Gabriela Eisenhart didn’t set out to be a designer; it just happened. What began as a passion for creating calming, well-lived-in spaces turned into Silo Studio Design, where her signature “organic modern” style is instantly recognizable by layers of texture, vintage brass, and just the right pop of surprise. Based in Atlanta, Gabriela has a knack for blending old and new, creating homes that feel collected, authentic, and deeply personal.
What inspired the launch of Silo Studio Design?
My design career started organically in 2012 when I launched my company. I’ve always been drawn to the way a space can shift how you feel, and how the right environment has the power to calm you and shape the way you move through your day. I love the experience of good design and wanted to share it with others.
How would you describe your signature style?
Organic modern with a dash of the unexpected. My speciality is creating warmth through layered organic materials and textures. I have had a long-standing love affair with vintage brass and natural greenery — while my projects may range in style, you can always recognize my work by my loyal use of both.
Atlanta offers such a fun mix of old and new. How does the city (and the South)’s character influence your approach to design?
Atlanta is a melting pot of styles with an industrial past. I admire how the city repurposes larger older buildings — it’s sustainable and preserves its character while giving what is technically a newer city a sense of history. I’m a big fan of repurposing, whether it’s renovating a home or reimagining generational pieces. New is great, but there is magic in finding the balance between old and new, and I think Atlanta does it beautifully.
What’s one recent project that pushed you outside your comfort zone, and how did it change your perspective?
A recent project that pushed me out of my comfort zone was my Brookwood Hills kitchen and dining project. My client, who is more adventurous than me, wanted to play with color in a way that was outside of my comfort zone. It was such a fun challenge to figure out how to bring in all the personality she wanted while still keeping the space feeling soft and cohesive. This project helped me to realize that you can make the boldest spaces feel grounded by layering in natural materials.
Are there particular textures, colors, or design elements you find yourself drawn to again and again?
I’m a sucker for natural materials — like raw oak, limestone, linen, wool, and unlacquered brass. These elements are timeless and built to last. Natural materials complement one another beautifully and have a way of grounding a space.
What is your favorite space or design element in your own home, and why?
My favorite design element in my own home is the lighting. To me, lighting is always the first step to getting the design right. First, you need to ask yourself, “How does the natural light move through the home? Where are we placing accent fixtures and task lighting?” I believe that lighting plays the biggest role in setting the emotion of a space.
What would people be most surprised to learn about you or your design approach?
I think design has rules, but I’ve learned that the magic happens when you know when to bend them. I trust my gut, and I can feel when something is right for a space. Guidelines are helpful, but at the end of the day, you can’t force it. The right pieces have a way of falling into place.
If you could design any space, anywhere in the world, without limitations, what would it be, and who would be your dream client?
I would love to design a boutique wellness retreat located somewhere on a moody coastline. My dream client is someone who trusts the process and understands that the best spaces take time.
What five words best capture your design philosophy?
Collected, effortless, authentic, layered, and welcoming.
For someone overwhelmed by inspiration boards, what’s your advice for creating a home that truly tells their story?
Start out with what you love and build your color palette around that. Incorporate pieces that reflect your life, your personality, and your journey. A collected home grows with you, one layer at a time.
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