16 March 2026
In Conversation With Theodora Esparza
Welcome to the Sun at Six interview series. Growing up, so much of our point of view was shaped by interviews - people's intimate perspectives on their interior or exterior world captured in a specific slice of time. Much of what we draw from today still comes from those articles and stories. We're excited to make our foray into sparking those moments of discoveries for others while getting to know some of our favorite creatives from the design world and beyond.
Theodora Esparza is the founder and principal of Studio Stilo, an interior design studio working across Los Angeles, New York, Miami, and beyond, known for its thoughtful, art-driven approach to residential spaces. Her work strikes a rare balance between sculptural, expressive silhouettes and true livability, with a natural, intuitive use of color that feels both intentional and effortless. Each project is composed with a deep sensitivity to how space is experienced—how rooms unfold, where moments of visual intensity are held, and where the eye and body are allowed to rest.
Through the lens of her Greenwich Project, we explore our shared belief that the choices we make within a home have a profound impact on how we feel and move through our daily lives. Read on to learn more about Theodora's design philosophy, the importance of intention in shaping atmosphere, and how seeing the world through a child’s lens—marked by curiosity, play, and wonder—continues to inform and inspire her work.
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Can you tell us about the Greenwich project and how it began?
This project began shortly after the client purchased the home. They were drawn to the neighborhood and the character of the building - an old Tribeca factory defined by 12-foot ceilings and expansive 9-foot windows. The apartment itself, however, felt stark and white. The client reached out seeking a transformation: a warm, inviting sanctuary for a young family that could comfortably host gatherings while also offering a peaceful retreat from the energy of city life.
What inspired the overall look and feel of the space?
The home blends modern design with a relaxed California sensibility. At its core are carefully selected handmade furniture pieces that act as sculptural focal points throughout the space. Warm-toned fabrics and layered wood finishes create an inviting foundation, while contemporary lighting and curated artwork bring a fresh, refined contrast. The result feels elevated yet approachable - designed to be lived in.
Were there any unique challenges you had to work through?
The primary challenge was creating intimacy within a space defined by 12-foot ceilings and an open floor plan. To counterbalance the scale, we intentionally lowered visual elements - artwork, wall details, and ceiling fixtures - so the space would feel more grounded and human in proportion, without sacrificing its architectural volume.
Do you have a favorite detail or corner in this home?
One of my favorite details is the double bullnose curved vanity countertop in the bathroom. It's a quiet but striking moment in a space where we were very intentional about limiting materials. The softness of the curve brings warmth and elegance, elevating the room without overpowering it.
What do you hope people feel when they walk into this space?
I hope they feel an immediate sense of warmth and ease - as though they can exhale the moment they arrive. The space is meant to feel grounding and quietly layered rather than overwhelming, inviting people to slow down, feel present, and truly settle in.
Turning the lens to you and your practice more generally, I'm curious what first sparked your interest in interior design?
I was living in New York City working in advertising when I became fascinated by the power of design, particularly within hospitality spaces. Walking through a doorway often felt like stepping into an entirely different world - you could never judge a space by its exterior. I became deeply aware of how lighting, materials, and spatial sequencing shape our emotional experience. That realization stayed with me and ultimately led me to design.
That idea that spaces play a huge role in shaping emotions is actually one of the driving philosophies of Sun at Six so it's fascinating to hear you mention that, too. How would you describe your design philosophy?
Our design philosophy centers on creating spaces that evoke emotion while remaining deeply functional and enduring. We begin with a strong respect for architecture - prioritizing proportion, layout, and programming - then layer in warmth through material integrity, texture, and light. Every decision is guided by how a space will be lived in, supporting daily rituals and a sense of calm. We believe in restraint, balance, and craftsmanship, allowing each element to feel intentional and timeless.
"Walking through a doorway often felt like stepping into an entirely different world - you could never judge a space by its exterior. I became deeply aware of how lighting, materials, and spatial sequencing shape our emotional experience."
Do you have any major design influences?
Arent & Pyke has been a significant influence. I admire their use of color, nuanced joinery, and unexpected material combinations. Each of their projects feels deeply responsive - to both the architecture and the homeowner - which is something I continually strive for in my own work.
How do you think about mixing vintage, custom, and new pieces?
In every project, I try to incorporate one or two vintage pieces - they bring soul and character to a space. This might be something subtle, like a table lamp or a vintage rug. When everything feels too new, a space can feel cold or untouchable. Vintage elements soften that edge, making the room feel lived-in and inviting, encouraging people to engage with it without hesitation.
Furniture is usually a longer-use object than, say, clothing or accessories. How do you think about choosing furniture that feels timeless?
We focus first on proportion, materiality, and craftsmanship. Pieces with strong, simple forms and high-quality materials tend to endure because they aren't tied to a specific moment or trend - this is why Sun at Six was a perfect fit.
Has travel influenced your design perspective?
Typically, when you travel, you slow down, become more present, and notice texture, scale, and atmosphere in a deeper way. I'm often inspired by how materials are applied in unexpected ways - through joinery, transitions, or subtle details that feel intuitive rather than forced. It is amazing what you see when you truly pause and listen. Those observations inevitably find their way into my work.
One of the things that we love about furniture design in particular is that it's a very utilitarian object at heart. Interior architecture and design similarly needs to consider aesthetics and functionality. How do you think about that balance?
We start with strong architectural decisions - clear layouts and intuitive flow that support how the space needs to function. Once that foundation is established, we layer in materiality and design zones: spaces that are intentionally left as negative space, spaces that are loud and bold or maybe spaces that help transition between the two. A successful interior considers the full sensory experience, allowing for visual relief between moments of stimulation. Thoughtful transitions between materials are key - they should always feel intentional and seamless.
Burnout seems to be one of the big inevitabilities in creative work. How do you stay inspired and avoid creative burnout?
Boundaries are essential. I block off an hour each morning for new product discovery, which keeps me creatively engaged and excited. Outside of work, I prioritize evenings and weekends with my children. The way children see the world - with curiosity and wonder - offers constant inspiration. They notice what we often take for granted, and there's so much to learn from that perspective.
That's an incredibly beautiful idea. Thank you so much for spending time with us!