Intelligent Design with HGTV's John Gidding

John Gidding can simply be described as an architecture and design expert. After graduating from Yale with a BA in architecture and completing a master’s program at Harvard School of Design, you could say he has the knowledge to prove it. He has gone on to become the host of HGTV’s Curb Appeal and works to enhance the outside of a home by incorporating design techniques into the exterior space.

As owner of the New York City-based John Gidding Design Inc., John has had success with design and construction projects all around the world and he isn’t planning on scaling back any time soon.

We talked to John to about upcoming trends for this year and even tried to get some hints about this year’s Deseret News Home Show.

What are some of your favorite interior or outdoor design looks this year?

"Outdoor living is skewing away from massive planting beds and horticultural expressions to hardscapes, overhead pergolas and projections, and interesting seating styles, be it hammocks and swings or large collections of whimsical seating options. In other words, both in front and back yards, people are focusing on creating courtyards and patios with a real focus on seating and comfort. This is a huge departure from when I first started Curb Appeal and everyone would chastise me for putting a few options for seating in the fronts of homes! As for interiors, I'm in love with everything Ken Fulk is doing."

How would you describe your design aesthetic?

"I'm a modernist at heart, but the more I work, the more I'm adapting to a softer approach. Finally, the most successful tenet of modernism is open-plan living - we are no longer hampered by structure defining every space, and instead find ourselves in open floor plans that allow life to flow easily from one space to another. This is easily married with color, pattern, and comfort; elements which mean more and more to me with each project."

What is one piece of advice you would give a homeowner who wants to improve the look and feel of their space?

"The key to improving the look and feel of your space is to identify needs that will be newly met by the redesign. If all you're looking to do is breathe new life into your home, playing with fabrics and colors will be the least expensive and most effective way to do it - but if you want to take your project to new heights, identify some needs you've always had (need more storage? more seating? more light?) and make the design address your needs if you want your project to be 'next level'."

Since you’ve been to Salt Lake before, is there anything you love about the city, or is there anything you would like to experience while you’re here?

"I love SLC because of the people. I've met some life-long friends there and look forward to visiting every time. I'm definitely going to stop by to check out the latest pieces by The Mandate Press when I'm there - I've always been a huge fan of letterpress artwork and one of the foremost studios in the country is in SLC."

Join John Gidding at the Deseret News Home Show October 9-11, 2015. John will be appearing live on the Design Stage on Friday, October 9th at 7pm and Saturday, October 10th at 3pm. Don't miss him!

Haven't bought your tickets yet? Get 'em early to save big and avoid box office lines! Right now you can get 2-for-1 tickets when you visit our Facebook ticket deals. Click here to grab yours today!

SOUTH TOWNE EXPO CENTER
OCTOBER 9-11, 2015.