Dunn-Edwards Portraits: Propelled by lessons learned in the past, Los Angeles designer became a pioneer in the industry

For Shalena Smith, every new interior design project is a chance to impart lessons from childhood. The founder of Shalena Smith Interior Design and GaGa Designs in Los Angeles, Smith contends that everyone should feel safe and relaxed at home. This sense of safety should permeate the pillowcases and settle into the sheets. “Whenever I approach a new project, that is in the forefront of my mind,” Smith, who serves clients worldwide from her interior design firm, explained. “I feel like everyone’s home should be a haven. It should be a place of peace. Growing up, my home was not always like that. That is why I firmly believe that everyone needs a place where they can relax and restore. I just love being able to be a part of that for families that I work for.”

Smith, whose firm specializes in children’s spaces and full residential and commercial interior design, admitted that she didn’t set out pursuing her chosen field. She initially sought a journalism degree at California State University, Northridge. In college, she worked at Bellini, a high-end baby furniture and nursery design store. “That is what really started the love for design,” she acknowledged. “When I was 23 years old, I opened a franchise of the store in Palo Alto, California. That was an amazing experience. It taught me a great deal about the hands-on work of the design field.” This introduction also led to what she calls her “greatest disappointment.” After a few years, she walked away from franchise ownership due to contract disputes. “That is the biggest obstacle I have ever faced in my career,” she conceded. “It was heartbreaking. I thought that was something I would do for years to come. When that door shut, I felt lost. But with a lot of prayer and support, I realized that had been my heart; serving people and clients, and designing kids’ rooms was what I loved. People thought that specializing in designing just kids’ rooms was crazy. I was constantly told that people could barely afford a designer for their house or bedroom, let alone a child’s room. But the great thing was that I was young, and I had no fear. I took a leap in 2001.”

She landed back in Southern California at the helm of her own company, GaGa Designs. “I specialized solely in baby and kids’ interiors. Nobody did that back then. I was the pioneer designer,” she noted. Smith focuses on creating luxurious living spaces for children, and most of them involve a theme. Many rooms revolve around images or themes, such as the circus, sports or a fairy garden. She incorporates a team of designers, including baby-proofing experts and custom-furniture builders.

GaGa Designs quickly flourished. Smith gained celebrity clients who spread the word about her talents to friends, family and colleagues. Since starting the firm, she has designed nurseries for rapper Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and tennis star Pete Sampras. “Mariah Carey requested my help for my Baby Concierge service for her twins, and I designed a nursery for Tamera Mowry-Housely that was pretty and pink and very airy. The more work I did, I found people were just telling everyone about what I could offer.” After 10 years, her customers began wanting more. “My clients told me they were so pleased with their children’s spaces that they wanted me to do their master bedrooms. At first, I resisted, but then I took the leap and created Shalena Smith Interior Design.” The company is a full residential interior design firm.

Smith prioritizes curating concepts that work for each individual family and their lifestyle. “Some people may just need their bedroom or living room spruced up. Other clients may want a total redesign of their property. Whatever their needs, I work with my clients and design team to see that we meet their needs.” Smith stressed that her clients are “a huge part” of her design process. “When I approach a project, I interview the client. This allows me to get to know how they want to feel when they enter their house. That is so important to me. Everything centers on their personality and their style, and what they will do with the space. I want the space to speak to them.”

Her latest venture has been opening a retail space and design showroom. Shalena Smith Interiors & Home Decor is in The Vineyards at Porter Ranch. “I wanted to have a place where people could come and get a glimpse of the furnishings, home decor and kitchen accessories that we offer. People can stop in and imagine what their potential design project could look like. So I am having a full-circle moment. I left retail once and now I am back again!”

Smith said that Dunn Edwards has been integral to her design process, both personally and professionally. “I have used and recommended so many of their colors,” she explained. “They give me wonderful tools for my business, and the entire team is so helpful and professional. Because of this, I’ve recommended the company to so many people. It is not just because of the relationship I have with them; it is because of that wonderful staff and the colors. I actually remodeled my living room a few years ago, which was a first for me. Usually, I don’t have time to focus on my own projects. I used Antique Paper (DE6218) for the walls and Whisper (DEW340) for the trim and ceiling. Antique Paper (DE6218) is an off-white color, so it looks crisp and snappy. It is also very calming. I love being able to recommend a company whose products I live with and love.” Despite her loyalty to Antique Paper, she said that she is now “obsessed” with Moss Cottage (DET608). “It is my current favorite color. It is such a beautiful, deep green. It just makes any room look refined and classy.”

As she looks toward the future, Smith often thinks back to the advice her grandfather once gave her. It is advice that she would pass on to anyone interested in interior design. “You need to have tough skin. Throughout my years in this business, there have been moments where I could have just thrown in the towel and given up. But you need to be resilient. You are going to face challenges in this industry. There will be days that test you. Having tough skin and being resilient is so integral to your success.”

Propelled by lessons learned in her past, Smith looks forward to her future in the industry.