THERE’S AN OLD SAYING THAT “FORM FOLLOWS FUNCTION,” meaning that any design should be primarily determined by its intended purpose. And while that purpose is important, Ashley Gentile, owner and lead designer of AG Interior Design + Build, sees each project through a lens that gives form and function equal weight, believing that neither should come at the expense of the other.
“A lot of people think beauty and function can’t coexist—that if something looks amazing, it must come at the expense of practicality,” says Gentile. “But I firmly believe the two should go hand in hand. A well-designed space should not only make your jaw drop—it should also make your life easier.”
Since establishing the company in 2020, Gentile has worked with clients throughout the Atlanta Metro area, providing them with results in her signature style of “luxury meets lived in.” Her work blends custom, high-end interiors with thoughtful details that reflect each client’s unique taste and lifestyle, always grounded in quality craftsmanship and innovative design.
“We love creating spaces that feel elevated yet approachable, layered with texture, warmth and a mix of old and new. Natural materials are always at the forefront of our designs: marble, brass, beautiful wood species, wool and linen. Those organic elements bring depth and soul to a space. I have a minor in art history, so I’m deeply drawn to timeless design elements that really endure, such as handmade tiles, intricate millwork, paneling and classic architectural details. Trends come and go, but true craftsmanship and authenticity never age,” Gentile says. “I’m also passionate about creating homes that people don’t want to leave. When a design truly reflects who you are—your routines, your style, your comforts—home becomes your favorite place to be. I’ve had clients tell me they’ve started hosting more, cooking more or simply relaxing in spaces they used to avoid. That’s when I know we’ve done our job. And, honestly, nothing makes me happier than getting updates or photos from clients enjoying their new space—gathered around the table, curled up in the living room, celebrating life’s everyday moments. A home is a sacred place where lifelong memories are made, and knowing I’ve played even a small part in shaping that is the greatest reward.”
Gentile recently completed the full renovation and creative reimagining of a mid-century lake home tucked away in the woods. “It had a beautiful view of the water beyond the backyard and wonderful character but was in need of some thoughtful updates to bring it back to life,” she says of the house, which the homeowners planned to use as a vacation home. “From the beginning, our goal was to honor the home’s Southern colonial roots while creating something warm, comfortable and livable for modern family life. Every detail was carefully considered to preserve its charm while improving function and flow. The natural setting inspired a calm, effortless design—refined but approachable—that encouraged family connection. Open, versatile spaces were created to invite gatherings and shared meals, while quiet corners provided a sense of retreat surrounded by nature. The finished home feels timeless and personal, an inviting blend of old and new that reflects both the home’s heritage and the way the family lives today.”
Working on a home with 70-plus years under its belt naturally presents challenges—not the least of which was the fact that the existing footprint comprised a series of what Gentile refers to as “remodel layers,” with an original portion dating back to 1950 and a series of later additions that didn’t quite match the rest of the house. “One of our biggest tasks was bringing harmony to those spaces so that it felt cohesive,” Gentile says.
The full-scale renovation altered both the interior and exterior, which required the removal of walls to provide better flow and a more open floor plan, ultimately resulting in a complete interior gut and rebuild. “The family wanted a home where they could host large gatherings, but their existing layout felt closed off and tight,” Gentile recalls. “In the kitchen, we reimagined the space by straightening the island and adding a built-in banquette along one wall. The result? They can now comfortably seat up to 12 people, all while keeping the flow and circulation open so guests can move naturally throughout the space. It’s a perfect example of how thoughtful design decisions can make beauty work for you.”
Ceiling heights of just under 8 feet in some areas presented a challenge of their own. To address this, Gentile and her team designed cabinetry that extended down to the countertops, visually lifting the space by drawing the eye upward and creating the impression of taller ceilings. In Gentile’s estimation, one of the most impactful changes was vaulting the living room ceiling to add height and bring in natural light, an idea suggested by the clients. “I’ll admit—at first I had a hard time envisioning how it might work structurally and visually,” she says. “But it ended up becoming one of the best features in the home.”
The homeowners also wanted to add a primary suite with a closet and bath as well as an additional bath at the front of the home to better accommodate guests staying in the loft area. The project included all new materials and finishings as well as a full furnishings plan, resulting in a complete transformation that touched every corner of the house. Outside, the exterior was refaced to give the home a more unified appearance than the previous “layered” look.
“The clients have been very happy with the results,” says Gentile. “I think their first reaction was more of a quiet, ‘Wow, it looks just like the renderings,’ which is always wonderful to hear. They’ve since been enjoying the home and entertaining family and friends—exactly what we hoped the space would encourage. Seeing them live comfortably and happily in their finished home is the best part of any project for me.”
As beautiful as the finished result may be, Gentile knows that what goes on behind the scenes is critical to each project’s success. “Collaboration is everything,” she says. “Everyone has to play nice and share the same goal: bringing the design to life beautifully and efficiently.”
Over the course of her combined 13 years in commercial and residential interior design, Gentile has gained invaluable experience that she carried into her own company. Since launching AG Interior Design + Build, she has aligned herself with incredible partners and built a team that she trusts wholeheartedly. “You’re only as good as your crew, and I’m blessed to have some of the best,” she says.
Regardless of the scale or scope of her contracted projects, Gentile believes that every home should reflect the people who live there and the lives they’re building inside its walls. She approaches each client with the same attention to detail, dedicated care and unwavering belief that beauty and function aren’t opposites but partners—creating spaces that feel timeless, personal and deeply loved for generations to come. *
Liesel Schmidt lives in Navarre, Florida, and works as a freelance writer for local and regional magazines. She is also a web content writer and book editor. Follow her on X at @laswrites or download her novels, Coming Home to You, The Secret of Us and Life Without You, at amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com.
