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Friends of Corador: Elise Joseph

Friends of Corador: Elise Joseph

In the world of design and creativity, few individuals exude as much effortless grace and thoughtful intention as Elise Joseph. With a career spanning interior design, writing, film photography, and fashion marketingand with the creative capacity to flourish in any endeavor under the sunElise consistently finds ways to merge style, connection, and functionality into whatever she undertakes. As she puts it, “I have always been interested in beauty and the intersection of function and style.” 

Her latest project, Duende, is a testament to this philosophya curated space where design meets purpose, with a focus on ritual and connection, offering sensory-driven objects like the delightfully captivating Disarray Puzzle Book and Write Your Wrongs Mini Pencils.

Through Duende, Elise invites us to slow down and savor the art of living intentionally, a mindset that is also reflected in her approach to home design. Whether crafting a space that tells her own story or the story of her clients, or seeking inspiration from the prolific whispers of nature, Elise’s creativity is deeply rooted in meaningful connections. Join us as we explore her creative process, her philosophy on home design, and the delights that shape her world.

Photography by Cara Robbins.

Elise, we’ve been an admirer of yours for over a decade. All of your endeavors seem to effortlessly embrace style and connection in an inspiring way–and your latest project Duende is no exception. Can you tell us a little about your newest pursuit and how you bring elevated design into the everyday?

I have always been interested in beauty and the intersection of function and style. I view Duende as a playful conglomeration of all my various ideas and interests, a place where I can explore things—whether that is vintage furniture design, sensory objects, or most recently, the Disarray Puzzle Book. Any invitation to put my phone down and engage in a more thoughtful and intentional way is especially important to me these days.

Your home feels so welcoming and as if every corner and object might hold a special story. Was this an intention as you designed your home, or a byproduct of another endeavor? Do you have any styling best practices you’ve honed over the years?

Home is a sacred place for me, and something I view as an extension of myself, my husband, my dog—our lives together. Between our personal and professional lives, we have people over a lot, and sometimes they are strangers. My dream is for others to feel welcomed, safe, and at ease in our space.

I used to try so hard to instantly have a home feel “settled” or finished right after moving in, and I’ve learned to slow down and cherish the process. The magic is in the ongoing story. My best advice is to take your time, embrace what you really love, and think with longevity in mind.

As a prolific creative, do you have any tried and true resources you turn to when you need to fill your creative cup or need a little inspiration?

Most of my inspiration in this season comes from quieting the noise and focusing on stillness. tree.fm is my latest obsession— you can tune into forests from around the world, which I find so calming and peaceful for my busy brain.

The best thing that I can do for myself, when I’m experiencing burnout or feeling drained, is get out in nature and connect with something big, which immediately makes all my worries feel smaller. Yesterday I drove to the ocean for only an hour or so, but those brief moments with my feet in the sand and the breeze in my hair really filled my cup.

Thank you, Elise! We will now be tuning into tree.fm right alongside you. Your point of view is, as always, an inspiration.

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