I’m so excited to be sharing this post with you because I think it’s something all of us Interior Design fanatics and parents can sometimes struggle with—creating a space that is both kid-friendly and aesthetically sophisticated. Today I’m joined by Leigh from Pure Salt Interiors for a tour of her daughter’s bedroom that she designed using The Cabana from my series, Gray Malin at the Coral Casino. I always love seeing different people use my art to influence the direction of a space and this one is no exception. All the art on my website is currently 30% off right now making it the perfect opportunity for you to give a space in your room a little makeover. Leigh’s room is so beautiful, it’s making me so excited to decorate my daughter’s room when she eventually grows out of her nursery. I’m going to let Leigh take it from here!
_Hi there, my name’s Leigh! I’m a California girl, through-and-through, born and raised in Orange County. I have two kiddos, Audrey and JP, who I adore and are my main sources of joy and fun. We love being outdoors, playing in the water, and enjoying all the blessings California has to offer!_
## I’m so interested in learning more about your career, could you tell us a little bit about what all you do?
> It'svery multi-faceted! I feel so incredibly lucky to have had many exciting opportunities, and to have now found my niche doing what I love while using my hard-won experience and knowledge. I’ve always sought creative endeavors, where I am able to work closely with people to bring a vision to life. Prior to Pure Salt, I spent over a decade working at some of the country’s most prestigious advertising agencies, leading major national campaigns for retailers and Grammy-winning recording artists. Currently, I am co-owner of Pure Salt Interiors with my best friend, Aly Morford—how many people are lucky enough to say that they work with their best friend every day!—together we have built a lifestyle brand with a design studio, plus retail and ecommerce platform, that has a loving and engaged community. We are incredibly proud!
## When did you launch your design business? What was the catalyst behind creating it? How has your journey been creating and running this business with your partner Aly?
> In 2015, for the first time since fate paired Aly and I together as college roommates, we were no longer living within a stone’s throw of one another. Aly and her husband packed up their family to move to Saudi Arabia for an opportunity with his business, and I was busy planting roots in Southern California with my own family. While Aly was in Saudi, she dreamt up a business plan for an interior design studio and she instantly knew that I (who shared her passion in design and was also yearning for something more) was the perfect choice for a partner. Aly drafted a passionate appeal, making the case for why we should dive head-first into a design business together. It took less than 24 hours for me to reply with a simple but resounding “I’m all in.” Pure Salt Interiors was born that day in December 2015, around 3:30am Arabian Standard Time. Five years later, our dream has been realized and continues to grow and evolve each day!
## Will you tell us a little bit about your home and the space where you featured the print?
> Our home is a 2,500 square foot, 4 bedroom, 4 bath home with transitional architecture, and Audrey’s room was the perfect place for “The Cabana” print! When we moved in, her room was a blank canvas, and I knew we needed to inject some fun and playful energy onto the walls. Audrey herself loves design, (you will often find her styling her pillows or her dolls, it’s so cute) and she wanted a room that was functional for cousins and friends to stay over, while still being stylish and quintessentially Audrey. We found ways to incorporate her favorite colors (pink, of course) and things, like the pool and the ocean, to make sure her room was classic and comfy.
## How was it designing a project for yourself this time vs for a client?
> It was surprisingly hard! I have the unique and wonderful vantage point of seeing a lot of beautiful things when designing for clients, and it was challenging choosing exactly what I wanted for my home. The focus became choosing pieces that I had already grown to love for a long time, to ensure I wouldn’t tire of them too soon or feel as though I had jumped on what was trendy at the time. I was sure to keep in mind my go-to themes of classic and clean design throughout the house.
## How does your approach to designing a kid’s room differ from your approach to designing a space for an adult? Any tips for our readers?
> As a mom who has done a lot of designing for clients and their families, I have experienced first-hand the challenges of designing a beautiful, durable, clutter-free, and kid-friendly space. It’s about striking the perfect balance of clean and simple living with playful and imaginative energy. I made a point to use a girly color palette and fun wallpaper to make sure Aurdey’s room felt inspired and beautiful, while still being a wonderland for a six year old.
## The Gray Malin print you featured is called The Cabana... you made the room almost feel like a cabana in itself! Tell us about your design process for this room—how did you pick the furniture? What role did the art play in your design? What elements do you use to create a space that is comfortable yet still refined?
> That was the goal! “The Cabana'' has been one of my favorite Gray Malin prints for years—since I first saw it, I knew I wanted to incorporate it into my future home. I feel as though I am an old soul; I really resonated with the vibe of “The Cabana” and wanted to bring in vintage elements to speak to that essence. The furniture was selected to suit my classic design style, while playing into the feeling of the print: vintage, playful, and personal. Audrey’s spindle beds are a nod to antique wrought iron bed frames, but in a modern palette and finish. And the chandelier is shaped in a more curved and traditional style. The mirror above the dresser is done in brass, a metal accent that feels aged with patina rather than chrome or other shiny golds.
## How would you describe your interior decor style?
> Pure Salt’s design ethos is all about design that begins with a fresh and clean palette, quality furnishings, artisan textiles, layered neutrals, and nature-inspired decorative accessories. This is how I approached my home as a whole, mixed with my personal love for the past. I have always been inspired by old music, movies, and vintage pieces. I had such a thrill marrying my love for old things with my Pure Salt aesthetic, ensuring every room felt curated and personal.
## When were you first introduced to the GM brand? Why did you choose this piece?
> I was first introduced to the Gray Malin brand years ago when I worked in advertising for Target. His photography came across my desk when I was pulling inspiration for a campaign and I instantly became a huge fan. I love the composition and color of his work and how his aerials seem to transport you to different destinations or even eras. I have been placing his work in clients' homes for years, and when designing my own home, I had to find the perfect place for one of his pieces.
## What about the Gray Malin lifestyle brand do you connect with?
> I’ve been a Gray Malin fan for years because I identify with the essence of the brand—that photography (like design) can transform your experience. I love that I can find a piece that speaks to clients’ interests, or my own old soul, and it will immediately inject personality into a space. This work is a conversation starter, a mood-booster, and a necessary design staple, I just can’t get enough!
Isn’t the space just perfect? If you’re interested in bringing home some art for your home, don’t miss out on your chance to enjoy 30% off all photography on graymalin.com. Keep up to date with Pure Salt Interiors projects and get inspired by following along with their Instagram.
Cheers!
Xx
Gray
Photos By: Vanessa Lentine