Combining degrees in architecture and design, NYC-based designer Wesley Moon is an A+D tour-de-force. His designs, which have been featured in Elle Decor, New York Magazine and the Wall Street Journal, fuse the Southern charm of his Georgia upbringing with a cosmopolitan edge. Yet Moon’s focus on symbiosis—between clients, aesthetics, and function—sets his process and spaces apart. Focused on cultivating a natural balance between textures, patterns, and the people who will live among his projects, Wesley’s purpose-first strategy yields inspiring spaces that seamlessly blend function and style. Recently, we caught up with this Lumens Innovator to discover the ins- and outs- of Moon’s winning methodology, and the projects inspiring him today.
When/how did you first get into interior design, or design in general?
I’ve always been fascinated by design for as long as I can remember. It’s something that’s been a part of my life for as long as I can recall. My journey into interior design began with a blend of my architectural studies at Georgia Tech and my degree in interior design from the American InterContinental University. After completing my education, I had the opportunity to work at top design firms in New York City and even had a stint designing for Martha Stewart. These experiences honed my skills and eventually led me to establish Wesley Moon Inc. in 2008.
What is your idea of good design? What is your goal when working with a client?
My idea of good design revolves around creating spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and functional, tailored to the needs and preferences of the client. Good design should evoke emotion, enhance everyday life, and stand the test of time.
What is your favorite kind of project? Or is it still out there waiting for you to create? What would be your dream project?
My favorite kind of project is one where there is absolute trust and a symbiotic collaboration between myself and the client. I love when my client loves design and appreciates all the details, thought, and energy that we put into the project.
My absolute dream project (I say “absolute dream” because I’ve been fortunate enough to have a series of truly incredible projects that I never could have even imagined throughout my career) would be the restoration and decoration of a Gilded Age mansion with clients that want to bring the home into the 21st century in spirit and mix of furnishings while still respecting the architectural integrity and quirks of the original house.
Do you have a design “style” or aesthetic? How would you describe it?
My aesthetic can be described as timeless and elegant, with a touch of whimsy. I’m drawn to a mix of modern and vintage elements, layering textures, patterns, and colors to create spaces that feel curated and inviting.
How do you like to start projects?
I typically like to start projects by getting to know my clients on a personal level. Understanding their lifestyle and preferences allows me to develop a clear understanding of their needs for the space. This initial phase often involves open discussions and visual inspiration sharing to establish a shared vision for the project.
What inspires you?
It’s impossible for me to pinpoint one person or thing that inspires me. Being in love with design since I can remember, it’s truly a culmination of my whole life experience. I definitely have a European sensibility in my designs. I adore the way that English and Italian people in particular keep collecting pieces for generations to create spaces that truly tell the story of the people that live in them… and they do it so effortlessly! It’s just innate. That easy mix of old and new is what inspires me to create homes that feel collected and timeless.
Of course, I also have to credit my mother. Even though our styles are very different, she taught me not to worry about what other people are doing or what’s trending, but to “stay in my own lane,” listen to my own instincts, and no matter what I end up doing, commit to it and don’t do anything halfway!
What is the hardest part about running your business?
As a creative, the hardest part about running my business is taking time away from the “fun stuff” (design and decoration) and having to concentrate on the more administrative aspects of running a company. I just want to make things beautiful, but the biggest challenge is that we designers depend on others to bring our designs to life. Inevitably there is a problem to solve, something that arrives broken, and other human errors that complicate the execution of our design… and ultimately the designer is held responsible. I have spent the last 16 years of my business honing my tradespeople and resources, and I only use the best, but inevitably there are always unexpected bumps in the road when you are creating completely unique and custom designs.
What is your favorite part?
Even after all these years, I am still in awe when I see something that started off as just an idea in my head become a reality. How does community fit into your design? (The design community, the community you grew up in, etc.) The design community, and the camaraderie within that community, is very important to me. I think it’s essential to cultivate friendships with other designers so that none of us are an island.
My design friends and I share resources and experiences to help each other grow together. Yearly events like Kips Bay Show House and Design on a Dime allow the community to come together and give back. People who don’t understand the interior design industry may see it as a shallow, aesthetically driven industry that only caters to the one-percent, when in fact our industry creates countless jobs and keeps artisans and generational small businesses alive, allowing time-honored craftsmanship to thrive in an otherwise ubiquitous, mass-produced society.
What does being “an innovator” and being on the Innovators Council mean to you? How has being on the Innovators Council made an impact on you?
An innovator is a true creative. An innovator designs every project specifically for the project at hand, believing in the impossible, discovering or developing the means necessary to bring their design intent to life.
What advice would you give a designer starting today?
I would tell someone interested in getting into interior design to work for at least one smaller firm and for at least one big name designer before even thinking about starting your own company. In small firms you get the opportunity to wear many hats. You have no choice but to learn all aspects of the business, and you get the chance to do more real design work. At a big firm, you may get less face time with the principal, or you can get pigeon-holed into one specific task, but learning their contacts, resources, and just having the name on your resume is invaluable. Of course, growing within a small firm is the most ideal route.
What advice would you give your former self back when you started?
Trust your instincts more, and don’t be afraid to delegate – build the team required to allow you to focus on the design aspects you love the most.
Is there a piece of furniture or lighting that you “must have” in every project?
All of my projects are completely custom tailored for each client and the existing architecture or sense of place, so I don’t have a “must have” piece. My projects simply “must have” all the aspects required to make my clients love their home.
What are your keys to a successful design project?
Effective communication is essential throughout the design process, from initial consultations to project completion. This involves listening to clients’ needs and preferences, articulating design concepts and ideas clearly, and maintaining an open dialogue. Planning and organization are also essential for keeping the project on track and within budget.
How do you like to source product?
I value the craftsmanship found in artisanal made pieces, so I often seek out local artisans, craftsmen, and small-scale manufacturers who can create bespoke pieces tailored to my clients’ specifications. In almost every project, I also incorporate antique and vintage pieces, which adds character, history, and a sense of timelessness to the space. -Wesley Moon
