The Designer’s Journal: Studio Gama’s Approach to Designing Meaningful Homes

For Studio Gama founder Gabrielle Guidry, design is more than aesthetics—it’s a deeply intentional practice rooted in story, soul, and the way we choose to live. Known for her thoughtful, evolving style, Gabrielle brings a warm, layered sensibility to every project, drawing inspiration from people, place, and the quiet beauty of everyday rituals.

“Our spaces are always a reflection of the client,” she explains. “We design with feeling—tapping into what brings someone comfort, joy, and a sense of belonging.”

We caught up with Gabrielle to learn more about her full-scale renovation of a laid-back coastal retreat in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, and how collaboration, vintage finds, and one unforgettable weekend of DIY plasterwork helped bring this meaningful home to life.

Describe your design style in three words.

Thoughtful, Warm, Evolving.

Our style is always rooted in comfort and timelessness, but it’s highly responsive to our clients and their story. The most beautiful spaces come from collaboration, layering the client’s personality with the environment, history, and architecture of the home.

Where do you draw your design inspiration from?

People, first and foremost. The way someone lives, what they collect, how they wake up or unwind from their day. All of that informs my design process. Movement and dance, films, music, nature, architecture, travel, vintage and handmade objects, and everyday rituals all spark creativity for me. When designing a space for a client, I’m especially drawn to the things that tell a story or have a history. Those unique objects or personal items add so much soul to a space.

What is your design ethos?

Design should be meaningful, not just beautiful. It should make you feel great. It should serve your life, support your well-being, and reflect your values. I believe in sustainability, in using what you have when possible, and in designing spaces that grow with you. A home should feel like an extension of yourself, not something curated or contrived.

What does your home say about you?

That I believe in living with intention. I recently moved to New York, so it goes without saying that my space is small. But it has taught me to keep close the things I hold dear and leave the rest. I mostly decided to "start fresh" with this space, but almost everything is secondhand. I am sourcing slowly and thoughtfully, looking for investment pieces that will last and evolve with me. A true design oxymoron, perhaps? Starting fresh with pieces older than me? Maybe that is my design ethos! This process is a reminder that a home doesn’t need to be finished or filled with brand new pieces to feel special or personal. It just needs to reflect who you are and how you want to live.

What’s your favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room?

A single, sculptural or vintage piece can anchor a room and tell a story instantly. That, paired with beautiful accent lighting and something unexpected, like a color or texture you didn’t see coming.

Can you share about your favorite Schoolhouse product?

I have always adored Schoolhouse bedding and textiles but one of my favorite pieces I’ve used in a project has been the Allegheny Sconce. I’m obsessed with the color "Lichen," a beautiful green. I think soft downlighting is so nice in a home. As opposed to intense overhead lighting, I would use these sconces along a stairwell or on stairwell landings.

Can you tell us a bit about the project pictured?

This project was a full-scale interior renovation and styling for a client’s secondary home on the beach. The goal was to create a laid-back, luxurious retreat that felt deeply personal. Somewhere our client could unwind, recharge, and entertain friends and family in a space that truly reflected his creative energy and lifestyle. We prioritized comfort, durability, and texture, all while infusing the home with subtle nods to our client’s artistic background and love for color. The result is a cozy, inviting beach house that blends personal style with thoughtful design, featuring many unique vintage finds, warm textures, and calming, customized spaces.

Where is the project located?

Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Along the scenic 30A corridor, just steps from the water. The location’s natural beauty played a major role for us in shaping the palette and mood of the home.

What was the biggest challenge in bringing this project to life?

Creating a full transformation while keeping certain architectural and structural elements intact to stay within budget and timeline. We salvaged cabinetry in the kitchen, reused existing tubs and some tilework in the bathrooms, and incorporated the client’s pre-existing furniture where possible. It became a creative exercise in layering new textures, tones, and details to give the home a fresh identity without gutting everything.

Any fun facts about the project?

The client didn’t see any part of the design process in person. So we planned a full reveal day, which made every detail feel even more exciting. One of our favorite behind-the-scenes moments happened just days before that reveal. We had scheduled a crew to plaster the walls in the primary bathroom, but due to a delay, they couldn’t make it in time. So my incredible, all-women team and I rolled up our sleeves and plastered the entire space ourselves over a single weekend. We all enjoy a hands-on task but that was more than light work, so I’m incredibly grateful to them for that.