The Art of Custom Renovation

Opaline Interiors Studio takes every project personally—step by step.

Every renovation project is custom in the sense that all are designed with a particular client, home, and budget in mind. Even something as simple as a paint refresh is tailored to a room’s purpose, dimensions, and quality of light.

This informs every project that designer Gabrielle Bove takes on—no matter its scope. Bove brings a wealth of experience in commercial and hospitality work to her role as principal of Opaline Interiors Studio, which she launched in 2022 in Brookline, Massachusetts. Today her focus is on custom residential projects, and being the quintessential client advocate, Bove says she “never loses sight of the fact that we are working in people’s homes.”

It’s all personal to her: “We don’t do anything directly off a showroom floor—we try to customize all the elements, everything from the millwork and furnishings to the lighting. We believe in making every project one of a kind.”

It’s not always easy to think like she does and juggle multiple projects, so Bove has devised a five-step strategy she calls the art of custom renovation. “I come from a classically trained background and have worked on very complex projects including hotels and office buildings she says. “I bring that multidisciplinary approach to residential work, bridging the gap between them while eliminating the stress.” She breaks down her design process like so:

Envision: Defining Your Dream Space

Gabrielle Bove at work in her Brookline, Massachusetts, studio. Photograph by TK

“I always start my design process with an ‘envision’ phase,” says Bove. “This is our jumping-off point, where we get to know our clients and understand their goals.” She combines direct questions with intuition and observation. “I look at body language, listen to how they talk about homes they’ve lived in in the past,” she says. “My job is to draw out interests and desires they may not even know they have.” It’s at this point that Bove develops a personal concept and scope for the project, providing the client inspiration, imagery and sketches, a materials board, a high-level budget, and a timeline.

Plan: Turning Vision into Strategy

Bove and her team reimagined this Hopkinton, Masssachusetts, kitchen using 3D modeling.

At this stage, she helps the client see things the way she does. “We take the goals established during the Envision phase and show how we can incorporate those ideas into the client’s space,” says Bove. Not everyone can visualize or read floor plans, so she will tailor her presentation to every client—another way she keeps the process personal.  “We do a 3D scan of the space, and I walk them through our drawings based on the scan and scope of the project. Even if something isn’t fully baked, I’ll show them a simple view with things blocked out.” She’ll often bring a tape measure to a client’s home to help them better understand the scale.

Create & Curate: Selecting Every Detail

The Guest Bedroom in a Brookline Brownstone has a variety of custom elements. The details were a realized during the plan, create, and curate phases of Opaline Interiors Studio’s signature process.

This step takes the client across the all-important bridge from idea to reality. “We’ve made most of the important decisions and have a detailed concept, says the designer. “This allows us to make very personal selections and to use heirloom pieces—all in advance of construction, so that process is seamless.” This is when every selection is decided, vetted, priced, and documented—including construction materials, fixtures, finishes, furnishings, and soft goods. With everything approved, Bove’s team prepares detailed visual presentations of every space. “If you have a really strong vision and client discussions upfront,” she says, “the process is usually seamless and collaborative.”

Implement: Managing the Process Seamlessly

A variety of trades people, including plumbers, tile installers, electricians and more, were needed to transform a small bathroom and closet into an luxurious primary bath with a large walk-in shower.

“Everyone does things differently, but I’m very focused on project management,” says the designer. “We like to keep things moving and will do whatever is needed to accomplish that at this point.” It’s in this phase that Opaline’s procurement specialists order product, but the firm’s overall involvement “will depend on the entire design team,” says Bove. “We may do any or all of the following: aid in the construction bidding process, manage detailed budgets for materials/fixtures and construction from beginning to end, and/or work closely with architects and contractors by providing them detailed drawings and specification packages.”

Realize: Bringing the Design to Life

A primary bedroom tucked into the eaves of a suburban Boston home was transformed with a renovation. Opaline Interiors Studio also selected all the furnishings and finishing touches, from light fixtures to bedding.

Opaline works with a variety of professionals to bring every original design concept to life. “We call in our custom pillow workroom, drapery workroom, wallpaper installer, custom rug company, art installer, upholstery and stone protection companies, and stylists—all experts in their fields,” says Bove. It’s important to coordinate everything from furniture deliveries to finishes because it takes the pressure off all involved at the end of a project.

Opaline’s design process is very methodical, tried and true. Are there ever any late-breaking changes? “We don’t have many revisions later in the process,” says Bove, “but we try to create an atmosphere that welcomes feedback at every turn. We want people to feel comfortable reaching out, knowing we’ll solve any problems that may arise. After all, the most important thing we can offer is peace of mind.”

Opaline Interiors Studio
Brookline, MA 02446
617.505.6938

opalineinteriorsstudio.com

Photography by Joyelle West unless otherwise noted.