Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m a mom to a nearly 2 year old, Franco. I’m a designer at heart and I believe you can have both form and function in your home when it comes to decorating and living with a child.
What was your vision for the nursery?
Definitely neutrals to create a calm and inviting environment. I wanted it to be cozy, minimal and modern. It was important that this space wasn’t cluttered and overloaded with stimulating colors as I wanted him to identify it as his resting area.
What are your favorite mama and babe personal care products? (Bath, skincare, haircare, sun care, makeup, grooming…)
I became more conscious of what I put on my skin when Franco was a newborn, all that skin to skin time made me realize the importance of cleaner skin products. I generally stick to Biossance and Tatcha for skincare, Necessaire for body care, and Ilia and Kosas when it comes to makeup. For him, I keep it simple with California Baby and Think Baby‘s sunscreen.
Where do you shop for your babe? (Skincare, healing, clothing, toys, food, vitamins…)
I like to scour Maisonette, Smallable, Sprout Kids and The Tot. I have a subscription to Lovevery for his toys and I keep that side of things pretty minimal. For food, he eats what we eat – so generally whole foods and lots of veggies which he loves.
How important is it for you to bring responsibly sourced items into your home?
Extremely! We don’t want our Earth to have an expiry date, so I like to keep things as circular and natural as possible. Every little action counts and we should all be making an effort to support the environment, especially in our homes.
What is Franco most into at the moment?
He loves playing the piano, drums, singing, books and giving kisses. He also loves to sleep with his 8 stuffed animals, and remembers all of them by heart before bedtime.
What excites you most about motherhood right now?
The greatest thing right now is that it feels SO much easier and we’re in a groove. Franco can communicate to me for the most part (sometimes you take a wild guess and it’s the best feeling when your toddler nods their head yes in excitement). I love that I can have conversations with him and there’s something new everyday.
What about motherhood surprised you?
I thought I’d experience more mom guilt! But, I’m a better mother and wife when those other aspects of me are fulfilled. So that surprised me, I guess!
How has having a babe influenced the way you approach decor in your home?
I love when form meets function and it’s at the forefront of my decision making. It ain’t cute if it doesn’t make your life easy, so I try to be as honest with myself and try to envision it being in our home. I have a white couch that has removable, washable covers and washable rugs – that is a game changer being a parent to a toddler. I don’t think you need to change too much when it comes to decorating, just make it baby proof, safe, and washable wherever you can.
What’s the best advice on motherhood you received?
Everyone has an opinion. Go with your gut and parent your own way.
Is there a design ethos you’d like to instill in your babe?
Be mindful and thoughtful of everything you introduce into your space, and a ‘less is more’ approach.
What’s your favorite go-to lunch or dinner meal to make when you’re short on time?
Banza pasta with Rao’s marinara sauce, and whatever protein and veggies we have leftover in the house.
Has your personal style changed since becoming a mother?
For the most part, I dress the same. I’ve always adopted a capsule wardrobe mindset so that it’s one less emotional decision for me in the day. I love a neutral and minimal palette and have a uniform approach for dressing everyday.
Where do you find your style inspiration for yourself & your babe?
I love Instagram for this! The landscape is changing, but for now, IG and Pinterest is where I find inspo for me and Franco!
What are a few special ways your babe uplifts you as a creative and designer?
He encourages me to be more curious – it’s something we often forget when we’re in the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Take that moment to stop and touch grass, smell flowers or just stare at the birds in the sky. You really do experience life in a whole new light, and that’s really helped me as a creative.
What books and music are on rotation in your house?
Classical music by my friend Van-Anh Nguyen, and The Wiggles. There’s no in between. For books, he’s loving Brown Bear and Goodnight Moon.
What top three items would you take if you had to pack a hospital bag again?
Socks, skincare essentials and a good camera (not your phone!)
How has your career been impacted by motherhood?
I think just overall being really intentional with my time at work, and protecting my energy. The pandemic made remote work more acceptable (which I’ll forever be grateful for when I was a new mom and breastfeeding) I’m sure the career impact would have been more drastic if we had to be in the office full time.
What is a no-fail activity that your babes love?
Putting him in his learning tower and giving him a bowl with some kitchen utensils. Fail proof!
What is a recent thing your babe(s) did or said that made you laugh?
Saw his reflection and kissed himself in the mirror lol! I loved watching him do that.
How do you unwind at the end of the day?
A long hot shower and having a sans baby conversation with my husband. Great way to reconnect.