This Food Scientist Draws Her Inspiration From The Mediterranean In This 1947 Dream Home

One look inside Shaylyn Gammon‘s home, and it’s obvious she has really good taste. Being a food scientist and interior designer might be an unexpected combination, but it works, as evidenced by the beautiful color choices and textures seen throughout. We invite you to take a peek inside Shaylyn’s home and learn more about her in this home tour. Enjoy!

You’re a food scientist! How did you end up with that career and what all does that entail?

Yes, I am! To put it simply, I love food. I not only love eating food but I’m fascinated by every aspect of flavor and the way people experience food differently. For instance, I’m always dreaming about my next meal, but my husband could eat the same food for every meal and be completely satisfied. When it came time to choose a major in college, I was fascinated by this small, “newish” major called Food Science. It basically required me to take every science class out there but as it specifically pertains to food. I learned everything from why you speed up the staling process in bread if you store it in the fridge to how natural color compounds in blueberries break down with heat. What I now do, however, is a bit of a pivot where I am lucky enough to create new alcohol flavors for a large company. This includes new whiskies, vodkas and tequilas. I have a very astute palate (sense of taste and smell) and while this can be extremely annoying at times, it’s also incredibly helpful when it comes to building a flavor profile. So, I am literally in a lab every day blending and pipetting natural flavors into alcohol creating new experiences for consumers. I’m also involved with ideation up front and then the actual production side. It’s a wonderful mix of science and creativity.

You’re also interested in interior decorating. Would you ever make a career pivot?

Yes, I am very interested in interior decorating. It’s funny because I used to think of my many interests as stand-alone silos with little crossover, but now I’m realizing just how much creativity bleeds into every area of your life. To deny this, would be to deny a large part of oneself. Thus, I am definitely open to the idea of a career pivot. I am motivated by new situations, challenges and people, all of which I think would be abundantly prevalent in a career in interior decorating. Of course, you won’t get very far in life without food/drink so I will always have a space in my heart for them.

How would you describe your personal décor style?

I think in another life, I lived along the Mediterranean. I draw inspiration from French, Moroccan and Spanish influence. I’ve been lucky enough to travel to many of these places, but before doing so, I already loved these styles to which it took me a while to pinpoint their origins. I’ve always been drawn to natural textures like wicker and terracotta clay: various materials that evoke a calm sense of feeling grounded. At the same time, I like pops of color like blue (lots of blue), red/pinks and green. Color keeps things interesting and tells more of a story.

What finally made you decide on this 1947 charmer?

As has become the MO when looking for a home these days, I trolled listing websites constantly looking for new listings during the months my husband and I were searching for our first home. As soon as I saw the red brick peeking from behind chipped white paint on the exterior photo on a new listing, I knew I had to see it in person. My boss let me leave work early to drive to the house and creepily knock on the door. The house was still two weeks away from officially being listed and explicitly stated on the website that it was “not available for showings yet,” but I selectively forgot this part. I’m confident the 20-second exchange (shooing) I forged with the owner would go on to be the catalyst for us getting the home among a tough group of competitors. Weeks later when we were finally able to tour the home, it was certainly a far cry from anything near our vision, but we were up for the challenge and privilege of transforming it into our dream home. We wrote a letter and explained this vision for the home to the owners and to our joy, they chose us.

What are some of your favorite spots to shop for home décor items?

My go-tos tend to be peddler malls/vintage shops, World Market, Target, Anthropologie/Etsy/Schoolhouse (especially for lighting and hardware), and McGee and Co. I love local plant stores as well for the firsthand knowledge.

Which space in your home inspires you the most?

Of course to be cliché, I’d say many spaces inspire me in different ways, but overall, the kitchen. It’s a focal point for the home and my eye is drawn to the painted cement tile behind the stove that I took all the way up to the ceiling. It’s beautiful and I don’t think I could ever get tired of it. It’s surrounded by white tile which feels clean and refreshing. Close by is a dining table built by a good friend, and a large painting that I painted on the wall behind it. I find it to be inviting and inspiring.

Where do you draw creativity from?

I can draw inspiration from anything. Certainly from our travels abroad but also from nature and the draw to incorporate some elements within the home. I also LOVE Pinterest and following beautiful Instagram accounts. @Coco.kelley is an example of an account I find to be breathtaking.

What’s always in your fridge?

Eggs! Maybe a little boring but always a great meal in a pinch.

3 items you can’t live without?

Toner to make sure all of my makeup is off at night/to prevent breakouts, a massive container of water and most recently, my Mario Badescu Rose lip balm.

Favorite quote?

“Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” James 1:17