Design Matters Season 1 Episode 1 Curate Your Space

Design Matters is a series which delves into the world of design, exploring the creative vision and thought processes of some of the industry's most talented individuals. In season 1, episode 1 titled "Curate Your Space," host Debbie Millman invites esteemed interior designer Grant K. Gibson onto the show to discuss the art of curating and designing a space.

The episode begins with Millman introducing Gibson, an accomplished San Francisco-based designer whose work has been featured in various publications such as House Beautiful and Elle Decor. She asks Gibson about his background and journey as a designer, before setting the focus of the conversation onto the theme: Curate Your Space.

Throughout the episode, Gibson breaks down his approach to designing a space, stressing the importance of curating a collection of items that communicate a personal narrative. He explains that every object in a room has the ability to tell a story, and that the challenge of designing a space is to curate it in such a way that the objects coexist in harmony, creating an overall theme or vision.

Gibson discusses the difference between decorating and designing a space, explaining that decoration is about making things look good, whereas designing a space is about creating a comprehensive visual and emotional experience. He emphasizes that a designer's job is to facilitate a dialogue between the occupants and the space they inhabit, thus creating a space that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Throughout the episode, Gibson emphasizes the importance of taking risks and experimenting with unconventional items when designing a space. He shares anecdotes about how he once used a surfboard as a headboard, or a wheelbarrow as a coffee table, playing around with unique ideas to create a one-of-a-kind space. He emphasizes that the key to designing a successful space is to have a clear vision and to stick to it, even when the going gets tough.

The episode concludes with Millman asking Gibson about his dream project, to which he responds by saying that his ultimate goal is to design spaces that are not just visually striking but are also emotionally resonant. He aspires to create spaces that people connect with on a personal level and that have a positive impact on their lives.

Overall, "Curate Your Space" is an engaging and insightful episode that takes the audience on a journey through the mind of a talented designer. Gibson's passion for his craft is contagious, and his approach to curating a space is inspiring. It's an episode that anyone with an interest in design, or who is looking to transform their own space, will find both informative and entertaining.