DESIGN MACGYVER
TOM FITZGERALD & LORENZO MARQUEZ
| The world was first introduced to the dynamo known as Goil (“as in ‘gar-goyle’”) Amornvivat on Bravo’s Top Design. Though he was eliminated in episode eight, the Bangkok-born New Yorker parlayed his Bravo exposure into a regular gig on TLC’s perennial home design classic. The world was first introduced to the dynamo known as Goil (“as in ‘gar-goyle’”) Amornvivat on Bravo’s Top Design. Though he was eliminated in episode eight, the Bangkok-born New Yorker parlayed his Bravo exposure into a regular gig on TLC’s perennial home design classic, Trading Spaces, where he shows Middle America what it really needs: a fast-talking gay man with exquisite taste and style. Describing himself as “small, spicy and fabulous,” Goil’s colorful clothes and hyperkinetic laugh are as much a part of his impact as his cool, chic, ultra-modern rooms. We sat down with the spicy one to get his thoughts on everything from gay style to Paige Davis. |
Let’s talk about gay men and their homes, shall we? Do we take more pride in our homes? In your opinion, are we better at it than most?
I think this question is very complicated. I always hesitate to stereotype; you really did start with a hard one.
Barbara Walters has nothing on us; we’re hoping to get you to cry. Go ahead. Stereotype.
Just look at how many neighborhoods “the community” made less dilapidated and more fabulous by being a community. Pride is an attitude, no matter where we live and what our jobs may be. The common ground here may be fierce determination. |
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Is there such a thing as a gay aesthetic in home decorating?
If I were a detached observer, I would say most of our styles greatly depend on what was going on during the time when we were happiest. For one friend of mine, it was the ‘80s, so there was a lot of Paula Abdul, double-breasted suits, black and white, even cats matched to his decor. But in any case, what makes it extra fabulous is the fact that everything was done in an unapologetic way. So if an unapologetic attitude toward decorating can be a style; that would be the gay style.
We’re not ashamed to say that we bought furniture to match our cats — it camouflages all that shed fur. What typical things would you find in a gay man’s home that shouldn’t be there? For us, it’s the tasteful male nude.
Tasteful female nudes!
What are some elements that every stylish home should have — but especially the gay ones?
Hmmm… How about a gay person… or a few? We’re bound to tart up any establishment.
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We have two! They don’t match, but they complement each other. What about your personal taste? Do you think your gayness influences your own style?
I would like to think so. That would be terrible if it didn’t. Here I am, going around trying to fix America one room at a time…
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Let’s talk about your television work. It must be daunting as an accomplished designer to put yourself out there under such extreme time and budget constraints. Were you ever worried that it could have a negative effect on your reputation?
In order to grow, one has to take risks. I don’t usually go into situations thinking about the negative consequences. At the time, Top Design was an opportunity I had to take. Trading Spaces has allowed me to grow beyond my practice (www.tugstudio.com) and meet America. In the process, I’ve realized that part of my mission is to make smart and fun design accessible to everyone.
How do you do those rooms in such a short period of time? Sure, they give you one of those hot carpenters, but it takes us a whole weekend to just paint a room — and that doesn’t count all the time we spend arguing over colors.
I first have to say that everyone works incredibly hard to make this show happen. I would like to give a shout out to some of the crew: Tara, Chris, Steve YB, Stew, Kyle, Spencer and Randal. It’s a team effort of which I am proud to be a part. It’s great to work with members of the original cast, too. They have been most welcoming. It’s sort of like a family. A big, traveling, redecorating family. What could be better?
For my part, to pull off these rooms, I also design the process: using every bit of the resources, considering my carpenter’s strengths and also what the “traders” (homeowners) know how to do. Most of the time, really, the carpenter flexes and the homeowners will do whatever I ask them to. One of the things that makes Trading Spaces so great is the fact that we not only make good rooms, but we create something meaningful for the homeowners.
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You tend to have a more ultra-mod style than the rest of the show’s designers. Do you have to tone that down a bit to fit in?
Like a gaysian MacGyver, my approach in design is less about style but more about problem-solving and seeking opportunities from the context. The work everyone saw on Top Design represents very particular responses to very specific sets of problems.
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You are one of a small group of out gay men appearing regularly on television. Is it even something you think about? Do you feel the need to represent at all?
I am super proud. Who knew a Goil from Brooklyn could get this far in the world? Being out in the media is important for us all, and I am in huge debt to those who have gone before me. I hope to continue to break down all kinds of boundaries. I am grateful that TLC added me and [fellow designer] Lauren [Makk], who reflects a sensibility of yet another perspective. Ultimately, much of design is about point of view. It is uniquely American to have and be inclusive of multiple perspectives.
Finally, Paige Davis. We über love her. Sure, she’s perky as hell, but anyone who gets in trouble for flashing her thong at an AIDS benefit is an instant hero in our eyes. What is she really like? And what do we have to do to elevate her to gay icon status?
ÜBER YES! Paige is fabulous... and worthy of your adoration. And what do you mean, she’s not an icon already? Did you not get that memo? We must tell everyone to watch the show. She is exactly like what you see on TV with fabulous hair and makeup. She is ultra-fab!
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