Designing Dreams, Evoking Emotion The Architects of Life

On any given day you might find Steve and Brooke Giannetti, collaborating on a new high profile project like the home Steve did for Lady Gaga, or it would also make sense to see them sitting around their firepit on Patina Farm contemplating the next “pink moment” in the Ojai Valley.

Steve is a designer and architect. Raised by artists, he is grounded by the artisan life of which he was immersed. Steve attributes his growth as a craftsman to the many days spent in the studio with his father, learning his trade. You can see this throughout Steve’s work, the influence of his early years watching his father cast classical ornamental plaster. Growing up on the east coast set the tone for Steve as he continues to push boundaries and envisions the dreams of others to create that perfect luxurious oasis you never want to leave. Mixing the traditional and classical with modern and chic is what Steve and Brooke do best. The Yin to his Yang, Brooke is an interior designer inspired and encouraged by her husband. Los Angeles born, mother of their three children, Brooke met Steve while in college and they have been creating magic for 32 years.

Creating luxury through a series of experiences is how one would describe their brand: Velvet and Linen, and Giannetti Home. A natural extension to their brand is Brooke’s cashmere and shoe collection. These pieces will quickly become a favorite addition to your closet. Brooke’s classic designs have a contemporary, timeless feeling making her pieces a must have in your wardrobe. It is not only through their work as architects and interior design do they create an emotional response, but pick up any of their published books, and it would be hard for you to put it down. Brooke’s narrative in Patina Living was so inviting, her writing style so engaging I just loved turning those pages to see what pearls of wisdom she might share next.

One of the Giannetti’s children is following in Brooke’s footsteps by lending his clothing designing talents to collaborate on some of the collection. “Cultivating the freedom of artistic expression within their home to allow their children to experiment and come into their own,” is how Brooke explains it. Setting in motion this confidence to encourage others, in 2016 Charlie helped his friend Reese Cooper (then, London based young designer) launch his label in the US. What is so special about this fact is simple, continuing the balance between classic and what is possible, blending traditional with street style. Elements of old and new supported by a family immersed in tradition, but open to push boundaries and explore.

Becoming inspired and fulfilling a dream is how Patina Farm came to be. “Patina” as Steve explains it, “because everything looks better with age.” Five acres of opportunity to create that exacting emotional response, one that would make you feel at home and wowed at the same time. A moment of awe, from the delight of exploding rambling roses on all the trellis’ to mounds of lavender and rows of fresh veggies popping up in the garden. This space is their safe haven, a place to reset from the hustle of life. They share this land with Sicilian donkeys, African pygmy goats, Silkie Bantam chickens, some really adorable dogs, and more if you can believe it!

It is not hard to see why clients from all over the world are fans of the Giannetti’s. They work hard to help others find that emotional connection with their dream home. Building a level of trust with clients is paramount, listening, and imagining yourself in the clients finished home or project is what Steve does best. It is an art of sorts to execute someone’s desires so eloquently. As I interviewed the Giannetti’s ‘some thoughtful words came into play, “standards, principals, and benchmarks” to implement those and never forget the dream comes from something real, as Steve puts it. A tangible connection a client may have to their project, a childhood memory, or a favorite time of day, capturing the light perfectly through windows of their new home. These elements create an emotional response and a feeling of home.

For more information Giannetthome.com