Q. Everyone seems to be talking about color. How do you incorporate color in your designs or in your home furnishings line Gilded Home by John McClain?
A. “I usually do so with small moments—pillows, area rugs, lamps, or other items that can be easily replaced. I prefer to bring interest to a room with texture, patterns and metals, and limit the color additions. That being said, you can create a beautiful room with almost any color. Something to keep in mind when using color: bring in variations of the main color throughout the room to create depth and interest.”
Q. What is your go-to design color?
A. “I love gray. I know it’s seen a lot lately in design, but I feel gray is the perfect color that works with any accent colors or finishes. The key to a good gray is to choose one with the right undertone. A brown undertone will bring a warmer feeling to a space and a blue undertone evokes a cooler feel to the room.”
Q. What color stands the test of time?
A. “Two, actually: black and white, equally. Both of these colors (and they ARE colors-not the absence of color) are 100% timeless. You can never go wrong with a black and white area rug, white cabinetry, black velvet chair, or any combination of the two colors. It’s important to note that just as in any color, you have to decide on the RIGHT black or white. Choose wisely and consider undertones.”
Q. Outdoor entertaining will soon be in full swing. How can homeowners transform their back yards into cozy extensions of their homes?
A. “I design an outdoor space just as I do an interior space: texture, pattern, and interesting art and accessories. I even design custom sofas that look identical to an indoor sofa, but the only difference is marine grade wood, easy drain foam, and outdoor fabrics. I encourage everyone to take a look at the options in outdoor fabrics these days; it’s truly remarkable! I also recommend throws on the sofas, beautiful accent pillows, proper lighting, outdoor artwork, area rugs and plenty of space to sit a glass or snack.”
Q. The opportunity to star in HGTV’s First Time Design led to an impressive career—including the chance to design for a number of celebrities. If you weren’t an interior designer, what career path do you think you could have chosen?
A. “While it’s hard to envision doing anything other than interior design, I do have a love for baking—particularly cupcakes. I just love how you can create a delicious work of art in this tiny package that makes people smile. I suppose it is actually design related in regards to the decorating aspect of the cupcake. Creativity is something that will always be a part of my life, no matter what I do.”
Q. How has your own personal interior design style evolved?
A. It truly amazes me to how much I continue to evolve as a designer. Inevitably, we all gain knowledge and wisdom throughout our chosen careers, but it’s how we retain and apply that information that allows one to truly grow. I don’t feel that my style has necessarily changed; I still aim for timeless and classic designs with elegant touches, however my methodology has changed. In my early years, I felt the need to stick to one design style and work only from that style. Now, I aim for more of a mix of various styles. It’s this mix that creates beautiful juxtapositions of color, finishes, and textures.