GN discovered designer Anicia Bragg when we came across an article featuring her recommendations for throwing posh parties and recognized something uniquely "Texas" about her aesthetic. Her interior design style is, in a word, bold. Texas-bold. And that bold translates into something exciting and different...kind of like the woman herself.

GN: How did you come to develop your style?

Anicia: My style has always been bold, lavish and exotic. I’m very drawn to unusual or unique things that are one-of-a-kind pieces. I never really second-guessed my taste; I just grew into my style awareness with time. I’m totally comfortable being the center of attention. Whether I’m dressing for an event or working on my latest design project, I can always visualize the outcome of what I want in my head.

GN: Tell us about the last project you worked on. What did you love most about it?

Anicia: The last project was a luxury home in Las Vegas in which the owner went through several contractors prior to asking me to take over the project. I was not happy with the structure of the home, but I had to work with the existing design plans to highlight the focal points throughout the home that I felt were missing or not provided for by the original architect.

I loved that I was given free rein to do whatever I wanted, and in doing so, we chose a really fun and flamboyant decor. My favorite piece was a 9x9-foot bed that I designed for the master bedroom.

There was no curb appeal to this home when I took over the project, so I added a circular drive and extended the entrance with a covered dome. I designed elegant, 20-foot-tall, custom wrought-iron and glass entrance doors for the entryway and a terrace on the second floor for guests.

The old floor plan had a corner fireplace, which I felt was boring and dated. I added two contemporary fireplaces with a mirrored entertainment wall, making the entire wall a focal point and conversation piece. The house’s main function was to accommodate large groups for entertaining, so I designed oversize sofas and a coordinating upholstered coffee table. I used Phyllis Morris wallpaper to create dramatic wall art (main image).

The master suite was large enough for something “over the top,” so I created a 9x9-foot carved wood bed to fill the space with a custom Tempur-Pedic® mattress and bedding.



The master sitting area has the most incredible view. We chose floor-to-ceiling windows and designed a double-sided sofa for relaxing and lounging, exposing the view from either side. This sofa is part of the Skyline Collection of furnishings by A Bragg Design.



GN: What advice would you have for homeowners in hiring and managing contractors, whether it be for paint, flooring, handymen or big remodels like custom-made closets?

Anicia: Existing relationships and references of skilled personnel are a great place to start, because they most likely have performed satisfactory work in the past for people you know and trust. I always recommend getting three written proposals for each project. Check references and the Better Business Bureau. Check for pending lawsuits and to see if their licenses and insurance are up to date. Last but not least, I follow my intuition on the scope of work to see if I feel confident they can deliver.

GN: What’s your idea of a comfortable home?

Anicia: A comfortable home is a place you never want to leave, a place you can’t wait to come home to after a long day at work. Each room reflects your individual personality and style. It’s comfortable, relaxing and rejuvenating.

GN: What's your philosophy on creating meaning in the home?

Anicia: I think this could come from collecting art, world artifacts from your travels or something you’ve designed or created with your loved ones (husband, children, family and friends). It’s all about surrounding yourself with positive memories and items that make you feel good when you are in that space.

Designer Anicia Bragg’s love and passion for creating “lifestyle” led to the creation of A Bragg Design. Anicia also has her own luxury signature line of custom-made furniture called Skyline Collection. Her personalized, one-of-a-kind pieces have been seen next to many celebrities, including Eva Longoria, Oscar nominee Taraji P. Henson and Olivia Wilde. Look for Anicia’s debut coffee table book on design to be released this year.

[all images: Jerry Gallegos, IIA Photography]