Gray Gardens Plant Studio - Behind The Brand

For designer and artist Danya Ahmed, the creation of Gray Gardens Plant Studio was a seamless evolution of her artistic vision and deep appreciation for raw, unrefined materials. Born in the U.S. and reconnecting with her Lebanese roots, Danya merged her formal training in fine arts with a passion for texture and form to craft sculptural planters that bridge functionality and art. Since its founding in 2015, Gray Gardens has redefined planters as bold design statements—each piece a celebration of proportion, materiality, and craftsmanship.

Raw Sculptural Forms That Redefine Design

Born in Ohio, with Lebanese heritage Danya Ahmed is the creative force behind Gray Gardens. With a Master’s degree in Fibers and Textures from Savannah College of Art and Design, her studio redefines sculptural planters, tableware and now garden furniture, with raw, brutalist beauty and makes them functional art.

The Origins of Gray Gardens

For Danya, this was more than just a creative endeavor; it was an exploration of design as storytelling. After studying in the US she returned to Lebanon, where she found inspiration in her family’s rural home surrounded by lush clementine and avocado trees. Driven by a desire to create something meaningful, she began experimenting with concrete, a material that perfectly reflected the strength and raw beauty she sought to capture.

“I wasn’t just making containers for plants. I wanted to create something tactile, something that felt connected to its surroundings and carried its own story,” she shares. This hands-on approach became the essence of Gray Gardens, transforming functional planters into sculptural works of art.

Sculptural Forms, Crafted by Hand

At Gray Gardens, every planter is meticulously handcrafted using glass fiber-reinforced concrete. This innovative material allows for intricate forms that are both lightweight and durable, blending raw strength with refined artistry. Designs like the minimalist Bucket Planter and the textured Terra Planter feature hand-sculpted details that celebrate the imperfections of the creative process.

“Each piece carries the energy of its making,” Danya explains. The tactile finishes and grounded proportions evoke a brutalist aesthetic softened by the care evident in every curve and edge. These aren’t simply planters—they are sculptural focal points, designed to enhance and transform the spaces they inhabit.

Constant Innovation: New Ranges, New Stories

Danya’s passion for design extends beyond her established collections. Gray Gardens is a constantly evolving brand, with Danya frequently introducing new ranges and products that expand on her vision of sculptural design.

From inventive planter shapes to smaller tabletop pieces, each new release brings fresh energy and character to the Gray Gardens lineup. These additions reflect Danya’s commitment to experimentation and her ability to translate raw materials into innovative, artful designs. Whether it’s a bold planter or a refined vase, new colours to compliment the season or garden furniture her work continues to push the boundaries of what functional objects can achieve.

From Beirut to the World

Though Gray Gardens operates out of Beirut, its influence is global. Danya’s planters have found homes in private residences, gardens, and restaurants across the world, from New York to Europe. Her work resonates with architects, interior designers, and design enthusiasts seeking distinctive, artful pieces that elevate their spaces.

While Gray Gardens has gained international acclaim, it remains deeply tied to its Lebanese roots. Each piece reflects the resilience, creativity, and resourcefulness of its place of origin, blending timeless design with an unmistakable connection to the raw and authentic.

Expanding the Vision

In 2021, Danya launched Gray Gardens Plant Studio USA to share her designs with a broader audience. Working alongside top architects, designers, and creatives who share her passion for earthen design and detail, Gray Gardens expanded its reach across the United States and beyond.

The move marked a significant milestone in the brand’s evolution, bringing its sculptural pieces to new markets across the globe while maintaining its commitment to craftsmanship and artistry.

A Gray Gardens pot in a Manhattan Lobby, USA

OAAK Final Thoughts

More than a design studio—what Dana has created it is authentic and artistic use of materiality, craftsmanship, and the interplay of form and function. Each pot or piece draws curiosity and asks us to imagine its origins, whilst encouraging us to pause, and take notice. To learn more about Dana and Gray Gardens visit the Website or Instagram.

Bringing Gray Gardens to You

For those captivated by the artistry of Gray Gardens, a concierge service is offered by The OAAK Foundry to source and deliver these exceptional planters anywhere in the world. Whether enhancing an urban loft in Tokyo or completing a serene courtyard in Tuscany, Gray Gardens’ pieces bring raw elegance and sculptural beauty to any setting. Reach out to find out more, we would love to connect you with Dana, or assist you in choosing the perfect planter for your space.

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