Lisa Gilmore
Interior Designer, Lisa Gilmore Design
Fashion advice you swear by?
I truly believe in wearing pieces that make you feel your absolute best. I believe in dressing for joy in everyday life. That could mean specific colors, pattern mixing and of course, jewelry and accessories.
Best style hack?
Scarves, hair wraps and turbans for when my roots need to be touched up!
Project that sparked joy for you, and why?
So many of my projects spark joy, but the ones that really stand out are the homeowners who fully trust my talent and guidance. They don't overthink it and let the process unfold. They allow themselves to enjoy the element of surprise of working with a designer and fully leaning in. I also really love to work on projects when homeowners have great art and collectibles. Working with personal collections and giving them a new life in a newly designed space is so rewarding.
Favorite item, room or quality of your home?
I'm currently finishing the renovation of my own 1928 home. It turns out, I am my worst client. My family and I are eager to move in and nest. I think my favorite room will be our bathroom. I was able to create some really great tile designs and use materials that will give our bathroom so much personality, but also appropriate for a 1920s home.
Favorite design style or era?
I am truly a chameleon when it comes to design and eras;
I love them all for different reasons. I personally find myself referencing Hollywood Regency and Art Deco a lot, however, I also love the clean lines of midcentury modern. I love to mix and match different eras to create a style that is unique and individual—which also usually has a layered and whimsical twist.
What inspires you? Do you have any style muses?
I am very much inspired by creative women who came before me. I am so grateful for the roads they have paved for our success today. My top style muses and icons are Diana Vreeland and Iris Apfel. For interior design, fabulous designers like Dorothy Draper and Elsie de Wolfe—some of the first American interior design businesswomen.
Book, film, TV show or stage production that inspires you creatively?
I love shows like Palm Royale, Capote vs. the Swans and also a good inspiring documentary like Diana Vreeland The Eye Has to Travel and Scatter My Ashes at Bergdorf's—the story behind Bergdorf's legacy is incredible to me. I love the detail that goes into their window displays!
Trend others love but you'd ban?
Gray and blue combos.
Word or phrase you most overuse?
I feel like I say, "a million percent yes!" a lot and an F*bomb has a way of trickling in from time to time... (covers blushing face). I should really work on that one. Ha!
Recent aha moment?
I used to think that being successful meant having the biggest design studio, large projects back-to-back and a big staff. I recently realized that thought really doesn't align with who I am as a person. Once I recognized that and decided to listen to my intuition rather than silence it with other people's agendas for my business and success, all the drama, overthinking and anxiety began to fade away. At the end of the day, if you are lucky enough to do your dream every day for a living, that is enough for your personal happiness and the rest will fall into place.
Budget steal and must-splurge?
Budget steal: I love using found vintage items and refurbishing them if needed. Must-splurge: custom handmade drapery.
Style or design hot take?
Interior design and style don't have to be so serious. They don't have to make your friend, your mom or anyone else happy but you. Stop overthinking it and surround yourself with colors, patterns and objects that bring you joy.
Dream project?
Ooh, this is a tough one. I have so many. I think I would really love to work on a maximalist Victorian-era house. The ornate woodwork, stained glass and so many other details to layer in with beautiful selections.
Visit lisagilmoredesign.com to learn more.
Rob Bowen
Interior Designer, Rob Bowen Design
Fashion advice you swear by?
Buy less, buy better, tailor everything and never leave the house looking accidental. Confidence is still the best accessory.
Best style hack?
Show a little skin. A bit of chest, a rolled sleeve or an open collar makes almost any look feel more confident and relaxed. Then tailor everything properly. Sexy should feel effortless, never overworked.
Project that sparked joy for you?
The projects that spark the most joy are the ones where the client says, “We trust you.” That is when we can stop decorating and start creating something truly original. Trust is where the magic lives.
Favorite item, room or quality of your home?
The mood. Our home is masculine, layered, dark, sexy and comfortable. It feels collected rather than decorated and it looks like two grown men with opinions actually live there.
Favorite design style or era?
I am greedy. I want the discipline of modernism, the glamour of Art Deco, the strength of brutalism and the soul of something old and imperfect. The mix is what makes it interesting.
What inspires you? Do you have any style muses?
Travel, fashion, architecture, art, hotels, restaurants and people who are brave enough to have a point of view. I am much more inspired by someone who risks getting it wrong than someone who plays it safe and pleases everyone.
Book, film, TV show or stage production that inspires you creatively?
Anything that builds a complete world. I love when the lighting, interiors, wardrobe, music and atmosphere are so strong that the setting becomes one of the main characters. That level of commitment is incredibly inspiring.
Controversial design trend you love?
Dark rooms. Paint the walls, ceiling, trim and doors the same deep color and commit to it. Not every room needs to look like a bowl of vanilla yogurt.
Trend others love but you’d ban?
Overstuffing a room with accessories simply because there is an empty surface. Not every table needs a stack of books, a bowl, a sculpture and three candles. Nothing should be there just to fill space. Every piece should have a purpose, a story or at least earn its place.
Word or phrase you most overuse?
“Insane.” Usually followed by, “Trust me, this is going to be insane.”
Recent aha moment?
That restraint and fear are not the same thing. Restraint is knowing when the room is finished. Fear is never giving it anything worth remembering.
Budget steal and must-splurge?
Save on accessories, occasional tables and pieces you will probably replace once you get bored. Splurge on lighting, art, upholstery, stone and anything you touch every day. Cheap lighting makes an expensive room look cheap.
Style or design hot take?
Not every room needs to be timeless. Sometimes “timeless” is just another word for scared. A room should reflect the person and the moment in which it was created.
Dream project?
A completely immersive boutique hotel or private club where we control every single detail: architecture, interiors, lighting, art, scent, music, uniforms, tableware and even how the staff moves through the space. I do not just want to design a room. I want to create an entire world.
Visit robbowendesign.com to learn more.
Keysha Jillian
Interior Designer, K. Jillian Designs
Fashion advice you swear by?
To put in the effort and feel good about what you wear every day. Positive self-talk starts with feeling good about how you show up in the world.
Best style hack?
Never skip the finishing touches. Whether I’m designing a home or getting dressed, I believe the final touches are what tell the story. They create balance, add character and make everything feel complete.
Project that sparked joy for you?
Transforming a family room for one of my clients—both she and her husband were busy physicians and they had three kids who each had very active social lives. They really valued family time together. Her living room was the heart of the home, but it was outdated and no longer reflected the warmth and comfort she wanted family and friends to feel. The fireplace was a dominant focal point, but it was holding the entire room back. By reimagining it with a timeless, modern metallic tile, we completely changed the character of the space. That update, combined with the overall redesign, brought the room to life and created a setting that truly reflected the way my client lives and entertains.
Favorite item, room or quality of your home?
My favorite item in my home is a hand-carved natural wood dining table with a modern base. I fell in love with it while designing a client’s home. Years later, they reached out when they were moving and asked if I’d like to purchase it. It felt like the piece had found its way back to me.
Favorite design style or era?
My favorite style is transitional because it offers the perfect balance between classic and modern. I love incorporating the warmth, character and timeless details of traditional design while blending them with the clean lines and simplicity of modern interiors. The result is a space that feels refined, inviting and effortlessly luxurious.
What inspires you?
I am always fascinated when I walk into a beautiful space. I have such an appreciation for the details. I love the different textures, the blend of materials, colors and fabrics.
Book, film, TV show or stage production that inspires you creatively?
One of my favorite books is The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo. I love her philosophy that we should surround ourselves with things that bring us joy and let go of what no longer serves us. Great design is about intentionally curating spaces. When every piece has purpose or meaning, a home feels lighter, more functional and far more personal.
Controversial design trend you love?
I love accent walls. Some designers feel that they are outdated or overly simplistic, but if done correctly, they can add so much interest to a space.
Trend others love but you'd ban?
Fifty Shades of Grey. While gray can absolutely be a beautiful neutral, relying on it too heavily can leave a space feeling flat and uninspired. I love layering in warmer neutrals, richer tones, natural textures and subtle pops of color to create depth, balance and visual interest. A home should feel dynamic and inviting.
Word or phrase you most overuse?
“Love it!” is my go-to phrase. I use it all the time when I’m complimenting something or someone.
Recent aha moment?
Reintroducing The Miracle Morning by Hal Elrod into my daily routine. I realized I’d drifted away from the very habits that help me feel my best. The SAVERS routine (Silence, Affirmations, Visualization, Exercise, Reading and Scribing) was exactly what I didn’t realize I was missing. When I take care of myself first, I’m more creative, focused and present in every area of my life.
Budget steal and must-splurge?
A great budget steal is decorative accessories. There are so many places you can go to source unique finds. You don’t have to spend a fortune to create a curated look. A must-splurge is definitely custom window treatments. They instantly elevate a room by giving it a tailored, polished and luxurious appeal.
Style or design hot take?
My design hot take is to embrace mixed metals. When balanced correctly, they add richness, dimension and a timeless designer-curated look that a single metal throughout simply can’t achieve.
Dream project?
Designing a boutique hotel—I love the idea of creating a one-of-a-kind experience where every guest feels inspired from the moment they walk through the doors.
Visit kjilliandesigns.com to learn more.
Jason Jensen
Architect and President/CEO, Wannemacher Jensen Architects
Fashion advice you swear by?
The architect stereotype is to wear black to let the building be the focus instead of clothing, but who wants to wear black on a job site in Florida and disappear into the background. I enjoy color, patterns and well-tailored clothes. My advice is to take some time to explore what you like and commit. People with style, you notice because they stand out as unique.
Best style hack?
Great glasses are a statement opportunity. I love unique readers or sunglasses like Vuarnet that you don’t see often. Probably because all the pictures of that brand show people hiking on glaciers. I guess I’m ready for the next ice age.
Project that sparked joy for you?
When I walk down the pier, seeing people celebrating at Perry’s Porch or children rolling down the hill at the Pier Approach playground, I feel that joy with them. It’s even sweeter knowing the secret about what it took to make those moments possible—so much talking, debating, planning, design and construction. It’s truly an honor to design projects that make a community impact and make St. Pete special.
Favorite design feature, item, room or quality of your home?
I’m obsessed with light. My favorite artist is James Turrell. He frames light where the sky is the main focus. Turrell inspired our work on the James Museum interior. We washed the ceiling and wall above the waterfall with light and curved the corners. It gives the illusion of a sky floating above the walls. Ultimately, light both defines interior space and connects us to the sky. I designed my home with bright, open light in communal spaces and soft, focused light in the bedrooms.
What inspires you?
Nature is still my ultimate inspiration, especially the North Carolina mountains. Light coming through the leaves, rock formations and fall colors all have influence on my design work. When it comes to heroes, historically Antoni Gaudi created amazing complex nature-inspired forms like Sagrada Familia without the benefit of the technology that we have today. His work reminds me to stay curious and observant.
Book, film, TV show or stage production that inspires you creatively?
I’ll add musicians to this list. Before architecture, I was focused on jazz—playing the saxophone. Coltrane was obsessed with math, frequency ratios and the circle of fifths—essentially connecting the world through sound and music. You could even connect his genius to string theory and quantum mechanics. On stage, however, all of that curiosity practice (the habit of constantly asking "what if" and exploring unfamiliar patterns) blends with creativity and improvisation, leading to amazing music. This is a perfect example of the design process that I aspire to.
Controversial design or aesthetic trend you love?
I love creative breeze block design. Fifties Modern made it popular, but with new patterns and 3D printing, I think it has a new lease on life today.
Trend others love but you'd ban?
Pretty soon all new homes will be white farmhouses. They are like your favorite hoodie—comfortable, oversized and it pulls the hood over the design eye. It’s okay to be a bit more unique.
Word or phrase you most overuse?
Timeless—you actually need time to go by before you can claim timeless.
Recent aha moment?
We put an emphasis back on sketching and modeling to try ideas more in an improvisational state versus getting too fixed on the computer models. It really infused more creativity and solved problems faster. Analog is not dead!
Budget steal and must-splurge?
The right color and lighting can upgrade a space for a steal. A must splurge is still the right chair. An Eames Lounge Chair is a design investment that’s actually comfortable to sit in.
Style or design hot take?
Be a curious collector and see where it leads. Don’t start with a picture of a space you like. Start with adjectives, details and chase those ideas toward unique solutions. Preconceptions destroy potential discoveries.
Dream project?
I’ve always wanted to do a true skyscraper—adding to the skyline. Our Burg Bid proposal for the Historic Gas Plant proposed two iconic towers that echoed the original gas tank cylinders, as a landmark to the city. I’d love to design that and to see our city get the attention it deserves.
Visit wjarc.com to learn more.
Leslie Langford
Art Advisor, Langford Projects
Fashion advice you swear by?
Invest in accessories! A great bag, quality shoes, fun jewelry or beautiful sunglasses add polish to every look.
Project that sparked joy for you, and why?
A client of mine was drawn to a particular artist, Kelly Reemtsen, who “is known for her iconic series of richly textured paintings featuring stylish contemporary women wielding the kind of powerful tools traditionally reserved for men.”
Together, we began to search for a painting that held meaning for her. We had the rare opportunity to visit the artist’s studio in Los Angeles and select a work in person. In the painting Over It, Kelly challenges the notion of the glass ceiling…quite glamorously. The experience made the acquisition especially meaningful, not to mention a lot of fun. That experience established the direction for my client’s collection, which has since evolved into a cohesive and highly personal reflection of her aesthetic.
Favorite item, room or quality of your home?
Two of my favorites are a Sadie Barnette photograph I acquired several years ago and a painting one of my best friends made for me. Both make me smile every time I see them.
Favorite design style or era?
I have a crush on midcentury modern furniture and contemporary artwork.
What inspires you? Do you have any style muses?
Any artist whose work moves you emotionally but also makes you think—perhaps about history, culture or a novel use of materials. To me, the best art stays with you and opens the door to new ideas and perspectives.
Over It by Kelly Reemsten. Photo: Tanner Sobelman
Book, film, TV show or stage production that inspires you creatively?
I would say the musical Hamilton. It does not rely on elaborate sets or spectacle; instead, it’s driven by thoughtful storytelling and music that makes you laugh one moment and moves you the next. It reminds me that the greatest impact comes from restraint and intentional choices. Often, my clients and I wait for the right work, as we carefully curate a collection that feels thoughtful, personal and impactful.
Word or phrase you most overuse?
“That’s interesting.”
Budget steal and must-splurge?
Artwork from emerging artists or editioned prints from University of South Florida's Graphicstudio are a fantastic way to start or layer a collection and stretch your budget while still getting quality artwork.
Recent aha moment?
I recently paddled the Chassahowitzka River with St. Petersburg’s Wild Space Gallery and the Florida Wildlife Corridor Foundation in support of their recent Benjamin Dimmitt photography show, An Unflinching Look: Elegy for a Landscape, documenting climate change, saltwater intrusion, and development that has reshaped the river’s landscape. The photographs were powerful, but seeing the river’s changes up close really brought the show to life for me and inspired me to become more aware of our state’s fragile waterways.
Dream project?
Any project with clients who view collecting as an intellectual and aesthetic pursuit. Curiosity and openness combined with the ambition and desire to collect meaningful work create my favorite opportunity: to create deeply personal and significant collections.
Visit langfordprojects.com to learn more.
