Immersive Interior Experience

You’d never guess that this charming kitchen isn’t really a family space. It is, in fact, a showroom in designer Gina Drago’s whole-house design studio. “I call it my ‘Deluxe American Design Cottage,’” says Drago. “I want my clients to be able to walk through and see many of the brands and products I use and sell—which are first and foremost American brands—in action, in a space that feels really inviting and comfortable.” In the kitchen, for example, Drago demonstrates the beauty of Cambria’s Inverness Frost—as well as plumbing and lighting fixtures by Waterstone, another favored brand.

Showcasing preferred choices in a home setting is just one way Drago helps guide clients through the design process, which can be a complicated journey. “Coming up with a plan with a new client is really the hardest part of my job,” she says. “Every client is different—some come to the first meeting with very specific ideas, and others have no clue.” Regardless of the client’s starting place, Drago begins by asking how they want the room or home to make them feel. “If they want to feel cozy, I’ll use warm colors. If they want modern, I might add more black. If they want light and airy, more white.” Next, she moves toward a discussion about function: how a client envisions using a room, who will spend time there, what they’ll be doing in the space, etc. She says, “It’s much better to start with the feeling and function than with really specific ideas. That way, I can come up with a plan that truly reflects the client’s style and lifestyle, and not just something they saw in someone else’s home.”

For the same reason, Drago tends toward timeless design elements over the latest trends. “I never watch design shows on TV, but I do spend a lot of time on Instagram and out in the marketplace, so I see what’s popular and in the current conversation. But I rarely use any ‘trend’ in my own work. I absorb ideas and see how I can use them differently, in a beautiful and long-lasting way,” she says. If clients do want something trendy, she advises incorporating it in a small, easy-to-update accent. “I always guide my clients to go with the very best they can afford for materials and elements that they will use every day, or that will make a big statement in a space—countertops are a perfect example. And if you’re investing in quality, you won’t want to replace those things when a trend fades in a few years, so it’s always better to stick with classics.”

Cambria Style: What’s the vibe in your dream dinner party space?
Gina Drago: Southern Italy all the way. Think lemons, olives, and high luxury, like you just came off the Amalfi coast, which is one of the best places I’ve ever been.

CS: If you could only use three colors in all your designs from now on, what would they be?
GD: I hate to say this—because I really love bold color—but I’d go with black, white, and tan.

CS: What is one design tip you wish everyone knew?
GD: The importance of scale. It’s very difficult for people. So often they want to throw little things on the wall, but you have to think about everything like how high the ceilings and windows are to make sure everything works well together.

CS: What are some ways you’ve customized quartz surfaces, like edge profiles or integrated features, to enhance a design?
GD: I use mitered edges on kitchen islands. In one bathroom I did a cute backsplash with a curved corner. I really love to use it vertically, on backsplashes and shower walls.

CS: What are your thoughts on the evolution of quartz surfaces—are there new patterns, finishes, or slab size/thicknesses you’re excited about?
GD: The look and feel of quartz—at least at Cambria—is really at a high point. Cambria has a new design I really love called Inverness Stonestreet™. It looks just like soapstone and feels like it, too.

CS: When working with clients who may have budget constraints, how do you position quartz as a worthwhile investment compared to other materials?
GD: Two words: Lifetime Warranty. Cambria is so easy to sell!