About Leah

A lifetime of exposure to, and study of, the arts has led Leah Ansel to her career in interior design. Art, music, dance and design were part of her early childhood and ongoing themes in her life, culminating in a degree from the University of Wisconsin- Madison in 1986. It’s not unusual to hold memories of childhood homes, but it is to remember thinking, as a child, that one’s aunt’s drapery fabrics did not work well with the rest of the room, or appreciating the proportions of the rooms of one’s dollhouse, in this case furnishing, decorating and redecorating it over a period of years to fit the lives of the dolls in a way that was simply “right.”

As an established designer, Leah will always find appropriate solutions, striving for the highest possible quality of furniture, furnishings, lighting, artwork and accessories as befits the personalities and homes of her clients. Of course not every project goes perfectly at every moment; the journey along the way ought to be life-affirming, fun and joyful.

Mission
To help my clients create harmonious relationships between their dwellings, their possessions, and the souls of the people who inhabit them. I seek to design spaces that reflect the core of who people are and who they hope to be; extraordinary design both high-functioning and also evocative, provocative, inspiring and interesting .

Don’t rush. Don’t settle. Good things are worth the wait.
Expect bumps in the road that lead to happy accidents.
Be true to yourself. Take risks.
Make your bed every morning.
Embrace imperfection. Look Up.
Trust your Designer.
Beauty is subjective. Beauty brings Joy. Beauty is Hope. Beauty is Essential to Quality of Life.

Integrity
Honesty
Beauty
Lightness

Education

BA Communication Arts from University of Wisconsin- Madison, 1986

Focus also on Textile Design, Interior Design, Jewelry Design

Design Internship Tel Aviv, Israel 1987

Textile Design, Jewelry Design, Painting & Drawing

Continuing Education at FIT, NYC  1990-1995

Interior Design & Jewelry Design

Feng Shui Professional Certification Program, NYC 1994-1997

 

EXPERIENCE

Fashion-Jewelry

1987-1991 Henri Bendel, NYC – Main Floor Manager; Jewelry Designer

1991 -1994 Barneys New York – Jewelry Designer

2001 – 2004 Lucky Magazine/Conde Nast – Stylist/Sittings Editor

Architecture-Interiors

1994-1998 Bogdanow Architects, NYC

2002-2025 Space Planning Technologies, NYC

2005 – Present Ansel Interiors, CO

2018-2024 California Closets Brand Ambassador, CO

2002 – 2011 Closet Factory Brand Ambassador, NYC

1998-2000  Closets By Design Brand Ambassador, CA

TEACHING/SPEAKING

1996-1997 Fashion Institute of Technology, NYC

2004 New York School of Interior Design, NYC

2002-2010 92nd St. Y/Makor, NYC

2008-2010 Gracious Home, NYC

2005 Yale University, CT

2016-2018 New York Institute of Technology, NY