F5 Exclusive: Lidia Valdivia Dishes on Partner’s Art, Enchanting Cairo Nights & Greek Island Escapes!

Growing up in Nicaragua, Lidia Valdivia holds dear memories of her childhood home. “It was vibrant, richly textured, perfectly imperfect, and bursting with character,” she recalls. “It wasn’t meticulously designed, yet everything seemed purposefully placed. I believe much of my current work is influenced by that early environment.”

Valdivia moved to the United States where she initially worked in construction, specializing in refinishing hardwood floors. However, it wasn’t until she entered a home from the 1900s that she realized her true calling.

The house was a relic of the past that required significant care, but Valdivia fell in love with its original woodwork and even found charm in its peeling wallpaper. This experience sparked her vision for the home’s possibilities. In 2024, she established her own company in Minnesota, Moonstone Design + Build, ready to lead transformative renovations.

Starting with modest remodeling projects, Valdivia soon gained recognition for her craftsmanship. As her reputation grew, clients entrusted her with increasingly creative and expansive projects. This confidence allowed her to continue developing her business and artistic vision.

Valdivia uses her mobile phone as a portable inspiration board, filled with images of materials, architectural styles, and eateries she encounters while traveling. Many of her best ideas spring from unexpected moments. “Inspiration often comes not directly from design itself,” she explains. “It’s drawn from everyday life and the emotional impact of spaces.”

Today, Lidia Valdivia joins us for Friday Five!

1. Artistry at Home

The artwork of my partner profoundly enriches our living space. As an interior designer, I’m intrigued by those who pursue artistic endeavors beyond their main profession, as it reshapes their perception of space, texture, color, and emotion. Living with an artist makes our home dynamic; we rotate paintings monthly, each altering the room’s ambiance.

2. Vibrant Egyptian Experience

A three-month stay in Egypt profoundly transformed me. The vitality of the streets, with long conversations in coffee shops into the night, constant background music and drums, family gatherings, spontaneous dances, and the city filled with the sound of prayers created a strong communal and present spirit. This journey through eight cities and the warmth I felt there changed my perspective on life and human connections.

3. Discovering Tinos, Greece

The stunning beauty of Tinos captivated me — from its marble structures to its quaint, winding alleys where time seemed to stand still, and the breathtaking sunsets. Exploring this place with my son and experiencing those serene moments are treasures I will always cherish.

4. Homes with Stories

The charm of an old house, with its layered wallpapers, worn staircases, and faded carpets, is irresistible to me. Each imperfection narrates its history. I’m drawn to spaces that are lived in and continuously evolving, not just pristine showplaces. Restoration is about preserving the essence while allowing the space to adapt over time. The projects that impact me the most are those that also shape me.

5. Recollections of My Nicaraguan Childhood Home

My design sensibilities are heavily influenced by the home I grew up in Nicaragua. It was a kaleidoscope of colors, textures, and personal touches. My mother filled our home with plants, carved wood, tiles, and eclectic objects. This upbringing influences my preference for spaces that are soulful and deeply personal. I find myself consistently drawn to the materials and ambiance of my childhood — wood, plaster, tile, and natural light, always seeking to recreate the warmth and personality of my early home.

Kitchen With Orange Hood

This design project featured a vibrant orange hood that became the central element of the kitchen, inspired by the clients’ love for color. Paired with walnut cabinets, dark handcrafted tiles, terrazzo floors, and warm finishes, the kitchen maintains a lively yet grounded atmosphere. I relish projects where clients embrace bold decisions, as they result in spaces that are richly layered and true reflections of their personalities.

Home With Artwork

I’m drawn to homes that accumulate character over time, rather than those that are impeccably styled. This particular home blends artwork from Guatemala, Nicaraguan paintings, thrift store finds, plants, and meaningful pieces, creating a deeply personal space. I believe a home should be a sanctuary, comforting and filled with items that narrate your story.

Tudor Home Entry

The entrance of this Tudor home restoration became one of my favorite aspects of the project. We used small-scale tiles and spent months finding a wallpaper that respected the original character of the home. I love projects where the goal is to revive the home’s past charm while keeping it timeless.

Tile Fireplace

This project marked a turning point for Moonstone, driven by clients unafraid to use bold colors, transforming the space’s entire ambiance. The uniquely shaped tiles on the fireplace became the focal point, infusing personality and warmth into the home. Projects like this, where a single adventurous design choice alters everything, are particularly rewarding.

Kitchen With Mix of Influences

This kitchen is a harmonious blend of mid-century, Moroccan, and Spanish styles, featuring pink tiles that add warmth and a playful yet sophisticated atmosphere with light wood tones and patterned floors. I love projects that subtly incorporate color, ensuring the materials remain timeless yet full of character.

Project photography and headshot by Chelsie Lopez.