Designer of the Week: Betty Ann Gilrain

Betty Ann Gilrain is a New York City-based creative with an extensive background in design. Beginning her career as an editor and PR professional in the luxury space, she later pivoted, working under Bennett Leifer Interiors before breaking out on her own. Betty Ann Gilrain holds a certificate from the NY School of Interior Design and has continued her education at Parsons School of Design.

Why do you love interior design?
I love interior design for the same reason that I love fashion — it is an outward expression of your inner being which is constantly evolving.

Describe your style in 3 words:
Traditional and timeless with a hint of Southern.

Where do you find inspiration?
It's a little bit of a cop-out, but everywhere: travel, our neighborhood in NYC, the design community/my colleagues, nature, my hometown, fashion, my clients. I enjoy creating homes that people love and want to spend time in because you should love where you are. Clients are always amazed at how much it impacts their day-to-day life.

Name a current trend that you love:
I don't love trends; they end up being something I regret when I look back even from six months ago. I prefer to go by personal style favorites or things that will stand the test of time, but if I had to choose, I love that color and wallpaper are making a comeback with the younger generation and that modern, minimalist style seems to be losing its appeal.

What's a trick of the trade that you live by?
Measure twice, cut/nail/sew, etc. once!

Share the story of your project with Ernesta. How did the custom-sized rug make an impact? Any memorable reactions from your client? We'd love to hear the details.
Sometimes rugs can be the hardest sell purely because they are on the floor, get dirty and seem to be an afterthought for those not in the design industry. Those who work in interiors have a different approach: rugs/carpeting work as the "fifth wall" and should be treated with care and creative consideration. They are a large part of the "envelope"!

For a client with small children, they wanted something on the cheaper end of the spectrum because they knew they would be replacing it if there were any accidents. The issue was, their bedroom was huge and no standard-size rugs would work both functionally and aesthetically for what we were looking to achieve. My suggestion was to use a natural wool rug to address the concern around accidents. I also suggested custom size to make it comfortable. They love their Ernesta Yaddow for not only the quality, but also Ernesta’s price point. You pay for one well-made, beautiful custom-sized rug that will last you years (and accidents!) versus replacing multiple standard-size rugs that are not what you actually want.

Share your approach to custom-sizing rugs for a space. What factors do you consider to ensure a tailored fit and aesthetic harmony?

You wouldn't buy clothing that wasn't your size — why buy a rug that fits the space incorrectly? There are a lot of cases where a standard size works, but majority of the time they do not, and it shows.

What is your idea of great design?
Creating a space that makes you happy.

What are you reading or watching right now?
“The Gilded Age”. The set and costume design is phenomenal! I wish I could step back in time to see what NYC was like then.

If you could design a home for one famous person / couple, who would it be?
Not famous per se, but Lydia Millen. I would die to do an English countryside home, and I feel like we are aligned style-wise.