Q&A with Blackband Design
Our Designer Network is a group of trailblazers and icons that Sunset and sister publications Coastal Living and Southern Living work wit...
Photography courtesy of Blackband Design
Our Designer Network is a group of trailblazers and icons that Sunset and sister publications Coastal Living and Southern Living work with to curate the best home designs for the magazines.
This week, we feature interior designers Greg and Wendy Blackband of Blackband Design.
Sunset: How would you describe your style?
BD: My personal style is coastal bohemian with a British Colonial flair. It’s current but it has history to it (new, vintage and legacy items). It’s clean but it has depth, it’s layered in different tones and materials but not overdone. Having a large team of talented designers allows us to expand our style from Eclectic to Mid Century and everything in between.
Sunset: What’s a design trend you’re loving right now?
BD: I’m liking green. All shades of green. Olive, chartreuse, pistachio, mint and palm green. We’re trying to step away from the monochromatic trend that has been so popular the past few years. I want to see more color!!!
Sunset: What are your (beach, mountain, lake, farm) house essentials?
BD: Beach house essentials. Fresh coat of white paint, linen sheer fabrics, accents of the sea, coastal artwork, jute and seagrass, rattan & wicker, shiplap. A drawer full of hats, sunscreen and sunglasses for your guests. A Cuba Libre cocktail with extra lime!
Sunset: What’s your go-to statement making front door paint color?
BD: We live on Balboa Island where there are a lot of great beach cottages. People can have a lot of fun with their door color. Ours is an old barn-wood reclaimed dutch door, which pretty much stays open year around. If you pressed me for a color I would have to say turquoise. Benjamin Moore’s Spirit in the Sky is a really pretty soft turquoise that works well with coastal homes.
Sunset: Western destination of choice?
BD: This summer we visited a dude ranch with some friends. At Home Ranch in Clark, Colorado we enjoyed farm to table dinners, horseback riding, hiking, fly fishing, rock climbing and mountain biking. Every day was a new adventure!
Sunset: Favorite places to shop?
BD: I like small, intimate shops that sell one-of-kind pieces. Places that feel comfortable, like you’re already home. Sometimes it’s just a feeling about a place, I love places with friendly people that have stories to tell and make the experience personal and fun and endearing. I like to shop locally.
Sunset: Favorite designers/tastemakers to follow on Instagram?
BD: Kelly WearstlerDesign Love Fest/ Bri EmeryEmily HendersonJustina BlakenyMat Sanders & Consort DesignSarah Sherman Samuel
Sunset: Favorite hotels to stay in on the coast?
BD: Some of our faves along the coast…Post Ranch Inn, Big Sur; San Ysidro Ranch, Santa Barbara; and the one and only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico.
Sunset: When it comes to (beach house) kitchens, what’s your preference: island or peninsula?
BD: I love a big island. The kitchen is where it all happens in our house. We love when everyone can hang out. We have a family of great chefs, everyone loves to share in the process of bringing the meal to the table.
