Having been born into a family of interior designers and artists, Grayson Pratt always knew her calling was to travel down the same career path. Grayson was raised to see and appreciate the nuances of a thoughtfully designed home. However, as the years went on, she realized the importance of a home being designed around a family’s needs. With that philosophy in mind, in 2014, she launched Grayson Pratt Interiors in Atlanta, Georgia, with the goal of helping busy families create beautiful homes that are tailored to their unique needs.
Photo Credit: Grayson Pratt
We teamed up with Grayson to bring some holiday cheer to the patio space at Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles Home for the Holidays Showhouse, and we sat down with her to find out how Frontgate’s festive decor helped bring her design together.
Frontgate (FG): What made you want to become a designer? How long have you been in business and what was your journey like getting there?
Grayson Pratt (GP): I come from a family of artists and designers. I grew up with design and art being an integral part of my life; I dreamed of being an interior designer since I was a little girl. Even though I knew what I wanted to do, my path there was not so direct. Right out of college, I worked for a large furniture store in High Point, North Carolina. I then moved to Atlanta to work at a rug showroom in Atlanta Decorative Arts Center. That’s when things took a sharp turn in another direction. I decided to leave the design world and become a financial advisor. Although I loved finance, my heart wasn’t in it. In 2014, I decided to return to design and opened my own interior design firm.
Photo Credit: David Christensen
FG: People have been spending a lot more time at home the past three years. How has this unforeseen lifestyle shift impacted your work as a designer?
GP: With people spending more time at home, they’re discovering how their home should match the way they live. Many have realized they need a home that increases function. The renovation of kitchens and bathrooms has been popular, as both these rooms can make or break the function of a home. As a whole, clients are now, more than ever, desiring spaces that are personalized – tailored just to them.
FG: What element should every holiday space have?
GP: No holiday decor is complete without beautiful ribbon. I use it to drape across a mantel or to attach a petite wreath to the back of a dining chair. I get it from my mother – she would put a bow on anything that wasn’t moving.
Photo Credit: Grayson Pratt
FG: What’s the biggest holiday decorating mistake you see people make? How do you fix it?
GP: Letting holiday decor overwhelm a room is the biggest mistake I see. The decor should complement a room, not overtake it. It’s an easy fix: The trick is to edit anything that hides the personality of the home and the people who live there.
FG: Each room in the Home for the Holidays House has a unique personality and point of view. Was there a specific ask from Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles regarding the concept of this outdoor space?
GP: Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles is great to work with because they give designers free reign to design as they’d like. I drew inspiration from the beautiful outdoors. I used blue and green against a neutral palette so the space would complement and not compete against the pool and landscaping. I wanted the exterior to be just as livable and comfortable as the interior.
Photo Credit: David Christensen
FG: Favorite piece you used in the space and why?
GP: The Christmas ornaments from Frontgate are my absolute favorite. I used them in another holiday showhouse a few years ago, and everyone who came through commented on how gorgeous they were.
FG: How did Frontgate’s accessories help tie the space together?
GP: The accessories from Frontgate united the blue and green color palette. I also introduced gold tones with help of the accessories. It was an elegant color to add without overwhelming the existing scheme.
FG: Was there anything about the materials and design of certain pieces that made them ideal for the space?
GP: The versatility of the pieces made them ideal for the outdoor space. I wanted to showcase the many ways they could be used. I say that the “Holy Trinity” of holiday decor is ribbon, greenery and ornaments – and each of these items used came from Frontgate.
Photo Credit: Grayson Pratt
Photo Credit: Grayson Pratt
FG: What is your go-to holiday design tip for clients that sometimes surprises them?
GP: My go-to holiday design tip is that “Holy Trinity” I mentioned (ribbon, greenery and ornaments). This surprises a lot of people because there is the expectation that decorating for the holidays must be elaborate. The elegance and simplicity of this trio is the perfect balance, bringing festivity without detracting from the home.
FG: If you’re going to invest in one holiday item to refresh your clients’ spaces let it be _____.
GP: That’s a hard one but I’d have to say ribbon. When you buy quality ribbon, it can be used year after year.
Follow Grayson on Instagram @graysonprattinteriors. And if you are a designer, architect or developer, you can enjoy exclusive savings and dedicated service through our Business to Business program. Discover the benefits of a partnership with Frontgate Business to Business today.
