Pictured: Amberlynn Embroidered Petit Euro Sham, Amberlynn Velvet Leaf King Sham (left), Amberlynn Gimp Detail Decorative Pillow, Albany White Coverlet
Gail Barley
Orlando, FL
Gail Barley has been creating beautifully timeless and liveable interiors in Orlando and beyond for decades. As the owner of Gail Barley Interiors, she navigates the industry as both talented businesswoman and accredited design professional.
Pictured: St Barths Mitered Border Euro Sham, St Barths Embroidered Decorative Pillow, St Barths Mini Fringe Standard Sham, St Barths Speckled Duvet Cover
Contact
https://www.gailbarley.com/
[email protected]
(321) 300-6437
Based in Orlando, Florida, Gail Barley is the owner and principal designer at Gail Barley Interiors. With a love for antique shopping and vintage finds, Gail blends her uniquely timeless designs with her clients visions. Having graduated with a degree in business, Gail spearheads not only the design work, but the administrative side as well. We sat down with Gail to take a peek into her approach as both industry professional and business owner.
What was your point of entry into the interior design world?
When I was in junior high I had wanted to be an interior decorator. I loved all of that. I ended up going to business school in college and then my kids were born... but I still loved antiques and antique shopping. Interior design was always in the back of my mind. I started helping people I knew decorate their homes and kept learning and growing until I started my own business.
How does being in Florida affect your design style?
Florida is bright, airy, and casual. People don't really like darker lodge styles. It's a hot environment and a vacation environment, and that helps inform design choices.
How do you define your signature style?
I don't necessarily have a signature style. I try to be in tune with whatever the client wants. You have to ask "what do you like, how do you live?" My own touches seep through in things like symmetry and balance - making the space look aesthetically pleasing.Where do you find inspiration?
I love antique shopping and going to market. I find inspiration comes when you don't expect it. I was in England recently and was so drawn to the castles, the architecture, the colors.
I remember I did this art deco lecture recently. We never thought we liked that look, but it was so interesting. There may be a shape or a look that's been around for years that you find little ways to use.
Any advice for someone just starting out in the industry?
I found my business background helped me a lot. I'd also say it's really important to train your eye. Go back and look at really good, timeless design. I love older issues of Architectural Digest. When you're studying these, you're training your eye to understand proportion and balance. These skills will start to come naturally so that you can tell when a space feels off or what you need in order to make it feel right.
