Los Angeles designer Susan Taylor relies on her East Coast roots to inform her unique aesthetic. Though she has an affinity for traditional design, her projects often end up leaning a bit eclectic, even whimsical.  By merging styles and eras, using a blend of antiques alongside unique art and modern furnishings, she’s cemented her business, Davis Taylor Design, as one of Hollywood’s most sought-after design firms. Her clients include Larry David, Molly Shannon, and Andrew Goldberg, creator of Netflix’s Big Mouth. Clearly, she’s got a whip smart sense of humor, too. Today, she offers insight into her creative process and shares what she loves most about her career. 

MY LIGHT-BULB MOMENT:
When my husband found the courage to move from NYC to Los Angeles to go after a career in screenwriting, I realized it was my chance to pursue my dream of redesigning interiors. Until that moment, I didn’t think it was an option—I was so far down one path and I never thought doing what I actually love would materialize into a career.

I CAN’T START MY DAY UNTIL:
I can’t start my day until I light my favorite incense, Oulan Bator by Astier de Villatte and drink my go-to tea, the Queen’s Guard from Bellocq. I do both while I make my kids breakfast. It’s my last bit of quiet before the chaos starts. 

SUCCESS IS:
Success is when my clients and my family both feel like they are my top priority. It’s vital for me to accomplish the balance between work and spending time with my family. 

YOU’LL NEVER SEE ME WITHOUT:
Reading glasses on my head and a huge, stuffed purse. 

MY DREAM COLLABORATION:
My dream collaboration is happening now. Ondine Karady, a NYC-based designer with whom I partner occasionally, and I are currently renovating a Craig Ellwood home in Brentwood that will be installed this fall. The next dream collaboration on my list would be to re-do an old hotel in Lisbon. 

THE ONLY PLACE BETTER THAN LOS ANGELES:
The 18thArrondissement neighborhood in Paris.

WHEN I FEEL UNINSPIRED:
I scour the Indagare travel website. 

ADVICE I WISH I HAD 5 YEARS AGO:
Always trust your gut. 

IN 5 YEARS, FIND ME:
Probably still in Los Angeles expanding my design career. I’ll be helping my daughter apply to colleges and launching my own product line. 

ABOVE ALL ELSE: 
Family.