Talk Shop: Gail Davis // Gail Davis Designs
About Gail
With a background in the fashion industry, designer Gail Davis is passionate about using color and textiles throughout her projects. She is renowned for crafting elegant interiors that feel soulful, livable, and personal. For 15 years, celebrated designer Gail M. Davis has applied her formal design training to homes across the country, transforming houses into her clients’ forever homes.
Though her spaces are steeped in classical decorating principles, she is passionate about crafting interiors that are comfortable, functional living spaces. Each client is different, and each space must consider the reality of their lives, not just serve as a beautiful room. Gail studied at the New York School of Interior Design and honed her craft interning at two of New York City’s most prestigious firms—Bunny Williams Inc. and David Kleinberg Design Associates. Her projects have been published in House Beautiful, Elle Decor, AD Pro, Domino, and more.
photo by: Alison Gootee
Describe your style in three words or less:
Classic. Moody. Grown.
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
My grandmother..she is my BIG 3!
photo by: Alison Gootee
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I knew that I would never have the opportunity to work for a firm, so I decided to start my own. I love being able to transform the way my clients interact with their homes.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
Joy Moyler, Sheila Bridges, Elizabeth Lawrence, and Bunny Williams.
What does your home say about you:
I love where I live. It’s all about comfort, and filled with beauty.
Where do you find inspiration:
Nature.
Who are your style icons:
Diahann Carroll, my mom, and Pam Grier.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Great food and beverages are served on pretty dishware.
Do you collect anything:
Blankets, bowls, and dogs.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
photo by: Mike Van Tassell
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I don’t “follow” any in particular. What is made to be broken is living with greige. You CAN use color in your home.
What are you working on right now:
A NYC apartment that I will hopefully shoot in the Fall.
Wardrobe staples:
Easy! Skirts/dresses, and white jeans for job sites.
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
All things Temple Studios NYC.
photo by: Mike Van Tassell
Best career advice you ever received:
Keep going!
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in bed linens and/or linen for the home. Save on mirrors.
Your greatest extravagance:
Life…I am a Taurus!
Favorite places to shop for home:
Valley Vintage, Forum on IG. I find A LOT on IG.
Most prized possession and why:
Husband…does that sound bad??? He IS home!
Your interiors motto:
Live with things that excite you!
Your life motto:
Do it! Why not?
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Tomatoes
Drink: Water
Film: Pillow Talk
Hotel: Ett Hem (I am going in the Fall)
City: Chicago
Bedding: Casa del Bianco
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Tea light & sweet
Playlist: Black Thought, Cowboy Carter, Jay-Z The Blueprint
Weekend Activity: Sleeping - Hanging with Ben
Design Book: Jeffrey Dungan's The Nature of Home. Bunny Williams - Tree of Life, Brian Paquette - At Home & Outside In.