Today we’d like to introduce you to Tamela Greathouse Greene.
Hi Tamela, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started out working in Fashion in NYC in the late ’90s (yes I am dating myself). I worked for Norma Kamali, Henri Bendel (may the store rest in peace), and Autumn Cashmere to name a few. Once I had my kids I decided to take a little time off and just be a mom instead of a working mom. One of my best decisions ever. Fast forward 8 years and I was getting restless and starting to think about my next phase. I had not really missed fashion but I had missed being creative. My last job in fashion had been the creative director for a cashmere company and I loved designing sweaters, overseeing fashion shows, creating large knit programs with department stores, and the camaraderie of going to work each day. Also, in the 8 years I did not work I had renovated my brownstone and completed two extensive renovations on our Hudson Valley lake house. (I am overseeing the third and final one now as I write this.) Then we sold the Upper West Side apartment and spontaneously bought an apartment with an amazing view on the Upper East Side that needed a gut renovation. That project made me so happy and I picked out every hinge, doorknob, light, cabinets, hardware, paint colors, tile, flooring etc. with such care and emotion. I knew I had found my next calling. Once that apartment was complete I had a housewarming party and a friend hired me a few weeks later to do her twin boys bedroom. Voila my company Greathousenyc was born in 2016. The first two years were slow going as friends took a chance on me and I designed kids’ bedrooms, dining rooms, and more single room projects. Gradually they started referring me to their friends and the projects grew in scope until I was doing entire apartments and weekend houses which is where I am today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I am happy to say it has been a smoothish road with just a few hiccups along the way. The first two years were me doing very small jobs mostly on my own and that was a little frustrating because I thought I was ready to do bigger scale projects but honestly that was a blessing. I was able to perfect my sensibility, my taste and round out what I wanted my brand to be in a setting with less pressure. I found my tradespeople through a bit of trial and error and over time settled in on who I work well with, who gives me great product at a great price, and who can bring my vision to life the best. I am very loyal to them and value what they bring to the table greatly. They in turn have been very loyal and have moved my project to the front of the line many a time.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am known for my use of color, pattern mixing, and unique lighting and these are my calling cards. I love color (I am from Texas after all and I am just drawn to it.) and I think a home with color, patterns, and antique/ vintage pieces create soul and a unique story that everyone should have. I think I am especially known for unique lighting as it has turned into a passion. I love to hunt for the perfect vintage sconce for an entry or a pendant for a boudoir. I USED to always say someone who wants a neutral home would never hire me and then guess what happened? Yes, I am working on a neutral-themed pied a terre right now. I am very proud that we designed a home in Lakewood from Zoom during the pandemic. I came to her home one time and then the rest was over zoom, sending samples back and forth, lots of facetimes with the client, the tile guy, the paint guy, the carpet guy etc. Then she gave me her offices to design, then her daughter’s home… We just loved working together so much we did not want it to end. Now it looks like there might be a Jackson Hole project in our future with this same client.
I do not have a set overall style that I think is my brand with the exception of the use of color. I am a client-driven designer and my goal is to connect the dots of what the client tells me and to give them the home of their dreams. I can give you Art Deco, Cool and Modern, Midcentury, or Farmhouse Chic because at the end of the day I just want my client to be thrilled with the end result.
Can you share something surprising about yourself?
My age! Shhh…No seriously I am about to turn 59 and I am youthful, active, and fun. I love pop culture so my kids are always surprised when I know the latest rapper, streetwear brand, music collaboration, gossip, etc. It’s fun to stay in the loop on what the new stuff is. My son bragged to his friends recently that I had the Telfar Brooklyn Birkin bag before any of them knew what it was. I liked that.
Also, I came in third place in a State Finals country western two step dance contest in Austin when I was in my 20’s. My partner who I am still good friends with lives in Tyler Texas and man could we dance.
Contact Info:
- Email: tamela@greathousenyc.com
- Website: www.greathousenyc.com
- Instagram: greathousenyc
- Facebook: greathousenyc
Image Credits
Costa Christ
Marco Ricca
