Meet a Mom Monday! Meet Leila Muller, Principal Designer and Owner of Poppy + Shae Designs and local mom of 3! Inspired by her two daughters, Poppy + Shae Designs has cultivated into her incredible design business where she not only transforms spaces, but serves others by helping them create homes that truly reflect their personalities and lifestyles.
Prior to starting her own interior design firm in 2023, she spent 26 years in corporate enterprise software sales, while also as an investor working on her own real estate transactions behind the scenes (buying a home, fixing it up and selling it), and primarily on her own home. She had always had a deep passion and love for interior design and real estate since since she was a kid. Finally, after a lot of encouragement from her family and her amazing Small Group, she took the leap of faith to start her own design firm in the fall of 2023. She also started with her biggest project to date, which is a 9000 square-foot home on Sullivans Island called the Post Exchange. Renovations are what she loves the most, and helping families create the best version of their home; falling in love with their home again. Read more about Leila below and her family life living in Charleston!
Where are you originally from and how long have you been in Charleston, SC?
Fort Lauderdale, FL – 15 years in Charleston, SC
Tell us about your family
I have an beautiful blended family. My handsome and wonderful husband is Andrew. He is super funny and keeps me calm when things get hectic. Then I have Sydney Shae, 18, she’s my artist and the most incredible human being… she literally just wrote a book! Jack is my 16 year old son who loves all things sailing and dirt bikes. Lastly is Poppy, my 8 year old stepdaughter who’s always the smartest person in the room. I also have three amazing pups, Gracie the boxer, Finley and Ellie the King Charles Cavaliers!
One thing people would be surprised to know about you?
I have a 26 year corporate sales background before officially becoming an Interior Designer. I have had a deep love for real estate and design since I was a kid but took a very different career path that was an incredible run nonetheless.
What’s your favorite thing about raising a family in Charleston?
One of my favorite aspects of raising a family in Charleston is the abundance of family-friendly events and the strong sense of community! I’ve always felt a profound sense of safety for my children here, allowing us to fully embrace the numerous activities and gatherings that take place on weekends. My kids truly had the best upbringing here. Such a beautiful place to call home.
Tell us about your design business, Poppy + Shae Design, and when & why you decided to start this business!
The creation of Poppy and Shae Designs was inspired by two of the most important people in my life—my daughters, Poppy and Sydney Shae. They are my daily motivation and the reason I strive to make the world a more beautiful place. But this journey goes deeper than just a name; it’s also about listening to a calling that grew stronger with time.
For a year and a half, I felt God tugging at my heart, urging me to step outside of my comfort zone and embrace my passion for design. For years, I had worked on renovating my own properties and flipped them as an investor. Then I realized that I could use my gifts not just to transform spaces but to serve others by helping them create homes that truly reflect their personalities and lifestyles. After much deliberation and countless prayers, I decided to take the leap of faith. The support of my Small Group and loved ones played a crucial role in this decision, providing encouragement and belief in my vision.
I was incredibly blessed when my very first project came to fruition—a stunning 9,000 square-foot home on Sullivan’s Island. This opportunity not only helped me establish my presence as a Designer but also validated my decision to follow my passion. It was a dream come true, and I felt that my work was resonating with clients who sought to create beautiful, functional spaces.
Today, Poppy and Shae Designs is more than just a business; it’s a manifestation of my love for design, my commitment to serving others, and a tribute to my daughters. I am thrilled to continue this journey, transforming houses into homes and sharing the beauty of design with all those I encounter.
What is your favorite part about creating a space for your design clients?
The Reveal!!!! I recently started having clients wait to see their home until it’s done (when possible). I just filmed my second one and it was amazing and so heartwarming. It’s definitely the best part of my job…
Tell us about the different design services you offer.
Full service design and project management on home renovations is the heart of what I do. I also make surrounding areas cohesive with home furnishings.
Do you have a favorite part of a home you love to design / decorate?
Definitely the Kitchen! Your kitchen is the heart of your home and I love renovating them.
What are you some of your favorite design trends you are seeing happening in 2025?
Moody is in… darker and warmer tones! Wall ledges in showers are in as well as light up shower niches. Zellige tiles (imperfect) are largely used on fireplaces, showers and backsplashes. The newest trend is to eliminate a traditional backsplash and run the counter up the wall for the backsplash!
How can a new client learn more about your design offerings?
Check out my instagram and website to see some of my projects and style. Simply fill out the connect form on my website and I’ll be in touch!
Tell us more about your work/life balance within motherhood.
It’s very easy to burn the midnight oil when you love what you do. I wasn’t accustomed to this as I never had any issues “shutting down” when I was in corporate sales. But now I want to work all the time because it’s fun and so rewarding! I have recently had to set boundaries however and turn off around 5pm and devote that time to my amazing family. My oldest daughter, Sydney Shae is going off to college in the fall so my days are limited with her here at home. I also commission her to do art on my projects so that allows us time together to collaborate and talk about them. Time is precious.
Who has most influenced you to be the mom that you are today?
My mom! My mother, Mary, is my absolute best friend in the world. She exudes so my grace and love. I literally call her 3-5 times a day! She recently started helping me with Poppy + Shae operations because my business was growing so fast. She has a solid corporate background as well so I trust her immensely. I love my mom so incredibly much!
One thing you wish someone would have told you about motherhood?
Well a modern day answer would be to wait as long as humanly possible to issue cell phones to my kids. I also which I had know more how to respond versus react to situations. Teenage years are absolutely no joke and I’m not sure anything can prepare you for them.
What advice would you share with a new mom or other moms?
Be the house that your kids want to hang out at with their friends; wait as long as you possibly can to give them a phone; be there for everything; have traditions and be consistent with them (trust me they remember them) and always look up from your phone when they walk in the room!
We love supporting local businesses – favorite places in Charleston to…
Have Dinner with Family: SOL
Grab a Drink with Friends: Rooted
Have a Date Night: Savi
Spend time together as a Family: Wild Dunes
Outside Activities: Wild Dunes
Grab coffee: Front Porch (Sydney works there)
