Interior Design is about far more than the right sofa, light fixture or rug. The real question is, “How does it make you Feel?’   I mean physically, when you see a certain pattern style or the beauty of natural stone… does it evoke an actual physical response?

Emotion goes both ways positive or negative.  That is why sometimes we feel almost revolted by a certain design item, most likely it subconsciously reminds us of a bad experience.  Or, we feel unexplainably giddy about a fabric or a piece of art.   Here is my experience:  Some design elements literally make my heart beat faster and my breathing shallow.   It could be something good from your childhood is triggered, for me it is when I see a  pattern of “window pane check”. Crazy right?!  I have no clue why, and it would take years of therapy to uncover, but I am drawn to it like a magnet. This is joy, a floaty, tingly feeling that everyone deserves!  That is why you are drawn to a piece of art and find yourself smiling, without really knowing why.

For the love of everything that is good… surround yourself with items that make you happy!  Resist the urge to match everything into a boring manufactured style, and challenge conventional thinking.  Bring your personality unabashedly to the table! Whatever is your design obsession, explore it!  Here are some items that love or hate them, have personality, dialed up the palette and above all are just Fun!!

Sometimes there is a reluctance to use Interior Designers because a person worries they will not be able to express their personality.   In reality, the best designers serve as thoughtful guides, listening first and working to make your deeply personal vision come to life!

Leslie Thompson, ASID

Malibu West Interiors

239-860-3100