Explore the Unparalleled, Timeless & Elegant Interiors of Steven Gambrel
Designer Steven Gambrel is one of the most respected figures in the world of interior design. His work has been featured in high-end publications such as Architectural Digest, Veranda, World of Interiors, Ell Decor, the New York Times and many others. Gambrel’s designs are timeless, elegant and most of all comfortable. His passion for detail, and his classical approach to combining elegant antiques, vibrant color, vintage furnishings, and contemporary touches set him apart. Let’s Explore the Unparalleled, Timeless & Elegant Interiors of Steven Gambrel.
I originally penned this post back in 2018 but have completely rewritten it. I wanted to update it with new photos and information. While reviewing his work for this updated post, I was struck by how timeless his designs are.
Explore the Unparalleled, Timeless & Elegant Interiors of Steven Gambrel
Steven Gambrel first caught my inexperienced eye with this photo from his (currently offered for sale by real estate agent Susan Breitenbach here) Hampton’s vacation home. Everything about it intrigued me. The gnarly driftwood base juxtaposed with the pale blue shutters, shingled siding, and the carefully chosen elements on the table. Perfection in my book.
Colors of the Sea and Sand
Gambrel often opts for incorporating the colors of sea and sand in his beach house interiors. He favors pale cerulean blues, light and deep grays and pale sand.
Gambrel is a connoisseur of historical styles but doesn’t shy a way from a lively mix of vintage, antique, and custom furniture designed by his firm.
This sand and sea pallet is a favorite of mine. In the photo above he has mixed fine antiques an modern furniture for a harmonious mix.
I love his clever mix of modern art, the graphic rug, sand colored walls and antique pieces in this entry.
Always respectful of the architecture of each project, he often finds inspiration “in local vernacular architectural details”, this particular home was designed by the noted Robert A. Stern.
Steven is not afraid of color but defers to the landscape when decorating beach houses favoring the palette of the sea and sky.
Love the bleached beamwork combined with the colors of the sea. Texture and patina always play an important role in his designs.
Significance of Color
No stranger to color, Gambrel is a confident colorist and isn’t afraid to apply a clients favorite if the design calls for it.
In this full-floor apartment in the historic Palmolive Building in Chicago overlooking Lake Michigan Gambrel collaborated with Architect Phillip J. Liederbach of Liederbach & Graham Architects on an art-filled, colorful renovation. The clients requested vibrant colors and strong patterns.
Texture Matters
Steven’s love of texture and tactile surfaces
Texture plays an important role in this Zurich vacation home. I adore the exciting textural contrast of the rustic jute dining chairs, the rugged matte finishe on the dining table, the shiny lacquer beams and the high-gloss tiles and the simple pillow fabrics.
The addition of yellow and warm woods in the above sitting room cuts the cold surface of the fireplace…genius…
In this pretty white kitchen the woven counter stools, shades and the graphic subway tile keep this kitchen from being anything but ordinary.
It’s All In the Details
Never is a corner or pocket left to chance in any of Gambrel’s reinterpretations. It’s all in the details.
His first book Time and Place is also available on Amazon. It has long been one of my go tos for timeless interiors.
Steven’s second book titled aptly Perspective, you can buy on Amazon here.
Further reading:
Dutch Courage-World of Interiors
Galerie Magazine-Steven Gambrel Decorates an Art Collectors Park Avenue Apartment
Every time I study one of Steven Gambrel’s rooms I come away with a new perspective. He is simply one of the best. All images are from Steven’s website, where you can find his latest home interiors projects from elegant country estates, to vibrant city townhomes.
Photos unless otherwise notied are by the wonderful Eric Piasecki.
I hope you enjoyed Explore the Unparalleled, Timeless & Elegant Interiors of Steven Gambrel. His work is characterized by a meticulous attention to detail, a rich use of color, and an emphasis on craftsmanship and history. His interiors often feature bold architectural details, luxurious materials, and a thoughtfully curated mix of antique and modern decor. For design afficionados, I highly recommend purchasing both his latest book and his previous one. His interiors age gracefully unlike so many others. I constantly refer to them for ideas. If you enjoyed this post you might enjoy my post My Simple Roadmap of Timeless Collected Interiors, Five Simple Tips for Decorating with Antiques, or The Collected Look How to Get It.
He is always a favorite of mine!! I have been following ( and drooling!) from afar. His choices are interesting and timeless. Loved this post!
Hi Martha
I had written the original post in 2018 and I was amazed at how current all of his designs remain. His work is a testament to not getting caught up in trends.
Cindy, what an interesting post!! Love the mix of colors. He really has a great eye, makes for very interesting rooms! Still seeing painted or pickled floors!!! Really want to paint our floors!!! Have you ever done that?
Anyway!
Great post!!!
Hi Nancy
I have never painted wood floors though I have been tempted! Research them and go for it!
thank you for introducing me to Steven Gambrel…..very inspiring. made my morning!!
Hi Deb
Steven Gambrel is so talented. I am sure you would enjoy his books!
To me his colour choices are depressing.
Hi Edit
I am sorry you find his colors depressing, but thanks for weighing in!
You always have surprises for your readers! This was a treat!
Thank you for mixing it up!
I love your designs!
Hi Shari
I had a series I did several years ago called design ed. Many of the pictures are outdated but the copy is good. I will revive a few of them over time!
Dear Cicny,
Thank you for introducing us to Steven Gambrel’s latest work. His use of color draws one into the tranquility of sky and sea and earth.
Serene Day,
Diney on Mercer Island
Hi Diney!
I adore his beach house color schemes…so relaxing…
WAITING FOR ALL OF THE FASHION POSTS TO COME BACK.
Hi Judy
Did you miss my post last week on matched sets? I post once a week on fashion and once a week on design related topics. Normally Tues is fashion and Thursday design related. However after having my granddaughter for a week I ran out of time. Friday will be fashion do not worry!
Totally off subject but could/would you refer me to your post on white shirts from some time ago? Thanks heaps!
Hi Vicki
Sure here you go. https://cindyhattersleydesign.com/?s=white+shirt
If you type the topic in the search box that you are looking for, they should come up!
Thanks loads, Cindy!
I loved the Steve Gambrel post! You never fail to inspire and to introduce
a plethora of possibilities for consideration and appreciation!!
Oh my, I adore Steven Gambrel’s style. It’s simple and calming but so striking. I haven’t seen a lot of his work since I don’t subscribe to magazines anymore. (I miss several that are no longer published).
The first home on your post is my favorite. Thank you for sharing.
Karen B.
Hi Karen
I just adore his work as well. He leaves nothing to chance…
I love his use of texture and juxtapositions of rough or bleached wood and the soft blue colors. He has such a great eye. Brenda
The blue of those shutters, and his use of blue in the interiors which follow! Timelessly lovely and so worth studying. Thanks for this tour, friend.
VERY YOU!
LOVE THE ORANGE AND BLUE LIBRARY!
Love love his use of blues without it feeling too “precious.”
Hi Diana
Great observation
Every room is magical. There are so many interesting details. I love the dining room with the red interior book cases and the blue chairs.
Thank you so much for an excellent post, Cindy! I see the exteriors of so many beautiful homes in the Hamptons, it’s so enjoyable to inside Steven’s home. I really appreciate the paint colors he chooses, as well as those in his furniture and textiles. When we renovated our lakehouse, I also chose colors that reflected the hues of the sky and water, as well as the sand and wild grasses. I note Steven also uses natural elements, his dining chairs for example, and the wood beams. I will refer back to his website for more inspiration.
Thanks so much, my friend!
Jane