Things I Can't Live Without...

An L.A. interior designer's eye for style influences what she wears to impress a client and what she gives as business gifts.

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Name: Kelly Wearstler.

Occupation: Founder and principal of kwid (Kelly Wearstler Interior Design).

Age and home: 35, Los Angeles.

Employees: Seven.

Projects: The homes of Ben Stiller and Universal Pictures chairman Stacey Snider; Avalon and Maison 140 hotels in Beverly Hills; the high roller suite at the Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas; fashion designer Trina Turk's flagship store in L.A. A store can take six months; a house, up to three years. "I look for something challenging that I can learn from and a client who is open to ideas."

Design style: "Classic modern with an unexpected element like color, texture, or juxtaposition."

Personal style: "If you show up in a fashion disaster, people will think twice about hiring you."

Influences: Wearstler takes up to seven research trips a year, especially to Asia and Europe, for inspiration.

Up next: A design book for ReganBooks to be published in February, a line of textiles and wall coverings next year, and the birth of her second child this month. Son Oliver is 17 months.

Work-life balance: "Oliver can be my lunch date. When I put him to bed, I sit with him and sketch designs. You need to make important things a priority."

Fantasy commission: An airline. "I would love to do everything, from the plane's interior to flight attendant uniforms."

Things I Can't Live Without...

CASIO EXILIM 3.2 MEGAPIXEL ZOOM EX-Z3 DIGITAL CAMERA

$399: "The two-inch LCD screen is big. I take pictures of Oliver, and it's amazing for business. I'll pull over to take pictures of vegetation to e-mail to the landscapers."

CHRISTIAN LOUBOUTIN SHOES

$400 and up: "I have 30 pairs. I love wearing heels, and these fit me best. He's an original."

PRATESI CASHMERE THROW

$1,200: "They're the best for watching television or sitting by the pool on nippy evenings. They are made from quality cashmere and come in great colors. I give them to clients and friends as gifts."

...And What I Covet

Garrard Superstyle white gold and Part Eternal princess-cut diamond ring, $9,000 and up: "It's very simple, more graphic, with a bit more weight than other rings."

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