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The Magic of Living Beautifully with Joshua Smith
In this edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire, join us for a peek into the creative mind of interior designer Joshua Smith. With projects on both coasts of the United States, Joshua Smith Inc. offers full-service residential interior design—and life-changing spaces. Joshua draws on decades of experience transforming functional spaces into inspiring environments that engage the senses and nourish the soul. By cultivating the connections between mind, body, spirit, and space, he helps his clients elevate their experience each day.
After eight years in residential real estate in his home state of Texas, Joshua decided to pursue his passion for interiors. Upon graduating from the New York School of Interior Design, the aspiring designer joined Steven Gambrel, an influential interior design firm specializing in high-end residential and commercial commissions worldwide. It was the inspiration he needed to create Joshua Smith, Inc. in 2013, earning national accolades, that confirmed his decision to follow his inner guide.
Meet Joshua Smith in the Lh Design Questionnaire
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Perfect happiness is a tricky question as I think we create more happiness when we accept we won’t be happy 100% of the time. We are multi-emotional beings, so it’s where we place our attention so that we can cultivate more happiness in daily doings. But for me, it’s the simple pleasures in life. Being at home in Vermont, with my husband David and two dogs, Crosby and Mabel—and hosting friends—there is good food, lots of laughter and music—walks through the meadow witnessing the wildflowers dance with the wind and relishing in the birdsong echoing through the hollow. It’s harvesting tomatoes out of the garden and preparing a simple yet beautiful meal for loved ones. It’s not the big stuff; it’s the little moments that often go unnoticed if we are not paying attention.
What do you consider your greatest achievement?
When I was 18, I took a detour into darkness—growing up in a Baptist Church in a small country town in Texas with consistent bullying—I made the wrong choice and numbed out, which ultimately led to homelessness, but 17 years ago, I had a moment of grace, and I made the decision to move towards the light and live a sober life. That single decision and daily commitment altered the course of my life so drastically and opened the door to the path to fulfilling my wildest dreams.
What profession does your alter ego have?
Anyone heard of Beyonce?
The project you will never forget.
It’s more of the people than the project usually. I have been fortunate to have amazing clients. It’s pretty special to have worked with some clients for over ten years. I remember decorating a client’s 8-year-old daughter’s room; now, she’s a senior this year. And the other daughter was three and currently dances with the NYC ballet. It’s a privilege to become a part of my clients’ lives and to bear witness to their living more beautifully with my help!
Your favorite business tool or resource.
Studio Designer and Asana keep me and my team organized, efficient, and able to provide superior service to our clients. I would say that 20% of design is creativity, and 80% is execution. Great designers need to dream up beautiful ideas—but you have to be able to execute them from conception to completion.
The most timeless design.
Design that reflects YOU—who you are and how you aspire to live—I say be inspired by trends but choose the path of timelessness overall. A combo of neutrals as the backdrop will never be out of style, and it gives one the flexibility to make small changes in pillows, for example, that might have a big impact. A mix of modern and antiques—you can’t go wrong!
The biggest design faux pas.
When someone buys everything from one store, and it looks like a catalog—it’s all about the art of the mix that makes a home personal and interesting.
Your design motto.
A beautiful interior is not something we see, it’s an experience. It should engage the senses and nourish the soul.
Our publisher KOKET makes statement décor; if you were to design a room around one KOKET piece, which would it be, and why?
I am obsessed with the Paris Oval Dining Table. I would pair it with antique, distressed white Louis XVI chairs in a gorgeous mossy velvet!
Love Happens when…
Your heart starts to sing!
Explore more Joshua Smith Inc. at joshuasmithinc.com.
Feature Photo by Lance Gerber for Joshua Smith Inc.
