Joshua Smith
photo by Read McKendree
If you could have a second home anywhere, where would you live? Montecito
What are three words to describe your style?
1. Liveable
2. Curated
3. Serene
Tell us about your childhood bedroom? Which one? I changed it all the time… my favorite versions was when I had light grey walls - I think it was called Chicago Grey, and my bedding was all white but with lots of texture and layers, with blankets and pillows. I may have gone overboard with black ikea bookcases to hold all of my books and vintage finds.
What’s the first investment piece you ever bought for your house? Oh my gosh, so after my very first commission I bought myself a two toned wood chevron patterned marquetry desk - that I still have 10 years later.
In the history of design, if you could hire any designer other than yourself, who would it be?
There are so many legends I would love to hire, but I would have to say Barbara Barry. I have been captivated and inspired by her process and influence of Mother Nature. I have honed a similar process and found the beauty, shape and texture in the simplest things–– I would like to experience her at work. In fact, when I get asked who would be the 5 people if you could invite anyone to a dinner party Barbara Barry has been on my list for over 10+ years. We both love a tea ritual too!
No room is complete without a candle, books, and blankets, art and a crystal!
People think of me as quieter and maybe reserved, but as I warm up to people they are always surprised at how much I make them laugh with my sense of humor.
A song for:
Dinner at home: We have a “crooners” playlist for dinner parties that everyone loves - think old Hollywood - Rosemary Clooney, Dinah Shore, Doris, Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole…..
Working at your desk: If I am in a mellow/creative zone - it’s something by Novo Amor
Going for a run: Well I wish I was a runner. For working out I definitely tap into the remixes. I had my wild times in early 2000s so a trip down memory lane with Mariah, Britney, Christina, and of course so Lady Gaga – they could always get a hook and the sick beats push you through the tough workouts.
Biggest Vice? Coca Cola – I just love it! Ice cold or fountain soda from Sonic with the nugget ice – maybe throw in some vanilla —I could get carried away so I limit it to treats only - not a daily - somehow it’s my comfort food.
If you were on an Ambien high and internet shopping, what would you buy? Well, that’s a tough one…lately I have been wanting to add a new watch to my collection - and I have been eyeing this one for a while — wanting something that mixes the metals — maybe I should get an ambien so I could finally treat myself! https://www.rolex.com/en-us/watches/submariner/m126613ln-0002
Do your clothes reflect your design sensibility, if so, how? I'd say so, I dress for comfort, layers and textures. How things feel is so important. I am not stuffy…the bow tie, sport coat and loafers type. I do love to see those looks put together but it's just not my style. None of my projects are over the top or over the top with wild colors and tons of pattern. Not that I haven’t done projects like that for clients that love that…..but, I love to visit those spaces but not live in them on the daily. I am driven more by monochromatic color schemes with subtle nuances in the variation of one color family to create more serenity and harmony in a home. Then adding layers of softness , texture, ambient light and engaging the senses – I've been saying for over 10 years now - that our homes are our sanctuaries and should nourish our spirit, inspire our mind and connect us to ourselves, our loved ones and the divine.
Who is your star crush? Dolly Parton was like a fairy godmother to me as a child growing up in a southern baptist small country town in Texas – where I was bullied almost daily for years from about 8 to 18. Dolly was always talking about following your dreams and going after them - so I did! And I would have to say Ms. Oprah - introduced me to spiritual literature that truly allowed me to pull myself from the depths of darkness and find my way to the light and co-create my own reality, what I call blissful living! So both have literally saved my life and given me the direction and hope needed to make change and find courage to go after your dreams.
What is the thing you would never do on a project, but don’t detest when you see others do it? Over the top color combos, lots of stuff, super eclectic. I’ve seen some futuristic projects in magazines lately and I’m like that is super cool design, but not how I could live with serenity or the practicality of most of my clients with children and pets to consider!
photo by tim lenz
A Few Favorites:
Movie: Pretty Woman
Book: The Nightingale for fiction and the book that changed my life Return to Love
Scent: Lavender sandalwood - I mix both oils in distilled water for a room and fabric refresher - Its heaven!
The fabric you always come back to: Velvet
Dream project: On my vision board it is a hotel and spa project!
Meal: Tex Mex - chips and salsa are my favorite food group.
Drink: Iced tea, unsweetened, with lemon
Hotel: Love to stay at The Proper Hotel in Santa Monica - love to experience Kelly Wearstler’s work
Travel Destination: Water must be involved - Greece resonates with my soul
Artist: As you’ve herald the thread of serenity and sanctuary - Anges Martin has captivated my heart - the exhibit the Guggieheim did years ago was like a trip to disney world for me. And an artist of the moment that is obsessed with who I just secured a uge triptych for a new project in Palm Springs is Bobbi Burgers!
A cause near and dear to me: Anything animal related tugs at my heartstrings but also troubled teens and early twenties that end up homeless for various reasons. I’ve been there and it can be so hard to find your way back to the light after a detour into darkness.
Thing to collect obsessively: Ironstone, gems and crystals
Era in the history of design: French 1940s
Museum: The Frick
Paint Color that always looks great: Benjamin Moore Revere pewter
Favorite person to follow on Instagram: I love a laughter anytime and I can always count on every post from @hicaitlynreily - her characters and impersonations have me laughing out loud…she gets me through tough moments and laughter can help recenter my mind.
Dogs, Cats, or No Pets? Dogs (2) - Crosby a white Boxer and Mabel a rescue boxer mix
