Hi Madison, welcome to the Lepelclub journal. We’re so happy to have you here with us! First thing’s first, can you tell us a little more about yourself?
Growing up, my family instilled our European upbringings in a Southern California home. Some of my fondest childhood memories, that still play out today when I am in Europe sourcing at different flea markets, were antique shopping with my dad, learning how to source through his eyes. I studied Real Estate at NYU and furthered my education at Parson’s School of Design. As a twenty six year old living in NYC, I advocate design as an art form integrated into everyday life, as I believe beauty at home encompasses who you are and how you reflect yourself to the world around you.

Can you elaborate on your journey and how you got started in Interior Design in these iconic cities?
Living in Los Angeles throughout the pandemic, I decided to shift my career from Real Estate to Interior Design when I was introduced to LALA reimagined. As the Director of Operations at LALA reimagined, I learned the ropes of design through Lia and Azar’s eyes, who tastefully integrate modern and vintage design. In 2022, I landed my first project in New York by cold calling Sofia Franklyn, after hearing on her podcast that she was looking for an interior Designer. At the age of 23 years old, I designed my first home for Sofia.

Can you share one of your favorite projects you’ve worked on? What made it special or memorable for you?
Sofia Franklyn’s definitely was my favorite project to work on, as we were able to push the boundaries of the typical New York design, incorporating her Latin roots into a NYC highrise. For this project, I really wanted to cater to Latin American artisans that can bring pops of color and culture into a serene hideaway on the 58th floor. Of course, Sofia was a gem to work with and I am forever grateful for her entrusting me with designing her home.

How do you consistently find inspiration to craft such beautiful interiors?
Whenever I am in need of inspiration, I tend to run away to the South of France to delve into the vibrant colors and timeless design found in the streets and markets of Nice, Marseille, Grasse, and throughout Provence! I tend to go 2-3x a year, and spend a few weeks hidden away, sourcing and crafting boards for upcoming projects.

What are some current trends in Interior Design that you find particularly exciting or innovative?
I am noticing a shift to a more maximalist style in homes and apartments, especially with the younger generation. To play with bold, Moroccan tiles in bathrooms and vibrant wallpapers that add character to the space…To tell a story through layered objet and books throughout ones home….. it is very exciting to scroll through TikTok and see the creativity play out.

When you’re not working, how do you like to unwind?
There is nothing I love more than sharing a bottle of wine with my closest friends! My favorite spot in the city is the jazz club at Casa Cipriani, as they have an incredible wine selection and feels like you escaped to old New York.

If you had the opportunity to design someone’s interior, who would it be?
I always find myself wondering what Carolyn Bassett’s home would look like today, and it would have been an absolute dream to have worked with her. To me, her elegant persona and style is such a force to this day, inspiring my daily style as well.

What's the most valuable piece of advice you've ever received, and how has it influenced your work?
My mother growing up always used to say, “if you are not obsessed, its a no- in all elements of life’. I always reflect back to this saying, when sourcing not just pieces, but also artisans and contractors and clients to work with. I strongly believe designing a home, it is very much aligned with your emotions and intuitions throughout the process.

How do you envision stirring things up in the future with your designs and projects?
To defying boundaries with fearlessly mixing more natural elements - whether thats mixing variations of marble, onyx, moroccan tile, different tones of wood, etc. A great example of this work that I admire is the Santa Monica Proper Hotel by Kelly Wearstler.