Judi Olson
Interior Designer
The Gathering Place
Having never ordered custom furniture before, this client found it difficult to visualize the final product, and Gabberts Designers Cindy Erdall and Judi Olson needed to gain her faith in their design choices to complete this transitional style. Slowly, the client opened up and began trusting their expertise while she started to enjoy herself during the selection process.
Blending solid and pattern fabrics with textured and plain leathers, the designers used contrast welting to create interest in the furniture. Then, they rounded out this family-friendly site by adding casegoods, rugs, and beautiful and relaxed magnolia floral draperies accented with artwork and accessories.
Comfortable and entertainable throughout, the living room is centered with an inviting curved leather sofa for easy conversation paired with two curved chairs in green velvet fabric with contrasting blue buttons and welt. The home office includes a stunning cream 60" writing desk featuring horizontal tambour molding and saber legs. Outside, the environment is complemented by a three-season porch with a fireplace featuring deep blue and white seating that emanates a sense of relaxation. Lastly, the client requested a comfortable entertaining pub theme for the lower level; to that end, these designers opted for a luxurious reclining leather sectional and ground it with a custom taupe and cream plaid area rug and round paisley ottoman with nail trim.
"I believe that being a good listener is the key to a successful designer/client relationship that results in rooms that my clients are excited about."
Interior design is a journey and Judi values the personal relationships that develop through this process.
During her 16-year career as a Fashion Clothing, Giftware & Holiday buyer, Judi chose colors, designed floor plans and selected merchandise for various clothing and gift stores. This experience set the stage for a smooth transition into the home furnishings industry. Judi then started her own business, Redesign for Homes, providing custom design services before joining the Gabberts team in 2003. Judi believes the most magical part of the design process is seeing the vision for a space created on paper transformed into a finished, livable room or home.
Judi enjoys skiing, spending family time at her cottage and creating floral arrangements for weddings. Her creativity, knowledge and Interior Design & Fashion Merchandising background gives her the ability to make her clients’ design dreams come to life.
Praise
I have had the pleasure of working with Judi Olson for close to 10 years on two homes. My husband and I love working with Judi on our furnishings and completely trust her judgement. Because of her taste and talent in selecting furniture, carpet, accessories and wall-color, our home has an elegant and comfortable feel. Judi is also very easy to work with and she makes the interior design process fun and enjoyable. She has an amazing attention to detail and also remembers past purchases so that new items always fit in seamlessly. Because of Judi and the service provided by Gabberts, we come to Minneapolis for our furnishings even though we live in Chicago. I give Judi my highest recommendation!