Discovering My Niche as a Designer
- Karyn Staten
- 6 days ago
- 7 min read
A Journey of Passion and Personalization
Introduction
Navigating my way to finding my niche has been quite the adventure, much like sifting through a laundry basket for that elusive matching sock! It’s an exciting process that allows me to explore new ideas, unleash my creativity, and bring my clients' visions to life in a way that sparks pride and joy. By being selective, I can redefine the design experience for my clients while focusing on those I truly enjoy collaborating with. Think of it as a chef honing their signature dish, but instead of culinary delights, I’m crafting distinctive spaces that feel like personal retreats. Who knew that discovering my "design flavor" could be an enjoyable journey, less chaotic than mixing every color in a paint set!
Early Inspirations for design
My journey into the world of creativity began with a deep love for art, because let’s face it, my parents weren’t going to let me turn the living room wall into a canvas. I’ve always been captivated by how different elements can create vibrant and cohesive spaces that feel alive. Over the years, I dove into various artistic pursuits: painting (which mostly meant cleaning paint splatters off my clothes), dancing with a small ballet company, and teaching ballroom dance, where I learned that “teaching someone to lead” means you have to let go and trust your partner to place you in the right direction.
I felt a strong desire to make a bigger impact on my surroundings. This led me down the rabbit hole of furniture and home design, I was obsessed. I’ve had the privilege of working with several companies in the industry, and each experience has taught me more. During this journey, I discovered my superpower: the ability to blend different styles, colors, and textures. It’s like being a magician; instead of pulling rabbits out of hats, I create design concepts that truly reflect people's personalities—without any smoke or mirrors… well, sometimes there are mirrors.
Life is a dance, much like teaching ballroom. In this scenario, my clients need to be able to trust me to lead them and merge all those ideas into something beautiful.
Identifying My Specialty
After years of exploring different styles and tackling various projects, I have finally found my sweet spot with a combination of the chaotic world of remodels and new construction.
Remodels are my guilty pleasure! There’s just something so exciting about transforming a space. Opening the door often feels like cracking open a time capsule. Each project reveals layers of history tucked away behind walls and under floorboards. Who doesn’t love the surprise of discovering “surprise!” vintage wallpaper with patterns that could make your grandma’s heart race? And let’s not forget those funky carpets from the 70s—one glance and it’s like stepping right into a disco party!
Every remodel is an adventure where I get to blend modern vibes with charming character. It’s so rewarding to see a space come to life, transforming from “What were they thinking?” to “Wow, this is fabulous!” I love finding creative solutions while turning a house into a home.
Then there’s new construction, which is like being handed a blank canvas—except this canvas is massive and made of concrete. Anything is possible! But let’s be real: if we don’t plan like we’re preparing for a zombie apocalypse, things can get messy. I love working with tradespeople who hold themselves to higher standards and clients who realize that spending a little extra money on quality materials means fewer “Oh no, not again!” moments later. After all, who wants to redo a project because they skimped on the fabulous faucet and decide to purchase one from Lowe's that’s designed to fail in two years? Not me! The idea of creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also functional is key.
Why Choose Hestia Interiors
Every project begins with a deep and thorough understanding of my clients' unique preferences, lifestyles, and goals, like a deep dive into their Pinterest boards but with fewer cat memes. I take the time to engage in meaningful conversations, asking about their daily routines, favorite styles, and the emotions they wish to evoke in their spaces. It’s like a therapy session, but instead of solving existential crises, we’re figuring out if you want a Zen garden or a cozy reading nook.
This collaborative process allows me to craft designs that not only meet their functional needs but also resonate with their personal narratives. After all, what’s the point of a beautiful space if it doesn’t make you feel like a rock star?
I firmly believe that the best designs are those that reflect the individuality of the people who inhabit them and their interactions with environments. Each space I create authentically reflects my clients' identities, preferences, and stories. By incorporating personal elements, such as cherished art, meaningful color palettes, and tailored layouts, I ensure that every corner of the home speaks to who they are.
Let's face it: your home is a direct reflection of who you are and how the outside world perceives you. It is not merely a structure; it is a canvas for your personality. Through thoughtful design and attention to detail, I strive to create spaces that not only inspire but also provide comfort and joy, ultimately enhancing the quality of life for those who call it home.
How do I choose who to work with?
Not every client aligns with the services I offer, as compatibility is crucial for a successful partnership. A significant aspect of my role involves educating clients, especially those who may lack previous experience with this process. They need to gain a comprehensive understanding of what to expect from our collaboration, including timelines, deliverables, and potential challenges.
I encourage clients to ask questions at every stage of our discussions. This open dialogue fosters transparency and ensures that we are on the same page regarding their goals and aspirations. By actively addressing their concerns and clarifying any confusion, I can better assess our potential for effective collaboration and align with their desired outcomes.
The contractors I choose to work with really get it. They not only deliver high-quality workmanship but also take the time to understand the unique needs of their clients, kind of like a matchmaking service, but for construction! Throughout our journeys on various projects, their professionalism and attention to detail have made everything run smoother like a well-oiled machine. Thanks to these great experiences, I’m happy to recommend them to colleagues and friends, confident that they’ll deliver exceptional results.
Credentials
VA Registered Builder, Lead Certified Renovator & Firm
NC Builder Institute Accredited Builder and Accredited Remodeler
Inner Banks Home Builders Association | Builder of the Year | 2023
Pitt County | The Daily Reflector | APG Eastern NC | 2nd Place | Best Home Builder | Best of 2024
Kathy Herring is an incredibly dedicated professional with impressive credentials. She is always refining her skills and learning new techniques, as well as staying up-to-date with the latest innovations in construction. Currently, she serves as the president of the Inner Banks Home Builders Association and is deeply passionate about the industry. I have had the pleasure of collaborating with her for years, and her projects are consistently engaging; she certainly keeps me on my toes! From redesigning college rental properties to renovating historic homes and developing beachfront properties, Kathy can do it all.
Before entering the construction industry, Willie was a standout football player. He played at East Carolina University (ECU) and had a successful five-year career in the NFL with teams such as the Redskins, Raiders, Chargers, and Panthers. His athletic journey instilled in him qualities like discipline and leadership..
What makes him special is his background in real estate. When you're considering a remodeling project, he can help you figure out which improvements are truly worthwhile and what kind of return on investment you might expect. His advice comes from years of experience in the field.
On a personal level, I know him as a devoted dad who works hard for his family, and he always brings a humble and kind spirit to everything he does.
Steven Ledford has found a way to combine his interests with his career. His expertise is deeply rooted in a love for both history and science. This dual passion drives everything he does, from meticulously preserving historic properties to exploring the limits of modern construction techniques. His unique approach blends the timeless beauty of history with the potential of cutting-edge technology—one foot in the past and one in the future.
I have found Steven to be remarkably level-headed and composed, even in the midst of the construction chaos. He consistently brings a kind word to the table and demonstrates an impressive attention to detail in his work. He truly exemplifies the qualities of a true southern gentleman, but what sets him apart from other contractors is his choice to arrive on the job site in an electric truck, showcasing his strong commitment to environmental sustainability.
Although we are still new to working together, I can already tell she is destined for great things. She is fearless, dedicated, and hardworking, it's as if she doesn’t even need sleep! Her expertise includes new construction, remodels, historic preservation, and just started diving into tiny homes.
In conclusion,
What we all share is a drive and inspiration that motivates us; we pursue what we love. When you have that passion, it transcends being just a job—it's a part of who we are and how we live and express ourselves, and I want to share that experience with everyone!
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