Background:
Genevieve Gorder, who has hosted shows such as Trading Spaces, Town Haul and is now hosting Dear Genevieve on HGTV, is passionate about design and it shows.
After starting out with a degree in Graphic Design from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan, she progressed to three dimensional design and soon found herself on the popular show Trading Spaces. She made a name for herself as she helped people find and create their own unique style.
Partnership with Klaussner Home Furnishings:
In addition to her work on HGTV, Gorder has been working with Klaussner Home Furnishings as their spokesperson, with her design advice being featured on their website. She likes that Klaussner, one of the largest furniture companies in the country today with its wide range of merchandise, has something for everyone in all price ranges.
Her uniquely designed collection of lamps and rugs is offered in partnership with Klaussner, and will be available starting February 2009. The rugs, made from wool and jute in India and China, will eventually be available in more colors and patterns.
On design:
"Home furnishings have been very predictable, very safe," she says. "Enough beige!"
She feels there should be more options for something stylish, such as "splashes of rich, unexpected color, more peacock, finch, pewter. Finishing accents make the room come alive, and people shouldn't be afraid to experiment. Play, experiment, because if everything is safe then no one's personality is represented."
She feels that too many people play it safe, tending to paint everything beige and white, turning America into Beigeland, a trend she wants to end.
Her goal is to help people know how to make their homes more exciting.
On "Dear Genevieve":
Her new show on HGTV is all about helping people find their style.
It addresses questions such as why can't people move forward, and why it is so hard to make (decorating) decisions. It explores why people fall out of love with their homes, and how to fall back in love again by taking just a few steps.
Finding inspiration:
She finds inspiration everywhere. It could come from everyday objects, people, places or memories.
The process:
"The process of creation starts with an idea," she says. "It is exciting to see the finished product and how people connect to it!"
