Q+A with Leigh Kirby, Founder of Weatherleigh Interiors
We got the chance to ask Leigh Kirby, Founder of Weatherleigh Interiors and ask a few questions about what inspires her and how she moves through the world of design.
Weatherleigh Interiors is a distinguished interior design studio based in New York City. While the studio appreciates a range of design styles, founder Leigh Kirby has a particular affinity for neutrals and minimalism, skillfully blending vintage elements with contemporary touches. As a creative force, Kirby's journey began in fashion styling, and with the establishment of Weatherleigh Interiors, she now explores the interplay of patterns and textures in innovative and captivating ways. Weatherleigh Interiors isn’t about trends; They believe a home should breathe life and the space should feel peaceful and tranquil.
 Cattleyas |
 Manzanitas |
Tell us a little bit about your background and how you came to the world of styling and design?
Like so many young girls moving to NYC, I wanted to be in Fashion! My first job was as the Receptionist for Tory Burch, and soon after transitioned into a role in Public Relations within the company. Searching for more work/life balance; I ended up leaving Tory Burch, and started working as a Freelance Stylist for several years. I assisted in styling the newest collections of clothing for digital, and print for companies such as J Crew Factory, Gap, and Victoria Secret. When my husband and I got engaged, we decided it was time to find a place back in our home state of North Carolina and settle down. We found a 1930’s brick colonial home that we fully restored, and renovated with the help of an Interior Designer. I ended up becoming addicted to pinterest and creating mood boards of interior design inspiration. It was a complete obsession! I realized that a lot of my skill set from fashion translated over to the interiors world; by way of mixing patterns, textures, and colors to achieve a certain look. Soon after; I started having friends and family ask for help with their homes, and it sort of snowballed into what now is my company; Weatherleigh Interiors!
 Alexia Candlestick in Polished Bronze |
 Long-Neck Textured Vessel |
When designing, what are your go-to’s (products, shapes, textures, colors) for a project?
I think it really depends on the project and the client! For my personal projects, I love finding unique architectural pieces that stand out, are fun, and have a story. I also love mixing vintage pieces with more contemporary pieces. Some of my favorite products that I have utilized in projects are the “Who Are You” lounge chair by Olga Engel, and the squiggle sconces by Studio Giancarlo Valle. The similarity between these two products is that they are unique in shape and playful with form.
What goes into the ideal composition of a designed space? How do you think about color, scale, and dimension?
In full transparency; I still struggle with scale. It is challenging! There are times though, where I like to play with scale, and experiment a little. Sometimes, I intentionally want a piece to feel oversized, such as a mirror that can create the illusion of a larger space. Or, I intentionally want a product to feel small; such as a piece of art on an expansive, empty wall. It tends to attract your eye, and give significance to that piece.
Color and dimension tend to go hand in hand for me. Since I often work with somewhat muted palettes, I try to create depth and dimension through various textures and materials.
 Bronze Female Sculpture |
 Flume |
What are some of the biggest challenges you find in your projects?
Delays in production and transit times. It is so difficult to not have control over production timelines, and you never want to be the bearer of bad news – that something is delayed – to a client; but it is inevitable.
Do you consider yourself more of a maximalist or minimalist? How do you strike that balance?
I consider myself a Minimalist at heart. Having said that, I will say something has come over me though and I have been intrigued by saturation of color and the mixing of different textures and materials in a monochromatic scheme. I would say I am leaning into a more “Maximal Minimalist Approach” if that’s a thing?!?! Obviously my canvas and backdrop remain quite minimal, but I enjoy adding statement pieces here and there.
Do you have a last step in “finishing” a space you are styling?
Styling a home to be lived in is much different than styling a home for publication. When giving the “finishing” touches to a project; after install, I try to make the space functional; yet feel lived in! I want the space to breathe life, by adding client’s personal heirlooms, lighting candles, or dimming the lights to create a soothing ambiance, adding art to walls, and creating floral arrangements for a welcoming atmosphere. From experience, I learned that I needed to outsource an expert for doing the “finishing” styling touches to a project for shooting, and publication purposes. A project can look SO different through a camera lens!! So even though I can style a home for a client, doesn’t mean that that necessarily translates visually, and aesthetically well into print. If that makes any sense…
 Sand Nymphaea |
 Alexia Mirror |
Tell us a little bit about your personal style ? Do you have any specific styling philosophies that you look to?
My family and friends will tell you I am quite a juxtaposition! I am eccentric, creative, wild, and outgoing. Yet, on the flip side, I am an introvert and prefer to be at home curled up with a magazine, and a riveting crime docu-series! I think of our homes and spaces as an extension of us as individuals. In turn, my homes reflect my quirkiness and unique individuality, while also maintaining an overall soothing, meditative, and serene state.
What are your favorite sources of inspiration?
Everything European! Whether it is through travels, magazine articles, or pinterest - I continually get inspiration from hotels, restaurants, museums, artwork, and historical landmarks throughout Europe. A lot of the creative’s that inspire me are in Belgium, Denmark, and France, which is where I source a lot of my products from!
 Modern Relics No. 3 |
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