In the BOH series What I Love, we’re asking designers to build us a mood board of what’s inspiring them right now.
Lidia Valdivia strives to create spaces with a cultured, lived-in look. Drawing from her Nicaraguan roots and international travels, the founder of Minneapolis-based Moonstone Design + Build gravitates toward artisanal objects that tell a story about the person who created them. “I prefer pieces that carry evidence of the maker and the place they come from,” she tells Business of Home.
Her current mood board provides an excellent case in point. Brimming with playful shapes and natural materials, it showcases everything from Lomas-style fiber art to a handwoven Moroccan rug and a sculptural ceramic vase inspired by the cenotes of Tulum. “Each object balances function with artistry, blending organic texture and global craftsmanship,” says Valdivia.
Bright pops of color, including a cobalt chess board and a chandelier with cherry red shades, infuse the scheme with joy and levity. “I think a lot about ‘endorphin decor,’ and the importance of surrounding yourself with objects that spark happiness, curiosity and warmth,” she says. “These are pieces that make you pause, smile, and want to reach out and touch them.”
Here, Valdivia breaks down the details behind the flat lay, from scalloped wineglasses to a two-tone grasscloth wallcovering.
1. FLOWER TILE IN LAVA AND 10x10 CM TILE IN SNOW BY LOFA
“These chunky floral tiles bring a funky ’70s sensibility while still feeling timeless. I love how the raised petals and visible grout lines add texture and rhythm to a surface.”
2. MODA DOMUS WINEGLASS SET IN BLUE AT MODA OPERANDI
“These glasses feel like a chic vintage find. The scalloped base and hand-painted edges bring elegance with a wink.”
3. EXTRA-LARGE LOMAS-STYLE FIBER ART BY SARMAL DESIGN AT ETSY
“I’m always drawn to fiber art for its softness and movement. This piece adds warmth and dimension while celebrating traditional Mexican textile techniques.”
4. FLORA 7-ARM CHANDELIER IN BRASS WITH POPPY SHADES BY IN COMMON WITH FOR SOPHIE LOU JACOBSEN
“This chandelier feels romantic and alive. The glass petals capture light beautifully and introduce softness overhead.”
5. ESPARTO IBÉRICO WALLCOVERING IN NUTMEG BY ARTE
“This wallcovering adds warmth and depth without overpowering. It’s tactile, organic, and quietly bold.”
6. TRIUMPH CRYSTAL CHESS SET BY REFLECTIONS COPENHAGEN
“This chess set turns a classic game into a modern art piece. The colorful crystal adds drama and sparkle without feeling precious.”
7. ARBOLITO BUTCHER BLOCK BY MASAYACO
“Made in Nicaragua by local artisans using sustainably sourced wood, this piece is deeply personal to me. I love how its everyday function is paired with beautiful craftsmanship—[it’s] designed to be used, touched and lived with, which is what ultimately makes it feel so special.”
8. HANDCRAFTED CERAMIC WOMAN SCULPTURE BY ARLEN ESTRADA AT NOVICA
“This piece holds deep cultural meaning for me. Arlen’s work honors pre-Hispanic traditions and celebrates womanhood through form and pattern.”
9. CENOTE VASE IN X-LARGE BY L’OBJET
“Inspired by the cenotes of Tulum, this vase is especially meaningful to me after many trips there. The layered glazes capture the depth, calm, and subtle movement of the water, making it feel reflective and grounding—almost like holding a piece of that landscape in your hands.”
10. BEAUJOUR TABLE BY LAURA GONZALEZ
“This table’s sculptural base feels almost architectural. The ability to customize the stone makes it a beautiful intersection of art and function.”
11. VINTAGE GS195 ARMCHAIR BY GIANNI SONGIA
“This circa-1960s Italian chair is pure comfort wrapped in sculptural form. The cognac leather, soft curves and rosewood structure make it both inviting and incredibly refined.”
12. SOUKAINA CUSTOM MOROCCAN RUG BY ILLUMINATE COLLECTIVE
“This rug is a true masterpiece—bold yet grounded. The abstract pattern and warm palette feel ancient and modern all at once, anchoring the entire flat lay.”
13. STUDIO Z SMALL HEAD WITH OLIVES CACHEPOT BY ABIGAILS
“This Sicilian ceramic planter is playful and poetic. It feels like a piece of art that just happens to hold a plant.”
14. TRES BLACK VESSEL BY MARVA STUDIO AT MESO GOODS
“Handcrafted in Michoacán, this vessel celebrates traditional Mexican ceramic techniques. Its matte black finish grounds the flat lay and adds quiet strength.”
15. BUBBLE COLORFUL GLASS TABLE LAMP BY NASIT LIGHTING DESIGN AT ETSY
“This lamp is joyful and unapologetic. The colorful glass spheres feel whimsical while still reading as a sculptural object.”
