Meet Tess Twiehaus, the founder and principal designer of Tess Interiors, an interior design studio located in Southern California. Discover her expert design tips, the significance of intention in her work, and so much more.
My name is Tess and I’m an interior designer from Southern California. I bounced to the midwest and up to the Bay Area for a bit, but moved back home to be closer to family in 2019.
What’s your current role?
I’m the founder and principal designer at Tess Interiors.
On a typical Sunday, we can find you…
Setting myself up for the week! That means closing out weekend chores and relaxing. Sundays are very sacred to me. I’m usually at home recharging my batteries.
How does intention play a role in your designs?
There’s a great deal of thought and care that goes into interior design. If something happens “by design” it was intentional and interiors are no different. We take into consideration the homeowner’s daily practices, what brings them joy, and we do our best to translate who they are into their space. You can’t do that by accident!
How do you integrate the latest trends into your work while maintaining a deliberate focus on your own artistic vision?
Trends are cyclical. So long as we are putting our own spin on it and it truly makes sense for the house we’re designing, I’m happy to hop on the bandwagon. The only time I’m against trends is when the only reason you’re doing it is because it’s trendy. There should be more depth there.
How would you describe your personal style?
I get asked this a lot and I think I’m still developing it! Traditional reimagined, unexpected, and soulful are the words/phrases that come to mind.
For people who are starting out in interior design, what is one piece of advice you have for them?
Immerse yourself in the world as much as possible, but stay true to who you are.
Who have you been listening to lately?
Fred again is always a go-to, and Jungle. I’ve loved them for years!
Where is your favorite vacation spot to slow down and what draws you to it?
Mammoth! I love a mountain town. If I can be snowboarding or in a hot spring, completely unplugged, I’m happy.
What is currently your favorite Sunday Edition scent?
So hard to choose because they’re all so good! I have Dusk burning as I write this, so that’s my choice!
