Looking Back on 2020

As we wrap up a strange and challenging year, I want to thank you for following along. I couldn't do it without you. I also want to reflect on some of the good things that came out of the year because it wasn't all doom and gloom. This year helped us slow down and find joy in the small things and for that I'm grateful. I hope that's something we take with us into the new year. I also had a couple of personal/business accomplishments that I'm particularly proud of. I thought it would be fun to reflect and share a little bit of what happened behind the scenes of Graham Hill Design.

Community Building + Education

The first came in February of last year when I went to the first ever Design Camp hosted by The Identite Collective and Lindsey Brooke Design. Just getting to meet these two smart and talented women was a highlight, but the experience stretched me out of my comfort zone, and most of all I learned a ton while meeting a whole group of wonderful designers who've become friends and mentors. It was the community that I needed, especially in a year like this. We formed a chat group and share knowledge and encouragement almost daily!

From left to right: Kate Saige, Ashley Moore, Traci Biasotti, Kerry Gillette (that's me), Anastasia Casey, Erinn Chapman, Meredith Smyth, Veronica Frost, Joanna Torres

A New Look for Graham Hill Design

I also decided to invest in a new logo and website and hired the talented ladies of IDCO Studio to get the task done. I'm so proud of what they created for my brand. They nailed my organic-coastal Santa Cruz vibe by pulling inspiration from mid-century Italian typography, and adding a little unique flair for a truly bespoke design. I really enjoyed this entire process of working with them since I have a background not only in interior design, but also fine art, graphic design and advertising.

Check out the inspiration board they created for me. As part of the initial process we collaborated on images from Pinterest for my brand tone. This became part of my brand guidelines and inspired my color pallet.

At Design Camp, I learned the importance of good photography and teamed up with Madeline Harper to help me document some of my projects. I also began building more of a local creative community this year and collaborated with Darcy from Seascape Flowers and Julie from Julie Cahill Photography to style and capture some beautiful holiday content for the blog.

Madeline Harper

Seascape Flowers, Julie Cahill Photography

A Feature in Haven

In September I was thrilled to have my home featured on Haven. I love this site for home inspiration and I bet you will too.

What's Next for 2021

Well, hopefully and end to this horrific pandemic of course, but beyond that I'm feeling inspired for a fresh start. Since California is still in a stay-at-home order, and probably will be for a while, I'll be focusing on virtual design, a.k.a. E-design for at least the first part of the year. The new year is a great time to refresh and renew your home so if you're thinking of updating or remodeling, reach out, I'd love to help! I'll also be blogging more so leave a comment and let me know what you want more of. Home tours? How to's? Product round ups? Let me know!

Until then, I wish you a healthy and happier new year!

XO

Kerry