Lifelong art enthusiast Gabrielle Bove illuminates artistry in her designs.
A living room in Cape Neddick, Maine
Opaline Interiors Studio (opalineinteriorsstudio.com) is named for opalescence, or the reflecting of iridescent light. It both represents founder Gabrielle Bove’s love for color and also how she approaches design projects holistically by reflecting the needs of her clients.
She approaches each project in a comprehensive and collaborative manner, blending her well-honed project management skills with a discerning, yet adventurous artistic eye. Bove has worked in many different mediums from charcoal, oil painting, pottery throwing and glass mosaics to still life sketching, pastels and glass blowing. It’s within these forms that she finds inspiration.
Founder Gabrielle Bove
Papered walls, rich color palettes, luxurious textiles, botanical motifs and mosaic tiling are all integral facets of the Opaline design style, especially if they are locally sourced. “I enjoy collaborating with local, woman-owned textile designers…and showcasing their artistry in our projects,” says Bove. “I can get lost in sourcing fabrics—I am drawn to all of the patterns, colors and textures and enjoy layering them in my spaces.”
Combining both traditional and contemporary pieces, Opaline produces spaces that feel collected— each one with a sense of eclectic antiquity. The purpose of a home? To be liveable.
Working primarily with busy families, Bove achieves a feeling of livability through what she refers to as the “Envision Phase.” After meeting with a client, the Studio sends over a questionnaire to get to know more about them as an individual, from favorite vacation places to spaces where they feel at home. “From there, I prepare for [the client] a design scope—concept imagery and sketches, inspiration imagery, a materials palette, a design timeline and high-level budget ranges, which serves as a bird’s eye view of the project.”
An Acton kitchen
What sets her process apart is her close work with industry collaborators who help to create a truly custom space. From space planning and interior architecture to furnishings and décor, she is a guide through every step of the process. “I leverage my expertise in construction and experience in project management to make the process seamless and enjoyable for my clients—this is my key differentiator.”
Whether you are building from the ground up or renovating a familiar space, Bove and her team will illuminate each step of the process.
Photography by: JOYELLE WEST
