Gretchen Rivera | Source | Owner and Principal Designer at Casa Casual Interiors
Gretchen Rivera
Gretchen Rivera is the founder and owner of Casa Casual Interiors in Old Town Alexandria, Va. A native of San Juan, Puerto Rico, she leads a multidisciplinary studio dedicated to transforming living spaces with modernist forms. Gretchen’s design philosophy blends historical and cultural context with mid-century aesthetics, creating environments that are both artistically inspired and deeply immersive.
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Casa Casual Interiors (https://casa-casual.com/)
Owner and Principal Designer
started Jan 2018
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The Family Handyman: What Is the Strip at the Bottom of Bath Towels?
That "dobby border" is not just for looks, it serves some useful purposes. But it can also have a downside.
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Newsweek: Interior designers reveal 8 worst home trends of the moment
Newsweek spoke to interior designers who revealed the home décor trends that should be left behind and what to do instead.
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Southern Living: The 9 Vintage Prints That Are Making A Comeback In 2025
If you want a timeless look in your home, these are the nine vintage prints that are making a nostalgic comeback—or maybe they never went out of style.
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Mastering Monochromatic: Expert Tips for a Cohesive Interior Design
Gretchen emphasizes, "Consistency is key" in using the same hue across elements for unity. She suggests mixing shades for depth and adding texture for contrast. Ideal spaces include cozy TV dens and seamless kitchens. Do choose muted tones and mix shades; don't overwhelm with bright colors. Incorporate textures like wood and velvet for a sophisticated, immersive look. -
Emerging Décor Styles: City Glow and Cottage Flow Capture Hearts
Gretchen explains City Glow as a "rebellion against AI precision," embracing surreal art and bold colors. Cottage Flow, nostalgic for Pre-Industrial tranquility, values craftsmanship and sustainability. She suggests these styles, though different, share optimism and could merge to create innovative, inclusive spaces that blend art, function, and nature. -
Interior Design Expert Calls for End to Outdated Decor Trends
Gretchen advises against "fake plants, all-white spaces, barn doors, gray palettes, and excessive boho decor." She suggests opting for real plants, warm tones, pocket doors, and curated boho accents for a more modern and inviting home.
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The Family Handyman: Do You Know What That Strip at the Bottom of Bath Towels Is For?
April 17, 2025“Towels without a dobby border are usually larger and have a more modern feel, but could also be more prone to fraying or curling at the ends,” says designer Gretchen Rivera.
Sometimes towels with dobby borders are more expensive because of the additional weaving process, though usually, the difference is marginal unless there are complex patterns or specialty yarns involved, like metallic threads. Often, luxury brands have dobby borders, too, and those will cost more as well.
“Dobby towels often also use a higher quality of cotton, so for the extra cost, you’re getting a more durable towel,” says Rivera. “It’s the towel equivalent of upgrading from flip-flops to loafers: still functional, just a bit more polished."
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Real Simple: How to Update an Older Home While Honoring Its History
Sept. 10, 2024Along with modern, energy-efficient appliances, old homes often benefit from updated cabinetry. If the cabinets have good bones, you can refinish them. Otherwise, it may make the most sense to replace them entirely, notes interior designer Gretchen Rivera. “Upgrading bathrooms and kitchens with functional cabinetry not only enhances the practicality, but also the visual appeal of the home,” she says. “Two design approaches can be considered: either harmonizing the new elements with the home's original style, or introducing a contrast by incorporating minimalist, contemporary cabinetry that complements any architectural context.”
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Apartment Therapy: This Maximalist Decor Trend Will Dominate 2025, According to Designers (It’s So Easy to Personalize!)
January 26, 2025Gretchen Rivera, owner and principal designer of Casa Casual Interiors, says to choose patterns in different sizes to create balance in your space. “Think: one big, bold pattern, several medium ones, and some mini prints or subtle textures,” she says. The goal is to choose a main focal point design that pairs well with smaller-scale prints, like a large floral motif styled in the same space as medium-sized stripes and mini geometric designs, for example. Second, and perhaps most importantly, use a common color (or colors) to unify all the patterns in your space, adds Rivera. This doesn’t mean every pattern you choose has to have the exact same colors in it, but you should stick closely to a cohesive palette.
