Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/380056
restaurant industry but was looking for opportunities in other fields. He envi- sioned an enterprise that would bring together Carver's depth of experience and knowledge, Favazza's designing talent, and his business skills. Carver and Favazza agreed, and Gi- anna Design Group, named after Braga's daughter, opened at the end of Novem- ber 2013. Initially, the three partners just offered design and architectural services, working out of Carver's exist- ing office in Essex while they renovated the space in North Andover. The goal is to offer "interior design, residential design, and a place to actually see the product—everything under one roof," Braga explains. The showroom features many looks Favazza describes as transitional, incor- porating elements of traditional style and twists of modern inspiration. One dining set has a retro elegance punctu- ated with pops of bold orange; near the entrance, a whimsical wooden chair features carved gold wings as armrests. Favazza stocks the space with pieces she Accents ne 48 nshoremag.com October 2014 Swatch Shop Samples of fabrics and papers fill the upstairs. likes and keeps an eye on trends; metal- lic details and rustic dining tables are big right now, she says. The group's design philosophy is about figuring out—and delivering—ex- actly what the client wants. And some- times this approach means working at a deliberate pace, taking the time to fin just the right colors, finishes, and acces- sories, Favazza says. "We don't try to do everything at once," she says. "It's not like on HGTV." Gianna Design Group also aims to make the process of renovating and decorating less stressful for its clients by working for a flat fee rather than charg- ing an hourly rate. When customers don't have to worry that every consultation and phone call is adding to their bills, they— and the designers—can relax and spend the needed time making the right choices, Favazza explains. It is this personal attention that has the young business growing quickly. "People don't want their houses to look like every- one else's," she says. giannadesigngroup.com