DON'T MISS A THING

Designing your home to transform it into a place that reflects your true identity is ideal for making it feel like home. Luxury interior designer Elyssa Contardo lives by this philosophy, transforming spaces into ones that truly reflect those who inhabit them. As a luxury interior designer for the past 15 years, Elyssa is known for crafting spaces that resonate with her clients.

Elyssa is not tied down to one style; from contemporary elegance to timeless classics, her designs radiate beauty and comfort. Her eponymous firm, Elyssa Contardo Designs, has two locations, one in Palm Desert, CA, and the other in Park City, UT. And in August 2025, the creative interior designer will launch a new paint stain line called Tinted—stay tuned!

We had the pleasure of connecting with Elyssa Contardo for this edition of Love Happens’ Design Questionnaire. Read on!

Lh Design Questionnaire with Elyssa Contardo of Elyssa Contardo Designs

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

My idea of perfect happiness revolves around meaningful connections, personal fulfillment, and moments of peace. It includes time spent with loved ones, engaging in activities I’m passionate about, and embracing nature. It’s about finding balance, connection, and contentment in the everyday moments that make life special. A quiet morning routine, traveling with friends, or enjoying a mellow evening, it’s those little moments that bring me joy and contentment.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

I often find myself reflecting on my journey and realizing that I haven’t yet reached my greatest achievement. While I’ve accomplished many things that I’m proud of, there’s a lingering sense that my potential is still waiting to be fully realized. I crave experiences that challenge me and push my boundaries, whether that’s in my personal life or career. It feels like I’m on the cusp of something greater, and I’m motivated to seek out opportunities that will help me grow and evolve. Each step I take is a part of this ongoing journey, and I’m excited for what’s still to come.

What profession does your alter ego have?

As an Interior Designer to the outside world, no one sees the 1000s of items we juggle. From emails, texts, damaged product, missing product, and an angry sub. How much paperwork goes into writing up one custom sectional? From the custom drawings to the yardage amount, seat height, arm height, seat depth, fabric quantity, fabric material, etc. In one custom sectional, I could probably spend 20 hours or so on it. I always tell people we are like your primary Doctor, we know a little about a lot, but I am not a tile installer, I’m not an electrician. But by knowing a little about every topic, we are able to execute a whole house from the inside out.

The project you will never forget.

The project I will never forget was when I first started Interior Design. It was my first project at a design firm I worked for when I finished school in 2008. It was about a 15 million dollar home for the owner of the Bighorn Development in Palm Desert. It’s a very high-end, exclusive golf club. I remember after we installed, the wife wanted a Dining Room rug for her 16-foot long Dining Table, and she needed it in 3 weeks for an intimate charity event they were hosting at their home, and each plate was $300,000.00. But, it had to be Native American styled and Turquoise. So, of course, we had no time to have a custom-made one, and my boss made it my job to find one.

I told myself there had to be one rug in the whole United States that would work for this, and I just had to track it down. So I did, I found it a few days later. There was some drama with me getting a sample, getting it approved, and getting the Rug expedited there on time, but it all worked out. We installed the Area Rug before the event, and it was stunning. After that, my boss always made me source and deal with all those really fun impossible tasks, haha.

Your favorite business tool or resource.

My favorite tool is an electric measurer. I love using this. I’m really quick with a tape measure, I’ll say,
but for long walls and high ceilings, because I am short, I really like my electric tape measure. I also like
the app company Cam that my team and I use. This app lets us upload photos to each job, and they are
organized in folders that my whole team has access to. This has helped us so much.

The most timeless design.

The most timeless design often combines simplicity, functionality, and elegance, transcending trends
while remaining relevant across eras. Classic elements like neutral color palettes, natural materials (think
wood, stone, and leather), and clean lines create a harmonious and inviting space. Ultimately, a timeless
design feels both fresh and familiar, inviting people in while allowing for personal expression. It’s about
creating spaces that are as beautiful as they are livable, adaptable to change without losing their essence.

The biggest design faux pas.

I have a few design faux pas, including over-styled shelves. Area rugs that are too small. Art that
is hung too high, or too low, and also if the scale is too small. A big one in the bathrooms for the Primary
is overhead lighting. You always want side lighting in a bathroom because of the direct shadows it casts on your face if you have overhead lighting. A huge one for me is ugly faux plants. Also, any accents that are too cheesy really can cheapen your space. Sometimes I am brought in by realtors in the Golf Clubs out here in Palm Desert, and they ask my team and me to style the houses to get them on the market. Half of what we do is take out excessive accessories and dated houseplants.

Your design motto.

A motto that I live by for my clients is ‘Where elegance meets comfort’. And also for me, ‘Design with purpose, live with joy’.

Our publisher, KOKET, sells statement décor. If you were to design a room around one of their pieces, which would it be, and why?

I love the Neurotica Sculpture sconces!

Love Happens when…

When two souls connect deeply, embracing each other’s flaws and strengths, creating a safe space for vulnerability and growth. It flourishes in shared moments, laughter, and the quiet understanding that no matter what, you choose each other every day.

Explore more work by the fabulous Elyssa Contardo at elyssacontardo.com.

All Photos Courtesy of Elyssa Contardo Designs

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