Profile: A Conversation with Linnea Schooley Diaz
Jenni Kayne's Director of Interior Design
Meet Linnea
I met Linnea in 2015 when we were both recent grads starting our careers at a fashion startup in LA’s garment district. She was one of the first women on the team, and we quickly bonded over the hustle of startup life. Even then, her talent for design and passion for interiors stood out. After a few years in fashion, she pursued her interior design education at UCLA, and I’ve loved watching her career flourish ever since. Ten years later, we’re still friends and closer than ever.
Jenni Kayne is the quintessential California lifestyle brand, known for timeless home collections and heirloom-quality fashion. Beyond their iconic pieces, they offer interior design services, crafting spaces for private clients and curating Jenni Kayne-owned homes that double as pop-ups and event venues. As head of interior design, Linnea leads this division, sourcing unique, branded pieces that bring these spaces to life.
Though Jenni Kayne is rooted in California, Linnea brings her unique design vision to homes nationwide. Most recently, she completed the breathtaking Jenni Kayne Farmhouse in upstate New York. Her designs effortlessly combine timeless elegance with a sense of lived-in warmth, crafting refined and deeply inviting spaces.
Whenever Linnea and I catch up, we often chat about work and share stories from our experiences. Her journey is always so inspiring, and I’m thrilled she agreed to sit down for an official interview so I could share her insights with all of you. So, let’s dive in!
Interview
We both started our careers in fashion and your path to interior design wasn't immediately obvious. Can you tell us about the moment you knew this was your calling?
"I've always loved design," Linnea reflects, "but never thought of it as a career path until post-undergrad when I was living in Los Angeles, working in a field I didn't care about, and looking for a career I could be passionate about! I started looking for local interior design programs, found UCLA Extension's Interior Architecture program and signed up for classes right away!
Walk us through your creative process. How do you approach transforming a space?
Linnea's approach to design begins with a deep dive into understanding both the clients and their space. "This initial step is foundational," she explains, "as it informs so much of the creative direction." Her process involves a thoughtful blend of practical assessment and creative exploration, drawing inspiration from diverse sources – from traditional design publications to unexpected places like films and floral arrangements.
"I immerse myself in various sources of inspiration—home design books, magazines, art, architecture, florals, and even films," she shares. "Sometimes inspiration can spark from the most unexpected places." Once she's developed a conceptual vision, she transitions into the technical aspects, carefully refining floorplans and selecting finishes that bring her vision to life.
Last year, you completed the Jenni Kayne Farmhouse project. What unique challenges did this present?
The Jenni Kayne Farmhouse in upstate New York stands as one of Linnea's most challenging and rewarding projects to date. Completed in June, this hospitality venture pushed her to think differently about space and purpose. "It was a very short timeline with a limited budget," she notes, "and while we didn't have the constraints of a clients' wishes, we had other unique considerations." These included creating spa and wellness spaces to showcase their sister skincare company, Oak Essentials, while ensuring each room offered memorable moments that would leave guests feeling inspired.
What does 'artful living' mean to you, and how does it manifest in your own home?
For Linnea, artful living is a daily practice of intentionality and finding beauty in the everyday. "To me, artful living is the practice of approaching life with intentionality, and finding beauty in everyday moments, and curating your life in a way that leaves you constantly inspired," she explains. This philosophy is evident in her approach to her own home, which she describes as a collection of meaningful pieces: "This means filling my space with collected treasures from travels, heirlooms passed down by my family, and weekend estate sales with friends. I want to constantly be surrounded by things that are not only beautiful, but that bring me joy in the everyday."
How do you stay creatively inspired outside of your design work?
Travel plays a crucial role in Linnea's creative process. "I always find travel to be so inspiring, being immersed in other cultures and styles fuels me both personally and creatively," she shares. With a smile, she adds, "I always say travel is just R&D for my design work."
Who are the designers currently inspiring your work?
Linnea's list of inspirational figures includes some of the most innovative names in contemporary design: "Clements, Marlene Zeiner Borthen, Augusta Hoffman, Handelsmann + Khaw, and Mike Moser are some of my favorite contemporary designers right now."
What current design trends are catching your eye?
"I'm loving leaning into richly layered looks, both in interior design and fashion," Linnea reveals. She's particularly drawn to the art of unexpected combinations: "I love blending diverse styles and materials from various time periods and regions—combinations that may seem unconventional but come together beautifully to create unique and interesting spaces."
Describe your ideal day as a creative.
For Linnea, nothing beats the thrill of discovery. "My favorite days are always spent out in the world sourcing, whether that be in the Los Angeles showrooms or a French flea market," she shares. "My ideal day always involves searching through beautiful things and finding unique treasures for myself or for clients."
Through our conversation, it becomes clear that Linnea's approach to design goes far beyond aesthetics. Her work embodies the very essence of Art & Brand – the seamless integration of art, intention, and daily life. Whether she's transforming a luxury farmhouse or curating her own space in her new home, Linnea demonstrates how thoughtful design can elevate our everyday experiences and create environments that both inspire and nurture.
Rapid Fire Questions with Linnea
Q: One item in your workspace that you couldn’t live without?
A: Pinboards! I use them constantly for materials as well as inspiration - they're a must
Q: If your work had a soundtrack, what songs would be on it?
A lot of Leon Bridges, with a little bit of Beyonce mixed in when I need an energy boost.
Q: Top 5 things you use daily?
An espresso machine - I love the ritual of making my latte at home every morning
Shearling slippers - I love my Jenni Kayne shearling Moroccan slippers, they make every morning feel luxurious
Fireplace - I've dreamed of having a fireplace for years, and now that I finally have one I've been using it every single evening during the chillier months. It makes everything feel cozier and brings me so much joy.
Colostrum - it boasts so many benefits from gut health, to anti-aging, to anti-inflammatory properties, none of which I can truly tell are working. However, the immunity benefits are incredible. I haven't gotten sick once since taking it except for once when I went out of town for 5 days and forgot to bring it with me!
Red light mask - I had stopped using it for a while, but am back to using it daily and love that you can use both red light for collagen production + blue light for acne
Q: Favorite location to work?
I find I get into my best creative flows when I'm working from home, often even in bed (terrible, I know). And when I need a boost of energy, I'll take my pup out for a walk or go out and get a cup of coffee!
Q: Piece of advice?
No one knows what they're doing. I've learned this the hard way by trusting things in the hands of others who needed their hand held. It's also helped give me confidence at times when I feel like I don't know what I'm doing - we're all just figuring it out as we go!
Q: Whats in your cart right now?
1. Ref booties
2. Kinn necklace
3. St Agni bag
4. JK loafers
Thank you, Linnea, for sharing your amazing experiences and thoughtful insights. Your perspective is truly inspiring, and I’m so grateful for the chance to connect with you.
To my readers: if you know someone with a story, talent, or vision that deserves to be highlighted—or if that someone is you—reach out. I’m always eager to discover and feature the creative minds shaping our Art & Brand world.
Cuties!! Loved reading this — my inspiring friends!