Skylar Hope, the visionary behind Skylar Hope Design, is a renowned interior designer celebrated for her ability to blend luxury and livable comfort. Specializing in creating elegant yet functional spaces, Skylar has a keen eye for detail and a talent for bringing her clients' unique styles to life. Her work spans luxury homes, personalized interior makeovers, and real estate staging, where she transforms properties to captivate buyers and maximize value. We admire Skylar for her innovative approach, warm professionalism, and commitment to making every space truly unforgettable. She's not just a designer; she's a partner in creating dream homes.
1. Skylar, tell us about your journey into interior design. What inspired you to create Skylar Hope Design?
My journey into Interior Design began at an early age, shaped by an inherent connection to both creativity and construction. Growing up in Los Angeles within a family deeply rooted in design and development, I was immersed in this world from the start. Accompanying my father to his project sites, I gained invaluable insight into the nuances of building and design, learning first hand how spaces come to life. It was there that I discovered my natural talent for envisioning the transformation of spaces, recognizing their untapped potential where others might not. As I worked on numerous residential homes and apartment buildings, my passion for design blossomed into something deeper: a desire to curate environments that inspire and elevate. This passion led me to establish my own firm, Skylar Hope Design, where I blend my expertise with a personal dedication to creating spaces that are not only functional but also true reflections of the people and places they represent.
2. Your designs have a reputation for blending elegance with livable comfort. How do you strike that balance in your projects?
My design philosophy is rooted in the conviction that a home should serve as a sanctuary—a space that nurtures both body and mind. I am committed to guiding my clients toward their highest potential by curating environments that foster healing, comfort, and well-being, beginning within the very walls of their homes. The mantra Design with Purpose is at the heart of every project I undertake, ensuring that each space is both meaningful and functionally enriching. I am drawn to soft textures, organic materials, and light-drenched spaces, crafting serene atmospheres that feature intimate nooks for relaxation and connection. While my work is often described as refined and elegant, my true passion lies in creating designs that are not only visually captivating but also sustainable, livable, and practical. As a proud member of the Good Furniture Design Alliance and the Green Building Council, I prioritize incorporating eco- conscious practices, such as recycled materials and sustainable solutions, whenever possible. Ultimately, I strive to design intimate havens where my clients can unwind, recharge, and reconnect—with themselves and the world around them.
3. What are some of the most exciting projects you’ve worked on recently?
I’ve had the privilege of working on a range of extraordinary projects, each of which has been both professionally enriching and personally rewarding. One of the most notable experiences was serving as the lead designer for a large apartment building, where I carefully curated every detail—from flooring and hardware to stone selections, window treatments, and even the outdoor lounge and fitness spaces. I was also entrusted with furnishing several of the units, and I was thrilled to learn they leased immediately, a testament to the design’s appeal and functionality. I take great pride in this accomplishment. Another project that holds a special place in my heart was a Hollywood Hills home for a renowned DJ. This endeavor was truly a labor of love, as I designed much of the furniture myself, infusing a personal touch into every corner of the space. In fact, I’ve since made it a tradition to create a custom piece for each client, usually a signature coffee table—but in this instance, I fully immersed myself in the process, bringing the entire vision to life. Currently, I am putting the final touches on a home that began as a blank canvas. My clients purchased a newly built house that was essentially a "white box," and through thoughtful design, it has been transformed into a warm, welcoming entertainer’s paradise. As with other projects, I designed several custom pieces, including paneled walls and built-ins, to complement the space and elevate the overall vision. Each project presents an opportunity to push creative boundaries, crafting environments that not only captivate aesthetically but also deeply resonate with the people who call them home.
4. What role does collaboration play in your design process, especially when working with homeowners or real estate professionals?
Interior design is a refined collaboration, one that involves a seamless partnership between the designer, the client—whether a homeowner, builder, or real estate agent—and a skilled team of artisans. I deeply cherish the dynamic process of working intimately with my clients and team to transform visions into reality. My goal is to take my clients’ aspirations and amplify them with my expertise and passion, elevating their spaces in ways that surpass expectations. While I bring a strong design perspective and distinct vision to each project, I deeply value the art of listening and ensuring that the outcome remains true to my clients' desires. Every project is a collective effort, and I relish every step of the journey, from the initial concept to the final reveal.
5. What are the most common design mistakes you see in homes, and how can they be avoided?
When visiting clients' homes, I often notice recurring design missteps that can greatly impact a space's overall ambiance. Common issues include paint choices, window treatments, lighting, art placement and scale, hardware, and creating a cohesive collection of pieces, rather than a showroom feel. Paint is a powerful element in transforming a home, yet it’s often limited to trendy or cold tones like stark white or gray. The right color sets the tone and mood, while window treatments add warmth and texture—yet they are often overlooked or poorly executed, disrupting the space's cohesion. Lighting, often called the jewelry of a home, plays a crucial role in both aesthetics and function. When mismatched or underwhelming, it can make a space feel sterile. Warm lighting creates an inviting atmosphere, while thoughtful placement adds depth and sophistication, enhancing the room’s ambiance. Art and furniture placement also affect a room’s flow and balance. When pieces are poorly sized or arranged, the space loses its harmony. A thoughtfully curated layout, where each piece feels collected over time, creates an inviting, personalized atmosphere. Involving an interior designer from the start is essential for achieving the best results. Early collaboration with architects and builders ensures that all structural elements align with the design vision. A designer's attention to detail helps avoid pitfalls and creates a seamless, cohesive outcome, elevating the space to an exceptional level.
6. For homeowners preparing to sell, what are your top tips for staging a home to appeal to buyers?
When selling a home, it’s essential to consider the key elements that will make the property most appealing to potential buyers. The goal is to create a space that allows buyers to easily imagine themselves living there. My first tip is to cleanse, clear, and declutter each space. An organized, pristine home not only appears more inviting but also ensures that every item serves a purpose and contributes to the overall atmosphere. I excel at making certain every object has both a function and a place. Next, remember that less is more. A minimalist, light-filled environment helps buyers envision their own lives unfolding within it. By removing excess, you create an open, versatile space that feels both fresh and welcoming. Lastly, I firmly believe in the power of Feng Shui. A home with positive energy and a harmonious flow has a profound impact on buyers, evoking feelings of comfort, safety, and belonging. When a house radiates good energy, it transcends being just a property—it becomes a true home.
7. Are there any specific trends in interior design you’re excited about for the coming year?
When it comes to design, I don’t follow fleeting trends. Instead, I focus on crafting timeless, elegant, and deeply personal spaces that transcend passing styles. My approach centers on health, wellness, and sustainability—principles that not only endure but also reflect my clients' values. Looking toward 2025, my design philosophy remains steadfast as the emphasis on wellness and sustainability grows. I encourage my clients to invest in high-quality, enduring pieces that become treasured heirlooms, passed down through generations. These thoughtful investments not only elevate their homes but also offer long-term savings while supporting a healthier lifestyle and planet. For me, design is about creating spaces that are as nurturing and inspiring as they are, beautiful spaces that stand the test of time, enriching the lives of those who inhabit them for generations to come.
8. What advice would you give to someone trying to find their personal style when decorating their home?
When helping my clients uncover their personal style, I begin by immersing myself in their space and examining any existing artwork they cherish. I then delve deeper, exploring their closet as it offers valuable insights into their preferred colors, textures, and overall aesthetic. A crucial question I ask is: How do you want to feel in this space? Whether the aim is calm and focused, classic and timeless, or rich and cultured, this answer becomes the guiding principle of the design process. To further refine this vision, I request photos of inspirational pieces, encouraging my clients to connect with their highest self and clarify the style that resonates most deeply with them. This collaborative approach uncovers their aesthetic preferences and reveals their aspirations, allowing us to create a design that is authentic, intentional, and uniquely tailored to them.
9. Can you share a story of a particularly challenging project and how you brought it to life?
Every project I undertake presents its own set of challenges, and I thrive on crafting innovative solutions to navigate them. One particularly memorable project involved designing a custom movie theater in a four-story home with a single entrance and serval narrow doorways. The challenge? Getting two queen-sized daybeds on platforms—each oversized—down three flights of stairs and through three tight doorways. To overcome this, I meticulously designed each piece with the spatial limitations in mind, disassembling them into 10 separate components. This allowed for a seamless reassembly in the room, culminating in a unique and breathtaking movie theater experience. Though the process appeared effortless, the creative problem-solving and intricate logistics behind it were anything but simple. The result was visually stunning and a testament to the creativity and determination required to bring it all together. Moments like these make the design journey so rewarding—transforming challenges into extraordinary outcomes.
10. Where do you see Skylar Hope Design in the next five years, and how can our readers connect with you for their design needs?
I am deeply committed to shaping a sustainable future through thoughtful design. My mission is to minimize waste and promote a conscious approach to creating spaces. As a member of the GFDA (Good Furniture Design Alliance), a social purpose movement focused on reducing excess consumption, and the USGBC (U.S. Green Building Council), which champions the creation of healthy, resilient communities through the built environment, I collaborate with forward-thinking professionals to revolutionize our approach to materials and production. I guide my clients toward investing in high-quality, timeless pieces and sourcing unique antiques, both of which not only elevate their homes but also support eco-conscious living. My goal is to inspire others to embrace sustainability, reduce waste, and cultivate spaces that are as kind to the planet as they are beautiful. Together, we can design a future that is both enduring and inspiring. Looking ahead, I envision Skylar Hope Design continuing to thrive and evolve, transforming spaces with purpose. I am proud that my business has grown through repeat clients and referrals, a testament to the trust and satisfaction of those I have had the privilege to work with.
Reach out to Skylar@skylarhopedesign.com
www.skylarhopedesign.com
