Interior Designer, Christina Salway, has been shaping beautiful interiors since 2006, bringing nearly two decades of experience and creativity to the design world. Based in New York City, her work reflects a thoughtful, lived-in aesthetic that feels both timeless and deeply personal (a big yes from Piglet!).
To uncover the inspiration behind her signature style, we caught up with Christina to chat about her design philosophy, what sparks her creativity, and the elements she always prioritises when bringing a space to life.
Tell us more about your background – how did you first enter the world of interior design?
“I started out in architecture - that’s what I studied at university- and initially worked for a few years at an architecture firm when I first graduated and moved to New York City. Funnily, I transitioned to interior design after the principal of the architecture firm where I worked hired me to design the interior of his lake home in New Jersey. I returned from that project and said, “that was an incredibly educational experience. I quit.” I set out to open my own firm then, and have been in business ever since.”
Your love for interior design really comes through, not just in your projects but in your own home, too. Where do you tend to find inspiration for your personal spaces?
“I allow myself much more whimsy and silliness in my own home than I would typically propose to a client. I want my home to truly delight me, for it to really elicit a response, not just a quiet hum. I recently re-did the powder room in our townhouse in Brooklyn with this wild red and white striped wallpaper from Dedar, and every time I open the door, it sincerely makes me smile. It’s riotous and happy, and not at all self-serious.”
How much of your architectural background plays into your design choices?
“We were absolutely inspired by the prewar architecture of the home to guide many of our renovation choices. I also had a close family friend as a child who had a townhouse in London, which was incredibly influential. It was this vibrant, colourful, wildly playful house and it really stayed with me as an adult. When we began our project in Brooklyn, I often thought about how it felt to be in that house, how comfortable I felt, how chosen the paint colours were, and how thoughtful the fixtures were. My hope was to create a similar experience for my family.”
When you're starting a new design project, how do you usually approach it? Do you plan everything out, or is it more intuitive?
“I don’t typically mood board. I usually get a feeling in my mind. Like, do I want this space to feel Masculine? Feminine? Colourful? Cottage and sweet? Grand and classical? I suppose I identify the tone or “theme” and follow my instincts. Then, I usually push myself outside of the obvious a bit, so it doesn’t feel too serious or formulaic. I try to avoid pretentiousness - there’s a real danger in interior design to dip into the Emperor’s New Clothes, and it’s just not my aesthetic. I am not dictated by provenance or price tag. I want a space to genuinely feel good, not just because we were told to like it.”
Your home has such a distinctive charm. What sparked your creativity for the space? And were there any original features that particularly inspired you during the renovation?
“The architectural details were the biggest influence when it came to designing my home. I felt it imperative to preserve those details, which had survived the last 130 years in Brooklyn. The multi-phase crown mouldings, skirting boards, ceiling medallions, the original etched glass pocket doors, and marble fireplaces. It also felt equally important to offset all of that seriousness and history with playful, joyful pieces to ensure the house felt like a family home, not a museum. I paired those details in the dining room and living room with bold, abstract brass light fixtures and brought in a lot of colourful upholstery and modern art to counterbalance the house's architecture. A true melange of old and new.”
“The kitchen was our primary focus because it is such an essential part of the home, both functionally and aesthetically. If you play your cards right, it can set the tone for the entire house. We landed on a blend of inset-panelled pine cabinets and glittering emerald green zellige backsplash tiles. We kept the original old-growth pine flooring and pressed tin ceiling to balance the house's history with the modern improvements. But then we popped in the bright chilli pepper counter stools so it didn’t feel too sombre or serious.”
For anyone feeling inspired by your design process and about to tackle their own home renovation, do you have any tips or advice on how to prepare?
“Prepare yourself mentally and financially. It is a huge lift to complete a renovation, both monetarily and emotionally. I don’t want to sound like an advertisement, but there are so many decisions to make, and in the moment, they all feel essential, and often they are. Inevitably, there will be innumerable unforeseen hurdles and expenses, so it’s good to prepare yourself and worthwhile to get good help. Hiring talented tradesmen, designers, carpenters, and contractors will save you so much headache and heartache along the way.”
All imagery: @christinasalway, featuring Mushroom & Botanical Green Gingham Linen Bedding.
