Today we’d like to introduce you to Leslie Murphy.
Hi Leslie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
We create beautiful spaces that consider sustainability in every detail. We are “elegant sustainable design”. We do things in quite a novel way to stay true to our mission. We’re not just creating spaces; we’re crafting environments that stand the test of time with sustainability woven into every detail. While there is a place for the new and the modern in every design plan, we believe that these pieces should be more than just fleeting trends. They should be exceptionally made and become a timeless piece within the home.
We also aim to work with manufacturers we know and trust, many of whom are family-owned businesses that pride themselves on integrity and sustainable practices.
We’re also proud to collaborate with local woodworkers and craftspeople. Not only does this help reduce freight costs, but it’s incredibly rewarding to know the person behind the piece. These are artisans who pour care and passion into their work.
Upcycling is another key part of our process. If furniture can be repurposed, we’ll find a way to breathe new life into it—especially if it carries sentimental value. We’re true treasure hunters at heart, always on the lookout for vintage and antique pieces that have a story to tell.
All of these things help us in accomplishing our sustainability goals while also making the design process more exciting, meaningful, and rich with history. Most importantly, they allow us to create something that is truly bespoke and built to endure for years to come.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
The above mentioned approach is quite different from the way we used to be in the world! It was not long ago that we were living in excess and waste. I was in fight or flight mode struggling to survive and there was not room to think of anything else other than how to keep going. I had no choice but to scale back when I started to decline. I was in a state of constant panic and that negative energy was transferring to my team. I made the decision to reset the entire mission of the firm.
I started to look at what mattered to me and how to lean into more of that. I love to create spaces that change the way you feel when you step into the room. Spaces that are connected to nature, to the earth, that help people heal. I am a very heart driven person. I wanted to find a way to do beautiful high quality work while using goods that “do more good” in the world if you know what I mean! A little lighter on the consumerism, a little heavier on the connection… Purchasing things yes, but of value and quality that were made well by people we know and love. Artists, artisans, antique dealers, you get the picture…..
I realized it is not about chasing revenue or doing literally any job so long as it paid well. It is about finding alignment with who you really are. Would you do it at your home? Would you actually enjoy doing that in your spare time? Always good questions to ask to take a little test on the matter when questions arrive. Same thing with the people we work with….. If I truly do not resonate with someone the answer is no, we are not aligned.
We are now at the point where we are starting to find our people! People who care about health, sustainability, integrity, quality products, and work above rampant consumerism and other things that align with our ethos! We had to go through some tough lessons to get here, but it was worth it!
How do you define success?
Building things that last (aka sustainability) and good stewardship are at the heart of my definition of success. This applies to business, personal finances, the homes we design and the relationships we develop.
Financially, it’s not about making more, it is about building a system and a structure that continues to pay you and building something that works for you instead of you working for it. It’s getting to that point of being a well-oiled machine where your lift is low and your joy is high!
Success for me personally, beyond financial, is about one day creating a safe beautiful home/ community that is almost totally self-sustained by using alternative energy sources and growing much of my own food! It feels increasingly important to build community and to nurture relationships and to continue to support one another in this human experience.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://murphymaude.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/murphymaudeinteriors/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/murphymaudeinteriors/
