One-on-One with Barbara Vanderkolk Gardner

By Nanette Wiser
March 2021

For fifteen years, Collins Interiors’ stylish designs and award-winning interiors have turned luxury houses into exquisite homes. President Barbara Vanderkolk Gardner is known for creating beautiful, serene, healthy, luxury environments. Sarasota Scene sat down with the award-winning designer for her thoughts about delivering impeccable style.

What’s the key to delivering successful design?

The client’s personality, tastes, and lifestyle all need to be reflected in the home design. Skillful, experienced interior designers transform your home into a haven that nourishes your well-being and creativity. We help our clients find the perfect window treatments, lighting, bedding, furnishings, rugs, and paint colors to create their dream homes.

Can a single design firm handle my entire project?

Absolutely. An experienced, skilled designer can do it all—mini make-overs, house redesign, even turnkey furnished residences that include all furniture, fine art, linens, kitchen equipment and bath accessories. 

What should we expect from a custom design process?

Expect close attention to your needs, your desired investment, any building constraints, even working around family visits, so that the design process is easy and non-intrusive. You should have the option to work with specific contractors or have us bring in our own team of artisans. At Collins Interiors, we’ve developed the “Home Choices Design Deck”™ to detail the client’s lifestyle needs, family member preferences, color/texture favorites and design preferences. 

Do you have a decorating “pet peeve?”

Mounting a TV above a fireplace not only hurts your neck, it interferes with the flow of the room. I prefer to find an alternative, for example, the custom bookcase with sliding framed mirror panels created for a NY client to hide their smart TV. 

Any tips for specific rooms?

Especially in Florida, a bedroom with a view should not be marred by putting the bed in front of the window or a sofa at the end of the bed. A nice low bench works better. In the kitchen, focus on lighting—under the cabinets, along with recessed cans, pendants and lovely chandeliers.

Are future homes moving away from open space living? 

That will be interesting to watch. I do see the return of private spaces that can accommodate families learning and working at home. The great room concept for the family to gather, play games, watch TV and listen to music is still very popular. 

What else do you see trending now? 

For finishings and hardware, brass and gold tones are replacing chrome and silver. People want lighter furnishings and less formal designs. And I’m also designing for smart homes, which integrate air conditioning and heating, sound, light, security, and pool controls.