Designer Spotlight: The Livable Design Stylings of Gabrielle Licht Interior Design

This month, we sat down with Gabrielle Licht of Gabrielle Licht Interior Design for a delightful conversation about how her career as a licensed commercial real estate agent led her on an unexpected journey to becoming an interior designer. Get ready for a charming story as Gabrielle shares how her love for design at an early age reignited her passion years later to create beautiful livable spaces for her clients.

Q & A with Gabrielle Licht

Q: Your journey from a licensed commercial real estate agent to an interior designer is fascinating. Please tell us what sparked your inspiration to take your career in this creative direction.
A: I have always loved design. Even as a kid, I would spend more time arranging and designing the Barbie or American Girl houses than actually playing with the dolls. In college, I chose every art elective I could and loved all of them! Despite all of that, it wasn’t until I moved my real estate license over to Compass on the FOUND team—where I spent weekends walking through homes with buyers—that it truly clicked for me. I loved imagining what each space could become. At the same time, I was designing and decorating my own home from the ground up, and when we hired a designer I realized: I want her job! It still took me almost three years to take the leap, but once I did, I knew instantly this was where I was meant to be.

Q: Your designs are beautiful. How would you describe your style?
A: That’s a complicated question. My style for my own home is contemporary—timeless, clean, and layered with neutrals, texture, and quiet luxury. As a designer, I’m extremely versatile. I love stepping fully into my clients’ visions, whether that’s modern, traditional, or totally eclectic. The one constant: I design for real life! Beautiful doesn’t matter if it isn’t livable. Kids, pets, red wine—it all has to be considered from the start.

Q: We love the fact that the kitchen is your favorite room in the house. What are your top tips for creating a well-designed kitchen?
A: The kitchen is my favorite room because that is where everyone gathers. Whether you plan it or not, everyone always ends up around the island. A great kitchen is open, functional, and thoughtfully laid out for the way you and your family live. As much as I love a stunning marble countertop, I’ll always ask my clients: “Are you someone who cooks? If so, we either need to protect it properly or choose a beautiful, durable alternative—and that’s great too!”

Q: When designing a room, what is the most important element you take into consideration?
A: Function—always! The first thing I ask my clients is: “Who will be using the space and how will it actually be lived in?” Everything has to be cleanable and still feel good to you years from now. For example, if you have a dog that scratches, a looped carpet is an immediate ‘no’— no matter how gorgeous it is! (I learned that one the hard way in my own home!)

Q: Do you have a signature touch that you use in every project?
A: I make the process deeply personal. I like to learn about the clients, their kids, pets, family, etc. I want to know about my client’s routines—the little moments that actually make up their life so we can decide which process and products are best for them. I try to keep things honest and approachable, so clients feel comfortable giving real feedback. I never want someone ordering something they don’t love because they were afraid to say so.

Q: What is the one design trend you’re loving right now? Additionally, is there a trend which you believe is on the way out?
A: I absolutely love the return of design with layered, lived-in character—mixing patterns, tones, and textures; even neutrals. I am thrilled to see we are moving away from cooler tones, like blacks and greys, and welcoming in more warm tones, like taupes and browns. It makes everything cozier! As for what’s fading out? Extreme minimalism. Clients want their homes to have their own character and feel warm and inviting!

Q: What are your top three design tips for someone thinking about a home refresh?
A:

1. Be intentional with your budget. Choose what to go high with on the high-impact areas, and don’t overspend where it won’t matter.
2. If you can’t do it the right way right now—wait until you can.
3. Carpet, wallpaper, and window treatments will always elevate a room!

Q: We love your use of accessories in your designs. They’re like the “icing on the cake”! How do you select the perfect accessories to tie the space together?
A: Accessories—especially art—are so personal. I love taking clients shopping so I can see what naturally draws their eye. Once I understand that instinct, I can pull pieces that feel beautifully personal—not just “filled in.”

Q: Staircases are one of your favorite elements in a home. What is your favorite way to showcase them?
A: Runners— always! To me, the staircase architecture is secondary. It’s the runner that takes the show, and no one has a better selection of runners than Country Carpet Flooring & Interiors. Bruce and Margery know how much time I spend picking the perfect runner. In my opinion, they are worth every dollar.

Q: With autumn upon us and the holidays right around the corner, what is your favorite way to bring a cozy holiday vibe to a home or space?
A: Candles! The right scent sets the entire mood of a home. And no, I am not referring to pumpkin spice in the fall and Christmas cookies in the winter! I love the NEST holiday collection. They perfectly capture the overall scents of the season. I also love swapping in warmer, cozier, throw blankets for the seasonal change!

We hope you enjoyed our conversation with Gabrielle Licht. Whether it inspires you to bring more functionality to your home or to add a fabulous runner to your staircase, Country Carpet Flooring & Interiors is here to help you design the home of your dreams. We invite you to visit our showroom to explore the design possibilities to make these dreams come true. You can schedule an appointment with us at your convenience. And walk-ins are always welcome. We look forward to seeing you!

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