Libra Studio

{Residence: Bay Area, Oakland  /  Hometown: Los Angeles + Hawaii  /  Occupation: Design Consultant with an Eye & a Wit  / Age: 36}

 

Don’t you love it when you meet someone and you instantly hit it off?  I do!  and that is just what happen between Libra and I.  We worked together in Santa Monica at Digs by Katie + Katie Leede & Co. She quickly impressed me with her witty sense of humor, amazing taste in interior design, and insightful grasp for life.  We discovered our connection to Hawaii and we shared the same dentist.  Go figure.  I heart Libra!!

 

You had the most interesting childhood.  Do you mind sharing a little bit about the first 5 years of your childhood?

Well, the fact that my name is Libra sorta clues one in to my hippie roots…and yes, I am a Libra. Either my parents were really unimaginative or very practical…or both!

Actually my mom said the name came to her in a dream – so it all just worked out thankfully. I was born in commune in Los Angeles, called The Source. We had a health food restaurant by the same name, on Sunset. Cool fact: the scene at the end of Annie Hall where Woody Allen’s character meets Diane Keaton at an outdoor cafe to ask her to return to New York and leave LA behind – that was our place.

Anyway, I contracted a near fatal case of staph at three months of age. Thank god for UCLA medical center. Doctors were not condoned in “the Family”. But my mom, always the rebel, took me there surreptitiously and saved me from certain death. Go mom!

Once I was healthier, we all fled to Hawaii. A few people remained behind, because the child protective services were going to want answers. “what sort of parents allow their child to get that ill? why didn’t that sick baby have a birth certificate? in fact, where is that darn baby anyway? I’m over here…

oops too late. Aloha.

 

Why is Hawaii special to you?

I grew up between Maui and LA, travelled a little bit and now I live in Northern Cali, but Hawaii has always felt like home. Some of my earliest memories are of being at the beach in Lanikai, eating papaya with my mom.  My dad lives on Maui – has for 33 years- and that’s where I got married. My godmother lives on the Big Island now. So yeah…I strong roots in Hawaii and that’s a good feeling, especially for a gypsy like me.

A quirky side note about Hawaii – which you’ve noticed I’m sure- somehow karma is swifter there. I don’t know why, but if you’re not living right, with integrity in your actions, and you go to Hawaii, well, stuff has a way of not working out so well. Maybe it’s just me, but I like that sense of justice…it makes Hawaii feel supernatural.

 

How did you end up in interiors and what do you love most about this industry?

I had planned on a career in fashion, but then made a sharp left and never looked back. Interior design is in my blood and I have my grandmother, Judy Weltsch to thank. She was a great influence on me, taking me along on trips to the Pacific Design Center. I used to watch her in her office working, making her phone calls, to clients, with her upholsterer, sketching with those red Brunschwig & Fils pencils.

 

What I love most about interior design? Definitely the textiles, fabric, trims, wallpapers…that’s where I get excited.

 

What is the most outrageous experience you’ve had in your career?

A client ordered a custom table. She customized every detail, walnut veneer, turned legs, custom stretchers, stain, the whole thing. And with a 12 week lead time.

The table is finally completed and it’s stunning! Upon installation, she walks into the room and sees the the underside, which was varnished, but not veneered as the top was. She flips out.

“Oh no, no, no! This is unacceptable! We have to take it back! What if my guests all faint and when they are down they look up and notice that the table is not finished?”

 

Who would you list as some of the most influential interior designers?

Dorothy Draper, Tony Duquette…and of course Judy Weltsch!

 

I met you in LA and 5 months later you moved to San Francisco.  How is life in the Bay?

The bay area has been very good to me [and my husband]. It’s taken a while to adjust, but recently I’ve found myself feeling distinctly content.

 

Tell us about LibraStudio.com and your blog.

LibraStudio was me in 2007 going, “I need a domain name”….but I never did much with the website itself, until I stared blogging. Le Blog is my humorous way of saying, “Here I am, here’s some fun stuff, don’t take life too serious, blah, blah, blah”. Of course adding the Le onto everything is my kitch twist, because a french accent makes everything more chic!

 

What are some of your latest obsessions?

1. leather tools – I’ve been making my own bracelets w/ remnant leather & stones and stuff

2. scarves as belts

3. good luck charms

4. and boots…always boots

 

Do you have any projects on the horizon we should look out for?

I’ve been asked to consult on a commercial project that pairs fashion and interiors….stay tuned!

 

You’re quite insightful, what are a couple important life lessons you’ve learned?

1. Be like a duck. This is my mantra lately and it’s very powerful and also funny.

2. Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don’t matter and those who matter don’t mind.” – Dr. Seuss

3. Smile big and breathe IN whenever your photo is taken.

 

What inspires you?

Fashion, humor, and the desire for beauty in my surroundings.

 

**Libra, a huge fantastic hug!  Thank you so much and can’t wait to see the commercial project come to life!