Coffee With: Ashley Gilbreath of Ashley Gilbreath Interior Design

Q&A With Ashley Gilbreath

Casaza: How did you get your start?
Ashley Gilbreath: I have always loved design and had the opportunity to study at Auburn who boasts an incredible Architecture and Design program. My start happened when I had the opportunity to learn under Richard Keith Langham! I was in New York studying at New York School of Design and got hired by Keith, learned more than I could have dreamed and from there launched AGID here down South.

C: How would you describe your style?
AG: I like to shoot for casual elegance; I want my work to be timeless – creating comfortable and beautiful spaces where families can celebrate life’s joys and memories are made.

C: Where do you get new ideas and inspiration?
AG: Most of my inspiration comes from various travels and trips both here and overseas. You can walk away with years of ideas and inspiration just from one day abroad!

C: Favorite room in the house?
AG: The family room, because it’s where life happens! The family room also forms the personality of the entire house and inevitably creates a solid building block for every other space in the home.

C: Design rule you don’t subscribe to?
AG: Honestly, I don’t like to have too many rules to follow. The best part about this industry is that breaking rules is praised - it helps you stand out, curate your own look and find an individual style.

C: Recent project that inspired you?
AG: I absolutely love the 2019 Southern Living Idea Home designed by Heather Chadduck. Each detail was considered and was intentionally addressed in a way that is both beautiful and functional. Her intentional mixing of patterns and prints is done perfectly in this home.

C: Favorite texture/pattern/color?
AG: Stripes, stripes, and more stripes! Adding a stripe into any mix is one of my favorite ways to ground the space and add interest. You really can’t go wrong.

C: Pack your bag! You’re moving into a famous home. Whose is it?
AG: Bunny Williams and John Rosselli’s home in the Hamptons. It is a perfect example of impressive layering through color and texture. Their home is simply timelessly on-trend and will never go out of style!

C: What’s your rule when entertaining?
AG: Lots and lots of fresh greenery! I love using greenery by the sink, in the powder bath, on a cheeseboard… Pretty much everywhere I can. In a pinch, this is the best way to freshen up a home. A pretty linen cocktail napkin paired with a fun drink is another one of my entertaining essentials.

C: Best advice for DIYers?
AG: Try to stay away from major trends when making big decisions and selections. Keeping your selections classic will keep you happy for years to come.

C: Best advice for those hiring a pro?
AG: Make sure there is a common ground between the two of you. Do your own research and make sure you respect their style and them as a person. This process is so much about relationships and finding someone you love to work with.

C: What is one design trend you are most excited about this season?
AG: Absolutely love the trellis walls right now – such a great way to add in texture with a classic and relatively cost-friendly material. The look has been around for ages and I’m so glad it is back!

C: How do you take your coffee?
AG: With all my littles running around! I’ll take just about any kind of coffee I can find. Throw in a dash of coconut milk and I’m set.