Designer and California native Leah O’Connell’s lifelong love of pattern translates into decor, pillows, and furniture featuring her textiles. “My style goes hand-in-hand with the natural version of California style,” she explains. “Elegant and soulful, but not at all fussy.” Her rooms balance romanticism with a West Coast devotion to ease of living. Explore her Chairish edit, including a curation of her personal pieces.
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As a native Californian, how would you describe California style and how do you see your work connecting with a sense of place?
Having grown up in the natural beauty of the Bay Area, my style goes hand in hand with that version of California style–elegant and soulful, but not at all fussy. The same goes for my textiles and furniture designs, they are all meant to be lived on. I grew up in homes that were filled with beautiful furnishings, but that didn’t stop us from plopping down in wet suits or snugglings on the sofa with dogs. Nothing was too precious.
You’ve said your textiles and wallpaper are born of a lifelong love of color and pattern. What inspired this collection? What’s inspiring you most about your work right now?
The tenet of any good home design is to make you feel happy and welcome–that’s what I want to create in my work. For me, my design approach and the collection are entirely intertwined with the memories created in my childhood homes.
My house growing up was painted blue with persimmon-lacquered walls, a bright yellow living room, fern wallpaper in the entry, and a floral-swathed bedroom. The last few years I was definitely inspired by all things Swedish. Lately, I’m drawn to the Vienna Secession movement and borrowing a bit of those elements for my interiors. I’m thrilled to see “the greige era” might be taking a backseat to spaces with more personality and creativity.
What are some of your favorite patterns in this collection and how do you like to use them in your interiors?
That’s like asking me to pick a favorite child! I will say Harriet was my first design so she will always be close to my heart. When I’m designing interiors, I enjoy incorporating a mélange of materials and textures. That inspired me to start experimenting with other constructions and colors to round out the collection. I’m excited to add those to the mix.
Your interiors all have a rich mix of colors and textures. Any tips for mixing contrasting patterns?
The joy of finding that “just right” mix of color and design is the primary reason I got into design in the first place! Use different scales together for the ideal mix. And don’t be too matchy…the beauty is often in the contrast. Beyond that– go with what makes you smile.
Tell us about your approach to vintage and antique finds. How do you like to incorporate vintage/antiques in your projects?
No project is complete without something vintage or antique. They ground a space, and older pieces have a rich patina and stories to tell that new pieces simply can’t offer. I gravitate towards layered interiors that feel collected and are always reflective of the homeowners. More often than not, that is accomplished with vintage treasures.
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ON CHAIRISH & VINTAGE PIECES
What do you find most compelling about Chairish? Honestly, I always go to Chairish searching for one thing and then end up hours later down a rabbit hole of something completely different I discovered. Chairish is a necessary layer when I’m designing…it adds the whimsy, the provenance, the history, the patina that makes a room special.
How does sustainability factor into your design choices and love of vintage?
Huge proponent of both! I seek out vintage for clients and love recovering pieces. Most new furniture for clients I make custom, and it was through this lens I approached my own collection. The more I dug into the usual ingredients the more passionate I became about making a line of organic, sustainable pieces.
A FEW DESIGN FAVORITES
Favorite way to create a statement-making moment in a room? Textiles of course!
Favorite paint color? My flavor of the moment is Farrow & Ball Teresa’s Green.
Favorite piece of decor in your home? My art–I’m always moving things around, so there are lots of holes in the walls. When I place artwork in new spots, I appreciate everything as though it’s all new again.
Favorite style icon? Though she may only be an icon to me, my grandmother!
Design destination every creative should visit at least once? Beauport, or the Sleeper-McCann House in Gloucester, Massachusetts. It was built in 1907 as the home of Henry Davis Sleeper, one of the first American decorators. It’s a treasure trove of objects and so inspiring.
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A FEW LIFESTYLE FAVORITES
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow? Too hard to pick…and too many! I love to follow the UK designers like Rita Konig, Carlos Garcia, Ben Pentreath, Max Rollit and Willow Crossley.
Favorite hostess (or thank you) gift? Napkin set in one of my textiles
Favorite vacation destination? Dolomites…or London.
Favorite flower? Queen Anne’s Lace en masse.
Favorite entertaining essential? Incredible flowers, delicious food…and my husband, he brings the humor.
Lead Image: Design by Leah O’Connell | Photography by Jose Manuel Alorda.
