What inspires your design aesthetic, and how has it evolved over the years?

My aesthetic is inspired by everything around me—nature, cultures, music, fashion, and so much more—while always looking back at history for inspiration from bygone eras. For much of my career, my designs were heavily driven by vintage pieces and antiques. However, over time, I’ve come to appreciate cleaner lines and more contemporary looks. Maybe it’s the wisdom that comes with age or the joy of simplicity, but these days, I find myself drawn to open, uncluttered spaces, punctuated with a few standout pieces.

How do you balance timeless elegance with modern trends in your projects?

I tend not to be too influenced by trends. If something pops up everywhere for a fleeting moment, it just doesn’t appeal to me. But every once in a while, something new comes along that I can see becoming a modern classic—those are the pieces I love incorporating into my designs. I find that the most timeless projects seamlessly blend elements from different periods. When you can’t immediately pinpoint when a space was designed, that’s when you know it’s truly timeless.

What are your favorite design influences from different cultures or historical periods?

Oh, so many! But if I had to choose, British and Portuguese Colonial styles are my favorites. I love how they blend refined European elegance with tropical materials, rich colors, and local artistry—it creates a look that’s both sophisticated and warm. I’ve always been drawn to mixing styles, eras, and aesthetics, and this genre of design embodies that perfectly.

What drew you to the Wisteria pieces you selected for this feature?

Each of these pieces embody a colonial sensibility—blending tropical and traditional elements—or have an exotic touch in its shape, texture, or color. These are the kinds of details that excite me most in design!

How do you envision styling these pieces in a home?

The beauty of these pieces is their versatility—they can work in almost any setting. A colorful bamboo chair like the Suzhou can add a vibrant accent to a neutral space, while a distressed, rustic chest like the Harrisburg Dresser brings patina and warmth to a more contemporary room.

Is there one Wisteria piece that you think every home needs?

The Directoire Chest is one of the most versatile and beautifully crafted case goods I’ve used in my projects. With its casual elegance and romantic yet simple lines, it can function as a bedside table, an end table, or even a small accent piece wherever it’s needed.

What’s your approach to mixing vintage and contemporary pieces?

As with everything, balance is key. There’s a thoughtful way to blend these seemingly opposing aesthetics. Personally, I never go to extremes—an ultra-ornate antique next to a starkly modern piece isn’t my style. Instead, I prefer a softer approach, pairing timeless vintage pieces with clean (rather than overly modern) lines to create a seamless mix.

Do you have a signature design trick that elevates any space?

A couple! Window treatments—whether woven blinds, drapes, or Roman shades—add an upscale finishing touch to any space. And a great rug is an instant game-changer. It grounds a room while adding warmth, texture, color, and interest, elevating even the simplest furnishings.

What’s a small change homeowners can make that has a big impact on their interiors?

Paint is one of the easiest, most cost-effective ways to transform a space. If you want something even more impactful, wallpaper can completely set the mood—though it does require a bit more expertise in application and execution.

What’s a recent project that you’re particularly proud of, and what made it special?

Are there any upcoming design trends that you’re excited about?

I love the return of color! While I appreciate the beauty of neutral, earthy palettes, the trend of subdued, moody interiors felt a bit one-note. I’ve always been drawn to color—even in small doses—so I’m thrilled to see it making a comeback.

What’s a common design mistake people make, and how can they fix it?

One of the biggest mistakes I see is under-furnishing small spaces. Many people assume that using fewer, smaller pieces will make a space feel larger, but the opposite is true—it only emphasizes the limitations of the room. Instead, layering furniture and decor, and utilizing vertical space (walls, ceilings, etc.), creates depth and tricks the eye into perceiving a larger area.

What are your go-to sources for unique home décor finds?

Besides Wisteria, of course, I love Etsy, 1stDibs, and Chairish for one-of-a-kind vintage treasures. I am also designing a window for Legends week for Design Los Angeles and I scored a fabulous Anglo Indian carved daybed on Facebook marketplace!

What’s a dream design project you’d love to work on one day?

I’d love to design a boutique hotel—maybe somewhere in Europe or Asia. A hotel project would be the ultimate opportunity to push creative boundaries and craft an immersive, one-of-a-kind retreat for guests.

If you could design a space for anyone, past or present, who would it be and why?

I’m a huge music lover, so I’d love to design a space for a legend like John Lennon, David Bowie, or Kurt Cobain. Aside from the chance to meet them (which would be incredible!), I really enjoy working with artists. Many of my clients have been musicians, and there’s something magical about designing in the glow of their creativity. Collaborating with visionaries always leads to unexpected and inspired interiors.