Designing Women Creating Remarkable Spaces

When interior designers Marianne Gatsch and Kat Larson – each of them boasting an impressive background in architecture and design for more than 20 years – collaborated on a project in May of 2010, they found that they worked wonderfully together, offering a perfect blend of skill and vision to their clients. Recognizing the value of such a great working partnership, the duo decided to take it one step further and establish a design studio of their own. And so, Larson Gatsch Interiors, based in Spring Lake, was born, providing both residential and commercial clients alike with a wealth of exquisite and experienced interior design services.

The scope of those services is extensive and comprehensive, and indicative of the pair’s professional expertise. Trained at the Fashion Institute of Technology in New York City before embarking on years of experience in the field, Monmouth County resident Marianne Gatsch is passionate about interior design and the interaction of color and style in one’s surroundings. Combining her training with her natural ability to create fascinating interiors, she has crafted rooms that reflect clients’ individual needs and personal style, utilizing their input to enrich their lives through design.

A Monmouth County resident for most of her life, Kat Larson literally grew up in the design industry, having spent many years assisting in her family’s multigenerational architectural firm, visiting construction sites, learning the language and nuances of renderings and blueprints, and developing the skills necessary to bring the visions drawn at her drafting table to beautiful fruition for clients. She attended Temple University in Philadelphia and is an Allied Member of the New Jersey Chapter of ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), which recognizes completion of an accredited educational program and years of work experience.

Today, they are successful at bridging the gap between architects and interior designers, teaming up to work on projects in towns throughout Monmouth County. Their handiwork can be found at addresses that include Colts Neck, Holmdel, Rumson, Fair Haven, Little Silver, Brielle, Manasquan, Spring Lake, Avon, Red Bank, and Sea Girt, as well as in Manhattan. They have also been featured on some of the area’s popular designer kitchen tours, such as those for Rumson-Fair Haven, Little Silver, and Spring Lake.   

Ms. Gatsch noted that no project is too small or too large, and can range from simple space planning for a single existing room or new home construction from the ground up. For construction projects, they enjoy spending time “getting their hands dirty” at the site so as to coordinate the process right from the beginning, and their skills at reading and interpreting blueprints are particularly valuable – and something that not all designers can offer.

It all begins, explained Ms. Gatsch, with an interview with the client. Meetings are initially conducted in the client’s own home or office, so the designers can get an accurate feel for one’s tastes and preferences, existing furnishings to be incorporated, and space requirements. “That is our opportunity to help them figure out what’s important, where to go and what to do,” she stated. “We assist them in preselecting items, because the amount of choices can be overwhelming, and we have a vast array of books and samples from our wonderful new design studio. We represent all major lines of furniture, fabrics, and hardware for doors and windows, etc. We can help choose the tiles, cabinetry, plumbing fixtures, and lighting. Window treatments range from simple Roman style to blinds or shutters to extravagant draperies. Then there are choices for wallpapers, colors, or textures. We offer full service for anything, depending upon the client’s needs and budget.” Plans can be made to fit every budget, with pricing by the square foot or by the room, and they pride themselves on how well they manage to come in under deadline and under budget.

Ms. Larson explained that the use of quality products and services is particularly important to them, noting, “We work with lots of local vendors, artists, and craftsmen, and we try to buy American whenever possible. Most of the furniture we order is made in North Carolina and we also have excellent furniture manufacturers right here in New Jersey. Additionally, we are conscientious with regards to the environment and sustainability. Our honesty with our clients is also very important. If we find out something is on back order, we let them know right away so they will be aware of the timeline. Our job is to take the headache out of it, and we’re the ones to follow up on everything. And if there is ever anything that the client doesn’t like or wants to revise, they can just come back to us with those changes.”  

When one sees the partners’ fabulous portfolio of projects, a number of adjectives immediately come to mind that define their creations. Among them are crisp, refined, elegant, luxurious, and timeless – and that’s exactly how Ms. Larson and Ms. Gatsch want their work to be considered, regardless of whether the setting is traditional, contemporary, or something in between.

“We don’t design for us; we design for our clients,” explained Ms. Gatsch. “We look at how they live and function in their home or business, and see their personal style. Then we help them create an environment that is very special for them and their family. Our designs are not just a classical style; we can do anything. What is paramount is that it is timeless, and something you can look at in 10 years and still like it just as much because it was designed for you.” 

Recognizing that perceived cost is a factor that makes some people hesitant to seek out professional design services, she said, “Most people don’t understand how much work goes on behind the scenes after design decisions are made. Designing your home is an investment, and when you factor in everything, it’s really not too expensive versus doing it yourself. We can help save time and money, and there will be no mistakes when it’s done. We’re constantly doing our homework, going to trade shows, and meeting with representatives for new lines to find the best values and the most current items on the market.”

These talented designing women are dedicated to fulfilling their promise to create “breathtaking interiors making an impression.” For further information or to schedule an appointment with Larson Gatsch Interiors, call (732) 449-2239 between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You may also email Kat Larson at kat@larsongatsch.com or Marianne Gatsch at marianne@larsongatsch.com, or visit their website at www.larsongatsch.com, where you will find more details, including video and photographic images of their timeless designs and renderings.