At GrayLeaf, we partner with several talented interior designers whose creativity and visual expertise bring our fine metal finishes to life. Jaimee Rose Interiors is a luxury design firm in Phoenix that believes each client’s home should tell a story.

We sat down with Jaimee Rose herself to learn more about her design process, as well as how GrayLeaf’s custom finishes have helped enhance her projects.

Q: What do fine metals bring to a home that other finishes do not?

A: Metal is easily one of my favorite materials to work with. So many designers are focused on things like fabrics or wallpaper — and I love those, too — but I really love metal. It’s like the jewelry of a home. You need a mix of materials and finishes to create a layered, elevated aesthetic, and we can’t do that without metal. Just like every outfit needs ‘bling’ to make it shine, every house needs amazing metal finishes.

Q: Which fine metal material is your favorite to work with and why?

A: We primarily work with three metals that each have their own advantages: blackened steel, antique brass and zinc. Blackened steel is a huge part of our country’s architectural history. Unlacquered antique brass is seen all over Europe, especially in old hotels, and zinc is the memorable material found on most Parisian rooftops. We want the spaces we design to be stylish, yet timeless. We’re not a fan of trends or anything that will date quickly, so we use finishes that have existed for hundreds of years to give rooms staying power.

Q: How would you describe your approach to interior design?

A: Our job is to make clients’ dreams come true. If they can dream it, we can design it — and we’re lucky to have found a company as incredible as GrayLeaf to help us make it happen.

As far as process, I ask a lot of questions first — about space needs, colors, architectural styles and how they’d like their home to feel. Next, we work together to plan out each corner of the space. Lastly, my team and I help clients fill their rooms with the things they love.

Q: Describe your aesthetic. Why is this your go-to style?

A: It’s important that every project suits the client’s own aesthetic. When you walk into a room, we want it to showcase the style of whomever we built it for. If possible, though, we like to add bright, airy and eclectic touches with a French or Parisian influence.

Q: Throughout the design process, how do you ensure you’re meeting the client’s vision?

A: We hold lots of meetings, and we create lots of drawings. Our clients always lead the design process, and they frequently stop in to check out our progress and provide feedback.

Zinc and brass range hood

Photo credit: Isaac Bailey

Q: What’s the most rewarding part of your job?

A: It’s easily the moment when we finally walk a client through their new home. We call it the “Chip and Joanna Gaines” moment. Everything is furnished, the candles are lit; it feels like a magazine cover that happens to be their new house. The big reveal is always incredible, and people cry tears of joy all the time. There’s no better reward than that.

Q: Why do you rely on GrayLeaf for your fine metal needs?

A: Interior designers are picky people. We’re selective; we know what works and what doesn’t. GrayLeaf does beautiful work that always turns out even better than we had hoped. They make our team look good, and most importantly, they make our clients happy. Their work is by far the best in town.

Q: What has been your favorite part about working with GrayLeaf so far?

A: The finish they create on their metals makes them stand out. A metal with a bad finish is obvious, and it can throw off the whole aesthetic of a home. It’s hard to nail the perfect finish, but GrayLeaf does it every time.

Want to take your clients’ homes to the next level? Discover how you can incorporate GrayLeaf’s fine metal finishes into your range hoods, countertops, bar tops and more.