Even over a computer screen, it’s clear that Taylor Giavasis in-person is the same warm soul that she is online; the influencer and founder of The Naked Diaries intrinsically exudes kindness, calmness, and compassion. As in: she’s definitely the friend who would be the first to check in if you seemed off, or to surprise you with a bouquet of flowers for your big promotion.
This warmth is reflected in her home projects and unique interior design style. She describes her home aesthetic as “eclectic minimalist,” with a focus on natural light, soft textures, and calming hues—it’s the dreamy SoCal vibe, but with distinct personality.
Before she could put her passion for interior design into practise, though, she had to find a house worthy enough to turn into a home—the perfect space to raise her son Malakai. After spending hours searching on Zillow (relatable), she and her fiance found the Los Angeles house they live in now. It was love at first sight. “This was the second house we looked at. When we came here, tears came to my eyes and I knew it was the one,” she says. “It stole my heart.”
Once she and her family were settled, she started an ambitious remodel. “I thought I had an idea of what I liked at home, and as we started remodeling, my whole style changed,” she admits. “I put up wallpaper in my house, and as I started living with it, I had to rip it down because it just wasn’t me.” Finding her style has been an ongoing journey, and she has embraced the evolution with open arms. Giavasis constantly finds inspiration from Pinterest and from experts such as Kelly Wearstler, but her personal style is singular. She attributes this to her son, explaining that “having a child allows me to be more playful with things.” This includes her mushroom stools and pillows, which are her favorite items in the space.
From the walls to the furniture, Giavasis loves customizing her home—which includes personalizing her air through aroma. “Scent is just so powerful,” she says. “It can change your mood; if you walk into a good-smelling room, it really changes how you feel. It’s so crazy how scents can transport you to another time.” With the majority of her time spent chasing around a never-still toddler, it makes sense that her favorite diffuser is vitruvi’s Move. “Being able to move it around,” she says, “is life-changing.” When it comes to her go-to blend, Giavasis is drawn to invigorating citrus scents, including Clean Sweep: “It makes me feel hugged. It’s so welcoming.”
And while she has created a serene oasis inside, she also emphasizes the importance of time spent outdoors. She keeps herself grounded by “taking my shoes off and connecting with the earth with my son,” she says. “Every single day we go outside: even if it’s raining or if it’s super hot.” She loves seeing her family thrive at home and takes pride in creating a space where her son can learn and grow. “Just watching my child grow up here—I didn’t get to have a stable place to grow up in, so seeing him be able to blossom in one place—I feel like I’m living through him, in a way.”
Giavasis is also a huge advocate for animal welfare and adoption, and has saved a piece of land on her property in hopes of turning it into a rescue. “There are so many animals in the shelters that need a home,” she asserts. “With the first cat I adopted, they told me he was bad with other animals. But he is the best cat on this earth, and acts like a father figure for all the foster kittens I’ve brought in.” Her empathy is palpable, so it makes sense that her goals and passions are all tied back to building a safe and inviting space—both inside and outside the home.