We’re back with a new guest tastemaker for some quick-fire questions and a mini-curation of some fab Chairish finds!
This week, we are joined by Malibu-based designer Breeze Giannasio. After eight years spent as a corporate attorney, Breeze decided to follow her passion for design. Since the launch of her firm Breeze Giannasio Interiors, her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Modern Luxury and HGTV Magazine, as well as TLC’s Nate and Jeremiah by Design and two of the Property Brothers spin-offs. Inspired greatly by the natural beauty of her home state of Hawaii, Breeze aims to create classic interiors with modern twists that feel elevated, yet not too precious to live in.
Read on to find out the eclectic list of style icons she looks up to, and how she made the transition from lawyer to designer.
Who is your ultimate style icon?
Too many to count: A dash of Mies Van der Rohe. A handful of Axel Vervoordt. A shake of Frida Kahlo and a dab of Charlotte Perriand. Shake liberally, pour over ice and garnish with a twist of Brancusi. My references are eclectic to be sure, and embrace a love of the arts, refinement, craftsmanship and the mark of the maker.
What is the most memorable career moment you’ve had so far?
Pulling off the design for the latest season of Drew Scott’s home for Brother vs. Brother during the pandemic was the most recent feat! To be creatively engaged with a world class creative team (with whom I’d previously worked on Drew’s personal residence) to make the impossible possible, was incredibly challenging but stimulating, and had me firing on all cylinders during this historic time!
How has growing up in Hawaii influenced your design style and sensibilities?
My mom tells me that as a baby I didn’t cry in the morning — I’d wake up and coo at the birds and rustling palms outside. I can’t help but think that that formative connection with nature permeates my perspective and design sensibilities. Being a bit removed from the mainland mainstream gave me the confidence to walk to my own beat as well, which continues to serve me as a creative.
How did you make the transition from lawyer to designer? And what inspired this change in your career path?
Creating beauty and spaces has always been in me. As soon as I could walk, I remember pushing furniture around, to my mother’s chagrin. Fashioning Ewok villages in my jungle atmosphere was perhaps my first architectural foray. And as a student, even at Harvard Law, I couldn’t crack my books until I’d fully designed and actualized my environment.
As I started to prep for becoming a partner in my law firm, I had a deep moment of dread that my path was wildly off-course. The economic recession of ‘07 emboldened me to take a leap towards happiness and possibility, and I haven’t looked back since.
