The Art of a Well-Lived Home with Galerie Design + Build
Some homes feel designed. Others feel lived in from the moment you step inside.
For Galerie Design + Build, that balance is the goal. Known for their ability to pair refined minimalism with warmth and livability, Jackie and Martina approach each project with a focus on creating spaces that feel both intentional and easy to settle into. In this Venice, California home, layered textures, natural materials and thoughtful details come together to create a space that feels as good as it looks.
We sat down with the design duo to talk about their approach, the influence of Venice and how the right materials, especially all-natural textiles from Coyuchi, help shape a home you never want to leave.
Tell us a little bit about yourselves and how Galerie Design + Build came to be.
Galerie Design + Build really came about in a very organic way. Our family introduced us, convinced we had so much in common we were basically the same person. At the time, Martina was working in real estate and I was focused on interior design. Initially, I asked her to help me find a property to renovate but as we spent more time together, we quickly realized we wanted to partner together on the project and GDB was born.
Design duo Jackie and Martina bring a sense of lived-in luxury to every space they design. Photo credit: Tessa Neustadt.
How did the surrounding area of Venice influence your vision for this space?
We were genuinely thrilled when we found this home because Venice gives you creative permission that not every neighborhood does. The area is a hub for artists and creatives who aren’t looking for something safe or predictable - they want something interesting with architectural character. We leaned into that and let the neighborhood help shape our decisions.
Your work often balances refined minimalism with warmth and livability. How did you approach creating a home that feels both elevated and deeply comfortable for everyday living?
We always design from a personal place - we think about the home we would want to live in ourselves - a space you want to linger in. Throughout the home we carried a mix of finishes using unlacquered brass door hardware, vintage and artful lighting, plaster walls, and marble countertops to achieve a layered, collected feel. The neutral palette honors the home’s heritage while also providing a backdrop for art and furnishings.
Pictured above: Cordillera Alpaca Cotton Knit Decorative Pillow in Gray Heather, Willow Organic Throw in Oat. Photo credit: Austin Reyes.
Sustainability is increasingly central to residential design. What guiding principles shape your approach to creating spaces that are both environmentally conscious and enduring in their aesthetic?
At our core, we are a renovation focused business and we believe that preserving and working within an existing structure is not only a responsible choice but we’re honoring what’s already there but bringing it new life. Our philosophy is rooted in timelessness over trend and we reach for natural materials like marble, wood, plaster, etc. that only grow more beautiful with age.
Textiles play a powerful role in shaping the atmosphere of a home. How did Coyuchi pieces contribute to the overall feeling you wanted to create in this project?
The final layers are key in creating a space that feels inviting and lived in. We love mixing heavier textiles in a neutral color like an alpaca pillow on a bed or sofa, as a way to build depth without bright colors. Wovens like 100% linen bring comfort and look more beautiful as you wash them. Ultimately, it’s the layering of quality materials that creates a sense of approachable luxury that we strive for.
Pictured above: Organic Relaxed Linen Duvet Cover in Natural Chambray, Refined Organic Percale Pillowcases in Undyed, Cordillera Alpaca Cotton Knit Decorative Pillow in Gray Heather. Photo credit: Austin Reyes.
