Profile: Ginger Brewton

After a five-year absence, I was delighted when House Beautiful brought back the "Next Wave" of designers in its December/January issue. A few names that previously made the coveted roster include Nate Berkus, Ruthie Sommers and Laura Kirar.

One designer who I was happy to see named to the list is Charlestonian Ginger Brewton. Founder of GBI, a full service residential and commercial design firm, Ginger has a knack for combining traditional elegance with understated sophistication. With a keen eye and unbridled passion for creating beautiful interiors, I don’t think that this is the last we will hear of Ginger. I am looking forward to seeing much more of her work.

How would you describe your personal style?
I definitely love a transitional space - mixing old and new, the ying balanced by the yang, layers, textures... I don’t believe in my personal space looking like it is from one specific time period. I want it to look evolved over time from the things I have collected. Buying antiques and updating them with a modern funky fabric and lacquer paint; or simply mixing antiques with more modern pieces and art. I don’t like a space to look too harsh and sterile either – your home always needs to be a comfortable place to come home to.

What is your most prized possession?
A ring my mother gave me that I wear every day.

What inspires your creativity and designs?
A number of things inspire me but travel has a lot to do with my inspiration – seeing new patterns, textures, materials; and experiencing new cultures. I’m inspired daily by my surroundings, people I meet, colors I see. The logo I created when I first started my company came from iron work I came across driving down the street. Inspiration is endless, you just have to open your eyes and look around.

What books are currently on your bedside table?
In The Pink – Dorothy Draper
Edith Wharton’s The Decoration of Houses
The Home Within Us by Bobby McAlpine & Susan Sully
The New Traditional by Darryl Carter
The Travel Book - A Journey Through Every Country In The World
My Bible

What is your favorite luxury in life?
Time and travel!

Who are your style icons?
Carolina Herrara, Kelly Weartsler, Phoebe Howard, Mary McDonald, Albert Hadley

Past or present who has most influenced your direction in life?
Without a doubt my mother. She has always supported me and has the best heart of any person I have ever known. I remember when I called her crying my first month in NYC because I did not know anyone and I wanted to quit and come home. She convinced me to stay, which turned out to be the best experience of my life. She has an elegance and beauty about her that she doesn’t even realize.

What is the one thing in life you cannot live without?
My family

Who would you most like to collaborate with on a project?
Kelly Wearstler. She has impeccable taste and attention to detail.

What is your idea of earthly happiness?
Good health, being surrounded by those you love and being able to give back.