The Perfect Blend

Design has a captivating way of evolving from traditional origins to unchartered waters. Harry Advic speaks to Douglas Graneto about drawing on the right elements to cater for each client

With 25 years of design experience, Douglas Graneto is recognised for his talent in creating a classic juxtaposition between vintage and modern.  He began his career in custom furniture, specialising in antiques and the design and fabrication of modern furniture alongside vintage restoration.

Douglas’s background in art history has influenced his own evolution as a designer. “Art history encompasses the history of design as well,” he says. “As you study art, you’re learning about the color palettes that were used, how rooms were arranged, how art was created, and what fabrics, textures and patterns were popular at that time. My own personal aesthetic started as modernist, but my years of work have given me an understanding and appreciation of antiques and different design periods. Every period has something beautiful to offer us today.”

This experience has given him a keen eye and a talent for effortlessly marrying the contemporary and the antique into a single design. He is praised for finding a seamless match between a solid architectural backbone and its unique individually layered compliment. It also means his portfolio is rich and varied, with projects ranging from traditional to ultra-modern, and everything in between.

At the heart of every Douglas Graneto design is a client focus that extends from the design process itself, through every stage of the project. From the first meeting, Douglas and his team ensure client satisfaction is paramount. “I believe every home I design should have a deeply personal connection with the client, says Douglas. “I not only consider my client’s aesthetic preferences, but also love to incorporate their personal histories, lifestyle or talents into his designs. From making space for family heirlooms and art collections, to custom wallcoverings and fabrics, each element is thoughtfully considered, and uniquely tailored to the owner.” This is one of the reasons that his clients return to him time and again, as they move or purchase new homes. The projects are never duplicated, as the client’s taste and collections may often have changed. These are not cookie-cutter designs, but a collaboration from the beginning, focusing on the now.

Attention to detail is not only a hallmark of Douglas’s designs, but extends to every facet of the business.  Attentive, highly organized and deadline-oriented, he draws client praise for his creativity, as well as his project management skills and ease of doing business. He is described by architects, builders and clients as a team player and talented problem solver. “I would highly and enthusiastically recommend all aspects of Douglas’s work including his continued and constant professionalism, deep and thorough knowledge, second-to-none work quality, and ability to successfully navigate and resolve issues. This together with Douglas’ general pleasantness and good-natured disposition would make him desirable to any project team” says Kevin R, a returning client.

Douglas’s early training was under the eye of Tony Ingrao of New York City. It was during this tutelage that Douglas learned that attention to detail and the layering of fabrics and furniture matter most. It is a lesson that he has not forgotten. It was also during this time that he gained his first experiences of working internationally, and the issues that can bring, whether on Mustique or in Europe. Each site has its own regulations and rhythms, and he recognizes that success depends on connecting with everyone on the site, whether they be the suppliers, the contractor or the delivery people. It is this easy and confident relationship with others that allows the client to trust Douglas and his team, knowing that when it comes to their move-in date they will find everything installed and every detail checked.

Whether designing for clients in Greenwich, Manhattan, the Hamptons, the Caribbean, Palm Beach, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago or Virginia, Douglas strives for and delivers timeless, liveable environments that always improve over time.

Douglas’s specialties include architectural design, interior design, and furniture production. His work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Connecticut Cottages & Gardens, Hamptons Cottages & Gardens, LOOK, Serendipity, Design+Décor, East Coast Design, and Traditional Home, amongst others.

Learn more here: https://www.douglasgraneto.com/