Although interior designer Fawn Galli typically designs for others, she found that the process of creating her family’s Brooklyn townhouse was an exercise in self-discovery. What is more, for Galli, decorating the house brought her closer to her “ultimate conquest of life,” which is “to live [my] life as closely to who [I am] as possible.” The resulting space is a melange of her varied aesthetic interests.
Inside the home, Galli juxtaposes glamorous and bohemian elements to create an interior that intentionally incorporates clashes. It was informed by her design philosophy, which, she explains, is based on five core elements: nature, eclecticism, a no-rules attitude, and a resounding love of both surrealism and disco. More specifically, she drew inspiration from architect Eileen Gray, Salvador Dalí, and “odd assemblages of items that make you question where you are.”
Initially, Galli found it difficult to design a space for her family as opposed to a client. Her children had input when it came to their bedrooms, and, as a colorist, she was uncertain whether to accommodate her son’s desire for a black-and-white space. Compromise nonetheless ruled the day, and Galli ultimately settled on blue, black, and white fabrics for her son’s room.
When the sun hits the glass at just the right time, a yellow light is cast across the dining room. The reflective Modloft Sullivan dining table further brightens the space. Around the table are Galvanitas S17 industrial dining chairs. The artwork above the bench is by Guillaume Paturel, while the pieces about the fireplace are by Roy Lichtenstein.
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The designer’s husband, architect Julio Salcedo, designed the clean, contemporary bookcases as well as the townhouse’s airy layout. The sitting room’s ombré-dyed drapes and boho pillows sit alongside geometric chairs. Not far away, a lush jungle wallpaper that Galli commissioned from Eskayel lets a sense of greenery creep inside. (The wallpaper also harkens back to Galli’s nature-driven childhood, spent in a house without electricity or plumbing in California.) Elsewhere, a glamorous 1970s-style bedroom is the product of Galli’s personal taste for metallic details and unusual elements: The glimmering pendant light fixture pairs nicely with a shiny geometric bedspread, while an upholstered sleigh bed can’t help but stand out. Because of her lasting relationships with craftspeople across the world, many of the objects in the home were created by international artisans. That’s true of flea market finds as well as a half dozen handmade rugs sourced from Marrakech.
Importantly, in order to balance the typically limited natural light found in town homes, Galli bleached the herringbone floors and added luminous materials such as silks and metallics. Her favorite part of the structure is the yellow stained glass window that casts a sunny glow across one hall. As for her children and husband, they love the working fireplace, the garden-set hot tub, and the overall sense of roominess. Clearly, it’s a family home that meets the needs of all of its inhabitants.
The yellow, feathered sculpture by Tim Prentice in the kitchen is an emblem of Galli’s bohemian flair. Above it is a pendant light by Original to Home. The polished river jade countertop from ABC Stone is paired with white gloss cabinetry from IKEA. The fridge is a Subzero model, while the stove is from Blue Star.
The guest room includes a rug by Beni Ourain as well as a vintage Poul Henningsen pendant light. The window shade fabric is Hello Yarrow Natural by Abigail Borg; the custom FGI Design headboard is upholstered in Dedar’s Adamo and Eva.
