Make Life Beautiful with Delia Kenza

Delia Kenza inspires us to live more beautifully… 

After a friend trusted her to renovate her space on a whim, Delia launched her career in interior design and began putting her stamp on a diverse range of projects.  

Based in Brooklyn, NY, Delia specializes in complete renovations of living spaces and is known for her dynamic and bold aesthetic. We love the relaxed, yet elevated feeling Delia’s work brings, and we were excited to connect with her recently and learn more about her career and point of view.  

Scroll through our Q&A to learn more about her, and be sure to check out our Instagram highlights for more! 

What was your very first job — ever?   

I was a tutor at an after-school program for kids (I was in high school).  

Delia photographed by Sean Litchfield

Tell us about your journey into the creative industry; when did you realize that you could turn your passion into a career?   

My journey started when a friend trusted me with her credit card and told me to renovate her space. The magic words: “I trust you, just send me the receipts you know me.” My decision to focus on my design business took forever, I was scared to leave my 9-5, and at some point, you just have to go with the plan and trust that it will all work out. 

If you could go back in time and give your young creator self one piece of advice, what would it be?   

Just do the thing! 

Via @deliakenza. Photo by Sean Litchfield

I think I learned how important it is to fully trust my instincts even if what I decide to do is not "on-trend."

Delia Kenza

Where do you find the most inspiration for your work?   

I know it sounds so cliche but from travel! With the lockdown, though, I have been forced to find inspiration in the things around me: beautiful lighting, art, movies, or music. I think I learned how important it is to fully trust my instincts even if what I decide to do is not “on-trend.”  

From Delia’s portfolio: Harlem Project

A moment we love from Dellia’s home. Photographed by Sean Litchfield

What does your creative process look like?   

I actually take my time; I am not a wham bam thank you ma’am type. I first have to get inspired; I prefer to start with an overall concept based on my conversations with my client, the home’s location, and how I want to place to feel. Then I can get down to the nitty-gritty of sourcing. Once I source, I ask myself did I push my creativity as far as it could go (based on the budget). At the end of the day, the client decides that, but I do try to push it.    

Via @deliakenza from her @elledecor feature. Photo by @nickglimenakis.

What was the most significant business or creative challenge that you have encountered and grown from?   

Oh, the woes of accounting, talking about money, and not being afraid to ask for what I need to make it beautiful.  

Which upcoming project or endeavor are you most excited for?   

All of them. One thing I’ve learned is that it’s better for me to not talk about the projects in the process. I buckle down, do the work, and then talk about them after. 

A moment we love via @deliakenza. Photo by @nickglimenakis. 

To learn more about Delia and her work, check out her portfolio and website here, and be sure to keep up with her on Instagram!