Vanessa Deleon

New York and New Jersey based designer Vanessa Deleon, founder of Vanessa Deleon Associates, brings a distinctive, expressive, and lifestyle-driven approach to contemporary interior design. Her career has been shaped by a lifelong instinct for creating environments that balance beauty with purpose, ultimately leading her to develop her signature philosophy: glamalistic, a refined intersection of glamour and minimalism. This perspective informs every project, resulting in work that feels elevated, intentional, and deeply attuned to how people live.

Her studio works across high-end residential, boutique hospitality, and commercial environments, with projects spanning the U.S. and abroad. Known for a strong architectural sensibility, meticulous attention to detail, and a curated, modern aesthetic, Vanessa and her team create spaces that feel both timeless and emotionally resonant.

A key part of her process is storytelling, translating a client’s lifestyle, aspirations, and identity into spaces that are functional, immersive, and visually compelling. This narrative-driven design approach, combined with Vanessa’s forward-thinking use of digital tools and media, allows her to share the evolution of each project and offer a transparent look into the craftsmanship, intention, and artistry behind her work.

(Image above: photo curtesy of Vanessa Deleon Associates)

When you were a kid, what did you dream of becoming? Did any of those childhood ambitions lead you to where you are today?

Growing up, fashion was my entire world. I dreamed of becoming a stylist and spent so much time curating outfits and exploring personal style. I did begin my professional journey in fashion, and while my career path eventually shifted, that early passion stayed with me. It taught me about composition, texture, and storytelling through aesthetics and those same principles live on in the work I do now. In many ways, that childhood dream shaped the creative lens I bring to every project.

Where and what did you study?

I studied at the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), and later continued my education through the Feng Shui Institute of America.

Was there a specific turning point or experience when you realized that design was your true calling?

After leaving the fashion industry, I was working at my grandfather’s furniture store. People would come in and ask me to help them design a room or two in their homes, and I found myself completely drawn into the process. The more I worked with these clients, the more natural it felt- like something I was meant to do. I eventually realized I needed to understand the technical side of design too (like what a load-bearing wall actually was), so I went back to school. While I was still in college, I took the leap and opened my LLC, and that’s really where everything began

Is there a particular designer, artwork, or design movement that deeply inspires you? How has it influenced your own style or philosophy?

My work is strongly influenced by the Art Deco movement and by my Cuban heritage. Art Deco informs my love for sculptural forms, luxurious materials, and expressive geometry, while my roots inspire a layered use of color, texture, and cultural narrative. Together, these influences shape a design language that is both timeless and deeply personal.

Which designers do you love following on social media? What draws you to their work?

One designer I love following on social media is Martyn Lawrence Bullard. I’m constantly drawn to his bold, glamorous approach to interiors and the way he infuses spaces with a sense of history and storytelling. His use of rich materials, expressive patterns, and global influences feels incredibly layered and luxurious. I especially connect with the subtle Art Deco undertones in many of his projects, the sculptural lines, the refined geometry, and the way he balances drama with livability. His work has inspired me to lean deeper into mixing eras and to create interiors that feel both transportive and deeply personal.

How would you describe your design philosophy? Has it evolved over time, and if so, how?

My design philosophy has definitely evolved. I’ve become much more drawn to refinement and sophistication- less about chasing trends and more about creating spaces that feel classic, enduring, and meaningful. I want every room to hold its beauty five, ten, twenty years from now.

Tell us a bit about where you live: How long have you been there, and how does your environment shape your creative process?

I’ve lived in New Jersey my whole life, right across the water from New York City. The city is a constant source of inspiration for me, the architecture, the skyline, the energy. Being so close to it has shaped my creative process in a big way.

In your opinion, what is the most significant challenge facing the design world today? How do you think designers should respond to it?

A major challenge facing the design world today is the rapid advancement of AI. While it can feel intimidating, I believe the strongest response is to embrace it and use it as a tool to stay ahead- enhancing our creativity, not replacing it.

What’s on the horizon for you? Any upcoming projects, events, or goals you’re particularly looking forward to?

I am really excited about my upcoming furniture collection with Eichholtz, which is set to come to market in Fall 2026. It’s a full case-goods collection and something I’ve been thoughtfully developing for a long time, so seeing it come to life is incredibly meaningful. I am also in the process of building my personal home, which has been such a fulfilling creative journey. It’s been amazing to design a space that truly reflects my aesthetic and lifestyle.

What’s a favorite movie, band, or song that has inspired or shaped your creative mind?

I genuinely love music- it’s such a huge part of my creative process. It’s really hard for me to pick just one song or artist because I draw inspiration from so many different genres and moods. Music is something I use constantly to shape the energy of a space, keep me focused, and spark ideas, so my influences are always evolving.

Visit Vanessa Deleon Associates’s website here >>>

More from ICFF:
Found at ICFF
Mario Blásquez