We recently had the chance to connect with Simone DeSantis and have shared our conversation below.
Good morning Simone, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
For me, it’s whenever I’m creating without limitations. There is a certain freedom in taking an idea in my head and watching it unfold, whether I’m painting on paper, experimenting with dye, or stitching by hand. The process of textile design is where I lose myself completely. I can spend hours sketching, layering, and refining without even noticing the time pass.
What I love most is how a single piece of artwork, one brushstroke, one motif, or one hand stitched detail, can evolve into something entirely new. Once it is translated into the computer, I can explore endless possibilities by shifting the colorways, playing with scale, and reimagining it across different applications. That transformation continues to inspire me, and there is a deep joy in seeing my handmade design evolve into a pattern that brings beauty and meaning to a home.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
At Willow + West, pattern is personal. What started as a textile line has grown into a creative studio grounded in sustainability, collaboration, and craftsmanship. Every collection begins with a feeling and evolves through a slow, intentional process of painting, dyeing, and layering by hand. The result is artwork transformed into textiles, and now wallpaper, that feels timeless, textural, and deeply connected to nature.
From concept to production, we’re dedicated to creating products that are as environmentally conscious as they are beautiful. Each fabric is printed to order in the U.S. using organic inks in a chemical-free, zero-water-waste process, and we prioritize natural fiber bases like linen for its softness, strength, and sustainability.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
One of the most transformative experiences of my life was the time I spent in Japan studying traditional textile arts. Each material carries a story, and every step in the process is approached with intention. I had always admired the art of shibori, but I didn’t fully appreciate its depth until I learned the craft firsthand.
Coming from a culture of mass production, Japan revealed the importance of slowing down and cherishing the artistry in every step of making. Techniques like shibori and katazome aren’t something you can learn overnight; they require years of dedication. And that’s the beauty of it: the willingness to take the time needed to create something truly unique. That experience deeply shaped how I approach my own work valuing process over speed, and artistry over output.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I’d tell my younger self to follow what you love and not be afraid of unexpected paths. When I started interior design school, I imagined a straightforward career. Along the way, though, I discovered new opportunities—first in merchandising, then in furniture manufacturing, and eventually in textile design. At the time, each step felt like a detour, but looking back, they were all building blocks that led me to the work I love today.
Designing textiles allowed me to combine my artistic side with my love of interiors, transforming artwork into fabrics that people bring into their homes. Each textile piece carries a story and a sense of meaning. None of that would have happened if I hadn’t been open to new directions and willing to grow along the way.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. How do you differentiate between fads and real foundational shifts?
In design, trends like new colors, patterns and styles come and go every season. But I’ve always believed the most beautiful interiors are built around what feels authentic. When you chase every fad, you risk creating a space that doesn’t feel like “you.”
For me, nature has always been the most grounding inspiration. The colors you see outside, earthy greens, soft sky blues, and warm sunbaked tones, have a timeless quality. These palettes bring calmness, warmth, and a true sense of home.
That’s what I focus on with my textiles: natural materials, hand-dyed and hand-painted designs, and color palettes rooted in the landscape. Each piece is crafted to feel original, meaningful, and lasting while creating a home that is distinctively your own.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What will you regret not doing?
At the heart of it all is the process, experimentation, artistry, and the storytelling that make each piece meaningful. I think if I ever stopped being curious and open to new ways of creating, that would be my biggest regret.
When I started Willow + West Textiles, it was purely a fabric line because that was my background, my experience, and where I felt comfortable. I’ve found so much joy in expanding creatively into new areas like wallpaper and working with other local, women-owned brands.
Collaboration has been especially rewarding. One learns so much by working alongside other creatives, sharing perspectives, and building something unique together. These partnerships often lead to products and stories that mass-produced brands could never replicate.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.willowandwesttextiles.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willowandwesttextiles/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/simone-desantis-69019789
