Gerlayn Gaines & Her Humble Abode
Her: Geralyn Gaines
Hometown: Detroit, Michigan | Alma Mater: University of Michigan
Homeowner at 24-years-old, Geralyn Gaines has created a space of her own that resembles something straight out of a magazine. Over the last year, the Detroit native has been decorating her New Jersey townhouse to display the perfect balance of sophistication and comfort. "I wanted my home to be comfortable but with a sense of sophistication," she explained. "Sometimes people opt solely for comfort and neglect to focus on style and decoration. I wanted to create a space that has both." Mission accomplished.
I took a trip to Geralyn's house (her HOUSE, y'all!) and spoke about the process of decorating her home, a little about her career journey and a bit of everything else in between.
Her Abode
What's your favorite item of piece or furniture in your home? Definitely my chandelier. I searched high and low for this chandelier. It was actually the last add to this space and I think it adds a little modern twist to a more traditional space. I was able to put it together piece by piece with my own hands which added to the experience.
What was the biggest challenge you faced with decorating and moving into your home? One of the biggest challenges was figuring out if I wanted to create a space that was "on trend" or a space that was "for me". Just because something is trendy doesn't necessarily mean you'll be comfortable with it. Picking a couch was also tough. Couches are pieces that typically last for years. So I wanted to find a couch that I'd still like and enjoy in about 5-7 years.
In four words, how would you describe your home? Chic, feminine, sophisticated and relaxed .
The details?
Dining room table - Restoration Hardware
Dining room center pieces - Restoration Hardware
Pillows and comforters - West Elm and Z Gallerie
Bedroom chair - Lazzoni
Bedroom dresser set - Restoration Hardware
Bedroom painting - Z Gallerie
Career
Geralyn is currently a zone manager at Ford Motor Companies where she serves as a business consultant, supplying dealers with insights to ensure they're making the best business decisions for their dealerships.
What is your favorite part about your role? I like the autonomy of the job. One day I'm working from home and the next day I'm traveling across the state for meetings. I also love that this role also allows me to meet so many people and interact with the decision makers of the business.
What's your biggest accomplishment to date? I think my biggest career accomplishment to date would be, being promoted in less than a year. Promotion is based on performance and because I performed so well in my last role, I was promoted and given more responsibility.
How would you describe your career journey thus far and why? I would say it’s been challenging. Every single day there’s a fire to be put out. People contact you and want things done “yesterday” which can be quite difficult. However, it’s really rewarding once you're able to accomplish the tasks knowing your client is happy and satisfied.
Just Because
First thing you do when you wake up? Pray.
Last thing you do before you go to bed? Pray.