You all went a little crazy over this post we shared on Instagram last week, which came as no surprise. Wendy Word Design wows us, too, and we’re so thrilled to welcome her as the newest creative on The List! Today, she’s giving us a peek inside this curated and collected home in Manhattan Beach, California and a look at how she got her start, her favorite paint color as of late, one of the biggest challenges she overcame in her first year of biz and so much more.

Tell us a bit about your story. What was your journey to becoming an interior designer and creating beautiful spaces?

Once upon a time, I turned my back on conventional careers to channel my inner entrepreneur. All signs pointed to being my own boss. No Oujia boards, Crazy Eight balls, or fortune cookies could dissuade me.

The three of us—me, myself, and I—took the leap… and I have NEVER looked back. Over a decade later, my valuable WWD team has the bandwidth to tackle ground-up construction, remodels, and both residential and commercial projects… still not following the Tarot card readings.

All jokes aside, WWD specializes in every aspect of interior design imaginable.

If you had to describe your design style like a cocktail, what would it be?

How ’bout, a skinny, spicy margarita! Everything you need, nothing you don’t, and packs a little punch!

Can you tell us a bit about the home we’re featuring today and the inspiration behind the design?

Oh, Laurel Luxe! This amazing collab with our client created a curated, collected, and unique home—exactly what this family envisioned.

We focused on our client’s wish list while designing their home to reflect the most important element of the home—the client, of course!

What challenges did you encounter in your first year of business?

Some super heroes wear capes, others finish grand scale projects before the deadline. When I first started, I faced the challenge that gets us all—time management.

In the beginning, it seemed almost impossible to correctly estimate my project timelines, meeting deadlines, and lead times. All of these tasks were no walk in the park. Now they included strict time limits? Haha! Fortunately, I lived and learned to love them. Still a heroic task, I now juggle all time-contingent factors after years of experience.

What does a beautiful home mean to you and what is your number one tip for crafting a space you’ll love for years to come?

More importantly, what does a beautiful home mean to each client? Every home we design incorporates livable luxury.

As for my number one tip, I always tell our clients that nothing is better than the wrong thing.

What current design elements are you loving or looking forward to incorporating in your upcoming projects?

We are currently loving plaster in all forms! Whether it’s range hoods, fireplaces, or light fixtures, white plaster is having a major moment. Even better, it’s a timeless element that will be beautiful 20 years from now.

What is your go-to paint color?

A hue as deep as the sea, we adore Caspian! Curated by Portola Paints, we jump at the chance to incorporate this luxurious color, Caspian.

Instagram account(s) you’re currently crushing on:

Major crush confession! I swoon over @rwguild, @fieldandsupply, and @zimmermann!

Current favorite book and/or podcast:

Little Fires Everywhere, excited to see what Reese does with this!

3 apps you can’t live without:

IG, obvi! Then, Unfold is a must when it comes to editing. Postmates saves the day because sometimes you just need the food to come to you!

Favorite beats usually playing in the studio:

Each day in the studio, someone new is dubbed DJ of the day. Everyone takes a turn at the turntable. Come on by to hear what’s playing!