Inky blues and pops of white are layered with warm woods and toasty browns making this bedroom, designed by Ann Gottlieb, a wish come true. Learn how she has honed her signature style—glamour with personality—for more than two decades.
“I think I attract people who don’t want the norm,” said Ann, founder of Ann Gottlieb Design.
Inspired by a Gothic Spanish Revival style, her clients chose the Phillip Jeffries mural Wish for their bedroom. This large-scale floral design is reminiscent of antique photo techniques. “It’s actually the most serene room in the house!” While the rest of their house had quirky details like a repurposed giant fishtank as the bar, the bedroom was transformed into a refuge.
Layering Client's Personalities
Ann kicks off her design process by sending clients an extensive set of questions that range from simple (What is your favorite color?) to complex (What retail store aligns most with your personal brand?). The questionnaire reveals what people love and even those irrational dislikes. After going over their answers, Ann conducts a visioning session, showing the client different images and different finishes to see what resonates with them, and to draw out the adjectives that exemplify their style. Lastly, she creates a design presentation with options to kick off the project. “They always find what they like,” she said. The couple chose the mural Wish in Bright Side for their bedroom for its tranquil colors. Printed on a linen ground, the mural has texture and softness to the space.
(Left) Photographer: Angela Newton Roy Photography (Right) Item 6104
Designing With Color
Her advice to designers and hobbyists alike is to not be scared to make a bold choice. “Being bold doesn’t necessarily mean loud color, it can be a texture or an architectural move, or a scale of something, even if it’s all tone on tone.” A favorite bold choice of hers is to glam up the ceiling. “The ceiling has been the fifth wall for me since 2000. It’s just as important as what’s going on on the floor. ”
Using Immersive Patterns
Ann has been using Phillip Jeffries since she got her first design job at Gensler in Northern Virginia over twenty years ago, but lately, she’s been drawn to murals like Wish and Afloat. “You’re like in a scene, you’re transported!” she said. “It’s so much cooler than just a pattern repeat.”
See more of Ann's designs throughout the Washington, DC-metro area here.