Podcast Summary: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin – Episode Featuring Leanne and Allie Thornton

Podcast Information:

• Title: Talk Shop with Ariel Okin: A Fenimore Lane Production
• Host: Ariel Okin
• Episode: Lee Ann and Allie Thornton – The Creative Mother-Daughter Duo Building an Interior Design Legacy
• Release Date: January 15, 2025

Introduction

In this captivating episode of Talk Shop, Ariel Okin sits down with Leanne and Allie Thornton, the dynamic mother-daughter team behind Leanne Thornton Interiors. With decades of combined experience, their collaborative approach has garnered attention for creating warm, inviting spaces that blend classic and bohemian styles. Their work, featured in renowned publications like House Beautiful, Coastal Living, and Lux, showcases their talent for melding timeless designs with modern sensibilities.

Design Styles and Philosophies

Ariel initiates the conversation by exploring the distinct yet harmonious design styles of Leanne and Allie.

• Leanne Thornton: Describes her style in three words as classic, relaxed, and cozy ([02:19]). She emphasizes a love for needlepoint rugs, white slipcovers paired with ticking stripes, abundant lighting, beautiful window coverings, and an abundance of flowers and candles.

  "I love needlepoint rugs. I love slipcovers, especially white slipcovers... paired with ticking stripes and lots and lots of good lighting." ([02:30])

• Allie Thornton: Prefers to describe her style as warm due to her use of richer colors like reds and greens, alongside a bohemian flair. She balances this with tailored elements, maintaining a vibe that's both preppy and eclectic.

  "I decorate with a lot more, probably a lot richer of colors. My mom's very blue and white... I definitely say warm. I have a bohemian side to me." ([03:22] – [03:47])

Both designers agree on the importance of creating spaces that feel lived-in and authentic, drawing inspiration from English country houses' layered and personable aesthetics.

Career Journeys and Firm Evolution

Leanne Thornton shares the organic growth of her design career. Starting in Los Angeles, she initially worked part-time in a charming store on Montana Avenue in Santa Monica, which eventually led clients to seek her expertise for baby rooms and full-home designs. This gradual expansion culminated in founding Thornton Designs in 2003 after relocating to Connecticut.

"Those moments were always hitting me... capturing this lifestyle that I wanted my family to live in." ([07:56])

Allie Thornton recounts her path into the design world, influenced by her upbringing in a creative household. Initially interning and exploring roles in marketing and event planning, she realized her passion lay in interior design, leading her to join her mother's firm in 2020.

"I remember going to my mom and my stepdad and just being like, I don't want to do this anymore. Can we just start working together now?" ([12:06] – [14:01])

Their partnership is marked by mutual respect and complementary skills—Leanne handles client interactions, while Allie manages backend operations and project management.

"I feel like the way we work together and the way we manage things together is pretty seamless." ([15:57])

Design Evolution and Project Highlights

Leanne and Allie discuss how their collaboration has evolved their design approach, allowing them to take more creative risks and push boundaries while maintaining their core aesthetic.

"Taking more risk every single time and pushing the envelope... sharing the design responsibility with someone else who's, you know, like, yeah, let's do it." ([18:35] – [19:11])

A standout project highlighted is their Backcountry Colonial, featured in Lux magazine, which exemplifies their ability to blend traditional elements with more edgy, modern touches.

"It's a really incredible mix of a little more sexy, a little more edgy, but with traditional fabrics and some traditional elements." ([19:31] – [20:08])

They express pride in their work's cohesiveness and the trust established with clients, allowing for seamless execution of their vision.

Navigating Challenges and Learning Experiences

The Thornton duo openly discusses the challenges inherent in interior design, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and resilience. They share anecdotes about handling project mishaps, such as furniture not fitting through doorways, and how these experiences have honed their problem-solving skills.

"You just learn from all of them. Like, okay, next time let's do X." ([29:08])

Leanne underscores the significance of maintaining an outwardly calm demeanor even when facing internal stress, likening it to a swan's grace.

"We know how we need to at least be perceived as far as, like, handling things." ([00:00])

"As long as you're outwardly calm like a swan... your feet are really pedaling underneath you." ([41:23] – [41:31])

Advice for Aspiring Designers

Leanne and Allie offer invaluable advice for those entering the interior design field:

• Stay True to Your Style: Focus on creating timeless designs rather than chasing fleeting trends.

  "Being true to your own style and just creating these designs, timeless designs, no matter what the trends." ([35:05])

• Understand the Business Side: Interior design is as much about business acumen as it is about creativity. Mastering logistics, client relations, and business management is crucial.

  "If you can't run a business, you will never survive in this business." ([35:52])

• Build Trust with Clients: Developing a deep understanding of clients' lifestyles and preferences ensures that the resulting designs resonate personally with them.

  "Building that trust is such a rewarding feeling." ([25:11])

• Embrace Teamwork and Flexibility: Being adaptable and collaborative within a small team setting enhances the firm's ability to handle diverse projects effectively.

  "In a small company like ours, you really have to be able to... be happy to do everything." ([15:35])

Personal Insights: Rapid Fire Questions

Ariel engages Leanne and Allie in a series of rapid-fire questions, unveiling their personal tastes and interests outside of design:

• Favorite Food:

  • Leanne: French bistro food and rustic Italian ([44:15]).

    "I adore rustic Italian... the olive oil being the olive oil that it is, it has to be something like that."

  • Allie: Her mother's homemade tortilla chips with guacamole and margaritas ([44:48]).

    "Nothing cheers you up after a hard day than chips and guac and a margarita."

• Favorite Drink:

  • Both favor margaritas and Diet Cokes ([45:22]).

    "We are margaritas and Diet Cokes, and I don't care what anyone says."

• Favorite Film:

  • Leanne: Romantic comedies like The Proposal and Notting Hill, and Nancy Meyers movies ([45:38]).
  • Allie: It's Complicated and Goodfellas, reflecting her diverse interests ([45:57]).

• Favorite Hotel:

  • Leanne: Carlisle Hotel in New York City and Firehouse in Marylebone, London ([46:31]).

    "My family and I have celebrated so many amazing things... it's just visually charming."

• Favorite City:

  • Both love London, appreciating its design inspiration and sourcing potential ([47:10]).

• Favorite Bedding:

  • Combination of Porto and Matouk products ([47:53]).

    "It's the perfect combo... I have 15 pillows on my bed."

• Tea or Coffee:

  • Leanne: Morning coffee with fresh beans and half-and-half ([48:25]).
  • Allie: Enjoys the aroma of coffee but prefers not to drink it ([48:37]).

• Favorite Playlist or Music to Listen to at Home:

  • Leanne: Ella Fitzgerald, Billie Holiday, and James Taylor, including Nancy Meyer's Kitchen playlist ([48:45] – [49:24]).

    "Every single thing about her playlist... If I could just live my life with that sound inside my head..."

• Favorite Weekend Activity:

  • Leanne: Early morning walks with her husband and puppy, reconnecting with home, lighting candles, and making dinner ([49:27] – [51:37]).
  • Allie: Aligns closely with her mother's activities, enjoying cozy home environments ([49:36] – [51:25]).

• Favorite Design Book:

  • Allie: Americana Farmhouses and Manors of Long Island by Kyle Marshall ([51:45]).
  • Leanne: Works by Gil Schaefer, particularly his books on luxury living without pretension ([51:45] – [53:14]).

    "Anything by Gil Shafer... showing a way to live in beautiful luxury, but without the luxury vibe."

Conclusion

Leanne and Allie Thornton's episode on Talk Shop offers a deep dive into the synergy of a mother-daughter partnership in the interior design industry. Their emphasis on creating cozy, timeless spaces, coupled with their ability to navigate business challenges and evolve their design philosophies, serves as an inspiring model for aspiring designers. Personal anecdotes and rapid-fire insights reveal a genuine passion for both their craft and their family life, underscoring the authenticity that defines their work.

Listeners are encouraged to explore more about Leanne Thornton Interiors through their website and Instagram, where they share ongoing projects and creative endeavors.

Notable Quotes:

• Leanne Thornton: "We know how we need to at least be perceived as far as, like, handling things." ([00:00])
• Arielle Oken: "As long as you're outwardly calm like a swan, yes, you're outwardly calm and graceful, but your feet are really pedaling underneath you." ([00:08])
• Allie Thornton: "You're dancing like you're having a ball." ([00:31])
• Leanne Thornton: "If you can't run a business, you will never survive in this business." ([35:52])
• Allie Thornton: "We're margaritas and Diet Cokes, and I don't care what anyone says." ([45:31])
• Leanne Thornton: "It's the perfect combo... I have 15 pillows on my bed." ([47:56])

Additional Resources:

• Leanne Thornton Interiors Website: www.leannethorntoninteriors.com
• Instagram: @leannethorntoninteriors