Leana Becker is an interior designer and the new Chief Creative Officer for Western Sensibility. Her passion for digital textile printing has allowed her to help shift the way designers think about printed fabrics and the process of shopping for fabrics altogether. Capitalizing on the latest technology in printing, cloth manufacturing, and editing tools, Becker has created many diverse patterns that push the boundaries and offer designers something completely unique and luxurious. This led her to her current position as Western Sensibility, a textile printing company known for their innovative use of digitally printed designs. Learn more about Leana Becker in this week’s Designer Friday.
This stylish sitting room features dyed gray wood flooring that is accentuated by the drapery that mimics a similar pattern. Leana’s use of digital printing to replicate and transform natural textures elevates the interior design by creating harmony within a space.
Andrew Joseph: If you weren’t a designer, you’d be a …?
Leana Becker: If I wasn’t a designer, I would love to be a Chocolatier. There is so much to learn yet, but there is something about creating these little, tiny pieces of heaven that bring me such joy.
AJ: If you could guest star on any TV show -on or off air- what show would you guest star in?
LB: I would love to be a guest on Martha Stewart Living (1993-2004). I used to watch it when I was in high school. I filled my journals with recipes instead of personal entries. In college, I would throw elaborate dinner parties for all my friends during the Holidays. I love how Martha combines so many different elements of design in every aspect of her life. I feel very similar as I don’t stick to one lane. I love curating tablescapes, I refinish my own furniture, I design textile patterns, home accessories as well as interiors.
AJ: What’s your favorite cocktail?
LB: My go-to cocktail is a Little Italy. It is like a Manhattan, but savory. 2 oz. Rye Whiskey, ½ oz. Cynar amaro, ¼ oz. Sweet Vermouth. (Variation by Audrey Saunders of Pegu Club NYC).
In this formal, Rococo-esque dining room, Leana places ornate, pale pink leather dining chairs to stand out against the sage green paneled walls. The elegant millwork of the dining table harmonizes with the light wood railings and hardwood floors and speak to the french inspiration of the room.
AJ: Are you a good cook? If so, what’s your specialty?
LB: I would say I am a fair cook. Managing a menu or recipe is very similar to design. You have various elements that you are experimenting with to see how they react to one another and, hopefully, complement each other to create something wonderful. My favorite cooking partner is my mother. She helps me tackle some of the more complex recipes with helpful tips she has learned along the way. We make a mean Beef Wellington at Christmas time!
AJ: What’s one ingredient you put in everything?
LB: Whenever a recipe calls for vanilla extract, I always put in a little almond extract as well. It gives the flavor more depth and smooths out the sweetness.
About the Designer | Leana Becker has worked with some of the top interior designers in the U.S., including Mark Cunningham, Commune Design and as the Director of Interior Design for Kelly Wearstler. Having conceived everything from stair railings and millwork to hand-stitched pillows, Leana imaginatively and carefully considers every detail of a project to ensure a holistic vision. With an array of experience in hospitality, residential, and commercial design, Leana has honed her approach to create authentic, warm and functionally elegant interiors.
Leana created a namesake collection for Western Sensibility in 2022 and has most recently joined the company as a partner and Chief Creative Officer. She is dedicated to putting the creative power back into the hands of designers and artists by bringing new voices together to create beautiful interior textiles that speak a universal language while protecting our Earth.
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