Mindy Gayer of Mindy Gayer Design Co. is Going to Help Revamp Your Interiors
Written By: Erica Johnson
Photographed By: Nathan Whelan
Expert: Mindy Gayer Design Mindy Gayer Design
Credentials: Owner of Mindy Gayer Design Co.
Q: When did you first realize that you wanted to design?
Mindy Gayer: I grew up immersed in design thanks to my mom’s love of home design, interiors and the like, but it took me trying on a few other creative endeavors before I landed in the interior design field. After opening a local letterpress stationery store in 2007, I fell in love with being an entrepreneurial creative, and the limitless opportunities that come with designing a business around something you feel called to do and love. The same thing happened when I began working in the interior design world a few years later. It felt like a natural progression for me, both personally and professionally, to transition into interior design. I love that it encompasses both my love of architecture and design, as well as developing close relationships with my clients.
Q: What makes designing for Orange County homes different from other areas?
MG: I think Orange County blends so many different architectural styles, which makes it fun for a designer. I have clients come to me wanting to incorporate a myriad of design styles, while still staying true to our California roots—blending clean aesthetics, transitional interiors and that beloved indoor/outdoor feel that everybody is after.
Q: What are your favorite design trends?
MG: I tend to gravitate toward more classic and timeless interiors and trends, blending a mix of crisp and clean along with pieces that have character and texture. These days, I think there is a huge push towards people defining their own personal style within the home. I always try to focus on designing around classic, timeless elements and mixing in items that add depth.
Q: What is the first thing you tell a new client about design?
MG: I ask, ‘What do you love and continually go back to? Whatever that is, let’s hone in on those elements, and start to build your spaces around those things and materials and concepts.’ Most clients have a really strong ‘gut’ feeling about what they love, even if they aren’t entirely sure if it works or how to tie it all together. I love taking what they love, even if they can’t pinpoint why they love it, down to the tiniest of details and reinventing it for them so it feels fresh and new. As a designer, one of my goals is to help maximize the vision people have for their homes and help find what inspires and moves them. Everybody has an emotional reaction to design and that’s the perfect starting point with clients on new projects. We dream and collaborate together to design something they will love.
Q: You design for residential and commercial clients. What is the difference from an artistic standpoint?
MG: I approach nearly all of my projects from the same vantage point: What are the
bones of the project? How do we enhance, rebuild or salvage the best parts? How is the space going to be most enjoyed? I see nearly all projects through the same pretty lens but always aim to apply a fresh perspective on the design direction with the end goal being the functionality and livability of the space and how to make it the most beautiful one on the block. Whether commercial or residential, every space offers a unique opportunity to reinvent and enhance the bones of it, and I love getting the chance to build upon it for the better, creating something lovely out of what often began as a mediocre space. It’s the best challenge as a designer—to take something ho-hum and dream up a bright, beautiful, brand new vision.
Q: What elements would you put into your own dream home?
MG: Lots of big, open spaces, bright white walls, classic millwork, one-of-a-kind light fixtures and the coziest linens, upholstery pieces and accouterments. I’m a sucker for the classics, so a neutral home that feels like a breath of the fresh air the moment you step foot inside is the bee’s knees for me!
#Goals: As a designer, one of her goals is to help expand people’s vision of what their home can become.
Big Dreams: After opening a local letterpress stationery store in 2007, she fell in love with being an entrepreneurial creative.
Mindy Gayer Design Co. | @mindygayer
Photoshoot Location:
Room & Board
3309 Hyland Ave, Ste A
Costa Mesa, CA 92626
714.549.5995
Mindy Gayer is Going to Give Your Friends Interior Design Envy
Erica Johnson was born and raised in Southern California. Erica enjoys writing for all mediums and is a Mogul Influencer on Mogul.com with her blog, "Champagne, Dark Chocolate & Hormones". Erica loves animals, reading, fashion and working out and is a true PBS Addict. Erica lives in Rancho Santa Margarita with her Husband and their Husky, Sierra Miss. After successfully blending their family of 6 kids-now ages 18-28- they are looking forward to traveling and going to Brunch more often.
