“I began my journey into upholstery design after spending my entire childhood traveling and often moving with my family. I frequently found myself having to purge my possessions when we moved somewhere new, so I became interested in this idea of finding small ways to feel at home no matter where you are in the world.
“When I finally settled in Washington, DC, I began seriously creating bespoke furniture that reflected me—things that I knew would allow me to feel at home, with myself, no matter where I moved next. Once other people began to seek me out to create pieces that would give them that same feeling of “coming home to yourself,” I knew I was onto something.”
Any design tips for us mere mortals who need help elevating our homes right now?
“Focus on creating an experience in your home that makes it feel like your home. It’s really easy to grab pieces out in the world that are mass-produced or reflect a broader cultural reality, but home should really start with manifesting the expressions of who you are at every stage in your life—so when you come home from a long day, you feel embraced by your truth and your own reflection. I believe that the best home design is the kind that reminds you and others of your own unique beauty.”
[Editor’s note: Take time to identify your own personal style. Whether you’re learning how to DIY a wall hanging or simply browsing decor until you find something that speaks to you, learn what you love and what makes you feel like home. You can start now with the eclectic designs from Walmart’s Bohemian Dreams Summer Edit.]
What was the very first thing you upholstered yourself?
“The very first thing was a pair of metal dining chairs I snagged from Craigslist. The frames were initially silver metal, and the seats were a tattered cream. I painted the frames gold and upholstered the seats in a green-and-white floral print. I sold them to a woman who happened to be an interior designer one week later, and she told me I should get into upholstery more full-time because of the need for it in DC. And the rest—as they say—is history.”