ABOUT GRACE BLU INTERIOR DESIGN
Behind the Brand
When Rona Graf launched Grace Blu in 2007, she made the intentional decision not to use her own name. From the beginning, her vision for her design studio was a “collaborative of creatives” that would combine their skills and experiences to create one-of-a-kind spaces.
The Grace Blu mindset and mantra is "designing outside the box." The meaning is two-fold, as seen in their convention challenging designs and client-centric approach. Rona and team forgo genre and rigid process, instead editing their approach and style to create a fresh and inimitable space every single time.
Grace Blu has received the attention of many regional and national publications like HGTV Magazine, Arch Digest, California Homes, Better Homes & Gardens, CA Home & Design, RUE Magazine, Modern Luxury, Orange County Register, and Coast Magazine. Most recently, Grace Blu was honored with the title of HGTV Designer of the Year 2020.
Although Grace Blu is based in Orange County, California, they have recently decided to expand to the East Coast and set up another office in Palmetto Bluff, South Carolina.
Street Cred...
RONA GRAF
Founder and Principal Designer
Rona is originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and is a former educator who discovered that her true passion was design when she moved to sunny California. She quickly combined her master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh with a formal education in Interior Design from the Interior Designers Institute in Newport Beach, CA, and Grace Blu was born. Her mid-west roots and values combined with her love of world travel contribute to her unique design approach and sophisticated design aesthetic. A yoga instructor for over sixteen years, Rona’s approach to design and service is often described as “holistic” by her clients and colleagues.
When Rona is not busy designing, she usually hangs at the beach watching her son surf, carpooling teenage boys to lacrosse games, traveling with her family and 111 pound Great Pyrenees, or spending time in her garden finding her zen time.
Her superpower is her ability to juggle meetings and her son’s sporting events like a boss and being a dancing queen on any finished table in sight!
KATIE MILLER
Desginer
Katie Miller, a California Native, was born and raised in Napa Valley. She has always had a passion for the creative arts. A former ballerina, she studied Kinesiology and Dance Science before finding her love for design. Katie then received her certificate in Interior Merchandising and her Associates in Science in Interior Design. In school, her focus was on sustainable design and has a love for all things vintage and eclectic.
In her free time, she can be found chatting, enjoying movies, and barbecuing with family and friends. She loves hiking and observing nature, weekend travel, and digging for treasures at antique markets.
Her superpower is enjoying a good charcuterie board and glass of wine.
COURTNEY GREGG
Designer
Courtney is an Orange County native and an Interior Design graduate from Orange Coast College. She previously studied Sociology and has been in the restaurant industry for over a decade. Her design aesthetic includes neutral colors, lots of texture, and an organic and edgy vibe. She loves hiking with her dog Nova, gardening, and traveling to new places.
Her superpower is whipping up a great spicy margarita.
JADA BURKHALTER
Designer
Jada was born and raised in Northern California. After pursuing an English degree at Penn State, she returned to the West Coast, settling in Orange County with her young family. While designing their first home, she rediscovered her love for interior design. She has nearly ten years of experience working in restaurants and is a recent graduate of Orange Coast College with degrees in Interior Design and Art History. She loves eclectic design and draws inspiration from fine art.
In her free time, she loves to curl up with a good book.
Jada's superpower is making the perfect cup of English breakfast tea.
JULIET ISSA
Designer
Raised in Orange County, Juliet honed her design skills at Cal State Long Beach, graduating with a degree in Interior Design. With her love for all things design, she finds happiness transforming spaces to their fullest potential. Her design aesthetic consists of monochromatic color palette bringing in depth and textures.
With her spare time, she enjoys trying out new restaurants, going to concerts, and staying active. Juliet's superpower is creating a good music playlist.
JESS JONES
Senior Designer
Jessica Jones is an Allied ASID designer with 20 years of interior design experience, with a degree in Interior Design from IDI in Newport Beach, CA.
Jessica's passion for design is in her blood and has remained constant in her life. She is the granddaughter of a custom furniture designer and upholsterer, and the daughter of an executive for an international aircraft cabin design firm, making Jessica a third-generation designer.
Jessica was the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Orange County President for 2021-2022.
MILY GONZALEZ
Technical Designer
Born and raised in Long Beach, Mily has always been deeply rooted in the vibrant and diverse culture of Southern California. She began her educational journey at Long Beach City College and Golden West College, where she studied Design and later transferred to Cal State Long Beach.
Her love for architecture and design lead her to master the technical aspects of AutoCAD, 3D modeling, and space planning. She thrives on solving design challenges and bringing innovative ideas to life.
Her superpower is being her own manicurist and effortlessly changing her nail color and style to suit any occasion or outfit.
MELINA COPP
Procurement & Designer
Step into Melina's world of enchanting interior design, where creativity intertwines seamlessly with an unabashed love for life's simple pleasures. A Midwest native with a passion for design as vast as the prairie sky, Melina brings together her BA in Journalism from Indiana University and her associate degree for interior design from IDI.
Inspired by muted hues and the art of blending styles, Melina's signature aesthetic? The whimsical allure of "grandma-garden chic" - a delightful fusion of vintage elegance and botanical whimsy.
When she's not immersed in a Taylor Swift album, you'll find Melina lost in the pages of a novel, baking delectable treats in her kitchen, or exploring the great outdoors with her beloved cat, Minnie, by her side.
CYNTHIA GOMEZ
Design Assistant
Meet Cynthia Gomez, a true California native rocking her Bachelor's Degree in Interior Design from California State Long Beach. With a legacy spanning two generations of contractors, this industry is in her DNA!
When Cynthia isn't on the hunt for furniture or driving into specifications, Cynthia is exploring new coastal trails and testing her eye in landscape photography.
Here's the real magic - Cynthia can bust a move on the dance floor! Now that's what I call a design superhero!
KAYLA SMITH
Design Assistant
Born and raised in Orange County, Kayla grew up surrounded by the industry of design, specifically in residential custom homes. She has had a heart for design since she was little, which led her to pursue her passion for interior design at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Kayla is currently continuing her education to get her Bachelor's degree at the Interior Design Institute. She gravitates towards creativity and loves making spaces that help people feel their best selves.
Kayla’s superpower is being able to stay fully energized without a single cup of coffee or caffeine and with little to no sleep!
KAYLA SMITH
Design Assistant
Born and raised in Orange County, Kayla grew up surrounded by the industry of design, specifically in residential custom homes. She has had a heart for design since she was little, which led her to pursue her passion for interior design at Baylor University in Waco, Texas.
Kayla is currently continuing her education to get her Bachelor's degree at the Interior Design Institute. She gravitates towards creativity and loves making spaces that help people feel their best selves.
Kayla’s superpower is being able to stay fully energized without a single cup of coffee or caffeine and with little to no sleep!
JEANETTE MUSTAFA
Design Assistant
Based in Historic Floral Park, Southern California, this proud Cleveland girl, along with her husband Michael and rescue pup Brix, draws inspiration from her roots. A former hospitality sales leader, she pivoted to her true passion, earning a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design. With a strong belief in collaborative relationships, she embodies the mantra, "Yes is the answer, so what's the question?" In her free time, she enjoys golfing, watching sports, listening to music, and relaxing in her newly renovated backyard.
Jeanette’s superpower is her authenticity. She stays true to herself allowing her to connect deeply with others while bringing a genuine touch to everything she does.
TAYLOR NAJAR
Design Assistant
Taylor comes from the audio video industry, specializing in the design of audio, video, lighting, shades, and home automation systems for over a decade. Her favorite part of it all is designing custom theater rooms! She loves to blend performance and aesthetics. This career ignited a passion for interior design, prompting Taylor to graduate from the Interior Designers Institute and earn a certificate in lighting design.
Outside of work, Taylor enjoys entertaining family and friends with home cooked meal. Or exploring the vibrant offerings of Orange County’s beaches, restaurants, and activities with family and friends.
Taylor's superpower is her spirited demeanor. She lightens every conversation and handles her work load with ease and flow!
.jpeg)
KYLEE FREDERICKS
Design Assistant / Graphic Designer
A passionate graphic designer hailing from Philadelphia, renowned for her exceptional editing skills, boundless creativity, and a knack for crafting custom wallpapers that transform spaces. With a keen eye for detail and a love for visual storytelling, Kylee specializes in bringing ideas to life through vibrant and personalized designs. Whether it's revamping digital interfaces or curating bespoke visuals, she thrives on pushing boundaries and exceeding expectations.
Kylee's superpower is her ability to focus on the vision and bring it to life!
SALLIE STOUT
Marketing and Styling
Sallie grew up in between Mississippi and Louisiana. After pursuing Art, Journalism and Business. Sallie spends her free time editing, writing, and adding color to anything she wears or works on.
Sallie is the magic behind the camera and the one who brings you all the behind the scenes in Grace Blu. Not only does she have amazing style, she has the personality to bring it! She loves to capture the seriousness of work that goes into the projects, but also, she's been known to capture a few bloopers around the studio.
Sallie's superpower is mixing patterns and thrifting timeless pieces like no other.
LARA NEWTON
Client Relations Director
Lara Newton brings a passion for design and client satisfaction to her role as Director of Client Relations at Grace Blue, a leading interior design firm renowned for its elegant and innovative spaces. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to understanding clients' needs, Lara ensure that every project reflects both style and functionality.
Outside the office, Lara indulges her love for classic cars, specifically vintage Porches, by attending car shows and doing rallies globally. She finds balance in the serenity of beach days, her favorite place to relax and unwind.
Lara's diverse interests and dedication to excellence make her a valued leader at Grace Blu, where she continues to elevate the client experience through personalized design solutions.