Christie Leu, of Christie Leu Interiors, transforms homes into sanctuaries in Northwest DC, suburban Maryland and Virginia. Her team merges classical architecture with a contemporary aesthetic for a modern lifestyle. Learn more about her work in this interview for byDesign!
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
My favorite part is changing people’s lives with functional and beautiful designs!
Who or what would you cite as your most important influence?
There are so many people from different fields of business, design and architecture. I love Barbara Barry, Luann Nigara, Kimberley Seldon, I.M. Pei, Frank Geary and many local talents in our industry.
Can you tell us about your personal brand?
We transform homes into sanctuaries for successful professionals and their families in Northwest DC, suburban Maryland and Virginia with the help of our A-team of architects, contractors and designers. Our attention to detail and expert processes ensure happiness during construction and for many years to come. We merge classical architecture with a contemporary aesthetic and adaptations for a modern lifestyle.
What is your favorite color palette to work with?
I love color, either for an accent or all over! As a former artist of 15 years, I like to play with all color to create different moods from those that are soothing to those that emit energy!
If you could travel back, what advice would you give yourself as you start this career?
Be patient. With time, hard work and experience, you will be able to succeed.
Please give us an overview of the more personal side of your business, how did it come to be, any interesting stories about the origin you can share?
I am an artist-turned-interior-designer who has triplets + two AND a triplet mom design assistant! For 15 years, I made original, function and fine crafts. After completing several major renovations to a series of my own homes, I was called a serial remodeler by my contractor. I turned my expertise with color, composition and organization into an Associate Degree of Applied Sciences in Interior Design with a specialization in Kitchen and Bath Design. I am now honored and excited to help others through the sometimes daunting and complicated process of home improvements.
I grew up in Shaker Heights, Ohio where I developed an appreciation for wonderful architecture and design.
Do you have anything you can share about how you and/or your firm have been affected by COVID-19, and any tips for other designers on how to navigate and cope?
We continue to serve our current clients and spend time most days refining and documenting our precesses for the onslaught of business when we are released [from quarantine]. We have also prepared our marketing for the next four months.
What do you like most about DesignerInc?
I love the DesignerInc search engine! The ability to search by vendor, size, color… is amazing!
What do you most want to do in your business?
I want to keep creating and innovating on a bigger and bigger scale.
Follow her on Instagram: @christieleuinteriors