Los Angeles–based designer Nishia Shubert founder of Stay Interiors, believes that the most beautiful homes are both functional and deeply personal. Her studio focuses on creating interiors that balance eclectic charm with minimal refinement — spaces that feel layered, welcoming, and timeless.

A Southern California native, Nishia draws inspiration from the region’s landscapes, color palettes, and relaxed lifestyle. Her approach blends colors, textures, and patterns in ways that feel curated rather than cluttered, resulting in homes that reflect the personality and lifestyle of the people who live there.

Since launching Stay Interiors in 2019, Nishia has built a reputation for designing spaces that are beautiful, practical, and personal.

Her philosophy is simple: a well-designed home should feel welcoming, functional, and reflective of the people who live there. When colors, textures, lighting, and personal details are thoughtfully balanced, a space becomes more than just visually appealing — it becomes a place people truly love to stay.

Here, Nishia shares some of the design principles she uses to create interiors that feel both stylish and livable.

One of Nishia’s signature approaches is balancing eclectic elements with a sense of calm. Rather than filling a room with too many statement pieces, she focuses on thoughtful layering. Combining different textures, materials, and subtle patterns adds depth and personality to a space while keeping the overall composition clean and intentional.

The goal is to create a room that feels curated and lively without becoming overwhelming.

The most memorable interiors always reflect the people who live in them. Nishia encourages incorporating personal elements throughout the home — not just photographs, but meaningful objects, favorite colors, travel finds, or artwork that resonates emotionally.

These details create a sense of authenticity and warmth, turning a well-designed room into a space that truly feels like home.

Lighting has a powerful effect on how a room feels. Rather than relying on a single overhead light, Nishia recommends layering different types of lighting — including floor lamps, table lamps, and accent lighting. This approach adds warmth, depth, and dimension to a space while allowing flexibility throughout the day.

Soft, layered lighting can instantly make a room feel more relaxed and inviting.

Furniture size and placement play a major role in whether a room feels comfortable or cramped. Choosing pieces that fit the scale of the room ensures the space remains functional and visually balanced. Oversized furniture in a small room — or furniture that is too small in a large room — can disrupt the overall flow.

Thoughtful proportions help a space feel both practical and harmonious.

While her spaces remain minimal and refined, Nishia loves introducing playful, unexpected design moments. This could be an off-center artwork, a bold faucet in mint green, or a unique accent piece that brings personality to the room. These small surprises add character and individuality without overwhelming the overall design.

It’s often the unexpected touches that make a space memorable.