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While the kitchen is easily Leslie Hayes’ favorite room in her house, the Haverford-based interior designer doesn’t play favorites when working with clients. “A mudroom can be as exciting as a living room, or a bedroom can become a boudoir retreat for private moments,” says Hayes. “Each room has the possibility of creating something special.”
Personal decorating style: It ranges from contemporary-with-a-twist to mid-century modern.
Most prized possessions: An old Italian-style chaise lounge that sits in my family room. Also, a large painting of a chicken with a tornado behind it painted by Tom Palamore; it has sophistication, yet it’s a bit absurd.
Designer who inspires her: Bobby McAlpine, an architect and interior designer. His use of scale and proportion is timeless.
Her best piece of design advice: There’s usually more than one great solution to designing a room. When the proposed concepts and elements come together and speak to the client, you know you have the right design solution.
Design element she loves: A light fixture is a way to accent, enhance and punctuate a room.
Favorite design trend of the moment: I love the light, monochromatic tone-on-tone palette that’s popular right now. But I like to mix in design elements with contrast or color to provide the “wow” factor that makes a room extraordinary.
Her definition of good taste: Refinement and style. Good taste is never forced. It’s always a precious balance of style that looks effortless.
Three words that sum up her style: Elegant, bold and comfortable.
Best part of her job: Meeting the people I’m going to work with, and listening and understanding how they want to live in their homes.
