cheese
• A bar cabinet: Maraschino cherries
A song for
Dinner at home: “Why Georgia” by John Mayer
Working at your desk: “Can’t Find My Way Home” by Steve Winwood
Going for a run: “September” by Earth Wind and Fire
Biggest Vice? Now that we live in Tennessee: Leipers Fork Distillery Whiskey
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy?
Steve: Vintage Rolex : Paul Newman Daytona
Brooke: A few more Valais Blacknose Sheep
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how?
Steve: Yes, I like comfortable classics: Levis, Converse, and Flannels
Brooke: Yes, I like pieces made of natural materials (linen, wool, cashmere, velvet…)that often look like hey were made in the past. Most of my clothing is designed by Hannoh Wessel https://www.hannoh.net/
Who is your star crush?
Steve: Paul Newman
Brooke: Paul Newman
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Cement countertops
What design book do you find yourself going back to again and again?
Steve: Pattern Language
Brooke: I don’t have a specific book, but I’m addicted to the English House and Garden UK magazine.
For posterity, what would you like your work to be known for? A beautiful, welcoming backdrop for our clients’ favorite memories.
Your Favorite:
Movie: Benjamin Button
Book:
Brooke: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis has been one of my favorites since childhood.
Steve: Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand
Scent: Our Patina Meadow Candle. It is a light scent that is a combination of cut grass and lavender.
The fabric you always come back to: Milan in Natural by Libeco Linen.
Dream project: Another building or garden on our farm, Patina Meadow.
Meal: We love creating locally sourced delicious meals… Maple Valley Ranch grassfed beef, locally baked sourdough, and vegetables grown on our farm.
Drink: Leipers Fork Distillery Whiskey
Hotel: The Newt in Somerset UK
Travel Destination: Daylesford Farm in the Cotswolds UK
Artist: John Singer Sargent
A cause near and dear to me: Any animal rescue.
Thing to collect obsessively: Cute farm animals that need a home.
Era in the history of design: 1920’s
Museum: Musee de L’Orangerie with its wonderful Monet collection
Benjamin Moore Paint Color: Linen White is a lovely warm white that plays well with other colors.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs (4 shihtzus!) in the house. Cats (3 rescues) in the barn.
