Today we’d like to introduce you to Tianna DeNunzio.
Hi Tianna, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve always been a creative person in some way. From sewing my own jeans, to painting, designing and rearranging spaces. I spent about five years working in interior design, which really shaped how I see art in a space and how it can completely change the feeling of a room. Artwork is always the star of the show.
The Green Room at 831 started pretty organically. As a new mom, I needed a creative outlet. I needed something for myself. At first, it was more of a home decor shop, but I quickly realized what I actually cared about most was the art and the people behind it. One night I was rocking my son to sleep and a thought came to my mind. I remembered that my family owned an art gallery space back in the 70’s. As my business picked up and evolved, I realized that I loved connecting with artists, discovering their work, and figuring out ways to showcase it in a way that felt elevated but still accessible.
From there, things kind of evolved fast. I launched my first coffee table book, The Art of Saltwater, which brought together artists from all over the country, and all over the world. It did way better than I expected and really showed me that there’s a huge desire for this kind of curated, visual storytelling.
Now the business is shifting more into publications. We are moving our focus into our books, a digital magazine, and editorial-style features, while still keeping that coastal, collected feel everything started with. The goal has always been to create something that feels like a space people want to step into… whether they’re artists, designers, or just someone who loves beautiful things.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road. I’ve kind of built everything in real time, figuring things out as I go.
My approach has always been pretty simple. I’ll have an idea, and instead of overthinking it, I just go for it. It’s usually a little messy at first, but I’d rather get something out into the world and refine it as it grows than wait until it’s “perfect.”
There have been a lot of learning curves along the way, things like shifting the business model, understanding what people actually respond to, and navigating the logistics behind products like books and publications. Not everything has worked, but every step has helped me get clearer on what I’m building.
I’ve launched plenty of ideas that went nowhere, and others that took off in ways I didn’t expect. That’s been one of the biggest lessons. To put things out there, pay attention to what resonates, and don’t be afraid to pivot quickly. That’s how I eventually found what my audience connects with most, and I’m sure there will be many more shifts ahead.
I think the biggest challenge has just been trusting that process and staying flexible. But looking back, that willingness to adapt has probably been the most important part of getting me to where I am now. The key is, just start and see what sticks.
As you know, we’re big fans of The Green Room at 831. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
The Green Room at 831 is a coastal-inspired art and publications brand that’s centered around storytelling and connection. What started as a home decor shop has evolved into something much more editorial. I now focus on creating coffee table books, a digital magazine, and curated features that highlight artists and designers from all over.
My business is about creating a space where creatives feel seen, and where collectors or design lovers can discover work in a way that feels elevated but still approachable. I like to think of it less as a traditional gallery and more like a curated world you can step into. Its a place that’s inspired by coastal living, color, and that feeling of being somewhere you don’t want to leave.
What sets it apart is really the way everything is presented. Instead of just listing artwork, I focus on telling a bigger story, through books, themed collections, and features that bring everything together in a more immersive way. I typically launch a call for artists centered around a specific theme, and story, and allow artists to illustrate that story and feeling.
I’m probably most proud of my first book, The Art of Saltwater. It brought together artists from across the country and validated the idea that people are craving this kind of visual storytelling. Since then, I’ve been building on that momentum with new publications and expanding into a digital magazine.
Going forward, the vision is to continue growing this into a platform that supports artists in a meaningful way while also creating something really beautiful and inspiring for people to experience.
What was your favorite childhood memory?
One that always stands out is a trip I took to Hawaii with my family when I was younger. I remember just being completely in awe of everything. The water, the colors, the pace of life. Being a very visual person, Hawaii’s beautiful nature was so inspiring to me. I remember swimming in the ocean, the water being so incredibly clear and warm. A much different experience than the ocean in California where I grew up. I was amazed.
Looking back, I think that trip stuck with me more than I realized at the time. I’ve always been drawn to coastal environments, and that was probably one of the first moments where I really felt that connection.
It’s funny how those early experiences shape you without you even noticing until later. A lot of what I’m drawn to now creatively still reflects that same feeling.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.thegreenroomat831.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thegreenroomat831
