Patina Style… a Way of Life
Life isn’t about the things you own but about the experiences you have with them. This is the first sentence of the newly released book, Patina Style, by Brooke and Steve Giannetti. After visiting with this wonderful couple for a few minutes, we quickly realized that Patina Style is not just a book full of beautiful interiors, but a philosophy and a way of life. We are in aw of the passion, talent and sense of style of this dynamic duo. Steve and Brooke have worked together on so many wonderful projects and have many exciting things in store for the future. We have enjoyed getting to know Brooke through her blog, Velvet and Linen, and have been intrigued by the talent of the other half of team Giannetti. We recently had an opportunity to visit with them and to learn more about Steve.
Steve and Brooke met when they were in their twenties at The Cheesecake Factory and have been together ever since. Brooke is a native of California, and Steve moved to California from Maryland to work on a project. They’ve had the opportunity to not only be partners in life but in business as well. They worked together to build Giannetti Home which encompasses architecture, furnishings, interiors and art, designing furniture pieces for their collection and collaborating on design projects. The talent of this couple doesn’t stop there. Steve is not only a talented architect but is also a talented artist and photographer.
Steve’s interest in architecture began as a boy while working in his families’ ornamental plaster studio in Washington D.C. “I started at the age of 8 years old discovering the classical elements stirring plaster, making moldings and casting architectural pieces”. Steve had an opportunity to go behind the scenes and visit locations such as Monticello, the Renoir Gallery and the White House while his family was doing restoration work there. He was exposed to beautiful architecture from an early age.
Village on Cannon
After graduating from the University of Maryland in architecture, Steve’s architectural career began by proposing a sketch for a shopping center in Beverly Hills. The Village on Cannon was designed by Steve to resemble an Italian Hill town.
Steve and Brooke’s office
Steve describes his overall style as being classical architectural elements with a modern flow of light and space. Such as using a steel structure with exposed beams. “The biggest challenge mixing classical and modernism is keeping the structure as a thing so they exist as one and don’t look separate” Steve explains.
Steve and Brooke’s workroom
For many people, achieving a timeless home is the ultimate goal. Designing homes that will stand the test of time is something that Steve does so well. He explains that “using natural materials that age over time and keeping it simple is timeless”. Steve recommends using simple slabs of marble, reducing the ornamentation, making sure things are not too finished and incorporating a Swedish piece that is worn on the edges so you can see the history. Steve elaborates “I try to create vessels for pieces of history to live in and sometimes if the room has too much personality it’s like a loud guy in a room.”
Brooke’s desk
Steve shares with us how achieving a timeless style on a budget is possible. He recommends that if you can’t afford wood flooring then use sea grass or stained concrete. “I would rather go high-end or go really low end with a simple natural finish” Steve explains. Using products such as California One Coat on the walls looks like plaster but is less expensive.
Book shelves with some of Steve’s paintings in the office
Steve goes on to explain that people often complicate the design process and should stop halfway. Such as leaving wood raw or unfinished and allowing it to age over time. “Doing less is sometimes the way to create the space and most people try to hard to make a finished look”, Steve says.
A grouping of Steve’s art in Giannetti Home
Steve has been an architect for over 30 years and has an extremely humble talent. When asked, “What do you want to be remembered for?” Steve simply responds “I just want to create beautiful pieces of architecture as part of the land including gardens, interiors, furniture and paintings.” Steve has a wonderful gift to envision a house complete. His passion is creating residential spaces. Steve shares, “Due to the connection you experience with the families’ life, you create a home that supports a families’ lifestyle and the space that will create memories of timeless experiences.”
The Nick sofa in the Giannetti Home collection
Steve and Brooke look forward to bringing all of their passion and talent together in Patina Farm, the home they are preparing to build in Ojai. Steve is also looking forward to expanding their business into creating beautiful gardens that compliment the homes he designs.
The Clive wing back chair in linen designed by Steve and Brooke as part of their Giannetti Home collection.
A beautiful mora clock cabinet is paired with the Lulu tufted slipper chair from Giannetti Home.
A fabulous French display cabinet, French coffee table and Clive wing back chair in linen. We adore the use of linen with the white furniture pieces and accessories.
Perhaps one of our favorite pieces in the store is this beautiful Swedish cupboard that has a beautiful aged patina.
This enticing seating arrangement includes the Clive wingback chair in leather paired with an industrial coffee table and linen Belgium inspired chair. The natural element of the wood doors add character and anchor the seating arrangement.
One of Steve’s beautiful paintings from his Water and Air Series is a focal point of this vignette .
These beautifully fragrant natural soy candles by Linnea’s Lights can be purchased at their shop or online through Giannetti Home. The Velvet and Linen signature scent is our favorite.
We were giddy with excitement and honored to be one of the first to get a sneak peek at Patina Style. What a feast for the eyes and soul. This book is a must have for everyone! Patina Style can be ordered here.
Brooke and Steve are such gracious hosts and are so inspiring to be around. We left with renewed inspiration, an appreciation of the philosophy of Patina Style and a desire to embrace the Life in things…
Making today great!
Renee and Angela
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What a great interview! I learned a few things I hadn’t heard about them before…I admire their talents, as well as their teamwork, so much!
So interesting…don’t know her but have been following her blog even before I really knew what a blog is so feel like I have known her a long time! This was well done and really interesting love how they approach design as a way of life more than an application to decorate your home and they truly seem to embody and “live” that philosophy in their own life. Their office is so gorgeous! Love all the items from their store too, incidentally I did just order the book so am looking forward to receiving it. I am sure its great! How nice that you all got a chance to meet….well done!
Ladies thank you for featuring two of my favorite people in the blog and design world! It was very interesting to learn more of Steve’s background and talents.
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
what a wonderful book and fabulous write up of two very talented individuals who have shaped the blogging industry with their fine eye for detail and sense of style…
maureen
Thank you, Renee and Angela, for this great post! Steve and Brooke are such a talented couple. I am amazed at what they have become involved in, and at all of their talents.
So happy to learn more about Steve and Brooke.
Have a great day.
Teresa
xoxo
Angela and Renee – you scored! Not only did you get to meet with one of my favorite bloggers (Brooke is such a creative and beautiful person) but you also came home with some new, fresh images! I LOVE everything you are sharing today!
I received my copy of the book yesterday and I am so looking forward to equip myself with a cup of tea and read trough all the pages. The picture are gorgeous and there is a ton of great design advice!
Yeah for Brooke and Steve and Yeah for you!! What an absolute treat!
Warm hugs,
Mon
P.S And you ALL look great in the photo!
It was such a wonderful treat to be able to spend time with you both!
It was nice to have Steve in the spotlight for a change. He truly amazes me every day.
Thank you so much for spreading the word to your readers about Patina Style. We are so proud of our first book. Due to the high demand, Amazon has started shipping the pre-ordered copies early!
Thank you again for everything. We look forward to reading more about your new lighting line in the next couple of months. We appreciated getting a sneak peak. Let me know when you are ready for the big reveal!
xo xo
Brooke
What a beautiful office!
Wow, they are so talented, lots of inspiration, will have to buy the book.
Have a great week girls!
XXX Ido
What a fantastic interview! I had no idea that you too are in Louisiana – what great inspiration you provide to enhance the gorgeous architecture here. I am very excited about the Gianetti’s book! Have a great day, Heather
Just discovered your blog via Velvet and Linen! Love your shop!
Renee and Angela,
Thank you for this wonderful post! I am so pleased to see all the beautiful pictures of Giannetti Home and of the office of Brooke and Steve! Yes indeed, this is a very creative and talented couple!! I am sure they will surprise us in future!!
Thanks again girls! I enjoyed this post a lot!
xx
Greet
Wonderful interview….so special to be married and have the same interest. A rare find. I have never met them but their persona comes across as two very special and talented people. Thanks for the insight.
Great post Angela and Renee!
They are a neat couple and have such great style…an inspiration for us all.
You both look great
Amy
I am so eager to get my copy of Patina Style! I ordered directly via Giannetti Home. Order yours, and get it signed by the Giannettis. Great story girls!
Trinidad
Great interview! So fun too to see all those behind the scenes photos.
I love reading Brooks blog and this was a great post. Nice work!
Great post you two and I’m SSOOO jealous that you got to meet them and see that gorgeous store! I received my book yesterday and couldn’t wait to sit down with a big glass of wine and start soaking it all in.
Thanks for sharing your visit with us.
Hugs~
Tricia
What a wonderful post and love getting to know more about the couple behind Velvet and Linen. Their book looks wonderful – can hardly wait to order!!