This week’s designer spotlight is on Libby Mansour, from Joy Home Interiors in Seattle. Libby strives to give her clients a space that they enjoy living in and a place that brings them joy.
What is your favorite part about being a designer?
I love curating and hunting for the perfect pieces for a project. Of course there are many guidelines and “rules” of design but I love that there is something so intuitive and exciting about finding a piece and knowing in your gut that it is perfect. That feeling never gets old.
Tell us a little about your personal brand…
At the heart of my brand is a great quote from Oscar Wilde: “Be yourself, everybody else is already taken”. I believe spaces are extensions of the people who occupy them—enigmatic, layered, and full of possibility. It is my job to explore these possibilities with my clients by pushing the boundaries; getting creative and doing something a little unexpected. I love connecting people and collaborating with other artists and makers of mixed disciplines to create unique pieces. The goal is to make my clients homes as distinctive as they are. And I always make sure we have fun along the way.
Who or what would you cite as your most important influence?
I am always in awe of artists and makers. From textiles to sculpture to furniture and more, I love seeing the amazing ideas these artists and makers continually come up with. They always have their own unique spin. It is this unique spin that continually makes my job so exciting.
If you could travel back, what advice would you give yourself as you start this career?
Be yourself! In the world of instagram (or occasionally I call it instasham) it is easy to get distracted by what everyone else is doing and start doubting yourself and your uniqueness. Sometimes I try to have some social media free days. Don’t get me wrong, this is a work-in-progress because I love looking at pretty pictures!
What is your favorite current resource?
I have been working on a lot of custom pieces, so my local showrooms with their gorgeous fabrics is my current resource. I love getting on my office floor and spreading out my samples. Some of my best work has been done on my office floor!
Fun fact about yourself…
I’m Australian!