A Q&A with Noelani Zervas

Photo courtesy of Noelani Zervas

Notes from the Set is all about celebrating interiors through storytelling and collaboration with the incredible designers who shape our industry. Today, I’m spotlighting Noelani “Lani” Zervas of Noelani Zervas Interiors—the designer behind this month’s featured project—to hear her perspective on the design of the Milton Federalist project.

JD: What was your original design vision for this project, and how did it evolve along the way?

NZ: This project was the first of a few projects done with this long-standing client. We connected when she purchased the home, working together to source new items for the interiors without changing some of the key elements unless necessary, like all the stunning wallpaper!  An interior designer (Su-En Wong, of Audrey & Nefertiti) owned the home prior to my client, and we quickly agreed that the paper was a must-KEEP. 

The goal throughout the home was comfort, functionality for large family gatherings, and layering in items they already owned. We worked together to review what they brought with them, going space by space, assessing what worked vs. what was needed. We swapped existing sofas for a new sectional, installed new lighting, and placed art and vintage works from their existing collection throughout. The client shares my obsession with estate sales and vintage everything, so it was truly a joyful collaboration as well as a design challenge. 

JD: Were there any design risks or bold choices in this space that you weren’t sure about at first — but now feel really proud of capturing?

NZ: When I pitched the closet conversion into a bar, I was initially worried that the bold orange high-gloss paint and turquoise dragon paper would be too bold, but it was ironically our first home run. She signed off on every detail immediately, and the end result is moody, colorful, speakeasy magic.

JD: There are always little details I love photographing — the things that feel personal. Is there a design element in this space that holds special meaning for you or your client?

NZ: We both locked into the Shuffle side table on an outing to Lekker in the South End, like immediately. It is the coolest table ever, designed by Mia Hamborg. Multiple colors, multiple stacks, it actually comes apart and can be arranged however you fancy. Perfect for kids, perfect for your cocktail, and absolutely perfect in this space.

JD: When you imagined someone walking into this space for the first time, what kind of mood or feeling did you want to create?

NZ: This home has a super classic, slightly imposing, federalist facade, but as soon as you walk in, it’s comfortable and curated, like a warm, colorful hug. You can see the rich landscape and heritage of the family from all their collections. Each space draws people in and invites them to ask about specifics, like where did you find this amazing work on tin of someone diving into water (featured in the living room). What trip did you find this figurine on? How did you connect with this artist from New Orleans? In my humble opinion, every room should have something that sparks curiosity and conversation.

JD: From your perspective as a designer, how does photography help you share your work or shape how your brand is seen?

NZ: My brain works visually, so it’s a completely natural extension of how everything works for me personally. Love it or hate it, thinking about you, Insta, we are creators and need to put out things for people to see and consume. If you aren’t photographing your projects, how can they see your latest work? How can they appreciate all the blood, sweat, and tears you put into each and every selection for a space?

As a one-woman studio, my branding is a natural extension of my own style and eclectic vibe. Things often feel so generic or vanilla in the design spectrum. I am not that, and my spaces are not that. Photography instantly allows prospective clients to see all of these things at a glance. 

A BIT ABOUT NOELANI

JD: Do you have a favorite material that you try to incorporate into your projects?

NZ: Antiques! Vintage/repurposed, well-loved, ‘with a story’ kind of pieces.

JD: For dinner parties, what are you pouring?  Favorite music choice?

NZ: Definitely pouring some Paolo Bea. He is a mad scientist in the wine world. Everything he does is absolutely amazing and unlike anything you’ve had before. I especially love his Rosso de Veo and San Valentino. Favorite wine to serve and gift. Music is usually my ‘recently played’ on shuffle. Currently loving Role Model, Djo, Haim, a little Fleetwood Mac, and beebadoobee.

JD: Do you have any rules you live by?

NZ: Surround yourself with your chosen family. Buy what you love, and you’ll find a way to use it/wear it. Tell your people you love them every day. Food is love. Stop caring what other people think.

JD: What is your biggest indulgence?

NZ: I grew up dirt poor, like poorer than poor. Despite that, I had a subscription to Vogue at age 10 and immediately ID’d Chanel as the pinnacle of fashion (even if I pronounced it channel, as in the English Channel).  All this to say that fancy Chanel shoes are my weakness. All day, every day.

JD: Who would be your dream client and why?

NZ: I see working with clients as a collaboration.  I learn something from every client, just like they bring me in to push their boundaries in different ways, and likewise learn from me. Unlike a lot of designers, I don’t prefer to necessarily start with a blank space; I like to see what you want to keep, what you have collected, what you want to curate, and how we can bring all of these elements into your space. My ideal client has a vision, maybe a storage locker filled with art and antiques, and is game to work collaboratively and figure out where all the pieces of the puzzle go together.

Thanks Lani!

xx, Jess