Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Grunberger.
Hi Claudia, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I have been fortunate to have lived in some of Europe’s most beautiful cities – London, Paris, Venice, Florence, and then Antwerp, Belgium – before finally moving to Long Island, New York.
In each city, I created a new home – a place for myself and my family which was inviting, made us feel that we belonged, and reflected our sense of style. I adapted to my surroundings, spoke different languages, connected with diverse cultures, and formed lasting friendships along the way.
The importance of home has been apparent to me since childhood. My own home was a traditional British garden flat located just down the street from the iconic Abbey Road Studios. It was evidence of how, just by offering a sense of belonging, a home can be magical.
This life journey, with my never-ending quest for home, is undoubtedly the reason why I established Grunberger Interiors.
Living abroad has opened my mind to new possibilities and enriched my design vision beyond the confines of classroom education. The rich history of European design is probably the thing I miss most here on Long Island. Bringing that sense of warmth, richness — and a certain je ne sais quoi — to my clients’ homes brings me joy.
As a graduate of the Metropolitan Institute of Interior Design, I founded Grunberger Interiors in 2018. In 2019, I was honored to receive the Bidoli Award for Best Interior Design on Long Island. In 2021, I was named as one of the top interior designers on Long Island by the Long Island Press.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The road to establishing a successful interior designer firm is not an easy one to take and requires never-ending perseverance, a firm commitment, and an undying belief in oneself. There is no elevator to success. You have to take the stairs.
The business of interior design is not just about education and talent, and it’s also about being a savvy entrepreneur. I must confess that I was poorly prepared for the business end of design, but my thirst for success made me eager to learn the skills I needed. I sought help for what I could not understand, and hired a business coach specializing in interior design businesses who guided me and taught me proper practices. It was hard work. It is still hard work each and every day.
Marketing and developing my personal brand identity is a constant journey where I continue to evolve. I have become a better writer and learnt to be comfortable in front of a camera for video purposes. I regularly post Facebook Lives – “What you wish you knew before you started decorating” – giving design inspiration, the do’s and don’ts of decorating, and providing much needed information about what to expect when working with an interior designer.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a residential interior designer, although I am anything but cookie-cutter. I love to bring a global perspective to local design, which has everything to do with where I come from and my international experience. This background provides me with a unique and colorful vision that incorporates traditional as well as modern styles. Although the latest design trends provide me with abundant inspiration, my focus is to design spaces that transcend time and that are all about my clients.
Establishing a strong, personal connection with clients is the key to being able to transform their homes and unlock their design personalities. I love to build character and create stunning spaces that say, welcome home. Each project I undertake is unique, as are my clients, so I am very keen to design each one differently. The common thread that exists in all of them is an experience of luxury and comfort – they are so inviting that you just don’t want to leave!
What distinguishes me most from other designers are my interior design consultations, which include a beautifully curated tray of fine fabrics, trims and wallpapers. My selections are based on the initial discovery call, so the bespoke scheme I create is totally unique to the client and their project. You will not get this with any other designer in the first meeting!
Fabrics are at the heart of all my designs. They are not just eye candy but a sensory experience, adding luxury and personality to a home. Custom window treatments and decorative pillows are my speciality. I don’t believe in just covering up windows. My approach is to dress them, which has a huge impact on the feel and look of the entire home.
It’s all about creating a high-end design scheme with superb styling and tailoring, which will make a home shine. Taking your space from blah to breathtaking is the Grunberger Interiors difference.
What are your plans for the future?
My wish is to connect further with an even wider audience, either through print or through video/television. I want to encourage people to invest in their homes wisely, and to get off the social media merry-go-round that sells a vision but doesn’t explain how to get there. Interior design is very personal and not a one-size-fits-all. Why be a copycat when you should be an original? That is the message that I want to convey.
Contact Info:
- Website: grunbergerinteriors.com
- Instagram: grunbergerinteriors@instagram.com
- Facebook: grunbergerinteriors@facebook.com
Image Credits
Tim Hill Photo
