Known for her attention to detail and forever inspired by her world travels, Leia T. Ward has a remarkable talent for blending textures, natural light and clean lines in every project. Her firm, LTW Design has a signature style of casual sophistication, creating calm and beautifully balanced spaces. Named one of the ‘Top 10 Luxury Stagers’ in the country, the firm’s expertise is limitless. With an expansive inventory of furniture, accessories and artwork, their strategic interior marketing approach helps to sell homes swiftly and at top market value. Learn more about the mind behind this renowned interior staging company in this week’s Designer Friday.
A simple and sun-drenched bedroom shows the opportunity to any potential buyer. Photo by Alyssa Rosenhack.
Andrew Joseph: Are you a good cook? If so, what’s your specialty?
Leia T. Ward: In my mind, I am a phenomenal chef. In reality, my best dish is French toast.
AJ: What would you like to be remembered for?
LTW: I would like to be remembered for making people believe in themselves and encouraging them to follow their dreams.
AJ: What’s the weirdest thing a client has ever asked you?
LTW: The weirdest thing a client has ever asked me was to design a dog room, which by now, we have designed four dog rooms! They are incredibly fun and it’s rewarding to design for our furry friends.
White and neutrals are often the go-to choice in staging as it makes a blank canvas for the imagination. However, it takes a trained designer to make white not look sterile or uninviting! Photo by Austin Eterno.
AJ: If you could live in any home in a movie or television series, what would it be?
LTW: There are so many! But my top three would have to be The Skyline Residence in “Crazy Stupid Love”, the house in “Something’s Gotta Give”, and the villa in “Under The Tuscan Sun”.
AJ: Describe your design style as if you were explaining it to someone who cannot see.
LTW: I would want to describe how my spaces make you feel because I imagine that without sight, any visual description would not hold value. Our homes are clean, uncluttered, and make you feel like every day is a relaxing Sunday.
AJ: You’re the newest Crayola color. What color are you and why?
LTW: I would be a warm greige, because it’s soft, welcoming, and goes with everything.
This immaculate kitchen includes natural wood and white laminate countertops and simple accessory details. Photo by Andrea Carson.
AJ: What are your ideal weekend plans?
LTW: Nothing, nothing and more nothing. My ideal weekend plans involve no phone, pajamas all day, watching movies, and lounging with my kids, my husband, and my dogs. And did I mention doing nothing?!
AJ: What was your first job?
LTW: My first job was at a gym racking weights. My arms were ripped by the end of my first month!
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
LTW: My design pet peeve is angled walls in a corner, and even worse if there is a fireplace on it. NOOOOOO!
Clients today benefit from her exceptional communication, project management and problem solving skills mastered during her 10 years working in the television and magazine industries in New York City. She has developed a unique ability to understand her client’s needs — which has been a key part of LTW Design’s success.
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