Say hello to the textile Queen, Schuyler Samperton! This Los Angeles based interior & textile designer has a passion for fabric and it reflects in her work. She has always had an eye for design starting at a young age with her father being an architect. I had the privilege of getting to chat with this boss babe about her inspiration and life in design- Check it out!

 

 

Q: Where do you find inspiration, and how do you make sure you are constantly innovating? 

A: I was an art history major, so I’m constantly inspired by both art and history. I tend to prefer things from the past, but am always trying to find a way to make them relevant for the here and now.  I also adore Instagram and through it, have connected with so many amazing craftspeople, designers and creative geniuses. I love seeing what people from all of the world are doing.

Q: How do you find balance between your work and personal life?

A: When you’re in a creative field, I feel like there is never a moment when you’re not “on.” You can’t decide not to see a color or a pattern, so I’m always absorbing my surroundings (for better or worse) and everything I see goes in some sort of subconscious data base that I pull from when the occasion arises. I also work with my love, so everything is always intertwined. We talk about the fabric collection all the time!

Q: What’s the best part of owning/running your own business?

A: You have the freedom to do what you want with no restrictions, and your creative vision is all yours. What’s the worst?! Never being able to completely walk away and take a break.

Q: What is some advice you have for women seeking to start a career in your industry or business in general? 

A: Meet everyone you can within the community, listen to your clients, learn as much as you can about the greats of design and be prepared to work hard.

 Q: What advice would you give your younger self? 

A: Relax! haha

Q: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment to date? 

A: Starting the textile division was always a dream of mine, and something I’m really proud of. I also did a house in Greece which was a huge undertaking!    

Q:  Has living in Los Angeles influenced your style, aesthetic or business in any way? 

A: Design here in LA has a very relaxed feel and people aren’t afraid to mix styles and genres. Color and pattern also play a huge part in every one of my schemes and I love working with bold combinations.

Q:  How do you design a project from start to finish, where do you start, how do you get the look for less, what are the do's and don'ts?

A: The first thing I do is meet with the clients and listen to their wants and needs. I take a good look at the plans and then start developing the schemes for each room. Continuity between rooms is critical so that the project has a unity in terms of approach. Client feedback is also important and I make sure that they’re a part of the process. Managing the nuts and bolts is also enormously essential – you can have a beautiful plan, but unless you know how to communicate with your vendors, take care of your billing and coordinate an installation you’re in deep trouble. There are so many great sources out there to get “the look for less,” you just need to do a little research and you can recreate a very posh look without breaking the bank. Stick with familiar names to make sure that you can trust the quality.

Q: How would you define your personal style?

A: My personal style is like my design – bold, fearless and full of color and pattern.

Q: Who are your personal style icons? 

A: My wonderful, crazy Mom; Ali MacGraw and Florence Welch.

Q: What trait do you most admire in a person? 

A: Honesty in word and deed.

 Q: What does your style say about you?

A: I suppose it says I’m adventurous and not afraid to be different.

Q: What is your guilty pleasure? 

A: Ice Cream and vintage dresses.

Q: Who/what has been your greatest professional influence? Personal influence? Why?

A: Professionally, Michael S. Smith – he taught me the finer points of design and it was fascinating to watch him work. He has an encyclopediac knowledge of history, designers, painters and fabrics so to see the ease with which he assembled a scheme was a real education. Personal – my parents – they always marched to the beat of a different aesthetic drummer and taught me that style was something to respect.

Q: What can we look forward to next from you? 

A: Along with some exciting projects on the interior design side, we’re also launching a bunch of exciting patterns and introducing options in several new categories for us - performance and wallpaper. We can’t wait!!!!