There’s something I love about a space that feels elevated and thoughtfully designed, while still feeling warm, personal, and full of character. For my latest Designer Spotlight, I’m excited to introduce Isy Runsewe, founder and creative director of Isy’s Interiors.
Originally from London and now based in Brooklyn, Isy has such a playful and layered approach to design. I love the way she mixes color, pattern, texture, vintage pieces, and unexpected details to create spaces that feel collected, inviting, and completely unique.
I caught up with Isy to learn more about her design philosophy, where she finds inspiration, and the lessons she’s picked up along the way.
GM: Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m Isy Runsewe, founder and creative director of Isy’s Interiors, a New York-based interior design studio. I’m originally from London and now live in Brooklyn with my husband and young daughter. I’ve always loved creating spaces that feel warm, personal and collected, and that instinct ultimately grew into the studio and the work we do today.
GM: How would you describe your interior design style?
Colorful, layered and a little unexpected. I love mixing old and new, playing with pattern and texture, and bringing together pieces that perhaps shouldn’t work but somehow do. I want a room to feel elevated and considered, but never overly precious or “designed.” There should always be warmth, personality and a sense of fun.
The word “whimsy” seems to get used a lot when describing our work, and I love this: a sense of the unexpected and surprise!
GM: From your color selections to your furniture, can you walk us through your design process? Where do you begin?
It really varies from project to project. Sometimes an entire room begins with a fabric or wallpaper I’ve fallen in love with; other times it’s an antique, a piece of art or simply a color combination.
From there, I tend to build in layers. I’m constantly looking at how colors, patterns, textures and different periods speak to one another. I don’t necessarily want everything to match. I’m looking for the thread that makes it all feel connected.
GM: What’s one of the greatest design lessons you’ve learned?
Not to be afraid of being bold, particularly when it comes to mixing pattern and texture. Often it’s the combinations you’re initially unsure about that give a room the most depth and warmth.
I’ve learned to trust my instincts and not overthink whether things technically “go” together. If everything matches too perfectly, you can lose some of the character and soul.
GM: Where do you turn for inspiration?
Literally everywhere! Travel is a huge source of inspiration, but so are fashion, art, restaurants, hotels, the seasons, nature and other designers’ work.
Living in New York, I’m constantly noticing interesting combinations, whether it’s the colors of two buildings next to each other or what someone is wearing on the street. I think the best inspiration often comes when you aren’t actively looking for it.
GM: Tell us about incorporating Gray Malin artwork into your work.
We were lucky enough to use one of my favorite art prints in a recent project, The Brooklyn Designer Showhouse. This was Disco Nap, and it looked absolutely stunning in our space.
What I love most about Isy’s work is how much personality she brings to every space. Her mix of color, pattern, and unexpected details feels playful, collected, and completely her own.
I hope Isy’s work inspires you to trust your instincts, have a little more fun with your space, and choose pieces that truly make you happy. Explore more from Isy’s Interiors and discover artwork from my collection to bring a little color, personality, and wanderlust into your own home.
XO,
Gray