Designer Crush: Lindye Galloway Interiors
Author:Michelle KonstantinovskyOrange County’s Lindye Galloway Interiors, a full-service interior design firm specializing in high-end residential and commercial projects, tackles everything from new construction to complete remodels. In addition to those top-to-bottom jobs, the team also takes on furniture and styling design, walking clients through every step of the process on projects from Cali to NYC. Learn more about founder Lindye Galloway in our Q+A below:
How did you get your start in design?
It all launched from my own remodel. 4 years ago, with my three-week-old baby in tow, my husband and I found a home with so much potential, but it needed so much love. We figured, “hey, we’re getting so much sleep with this newborn, let’s embark on a remodel!” It was all a little crazy, but we did it. We gutted the home, remodeled each space and added the last layer of new furnishings throughout. While I hadn’t had formal schooling, I did have a previous career in a creative field and suddenly felt I found my niche in design. A few posts of my home on social media later, I got my first client where we gutted and furnished their home in Newport Beach. From there, our client list and projects grew organically and quickly. I now have an amazing team that works with me to create client’s dream homes, from new construction to complete remodels and full furnishings.
How do you define “California style”?
A California style is created when there is the perfect juxtaposition between a tailored and relaxed space. I think this style can take on a few different forms and looks, like coastal modern, modern farmhouse or even a little bit boho. But at the end of the day it’s about a home that looks intentional and well curated while also being approachable and inviting.
Who are some of your biggest professional role models and why?
Basically, everyone on the How I Built This podcast – if you don’t already listen, what are you waiting for?! I am a podcast junkie but it’s on this particular podcast that I get to be invited into hearing other’s stories and journeys of success. I love hearing how those from fashion to tech to my own industry are creating their brands and building their businesses.
What’s your process for getting to know a client?
Our clients are what drive every design decision we make and the pretty spaces we create. We love to breathe greater life into their vision and turn their home into something extraordinary, but it all starts with knowing who they are. We truly want to know their story, every part of the way they tick. We want to know if they entertain and if they’re take-out connoisseurs or cooking masters, where they find themselves going in their home to relax, even their pet peeves when getting ready in a bathroom. We also want to know where they vacation and their favorite hotels and the things that inspire them. These things help us know what appliances they might like, which room to focus on making extra special, if they hate deep drawers on bathroom vanities (this is a real hot topic for people!), or styles that they are attracted to. We have many conversations with our clients to get to the depth of these details and create mood boards with imagery. This portrays our direction and deepens the level of understanding of who they are and how their home will be a true reflection of them.
Describe a particularly memorable project and what made it so special.
Anytime a client is “all-in” and willing to do any next level idea we come up with makes for a pretty memorable experience for us! We had a client this last year that was willing to push the envelope on design. We created these moments throughout the home that were both surprising and approachable that made for a really elevated style. Everything from brass front cabinets in the kitchen to geometric tile on the 20-foot-long living room wall that transitioned into the bar.
Where in the world are you dying to travel to that you’ve never been and why?
I love to travel and have been a lot of places throughout the world, but I’ve never made it to Denmark. It happens to be where my great-grandparents lived, and I’d absolutely love to explore their land and culture. Plus, I hear it’s one of the happiest places on earth!
Lightning round!
Go-to movie snack?
Butterfinger. It really is the perfect complement to salty popcorn. And can we discuss the reclining seats? Just as important as the snack in my book!
All-time favorite book?
I loved Crazy Rich Asians! Just a fun read.
First celebrity crush?
Justin Timberlake. I will never admit to the posters in my childhood room…but there were posters hah!
Best Netflix binge show?
Ohhh this is a tough one! But I’ll go with The Crown.
