6 THINGS WITH TESS TWIEHAUS

6 Things with Tess Twiehaus of Tess Interiors

Tess Twiehaus has had a passion for interior design from a tender age. Her love for the craft carried her from DIY projects as a beginner to a talented design student, to eventually become a full-fledged professional in the field. Since then, she has launched her own interior design firm, Tess Interiors, and continues to curate homes and spaces that reflect a deep understanding of her clients’ unique personalities and lifestyles.

1. What started it all for you?

My mom is completely responsible for my love of Interior Design. She was always updating our house and installing wallpaper or sewing drapes. She's the OG DIY queen. I loved that world and how creative it allowed you to be, in such a diverse way. Once I learned it was an actual career, I was all in! I went to school for design and worked for top studios before launching Tess Interiors in 2020.

2. What drives your creative spark?

There's never a dull moment! Truly, no two days are the same and while that can be stressful, it's also what makes the job interesting. I love problem-solving. Being faced with various issues and having to come up with creative solutions on the fly is super fun to me. Also, I'm just a design-obsessed nerd who geeks out over the details. It's a thrill to come up with things that aren't easy to do or haven't been done before because it pushes us (and our wonderful subcontractors) out of our comfort zone.

3. Most treasured home decor item?

I wish I had a more "elevated" answer for this one, but it's a mug my mom got me in high school. It's just a coffee mug, but it has so much sentimental value and brings a smile to my face every time I use it. That happens to be my favorite item, but truly everything in my home makes me feel some type of way. I really believe in curating your space with love and care. Nothing should be meaningless.

4. What’s the best advice you've ever received?

"Having is not so pleasing a thing, after all, as wanting. It is not logical but often true." (Yes, my dad is a Trekkie). The reason it's my favorite is because it reminds me to enjoy the process. I'm not sure that's what Spock meant, but it's my interpretation. Running a business is so much of "okay that's done... now what's next". So much of life is! Wanting something and striving for it is a huge part of the fun and this quote reminds me to appreciate that phase... And to try to relish the "having" phase a bit more.

5. It's 5 o'clock at home. What would you be pouring?

Listen, I know the 2010s are long gone, but the phrase "Rose all day" is eternal for me... Rose or orange wine for me, especially now that summer is here!

6. What are your 6 favorite accounts that you follow for inspiration?

Narrowing this down to six is a tall order, but here we go!
@swike
@oldloserinbrooklyn
@pierre.yovanovitch
@tamsinjohnson
@obsoleteinc
@buchanan.studio

"I really believe in curating your space with love and care. Nothing should be meaningless." -Tess Twiehaus

PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICK GLIMENAKIS