Bonnie Gloris

Kitchen and Bath Designer

When did you first become interested in design?

I have been creative all my life, dabbling in illustration, graphic design, fine art, and curation through the years. I became more interested in interior design upon buying a c. 1910 home in Rochester and gradually updating it to better reflect my personal style, while respecting the history of the house.

What is your favorite style of design?

My favorite style is Transitional, which bridges traditional and contemporary design. I like updated forms and materials, accented with antiques and elements with historical charm.

How do you approach design jobs?

Starting with one element I love and working out from there can be a good way to start – it sets a tone that can be used to inspire the style and palette of the whole design without getting pulled in too many directions.

What advice would you give someone considering a kitchen/bath remodel?

Remodeling can be a huge undertaking and involve a lot of big decisions, but I think it’s important to have fun with it and not take it so seriously that it becomes and unpleasant chore. Trust your instincts and trust your designer!

What’s your favorite book?

I read a lot so it’s really hard to choose just one! A few favorite authors are Proust, Capote and Nabokov.

What is a fun fact about you?

My husband and I have been hosting Airbnb guests in our home ever since we moved to Rochester in 2019. It’s been so much fun to meet people from all over the world and learn about different cultures! We’re continually doing little projects to improve our home and how it functions for our guests. The best part is when repeat guests book – then we know we’ve done a good job at making them feel at home!

A woman with long light brown hair wearing a purple blouse stands in a modern, bright room with geometric tile samples on the wall behind her. She is smiling gently and resting her hands on a white counter.