Marla Bradley Weil is the owner of Trims Décor & More, an upholstery, fabric and design showroom located in the heart of Palm Desert California. Marla’s design aesthetic is informed by a sophisticated understanding of colour, function and style, honed through her years as a trained interior designer, artist and real estate professional. We currently have an exciting project in Palm Desert and have been working closely with Marla and her team to restore life to furniture pieces in desperate need of some colour and fun. Marla’s charisma and enthusiasm for all things design has captivated us during the process, so we’d thought we’d share with you her world of ‘Trims, Décor and More’. Join us as we ‘Meet The Maker’…

What was your journey into the design world? 

I was born and raised in LA and earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree at the University of Arizona, where I studied all forms of Studio Art and Art History. To further enhance my studies and passion I moved to Florence, Italy and studied with Studio Arts International. I have travelled around the world with a focus on cultural aesthetics, art and architecture. Having lived in San Francisco for 15 years, I had the opportunity to work with nationally recognized interior design professionals specialising in the renovation of historical hotels, commercial properties, wineries and residences throughout the Bay Area, including the famed San Francisco Fairmont Hotel and The Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn. In 2019 I purchased the furniture upholstery workroom and fabric store, Trims & More, in Palm Desert. I was inspired by my creative vision and extensive knowledge of interior design to re-envision the showroom to provide a comprehensive interior design service. I really believe restored and improved businesses offer superior quality, expert craftsmanship and an elevated aesthetic to the homeowners and thriving design community in the Coachella Valley.

Where did you find your talented team of upholsters?

When I purchased the business I was so fortunate to re-hire the existing upholstery team. The Sandoval family is made up of husband Etelberto, wife Norma and their son Edgar. They have earned their reputation of impeccable attention to detail. With over 25 years of experience in upholstery and fine sewing, their efficiency and harmonious work ethic is thriving and inspiring.

Your showroom is filled with beautiful fabrics – many of which are our favourites. What is it about textiles that inspire you?

I really love ‘The Creative Adventure’ of textiles. Each one offers a different aesthetic that can take you on a journey of the senses, triggering memory, thoughts and feelings. They are a personal expression of the individual’s preferences. When my clients find the fabric of their choice in my library there is an unmistakable joy in the air.

Sustainability is important now more than ever, especially in design. Have you witnessed an increase of designers and locals pursuing reupholstering services instead of purchasing new?

When a piece of furniture is reupholstered, the frame and springs are reused. This means less waste to be put into landfills. Fewer natural resources are being consumed, and less pollution is being made. This ethos is being more widely held among my clients and this is very important to Trims, Décor & More. I refer to it as ‘High End Recycling’. We also offer remnant fabrics from previous jobs that are available at a big discount for our clients and also donate remnant fabric to creative sewing clubs and creative outlets locally.

Supporting and championing craft really is integral to our Design Studio ethos. Working with Marla and her team has been an inspiring journey of appreciation, education and excitement. Here is a sneak peek of some of the pieces upholstered in our fabulous fabrics – these are sure to spice up the desert! We are returning to Palm Desert to complete our project later this year and cannot wait to share the final designs with you.

You can visit Marla’s website here: trimsdecorandmore.com