Talk Shop: Amy Lee McArdle // Amy Young Design
Photo by Jennifer Noren
About Amy
Born in New York and raised in Seoul, South Korea, Amy Lee McArdle grew up between worlds—an upbringing that shaped her eye for beauty, culture, and detail. Her global perspective, formed through years of travel and study, gives her work its signature sophistication and nuance. Even as a child, Amy imagined herself designing spaces, a dream that—after detours through the worlds of politics and diplomacy—eventually came full circle.
Before launching her firm, Amy Young Designs, Amy earned degrees from Wellesley College and Harvard University, and spent time working with the United Nations and on Capitol Hill. Her design career began at White Webb, the award-winning New York firm led by AD100 designer Matthew White and Frank Webb, where she refined her craft and developed her modern, tailored aesthetic.
Founded in 2014, Amy Young Designs now brings a sense of quiet luxury to projects from Manhattan to Palm Beach. Known for her elegant restraint and eye for the unexpected, Amy creates interiors that feel thoughtful, refined, and deeply personal. Read on for Amy’s journey from diplomacy to design—and the stories behind her signature style.
Describe your style in three words or less:
Timeless, Modern, and Chic
What have been the three biggest influences on your aesthetic in your life:
I grew up in Seoul, and those early years shaped my entire eye for design. I was constantly surrounded by a mix of contrasts—the sleek minimalism of modern architecture right alongside the depth and detail of traditional Asian craftsmanship. That harmony between old and new became second nature to me. Even now, I find myself drawn to pairing modern lines with vintage finds or incorporating family heirlooms into contemporary spaces. To me, that balance is what makes a home feel both grounded and timeless.
Motherhood has probably been one of my greatest design teachers. I’m a mom to two energetic boys, and our house is always full of activity and friends coming through the door. I’ve had to learn, through real life, how to create spaces that are as durable as they are beautiful. Mudrooms, playrooms, and boys’ bedrooms, for instance, are places where I’ve figured out how to layer in polish and personality without sacrificing practicality. Those rooms have taught me that thoughtful design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about supporting the rhythms of daily life.
Travel has been another huge influence on how I approach design. From a young age, I had the privilege of experiencing different cultures across Europe, East Asia, and Southeast Asia, and each trip left me with a treasure chest of inspiration. Whether it’s a material, a color palette, or a piece of artisanship, I always return home with ideas that find their way into my work. One of my favorite stories is from a sourcing trip to Paris, where I stumbled upon a vintage cafeteria table at a flea market. It had been used by schoolboys at a French boarding school in the 1920s. I had it shipped back home, and today it serves as my husband’s desk. I love that it’s living a second life—once filled with cafeteria chatter, now the setting for conference calls. For me, design is about weaving those kinds of stories into a home, letting history and culture live on in fresh, unexpected ways.
How did you start your company, and/or what is your favorite thing about what you do:
I started my company during a major life transition. My husband and I had relocated from New York City to Florida so he could pursue professional golf, and suddenly I found myself in a brand-new city where I didn’t know a single person. What I did have, though, was invaluable experience from my time as a designer at White Webb in New York. I decided to dive headfirst into building my own studio, even if at times it felt like I was “building the plane as I was flying it.” The learning curve was steep, but every challenge taught me something essential. Looking back, I wouldn’t trade those early struggles for anything—they shaped me as both a designer and a business owner.
What I love most about my work is the collaboration. For me, design isn’t about imposing my style; it’s about listening deeply to a client’s vision and then elevating it through my lens. I get so much joy from taking their ideas—sometimes clear, sometimes just a feeling—and shaping them into spaces that feel both personal and polished. The best part of every project is the reveal: watching clients walk into their finished home for the first time and seeing their vision fully realized. That reaction—the joy, the surprise, the sense of home—is absolutely priceless, and it’s why I do what I do.
What does your home say about you:
My home feels curated and polished, but never precious. I never want guests—or my own family—to walk in worrying about ruining something. Every seat, every corner is designed to be lived in and enjoyed. Comfort and invitation are at the heart of it. I love balancing clean modern lines with thoughtful vintage accents, many of them pieces from my childhood home, that layer in warmth and character. Together, they tell the story of my design philosophy: spaces should feel elevated, but always approachable—refined enough to inspire, yet relaxed enough to live in fully.
Where do you find inspiration:
Everywhere and every day, from traveling, beautiful restaurants, museums, to editorials.
Who are your style icons:
Ashley Stark, Athena Calderone, India Hicks
What are your key ingredients for entertaining:
Good lighting, great wine, fun music, and great company.
Do you collect anything?
I’ve always collected candles and perfumes, and for me, scent is just as much a part of design as furniture, textiles, or lighting. The moment you walk into a space, the scent sets the tone—it can make a home feel fresh, inviting, and memorable before you’ve even taken in the colors or shapes. My collection is always fully stocked, because I see fragrance as a finishing layer of design. It’s subtle but powerful, creating an atmosphere that makes people want to linger, relax, and feel at home.
Favorite Instagram accounts to follow for inspiration:
What design “rule” do you always follow, and which is made to be broken:
I’m a firm believer in the rule of three. Whether it’s colors, patterns, or materials, I try to limit myself to three in any given space so it feels layered but never chaotic. It’s my way of keeping a room elevated, balanced, and timeless, while still leaving room for personality to shine through.
That said, I’m also a rule breaker—especially when it comes to mixing metal finishes. I love combining brass, nickel, and blackened steel in a single space. Done thoughtfully, it adds unexpected depth and dimension, making the room feel dynamic yet cohesive. It’s those small, considered choices that give a space character and energy.
What are you working on right now:
We’re currently working on three full gut renovations in Palm Beach Gardens and Jupiter, Florida, as well as a renovation in Long Island. On top of that, we have multiple full-furnishing projects across South Florida in progress.
Wardrobe staples:
Nice white t-shirt, barrel pants, statement belt, and chyper sandals
Favorite fabric/wallpaper:
Anything from Holly Hunt, Elitis, and Dedar
Best interior advice you ever received:
Be confident. Whether I’m presenting a design concept or making a creative decision, confidence is everything. If I don’t fully believe in what I’m saying, why would a client? That self-assurance not only builds trust, but it also lets my vision come through clearly, helping the project reach its full potential.
Best career advice you ever received:
The best career advice I’ve ever received is that you have to be resilient. I once read an article where a CEO said resilience is the single most important factor in success, and I couldn’t agree more. In design, there are constant ups and downs—both within individual projects and in the day-to-day running of a studio. Resilience is what allows me to push through challenges, stay focused on the bigger picture, and keep moving forward no matter what comes up.
Types of home purchases you invest in, and save on:
Invest in art, sectionals, and beautiful light fixtures. Save on decor and accessories.
Your greatest extravagance:
My La Cornue oven.
Favorite places to shop for home:
1st Dibs, Dumae Home, Jung Lee’s store on 29th Street, right across from the Ace Hotel in NYC.
Most prized possession and why:
My dad’s Rolex watch from the 90s.
Your interiors motto:
Good news is that nothing lasts forever, and the bad news is that nothing lasts forever. Put up that fun wallpaper and buy that cheeky decor item.
Your life motto:
Forget happiness, pursue joy.
Advice for someone looking to define their own interior style:
I always tell people to start by creating their own mood board. Instagram and Pinterest are great, accessible tools for saving images that resonate with you, but I also love the timeless approach of tearing pages out of magazines and pinning them up. Over time, patterns start to emerge—you notice the colors, textures, and moods you’re consistently drawn to. That’s when your personal style really begins to take shape, and you can start making design choices with confidence.
Take Ten: My Favorite…
Food: Korean (I know it’s a whole cuisine, but I can’t get enough)
Drink: Espresso Martini
Film: Love Actually
Hotel: The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong
City: London
Bedding: Brooklinen
Tea or Coffee: Jasmine Green Tea
Playlist: Soft Pop Hits
Weekend Activity: Lacrosse and basketball practices and games for my 2 boys!
Design Book: Cabana