Talk Shop: Leah Cumming // Maison Madeleine
ABOUT LEAH
The Maison Madeleine collection is deeply inspired by the upbringing of its founder, Leah Cumming. Growing up in Paris, Leah spent her formative years exploring flea markets, which sparked her fascination with eclectic design. Her travels and professional experiences across Asia during her early adulthood further nurtured her global design sensibility. After beginning her career in marketing, Leah’s passion for design led her to pursue interior architecture at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her journey in interior design truly took off when she moved to Los Angeles and joined Nickey Kehoe, an experience that profoundly shaped her career and opened doors to roles with other renowned brands and design firms. We hope you enjoy this enlightening interview with Leah!
Describe your style in three words or less:
Timeless, Sophisticated, Chic
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
I spent much of my childhood in Paris, where, thanks to my parents’ appreciation of everything French, I gained early exposure to Parisian design and antiques. My Father and I would frequently explore antique flea markets, and this has heavily influenced my designs.
After graduating from the Savannah College of Art and Design, I also traveled throughout Asia and became particularly interested in the idea of Wabi Sabi–a Japanese aesthetic focused on embracing imperfection.
My time working at other prominent design firms in Los Angeles, including Jenni Kayne, Nickey Kehoe, and Soho House, also instilled in me a love for storytelling through design and how to integrate diverse styles into a single space.
How did you start your company, and what is your favorite thing about what you do:
Although I loved my time working for interior design firms, I always dreamed of having a collection of my own. I was fascinated by the idea of translating my own experiences and memories into tangible pieces that held a specific meaning to my life. I not only wanted to create pieces that evoked this sort of emotion for me, but I wanted to design a collection capable of this for people who purchased the furniture.
Do you have a mentor in your career, and if so, how have they helped to shape your trajectory:
During my time at Nickey Kehoe, my bosses, Tod and Amy, played a pivotal role in my design perspective and still inspire me in my work with Maison Madeleine today. I still look up to them as my mentors, and I am consistently inspired by their work and growing business.
What does your home say about you:
I love to travel and collect a lot of objects from the places I visit, which I display in different rooms. My home is meant for entertaining, and hopefully, it is a space where people feel warm and welcomed.
Where do you find inspiration:
As mentioned, exploring antique flea markets at a young age heavily influenced my work, and I still frequent antique stores in Los Angeles, New York City, Paris, and wherever else I travel for inspiration. Much of the Maison Madeleine collection is also inspired by vintage pieces, such as the Seaside Shell Barstool, which I designed after seeing an old Venetian Grotto Stool.
My continued travels are a huge source of inspiration. Last year, I traveled to India for a wedding and fell in love with the vibrant colors, intricate patterns, and meticulous craftsmanship of the design.
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good food, good wine, a nice fire, and subtle background music.
Do you collect anything:
Matchboxes!
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration (please include links):
@eyeswoon, @rderavenel, and @goop.
What are you working on right now:
A new collection!
Wardrobe staples:
A beautiful timeless coat. Elevates any outfit!
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Anything DeGournay.
Best career advice you ever received:
Ask all the questions!! That is the only way you will learn.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in good furniture that is high quality and timeless. The accessories can be layered in later. Keep adding overtime.
Your greatest extravagance:
My new canopy bed. It feels very regal and elegant!
Favorite places to shop for home:
Nickey Kehoe.
Most prized possession and why:
I absolutely could not live without my dog, Pogo. I found him on the streets in Atlanta 8 years ago.
Your interiors motto:
Design with intention. Fill your space with things that spark joy and provoke thought and memory. Add one vintage piece to every room!
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
Don’t play by anyone else’s rules. Follow your intuition, and your style will feel authentic.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Radishes and a baguette
Drink: Arnold Palmer or Martini with a lemon twist
Film: Something’s Gotta Give
Hotel: The Sunset Tower in West Hollywood
City: Paris
Bedding: Matteo
Tea or Coffee (and how do you take it): Coffee! My go-to order is an Iced Americano with a splash of almond milk
Playlist: Maison Madeleine playlist
Weekend Activity: Coffee walk with my dog, Pogo, go to the flea market, or host an intimate dinner at home with friends
Design Book: Houses: Atelier AM + Haute Bohemians