Meet our team of talented designers who bring innovative and personalized solutions to transform your space into a true reflection of your style.
Dani
My style is very much inspired by Japan’s Wabi Sabi philosophy and the hybrid Japandi style of Wabi with Scandinavian minimalism. My tendencies are incorporating neutral palettes expressive in texture and form; building a calming and welcoming atmosphere by balancing filled and negative space; creating flow in the room with Feng Shui principles; devoting/introducing space for nostalgia and natural elements.
Learn more about Dani
How long have you been with LaDIFF?
I joined LaDIFF’s team recently in December of 2022.
What is your current favorite piece at LaDIFF?
My current favorites are the accent mirrors offered by Trica; the Edge, Matuva, and Halo. I admire the functionality, minimal appearance, and diverse finish combinations. They are pieces that can be incorporated into most spaces – especially spaces with limited room.
What’s an ideal outing for you in Richmond?
Walking the Buttermilk Trail or some uncharted section of Richmond forested area, followed by tacos from Y Tu Mama, TBT El Gallo, or Taqueria Y Antojitos El Chido? IF it’s Friday during the summer then down to Brown’s Island for Friday Cheers, then a game of 8 ball at Don’t Look Back or some Karaoke at Buddy’s!
Favorite local business in Richmond (other than LaDIFF)?
The skincare products of Maven Made, the clothing selection (and store manager Sarah!) at The Clothes Rack, and the unique curiosities of Rest In Pieces are at the top of my favorites. I would recommend any local business that has live music; The Hippodrome, The Camel, City Beach, Fallout, The 4 Cyber Cafe, Bandito’s and Another Round Bar & Grill just to name a few. Richmond’s live music scene was incredibly vibrant pre-Covid- we have the power to bring it back just by enjoying it at these venues!
Is there a design trend that you see coming in the near future (or something you want to see)?
There is a need for more multi-purpose furniture; this trend is directly related to the architectural resurgence of open layouts have created multi-purpose to living spaces that were once divided and delegated by walls/structures. I’d like to see a lean towards “ecleticism”- the style trend of having multiple furniture styles in their living spaces and see how decor doesn’t have to fit into one style or another to be trendy, timeless, and supportive of an overall aesthetic.
In the market, I’d like to see bold colors resurface like green and purple and furniture options that are multi-functional and highly engineered. I’d like to see an extension table that can go from 40″ to 80″ easily and elegantly; people desire this kind of furniture magic and I think it’s possible.
Favorite vacation spot you’ve been to?
It’s a coin flip between a little island off the coast of Cancun and Es Canaar, Ibiza. Both of these places have a unique magic to them that I very often fantasize of returning to.
Bucket list vacation destination?
Bahia, Brazil and the Khao Sok Rainforest in Thailand would be both dream-come-true trips.
Best Movie/TV show you saw recently?
Tidying-Up with Marie Kondo is a show that sticks out to me. Watching Marie work with people in real time on how to organize their lives and, in turn, bring more joy into their homes and hearts, was influential on my approach to my own home as well as a resource I refer my clients to when they are undergoing big changes in their living spaces. Her approach to having a connection to what you own- that it should bring you joy- is a beautiful and healthful concept for living.
Bonus Info!
I come from a very diverse art background including jewelry design, mixed media, performing and visual arts, as well as fine art studies. I also enjoy gardening and singing!
Get in touch at dani@ladiff.com
Eric
My style is Adaptive/eclectic for my clients and Maximal for myself.
Learn more about Eric
How long have you been with LaDIFF?
4 years as of December.
What is your current favorite piece at LaDIFF?
The Charleston Forge Emmitt Lounge chair because of it’s hand-crafted nature and mix of natural materials: wood, leather and iron.
What’s an ideal outing for you in Richmond?
Coffee at Blanchards followed by day of thrifting/site-seeing and ending with oysters and Manhattans at Can Can.
Favorite local business in Richmond (other than LaDIFF)?
Bacchus for dinner, Mongrel for gifts.
Is there a design trend that you see coming in the near future (or something you want to see)?
The resurgence of color, specifically green, affordable luxury and mixed metals.
Favorite vacation spot you’ve been to?
Tuscany
Bucket list vacation destination?
The Roman ruins along the Croatian coast.
Best Movie/TV show you saw recently?
BBC 4 Renaissance Unchained.
Get in touch at eric@ladiff.com
Emily (Jo)
I have a pretty flexible design style. For my personal spaces, I’m all about moody maximalism. For clients, I’m not prescribed to one design style but I do like to push boundaries. I like to pull people out of the comfort zone IN their comfort zones, ya know?
Learn more about Emily (Jo)
How long have you been with LaDIFF?
I celebrated my two year anniversary on March 3rd!
What is your current favorite piece at LaDIFF?
You mean other than the chandelier giraffe? There’s a Max Divani piece coming in this spring that I am over the moon excited about – you’ll just have to wait and see!
What’s an ideal outing for you in Richmond?
Dinner at Native Plate followed by a concert at the National.
Favorite local business in Richmond (other than LaDIFF)?
Fuzzy Cactus
Is there a design trend that you see coming in the near future (or something you want to see)?
I am hoping for a resurgence of risk taking. My social media feeds are full of maximalism, color, and surrealism. Why do you think I pushed Sarah to bring QeeBoo in?!
Favorite vacation spot you’ve been to?
Juno Beach, Florida
Bucket list vacation destination?
A French wine tour. Start in Champagne and bounce from east to west working down the Rhone Valley and Cote d’Azur.
Best Movie/TV show you saw recently?
The new season of Down to Earth was excellent.
Get in touch at jo@ladiff.com
Lea
With 25+ years of design experience, my specialty is in modern design with a concentration on space-planning and color arrangement. One of the most satisfying facets of my business is redesigning a difficult floor plan and seeing the before & after to see how the space has transformed.
I thrive on relationship-driven interactions with my clients and find that putting an animal print in ALMOST any room will solve almost any decorating problem.
Learn more about Lea
How long have you been with LaDIFF?
11 years.
What is your current favorite piece at LaDIFF?
For comfort, the Carson sofa. For aesthetic the Menlo Park. Both are from American Leather.
What’s an ideal outing for you in Richmond?
A scenic hike around Belle Isle or a day at Lewis Ginter Botanical Gardens in the Spring.
Favorite local business in Richmond?
The Plant House on Cary Street! I was invited there to make a terrarium last year and became hooked!
Is there a design trend that you see coming in the near future (or something you want to see)?
Wall paper! Yes Please!
Favorite vacation spot you’ve been to?
Sedona, Arizona
Bucket list vacation destination?
Greece
Best Movie/TV show you saw recently?
The series Harlem
Get in touch at lea@ladiff.com
Rick
I enjoy a clean and classic look. However, I do have strong leanings towards a layered and collected interior as well.
Learn more about Rick
How long have you been with LaDIFF?
“forever”
What is your current favorite piece at LaDIFF?
The Lexi sofa ticks a lot of boxes for me. It has heritage yet can be a real chameleon design-wise.
What’s an ideal outing for you in Richmond?
I enjoy visiting the historical sites that are still to be found around town.
Favorite local business in Richmond?
Currently craving Joe’s Inn and their spaghetti a la Greek!
Is there a design trend that you see coming in the near future?
I’m glad to see a returning appreciation for neutrals and earth tones. Looking forward to seeing a lot less grey in interiors…
Favorite vacation spot you’ve been to?
We’ve really enjoyed Antwerp and Paris.
Bucket list vacation destination?
Istanbul and Florence. The Dalmatian Coast would be great, too!
Best Movie/TV show you saw recently?
We really enjoyed watching Babylon Berlin.
Get in touch at rick@ladiff.com