Designer Gretchen Rivera-Lebrón
Immersed in the vibrant cultural mosaic of San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gretchen's journey began after emerging from the University of Puerto Rico with a bachelor’s degree in art history and comparative literature, building on her deep-rooted passion for art and storytelling. Under the mentorship of Puerto Rican conceptual artist and designer Joaquin Mercado, she honed her artistic vision and technical skills, merging elements of graphic and interior design to create her own distinctive style.
With her professional license in hand, Gretchen carved her niche in the world of interior design by founding ID20/21, a firm that offered modern and eclectic interior design services and fine mid-century furniture procurement. With her visionary approach, Gretchen transformed everyday spaces into compelling and creative narratives, as seen in her distinctive designs for Akai Sushi, Café Cuatro Sombras, and La Doña Mexican Kitchen. Her residential projects, more than just living spaces, became award-winning masterpieces featured in prestigious interior design and lifestyle publications, including Por Dentro, Area Magazine, Modo de Vida and Bound Magazine, showcasing her unique ability to weave artistry and ambiance.
The chapters of her story took a new turn when she moved to Washington D.C. in 2013, where she and her partner breathed life into Caribe Casual Shop. This online vintage store was a treasure trove of mid-century design, handpicked by Gretchen's discerning eye to celebrate the harmony of form, function and historical and cultural context.
Today, her artistic vision expands through Casa Casual Interiors, a multidisciplinary studio in Old Town Alexandria, born from the legacy of Caribe Casual Shop. Here, Gretchen continues her mission of infusing living environments with the spirit of modernism, creating spaces that are not just inhabited but deeply felt and experienced. Through Casa Casual Interiors, she challenges the conventional, transforming mundane into magnificent and inviting her clients to embark on a journey of artistic discovery and visionary interior spaces.
Book an initial design consultation with Gretchen here.
