Joy Moyler has a client list that would make any designer jump with… well… joy: Leonardo DiCaprio, David Geffen, Adrien Brody, and HRH Marie Chantal of Greece are just a few of her megawatt-star-powered patrons. Her resume also reads like a true who’s-who: stints working for Ralph Lauren, John Saladino, as well as Giorgio Armani, where she was the US Head of the Interior Design Studio. With such an impressive background, Joy’s work has been equally lauded, with much-deserved placements on the AD100 and Elle Decor A-List, among many others.
We spoke with the superstar designer about her background in the fashion world, her experiences working with such big-name celebs, her passion for textiles, and much more. See what she had to say below, and shop a stylish selection of her favorite Chairish finds.
Shop Joy Moyler’s Chairish Favorites >>>
First and foremost, how would you describe your personal aesthetic?
Crafted. Classic. Comfortable.
You’ve mentioned in the past that you love textiles of every type. Tell us how your love of fabrics comes to play within your designs.
I always look at the architecture first. Textiles are the supporting cast! But they play a major role. They make a house feel like a home. Craftsmanship as a whole is incredibly important to me. So I have a deep-rooted passion for archival textiles and those with a true handmade feel to them.
Prior to working for yourself, you had roles at firms including Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani Interior Design Studio. What were your biggest takeaways from working at those companies? How were you inspired to launch your own business?
Without a doubt the biggest takeaway from working with both Ralph Lauren and Giorgio Armani is understanding the power of visual storytelling. The power of translating what you wear on your body to dressing your home. That is what interior design is, after all: It is the synergy, the visual in how you want to be seen, and what you are revealing to others about you.
Of course, much is left to the viewer’s interpretation. Giorgio Armani and Ralph Lauren herald the importance of how really, really good lifestyle images both build and support a brand. Strong imagery makes a story, tells a story, and delivers it! It makes the product accessible to others while leaving space for the consumer to personalize it, adding their own “skin” to it.
Secondly, they taught me the importance of letting creative people be that: creative! Having confidence in your team to be creative, productive. Having strength in their approaches and contributions regardless of their roles in the organization, while having a whole lot of fun doing it.
You’ve designed projects for high-profile celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio and John Mayer. Did anything surprise you about those experiences?
I was surprised by how very interested they both are in design. They both enjoyed sitting beside me as I hashed out floor plans and finishes. They were constantly and directly involved in the process without gatekeepers or supporting players. We shopped together and it was always fun wherever we were. Those projects came with extra perks for sure, attending premieres and concerts, so I got to see them in their working environments, to best understand their lives. Yeah, that’s right… I was doing research! [Laughs]. I think I enjoyed averting LA paparazzi as much as they enjoyed furniture shopping. I love those guys!
You’ve done quite a few design projects overseas as well. How has this international experience affected your taste in interiors? Do you have a favorite place or project you’ve worked on?
I’ve worked on international projects for a long time. I spent my childhood in museums with vast international collections, so it’s great traveling to amazing places, having the opportunity to integrate items found around the world into my work. Everywhere I am working is my favorite place, be it London, Cape Cod, Paris, Montana, or Portofino.
On Chairish & Vintage Shopping…
What do you find most compelling about Chairish?
The sourcing is top notch!
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?
Besides seeing a piece that is actually available, in front of your face, and all you have to do is click for purchase? What could be better? My sister always says, “you never want something unless someone dead had it first.” Dramatic, but true!
Are there any dream vintage/antique “gets” you wish you could have?
Some great Joe D’Urso tables a friend had in his loft 100 years ago, for starters
What are three of your favorite pieces on Chairish now?
Just three? You’re mean! I love these Ward Bennett channel leather chairs, this Art Deco Jules Leleu rosewood sideboard, and this pair of Design Freres Lauer oxblood nightstands.
Some Design Favorites…
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room:
Comfortable furniture is a must! People will stay in a room longer when they are comfortable. Secondly, I love a great room scent—a moody amber, bergamot scent. Its tones are both masculine and feminine and make everyone feel at home without overpowering the room. Also, a powerful piece of art that captures your visual sense.
Favorite decorating “cheap thrill:”
I adore beautifully woven baskets with unusual shapes grouped together.
Favorite iconic piece of vintage design:
Anything by Mies Van der Rohe or Andrée Putman
Favorite paint color:
Anybody’s red… jungle red… Always red! However, many clients are strangely intimidated by its saturation, as it is known to elevate the senses or anxiety, depending on how you are feeling that day.
Favorite piece of decor in your home:
Right now, it’s a large mirror from Arteriors. I purchased it for a client and loved it so much I had to have one too!
Favorite designer or artist from the past you most often turn to for inspiration:
Favorite style icon:
Too many to mention… Lena Horne, Valentino, Edith Head, Elizabeth Taylor, Diana Ross, Tracee Ellis Ross…
Design destination every creative should visit at least once:
Anywhere they don’t usually go! Anywhere out of the comfort zone.
Best piece of career advice you’ve ever received:
“Say yes as much as possible, unless you’ve got an auction paddle in your hands!”
Some Lifestyle Favorites…
Favorite vacation destination:
Maui
Favorite hotel that’s inspired your work while traveling:
Hôtel Plaza Athénée in Paris
Favorite restaurant:
The Ralph Lauren Polo Bar and Raoul’s
Favorite small museum:
Favorite podcast:
Dennis Scully on Business of Home and Gail Davis on Design Perspectives
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow:
@Verandamag, @traceeellisross, @archdigest, @elledecor, @tortus, @harlemtoilegirl, @dior, @oscardelarenta
Favorite hostess (or thank you) gift:
Picture frames from Ralph Lauren Home
Favorite flower:
Peonies
Favorite adult beverage:
A Dark and Stormy in the winter and a Hendricks and Vodka in the summer
Favorite way to unwind at home:
Dancing!
Favorite entertaining essential:
A good attitude and even better booze!
Lead image courtesy of Raevo