Wendy Glaister is a brilliant interior designer based in California. With decades of experience, she has designed for a wide clientele with prolific needs and styles. The founder of Wendy Glaister Interiors, Wendy has mastered the art of listening and communicating with her clients to best understand what they need and how to align her vision with their requirements.
Homecrux got in touch with Wendy to know more about her and her style. In the exclusive interview, she talks about still prevalent gender biases in the design industry, Pantone Color of the Year 2024, and communication as the key to success. Read to know more about her.
Also Read: Understanding Color and its Conundrum With Pantone Director Leatrice Eiseman
Homecrux (HC): Who is Wendy, what is she presently doing, and what’s her signature style?
Wendy Glaister (WG): Wendy is an award-winning luxury residential and commercial interior designer. She is renowned for her industry tours and engaging panel discussions at markets across the country.
She’s currently working on several remodels and projects from blueprints, from primary residences to second homes. She is known for warm, elegant interior solutions that demonstrate a love for gracious living all while exercising stewardship in the interest of her clients.
HC: Each year, new color and design trends pop up. What do you think will be the most prevalent in 2024?
WG: In September, I traveled to Paris to discover trends at Maison & Objet and saw a lot of creams, terra cotta, and warm greens. I also saw these colors surface during the winter at Dallas Market and according to the recently released ASID 2024 Trends Outlook Report notes “Interior designers continue to specify neutrals in warmer tones to create a welcoming environment, but in 2024 these hues are expected to become deeper, richer, and more saturated.” I think this is a reaction to sterile whites and grey. People want to feel alive again and what better way than to take cues from nature?
HC: How does Pantone color of the year affect your designs? What do you think of Peach Fuzz “the color of the year” for 2024? How is it going to pan out?
WG: It’s a cozy color and I think as an accent, my clients will enjoy it. I do not see it as a primary color in the work that we have under contract right now.
HC: Beyond colors, furnishing and material choice have a significant role in interior design. What are going to be the picks in 2024?
WG: I see much more happening with wood veneer and paper. Products that are organic in shape and customizable are key when you are in the process of selecting materials. Sustainability is also a big factor for materials— the ASID 2024 Trends Report noted that occupants are “…seeking eco-friendly living options as they become more aware of the environmental consequences,” including sustainable building materials.
Also Read: Shundra Harris on Healing Through Color, Sustainability, and Stereotypes in 2024
HC: How do you balance natural and synthetic materials in your work to create an immaculate space that is welcoming and comfortable?
WG: My chief concern is how a material will wear over time for my clients. Their lifestyle and preferences play the most important role in the material selections I make. If it’s an active family with pets and children with friends constantly back and forth from the outside pool area to the indoors, I’ll specify materials that will hold up to that sort of use. “Cleanability and durability remain a priority…homeowners still seek cleanability and durability, particularly given how many homes have pets.”
If it’s a single professional who values all-natural materials and only serves white wine to guests, they’ll be presented with options to fit their tastes. No matter what the lifestyle, I want them to feel comfortable in their environment and proud of their home. I want a smile to spread across their face as they look around their space at the end of the day.
HC: What are the crucial aspects of interior design that remain the same in every project?
WG: Listening and Communication are key. Respect and compassion. More than design, the care for the client and the team must be constant. If we do not have that, we do not have a project.
HC: What roles do technology and design software play? Have you started including generative AI in your routine?
WG: My Senior Designer, Stephanie Poulsen is a pro at Sketchup and she does a beautiful job of articulating our vision to the client. We have started exploring AI but prefer to stay more in the realm of our specifically articulated vision for our clients. In the industry, we understand that AI can be beneficial at times and be an important form of technology to utilize.
As cited in the ASID 2024 Trends Report “Generative AI applications are being used by many in a variety of applications… Organizations are using this technology to generate floor plans, design iterations, occupancy and energy models, and coordinate sets of construction documents, specifications, and reports. Others are using it to increase autonomy, create an experience-driven design, and deliver environmental settings that occupants can customize, like user-controlled window shades and lighting controls to support individual comfort needs.”
HC: Can you share your best design experience with us? Your favorite objects?
WG: My favorite design projects are always the ones (no matter how large or small) where our clients trust us to see the vision through to the end. We collaborate, certainly, on colors and textures and absolutely respect budgets and preferences, but are given the creative room to complete it with our artistic sense. It feels so good to work within that sacred trust, and when clients see the finished project and clap their hands or tear up because they see our care for them in the built space…that is the greatest reward.
Favorite objects used in my projects include statement lighting, interesting area rugs, ceramic lamps, and greenery in uncommon vessels.
HC: When you started working as an interior designer about two decades ago, how was the space for female designers then and how is it now? Do you think the industry has evolved in pay disparity and acceptance?
WG: I have not seen a change between then and now. To be honest, I have never let it dissuade me. Instead, I have been blessed to have had the opportunity to assemble a team of extremely talented designers, retailers, craftspeople, and contractors. We have a wonderful time working together. It’s a joy and I am very blessed professionally.
HC: Finally, any easy design tips for homeowners to make their abodes feel more personalized?
WG: To make your home feel more personal, splash your personality around your home. Don’t worry so much about what other people will say. Frame photos you love and put them out. Collect some plants and put them all around. Place a lamp on your kitchen counter to make it feel more warm. Hang up artwork that is meaningful to you…a poster from a concert or an abstract you found on vacation. Make sure that your sofa is comfortable and that the toss pillows and the throw coordinate color-wise…but don’t sacrifice cozy for “cool.” Make room for the hobbies you love…music, art, cooking, etc.
Be yourself. See yourself in your home. Make your home work for yourself.
We thank Wendy Glaister for taking out time to have this intriguing conversation with us!
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