Think Chic - Vanessa Gatto Baldin is an effortless cool girl and we are so chuffed she's on Our Block. Vanessa is a powerhouse at Cosentino, a global company providing the design and architecture industry with luxury surfaces. Vanessa shares what she gets up to in her day and her creative inspirations below.
Q: What is your role at Cosentino?
VGB: Architect & Design/Builder/Retail Sales Manager (Cairns – Rockhampton).
Q: What is the best part of the role?
VGB: I love the fact that my role is so varied and in continuous evolution. I am involved in various phases of the Interior Design cycle, from specification to fabrication/install and am constantly learning and having the opportunity to push boundaries.
Q: Do you have a favourite Cosentino product/colour?
VGB: I love the Dekton Neural and Dekton Laurent, and our Sensa Platino (a Quartzite) has a special place in my heart.
Q: What does a typical morning look like for you?
VGB: If I am not travelling, it usually starts with an early morning run with my German Shepherd followed by strength training which sets me up for the day… coffee is a MUST and then it’s off to client meetings or online team meetings/technical sessions.
Q: Do you have a favourite designer or creative and why?
VGB: Architecturally and also artistically I adore the works of Le Corbusier. His gift to Modernism withstands the test of time, combining the functionalism of the modern movement with bold sculptural expressionism.
The Industrial Designer Patricia Urquiola is also a big favourite as she brings a uniquely playful and eclectic touch to contemporary designs.
Q: Can you describe you own interior style?
VGB: Mid-century Modern meets Minimalism but has a brush with Industrialism probably best defines my style…. I love the timeless allure and shapes of MCM, the clean, crisp and sleek lines of minimalism and the rugged charm of Industrialism. I don’t tend to lean on a lot of colour but rather a combination of different textures and materials.
Q: What are you listening to right now?
VGB: My nerdy side loves the podcast ‘the Knowledge Project’ which features a wide range of broad topic conversations and Jose Padilla is getting overly played on Spotify during these summer months.
Q: What is your all-time book recommendation?
VGB: Paulho Coehlho’s ‘Veronika decides to die’.
Q: Who inspires you?
VGB: First and foremost my mother.
Then, independent thinkers who balance passion, strength, logic and creativity.
Q: What are you looking forward to?
VGB: Opening the Cosentino Centre in Cairns – a Design Hub and beautiful space to showcase our Architectural Surfaces, share creative ideas and enjoy a nice coffee!
Q: Where would we find you on a typical Friday night?
VGB: At home with my family, enjoying a glass of wine with some smooth jazz playing in the background
Q: What is your most beloved dish to cook? Does it evoke any special memories?
VGB: Growing up in Italian family has always meant that the kitchen and dining table take centre stage! My daughters love the very traditional homemade gnocchi con ragù so I’ll go with this…
Q: What’s in your online shopping cart or on your wish list?
VGB: Wishlist – Gucci Princetown loafers, and in the cart is the Marimekko Urna Vase in grey
Quickfire - this or that! 🔥
Birks or Boots? Boots
Tea or coffee (or margs)? AM - Coffee, PM - Wine
Sun or snow? Sun
Thrift store or Designer? Vintage Designer
Sunrise or Sunset? Sunrise
You can follow Vanessa on Instagram @design_undefined and learn more about Cosentino over at https://www.cosentino.com/en-au/about-us/.