Shelby Van Daley founded Daley Home alongside her husband Kasey in 2017. Since then, Daley Home has earned a coveted spot on Austin Home’s Best Designer List and has been featured in publications like The New York Times, Forbes, and Elle Decor to name a few. An Austin, Texas native, Shelby’s days are dedicated to designing spaces that seamlessly blend beauty with practicality. By night, Shelby is a mom to three children, alongside her high school sweetheart— turned lifelong partner, both in family and in business. At Daley Home, the mission is encapsulated in their catchphrase: “Classic designs, livable spaces.” Every project is a testament to their commitment to creating beauty that enriches and complements the lives of those inhabiting the space. See Shelby’s designs in today’s Designer Friday.
Andrew Joseph: What inspired you to become a designer?
Shelby Van Daley: I love beautiful interiors and I’m opinionated. I felt a very strong desire to share all my great ideas with anyone who would listen while creating better spaces. Starting with small opportunities and growing our firm in the last 7 years, those big opinions have taken us far!
This inviting space artfully plays with textures, from the smooth, cool marble embracing the fireplace to the warm, rustic wooden beams overhead, all balanced by the plush softness of the cream upholstery and the subtle weave of the area rug. Photo by Molly Culver
AJ: Can you describe your design philosophy in three words?
SVD: Simple. Classic. Thoughtful.
AJ: How do you approach a new design project?
SVD: We always start with a very thorough intake process. We want to get to know our clients what they live, places they travel and what they are inspired by. I love the creative process of “speed dating” our clients to better understand them, then using my creativity to weave this into their home using small and big details that matter to them.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
SVD: Any time we complete a large renovation or a new build from the paper plans I always feel a huge sense of accomplishment for not only me but our entire team. Not only are those projects long and very detail-heavy, but the clients are also along for the ride. There is no greater feeling than completing a home and letting the clients walk through, so full of joy and happiness.
Sunlight streams through floor-to-ceiling windows, illuminating a space where a bold black table and a crisp white china cabinet stand against a backdrop of fresh flowers, capturing the essence of spring. Photo by Molly Culver
AJ: What is your favorite place to find inspiration?
SVD: Traveling. I love to see how others live and take inspiration from architecture and the landscape. I can’t wait to go to Spain next.
AJ: Can you tell us about a project where you had to overcome a design challenge?
SVD: We recently designed a home that had large polished marble tile everywhere. We all agreed that we needed to warm up with home but man it was quite the undertaking to fill rooms and soften the home.
AJ: What is your favorite type of lighting to use in your designs?
SVD: I love lights with shades! Lamp lighting is second to natural light and I don’t think you can go wrong with a stunning light with a shade.
Under the warm glow of a two-tiered chandelier, this dining room pairs a robust wooden table with soft chairs, a rug, and a sideboard in serene, neutral hues. Photo by Madeline Harper
AJ: How do you incorporate art into your designs?
SVD: Art is so important and is one of the harder areas to select for clients. It’s subjective. However, once we can all agree art can make or break a space. I love to either have the art match the room and coordinate or let it be its own moment.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
SVD: Corner fireplaces. They are so hard to furnish around. They are the forgotten thing in the corner and very seldom make sense.
Headshot by Madeline Harper.
Like what you see? Get it first with a subscription to aspire design and home magazine.