Stephanie Gallo is the manager and creative director of Statum Designs Inc, a leading Canadian furniture manufacturer, based in Ontario. The company was established in 1985 and since then has maintained its position as a renowned and respected producer of quality furniture. Their team continuously creates innovative products, basing their new designs on ground-breaking trends and predictions about consumer behaviour. They design everything from sofas, loveseats and chairs, as well as configuration sectionals. So we are proud to bring you the Designer Insights of Stephanie Gallo.
- Transcript -
1) In your own words describe your unique style and creative aesthetic?
My style is somewhat minimalistic and eclectic achieving a very clean yet fun aesthetic. For example I enjoy mixing woods- species and stains, metals and textures within a space. I love bright vivid colours and I don’t hesitate to use them on a larger scale.
2) When starting a new project, what is your creative process?
When starting to develop a new furniture collection I would go back to images I have collected over the course of a year. Whether it be a small sewing detail or a really neat silhouette. Feedback from our design and construction team is essential- sometimes as a designer our ideas get out of control ( lol) I like to think of them as the ‘voice of reason’.
3) Out of the creative people you have worked with, who is it that you respect and admire the most?
I have been very lucky to work with several talented designers, stylists and buyers in the Canadian furniture industry whom I have learned so much from however I would consider my co-workers at Statum Designs the most creative! These are the individuals that develop my ideas and make it become reality!
4) When looking for inspiration is there a particular thing you do to get inspired?
I often get inspired from looking through fashion magazines, apps, etc. I am very observant of details, colours, textures and embellishments seen on the runways or boutiques and keep these in mind while sourcing new textiles during fabric buying excursions.
5) What has brought you to this point in your career? And what is your advice for people looking to follow in your footsteps?
After pursuing studies in Interior Design and later in Fine Arts I found myself working at Statum Designs in various roles, initially totally non- designed related, until my design ability was eventually recognized. My advice would be to stay focused on your goals and you have to love what you do! You can’t be afraid to take chances as well!
