LAUNE x Claire Schmalz
Claire Schmalz is a New York–based interior designer and project manager with a focus on detail, composition, and thoughtful design. She has a distinct eye for capturing and curating spaces, whether through her design work or photography, where she documents travel, interiors, and everyday moments. Influenced by global perspectives and a growing interest in wellness, her approach is both visual and intentional. Below, she shares more on her process, inspirations, and life in New York.
1. Tell me about yourself.
My name is Claire Schmalz, I am an Interior Designer and Project Manager. In addition to expressing my creativity through my full time job in design, photography has always been a part of my life. With my love of photography comes a camera roll of 120,000 + (oops); Whether it's my phone or my Nikon, I love capturing details that are significant to me wherever I am. As someone who loves to travel and try new places, many of these moments are captured at restaurants, a cool hotel, or a new wine bar. These collected moments have led to me sharing my recommendations and so called “favs”. Travel inspires much of my photography as well as finding new “favs” to share! It also is very influential in my design work, as I love layered, global interiors.
When I am not working or traveling, or between the two, I am shopping, walking, or learning about wellness. Through my personal health journey, I have grown very interested in a balance of Eastern and Western medicine. Learning more and practicing the things I learn is something I want to prioritize in the coming months. I often bore those around me with the facts I learn during my obsessive article rabbit holes, but every now and then someone finds it useful! Being more intentional with my health has translated to many parts of my life.
Most importantly, I cherish time with my family and friends and even more so my dogs! I have moved around the country and recently landed in New York, a long time wish of mine. I am so excited to be here and continue to explore the endless restaurant, museum, and shopping options at my disposal. The city brings a new energy to my everyday life, and I am looking forward to seeing how it makes me grow.
2. What is your LAUNE (mood)?
With winter ending (fingers crossed) and everything starting to bloom, my current mood is refreshed. Not to say I am feeling the most refreshed quite yet…but have to speak it into existence! I am looking forward to the shift that the warm weather brings and the summer energy starting to creep into the city. Last night was still chilly, but the streets were starting to fill with people, and I can’t wait for more!
3. What inspires you?
New experiences. Whether it's traveling to a new place, trying a new restaurant, watching a new movie, new experiences always seem to give me a mental refresh. I try to say yes more than I say no so that I have new experiences often. Sometimes, it’s as simple as changing my walking route to give me a new perspective.
4. What are three staple items that every closet should have and why?
A great pair of blue jeans. SO much easier said than done. I am still on the journey of finding my perfect pair.
Boots! It would be very hard for me to pick a specific pair as my closet is stuffed with my collection. Not the most ideal collection to have in a New York apartment.
I am a lover of basics and neutrals and think finishing off a simple outfit with a statement is the magic recipe. That being said, I love a great belt. I think it can completely change the vibe of your whole look and I rarely find myself leaving the house without one these days!
5. What drives your creative process and content?
My creative process in terms of my photography is a combination of using my eye and curating. Sometimes all it takes is the right angle. Other times, it takes styling and editing and lots of different angles.
For design, my process is much more layered and drawn out. Lots of time is spent reviewing relevant information whatever the project may be, factoring in logistics, gathering inspiration, concepting, working off of any guidelines, and from all of that, developing something beautiful and functional!
6. What do you love about New York?
Referencing what I said previously, the energy in New York is something different from anywhere else. I think New York makes you challenge yourself, and that is what makes you grow. The city also has such variety and endless experiences to try. I love all of the different walks of life that share the city. Going back to my thoughts on new experiences, there are endless new experiences in New York!
7. Which New York neighborhood has the best style?
Hard to say, I think every neighborhood has its own charm. I love to walk around Noho/Nolita. The Elizabeth Street Garden is a favorite spot for sure. In terms of fashion, I spend every day in the Upper East Side, and I love seeing the casual streetwear. So many chic casual moments. I have a note in my notes app with outfit combos I see on the street and love!
8. What’s next for you?
Since I am still settling and trying to balance my new life here, I think what’s next is fine tuning my everyday life. Being more intentional with my plans and balancing my time. Investing in my health.
Rapid Fire:
1. Describe your style in three words.
Classic, sustainable, cool (at least trying to be)
2. AM or PM skincare?
AM I do Vitamin C Serum from DamDam, Rhode Barrier Butter, Supergoop Tinted Sunscreen. PM can change depending on my mood; sometimes its washing my face sometimes its a 10 step routine
3. What’s one product you could not live without?
Not sure if this counts as a product, but taking Magnesium changed my life and I bring it everywhere
4. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, who would it be?
So hard!!! But… Ralph Lauren runway in the 90s/early 2000s are perfect to me
5. Early mornings or sleeping in?
I always feel better if I wake up earlier, but a sleep in is needed every once in a while.
6. Favorite place?
As someone who is very indecisive, impossible to pick. If I could go anywhere at this moment, I would be on my way to the South of France.
7. Favorite drinks spot in New York?
It is very dependent on my vibe for the night, but I feel like Bemelman’s is so New York and I love it.
8. Favorite restaurant in New York?
I’m still looking! I have tried a number of great ones, but I don’t think I can label a favorite yet.
9. Dream collab?
I am at a point where any collab is a dream! I feel honored companies see my work in a way that aligns with them
10. Favorite brand?
I loveee everything on Moda Operandi
11. Favorite style icon?
Cher
12. Favorite movie?
As a letterboxd girl, this is so tough! I have so many favorites by category. I literally have 10 I can’t pick between. Favorite genre is Coming of Age movies
13. What are you loving right now?
I am loving little luxuries. For me, this means splurging a little on my planner, getting a pretty lip balm personalized with my monogram, a personalized hairbrush. They are a little more than necessary, but they don’t break the bank and it makes the menial tasks feel more chic!
LAUNE x Claire Schmalz
LAUNE x Claire Schmalz
