Designers do creative work for celebs




Deborah Flattery and Brynja McGrady

Deborah Flattery and Brynja McGrady


By Michelle Knight
knight@theacorn.com

Although Deborah Flattery and Brynja McGrady formed an interior design partnership only nine months ago, they’ve already attained quasi-celebrity status.


The local pair helped design the Christmas setting last year at the home of Phillip McGraw, TV’s "Dr. Phil," and his wife, Robin. The McGraws fell in love with Flattery and McGrady’s work and subsequently used them for other decorating projects, including a surprise baby room makeover for one of Dr. Phil’s guests.


"They saw our work ethic and how we work together as a team," Flattery explained.


But that wasn’t the only time the team has appeared on television. Several months ago the producers for HGTV’s "Designers’ Challenge" asked the pair to compete with two other interior design teams for the chance to decorate the bedroom of a Thousand Oaks couple. They came up with a winning Renaissance design, and the episode showcasing their project aired a few weeks ago.


Flattery is a Canadian native who moved to Newbury Park 10 years ago. She began a fashion design business, which she sold several years ago. When a client who remembered her attention to detail and knowledge of fabrics wanted to hire her to decorate her new home, Flattery had to tell her she had a new career.


Originally from Iceland, McGrady has done some acting and modeling, appearing in more than 100 commercials. The Westlake Village resident is a world traveler who became impressed with the old-world design, textures and craftsmanship of Europe. She has worked with a prestigious interior design firm, decorating celebrity and model homes.


Flattery and McGrady pride themselves on staying within a client’s budget and finding hard-to-get items quickly. "That’s our calling card," McGrady said.


Both women agree that, due to high housing costs, the latest trend is for homeowners to use the equity in their homes to redecorate instead of buying new.


They said one of the hot new decorating materials for kitchen countertops is a mixture of natural quartz and resin that goes by the name CeasarStone.


Their next project will pair them with a psychologist as they design the appropriate décor and furnishings for a Simi Valley home for autistic children.


The design duo will hold an estate sale July 17 and 18 at 8 a.m. at 2550 Willow Lane in Westlake Village. For more information, call (818) 917-9178 or (805) 236-1992.


Flattery and McGrady can also be reached via their e-mail address at flatterymcgrady@yahoo.com.


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