Designing with Heart, Intention, and Longevity in Mind, A Conversation with Maurice Gadson Interiors

We have collaborated with Zenzi Gadson and Justin Maurice of Maurice Gadson Interiors for years—across listings, renovations, and full-scale transformations. Their ability to layer spaces with purpose, personality, and precision makes them trusted creative partners and long-time friends of Living West. Over time, they’ve become an integral part of our team, helping shape not only how we prepare our listings, but also how we continue to support clients long after the close of escrow. For the 13167 Boca de Canon project, Zenzi and Justin stepped in to guide the final stretch of the design journey, bringing warmth, depth, and individuality to every detail.

We sat down with the pair to talk about their creative process, their philosophy, and how they approached this expansive canyon retreat.

Let’s start with the Boca de Canon project—what stage was the home in when you came on, and what was your role?

JM: “The house was maybe 85 to 90% there visually when we first walked through, but once the contours of the renovation came into focus, we realized it was closer to 75%. Some of the bathrooms weren’t complete, and fixtures were still in flux. We came in at a perfect point—we helped complete some finishes and then handled all of the furnishings and lighting.”

ZG: “We got to shape that final layer—the fixed elements like stair runners and light fixtures—and then bring the whole house to life with furniture, art, and styling. The timeline was tight. It had to be livable in six months. That first sprint got them comfortably moved in, and we layered the rest in over the following year.”

You clearly have a strong creative partnership. Can you tell us a bit about how you divide roles and work together on projects?

ZG: “We work on every project together, but we definitely bring different strengths to the table. I tend to focus on the space planning—laying out rooms, thinking about how people move through a space, and making sure it actually works.”

JM: “And Zenzi’s also amazing at sourcing really specific, hard-to-find pieces. She always manages to bring in something unexpected that makes the whole room feel more alive. I lean more into the vintage side—finding cool old stuff that adds character. We both care deeply about how things feel, but we come at it from different angles.”

ZG: “I’m a little bit more classic in terms of space planning and Justin comes in with funky and cool and weird and that pushes everything to the next level. It’s that contrast that makes it work. What we’d each do separately would probably still be good—but together, it has more depth. More layers.”

How do you approach a new project? Do you begin with a signature aesthetic, or do you let the client and the architecture guide you?

ZG: “We never want to do the same thing twice. Our job is to create the home that the client wants to live in—not the home we think they should want. That means listening, interpreting, and also gently pushing them past what they thought was possible.”

JM: “We begin with a blank slate and let the bones of the house lead. Architecture is a huge influence for us—when interiors are at odds with the structure, it just feels off. Once we understand the architecture and the client’s lifestyle, the design direction comes into focus.”

How do you approach sourcing and style? Your work always feels layered, lived-in, and never overly trend-driven.

ZG: “We’re always thinking about longevity. Early in our careers, it was easy to be swept up by trends. But now we actively avoid anything that might feel dated in a few years. A full-home renovation is a huge investment—it should still feel right ten or fifteen years from now.”

JM: “We’re constantly looking for pieces with character—vintage lighting, one-of-a-kind rugs. By the end of the Boca project, we were hunting for those last few finishing pieces, and it was surprisingly difficult. But we didn’t want to phone it in. Every final detail mattered.”

What was it like working with the Lower Mandeville client?

JM: “They were amazing— fast decision-makers, super collaborative, and gave great feedback. That bold blue stain on the dining room walls? Their idea. It was risky, and it wouldn't have occurred to us to propose something that daring, but it turned out incredible. And that blue dining room upped the ante a little bit, in terms of how adventurous we could be, and gave us permission to push the design a little further. I don't think we would have arrived at that amazing mural wallpaper in the powder bath if the clients hadn't first suggested staining those dining room walls blue.”

ZG: “They pushed us in the best ways. They didn’t say yes to everything we showed them—and we don’t expect them to—but their clarity helped us get to something that really felt like them. That’s always the goal.”

Were there any moments in the project that felt particularly challenging or memorable?

JM: “The last 10% was the hardest. We had five light fixtures to go, a couple wallpapers to source, and we’d been working on the house for nine months. At that point, you’ve seen everything, shopped everywhere. But we didn’t want to drop the ball.”

ZG: “You’re protecting what you’ve built. The first rug sets the tone, but the final one has to fit perfectly. You’re cutting puzzle pieces at the end. The stakes feel higher.”

What advice would you give homeowners who are starting a renovation or furnishing a new space?

ZG: “Don’t do the fast, budget reno. If you can only do the kitchen right now, do that—and do it well. It’ll save money in the long run and avoid waste. The goal is to make intentional decisions, even if they’re slower.”

JM: “And if you can live in the home before furnishing it, do it. You learn how the space really works for you—where the light falls, where you naturally gather. Your priorities shift once you're living in it.”

ZG: “Also, be clear and upfront about budget and timing. The money isn’t going to us—it’s going into your home. When we have those parameters, we can do our best work.”

JM: “We always say: fast, cheap, and high quality—you can usually only pick two. Being clear about your values helps us prioritize.”