THE PROFILE: All about Libby Langdon who is a Designer, author and makeover television personality and the creative force behind her New York City-based design firm, Libby Interiors, Inc. Her residential and commercial designs embodying her “easy, elegant, everyday style” have won widespread fans and she is fast becoming known for her growing collections of branded home furnishings featuring her signature combination of classic lines with a chic, modern twist.
Name . .
Libby Langdon
Occupation . . .
Interior Designer/ Author/ Makeover TV personality/ Product Designer (upholstery, lighting, rugs, wallpaper, accessories and accent furniture) and House Beautiful Columnist.
Tell me about a project or accomplishment that you consider to be the most significant in your career . . .
Wow, that’s a toughie because I believe we all have life projects we’ve found challenging yet also incredibly rewarding. One of my most meaningful accomplishments was writing my book, Libby Langdon’s Small Space Solutions. It was such a long labor of love and I left so much of myself and all I knew about design at the time on the pages of that book. Initially, some people thought it was written by a ghostwriter; but in the end, given the book’s wacky “Libby-ism’s” and lingo, everyone knew it was all me! Writing the book was the best way for me to share everything I know about design with folks who may never be able to hire an interior designer. And through that process, I realized one of my strengths is making interior design accessible and approachable for people who may think it’s out of their realm. I’m sort of the ultimate interior design cheerleader…my regular cheer is, “come on, you can do this, it’s going to be awesome!”
What things do you not like to do . . .
I don’t like working out at the crack of dawn! But it helps me deal with stress so I do it. Also, I’m not a fan of steaming a duvet cover, especially king size!
What is your perfect pizza . . .
Okay, this may sound egotistical, but my favorite pizza is a homemade grilled pizza…that I make! It’s based on the wonderful recipe from fab Chefs Jorge Germon and Johann Kihileen from Alforno restaunat in Providence, Rhode Island. First I make my own super thin crust, then dress it with garlic, two cheeses, homemade tomato sauce, scallions, fresh basil and a drizzle of spicy oil over and throw it directly onto a super hot grill until it bubbles and blends together! It’s really light but so full of flavor. It’s an appetizer crowd-pleaser at our house before just about every dinner party!
I don’t like working out at the crack of dawn! But it helps me deal with stress so I do it. Also, I’m not a fan of steaming a duvet cover, especially king size!
What is your perfect pizza . . .
Okay, this may sound egotistical, but my favorite pizza is a homemade grilled pizza…that I make! It’s based on the wonderful recipe from fab Chefs Jorge Germon and Johann Kihileen from Alforno restaunat in Providence, Rhode Island. First I make my own super thin crust, then dress it with garlic, two cheeses, homemade tomato sauce, scallions, fresh basil and a drizzle of spicy oil over and throw it directly onto a super hot grill until it bubbles and blends together! It’s really light but so full of flavor. It’s an appetizer crowd-pleaser at our house before just about every dinner party!
What kitchen utensil do you use most frequently . . .
Long tongs for the grill and silicone spatulas for pretty much everything else! Oh, and my husband, Keith is addicted to our FoodSaver vacuum sealing machine…we freeze a LOT of meat!
Long tongs for the grill and silicone spatulas for pretty much everything else! Oh, and my husband, Keith is addicted to our FoodSaver vacuum sealing machine…we freeze a LOT of meat!
Who is your secret celebrity crush . . .
Can I say my husband?! He is my superstar.
Are you a night owl or a morning person?
Morning person for sure. My body naturally wakes up at 5:48am every morning. Sometimes I can go back to sleep, but I honestly feel better and less groggy if I just get up when my body is ready to get started!
Morning person for sure. My body naturally wakes up at 5:48am every morning. Sometimes I can go back to sleep, but I honestly feel better and less groggy if I just get up when my body is ready to get started!
What time of day were you born . . .
No idea!
Do you know your heritage . . .
I’m a total mix: Irish, German, English…and maybe a few more countries mixed in!
I’m a total mix: Irish, German, English…and maybe a few more countries mixed in!
Do you follow astrology . . .
Not really but I like to look at my horoscope if I run by it in a daily paper. Usually it offers something that has nothing to do with where I am at that point. When I see it’s unrelated it reminds me that I’m paving my own way and not following fate or the crowd! I like swimming against the tide, I think it makes you stronger!
Not really but I like to look at my horoscope if I run by it in a daily paper. Usually it offers something that has nothing to do with where I am at that point. When I see it’s unrelated it reminds me that I’m paving my own way and not following fate or the crowd! I like swimming against the tide, I think it makes you stronger!
What zodiac sign are you . . .
I’m a Cancer, I’m a nurturer, a nester and a caregiver. I love making warm and inviting spaces for people to live in…I learned that from my Mom and Dad!
I’m a Cancer, I’m a nurturer, a nester and a caregiver. I love making warm and inviting spaces for people to live in…I learned that from my Mom and Dad!
What would your DJ Name be . . .
DJ Snazzy Lib and The Fresh Look
DJ Snazzy Lib and The Fresh Look
Do you have a favorite number . . .
No, I wish I did…I might start playing Lotto!!
How many pairs of shoes do you own . . .
Yikes, counting summer and winter shoes,
I’d say maybe 80?!
What is your present state of mind . . .
Forward Facing and Focused. Confidence in Creativity. Paired Down Design and Quiet Luxury. Get The Design Conversation Going and Connect. Preparation is Everything. Trust Movement. Get to Work.
Forward Facing and Focused. Confidence in Creativity. Paired Down Design and Quiet Luxury. Get The Design Conversation Going and Connect. Preparation is Everything. Trust Movement. Get to Work.
It’s 6pm at your favorite bar or restaurant, what drink do you order . . .
Right now it’s a glass of Prosecco at a restaurant I designed Masseria Dei Vini (9th Ave between 57thand 58th street). The place was a total dump when we started construction on it and to walk in and see so many wonderful people enjoying the space as it looks now feels incredible…and all that much sweeter sipping a little glass of something sparkling!
Right now it’s a glass of Prosecco at a restaurant I designed Masseria Dei Vini (9th Ave between 57thand 58th street). The place was a total dump when we started construction on it and to walk in and see so many wonderful people enjoying the space as it looks now feels incredible…and all that much sweeter sipping a little glass of something sparkling!
Do you awake with or without an alarm . . .
I wake without an alarm, unless it’s a day after a big installation at a client’s home. We usually install entire projects in just one day and I wake up the next morning feeling like I’ve been hit by a Mack Truck, in which case, an alarm can be effective if the day before was extra long!
I wake without an alarm, unless it’s a day after a big installation at a client’s home. We usually install entire projects in just one day and I wake up the next morning feeling like I’ve been hit by a Mack Truck, in which case, an alarm can be effective if the day before was extra long!
Uber, Taxi, Subway or Citi Bike . . .
Taxi
What is the last photo you took with your cell phone . . .
A bird’s eye view of the Furniture/ Vignette layout of my Showroom design for the Oct. Market in High Point. I have to lay out each area of the showroom and make sure all of my new furniture and fabrics are included. Usually I can think about a lot at one time, but doing 15 vignettes, choosing all of the fabrics, frames, accessories, rugs, artwork and making sure there’s a good flow makes my brain hurt…the picture helps me to remember what I’m doing!
A bird’s eye view of the Furniture/ Vignette layout of my Showroom design for the Oct. Market in High Point. I have to lay out each area of the showroom and make sure all of my new furniture and fabrics are included. Usually I can think about a lot at one time, but doing 15 vignettes, choosing all of the fabrics, frames, accessories, rugs, artwork and making sure there’s a good flow makes my brain hurt…the picture helps me to remember what I’m doing!
If we were to peek in your closet, the dominant color would be . . .
Blue
Blue
One of the best lessons my parents taught me is to . . .
Be confident, believe in myself and know that I can do anything I want in life!! They also taught me to be a fearless entertainer in the home. What’s the worst that could happen? If your beef bourguignon burns, just order some pizza and pour more wine…the night will still be great!!
Be confident, believe in myself and know that I can do anything I want in life!! They also taught me to be a fearless entertainer in the home. What’s the worst that could happen? If your beef bourguignon burns, just order some pizza and pour more wine…the night will still be great!!
What is your favorite work of art . . .
I love all of the work by the great photographer, Ansel Adams.
What is your favorite building in Manhattan . . .
I am constantly inspired by Manhattan’s architecture and don’t think I could even pick a forever favorite! I do adore the beautiful historic building my office is in on West 57th Street. It was built in 1908 by architects Pollard & Steinam to provide living and working facilities for artists and it still has a very creative energy and stunning exterior.
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