Kelsey Herrick | Decor Tips for Families

Today we've got Kelsey Herrick, an excellent interior designer with several years of experience helping families create their dream homes.

You can find her on Instagram at @kelseyherrickdesignllc. You can also shop home decor at ✨ mimezon.com ✨. 

Q: Tell us about your journey into interior design? 

So I've actually always been interested in interior design. As a little kid, I didn't know what that meant, but I was always drawn to colors, fabrics, and the idea of design. 

I went to San Francisco State, got my Bachelor of Science, and did an internship with a designer named Christina Wolf. She was incredible—my mentor and another mother to me. We're still very close.

I spent about seven years with her, gaining a lot of insight into the interior design industry and working with clients and vendors on projects from start to finish. When she retired, I worked briefly for another designer. 

People encouraged me to go out on my own, but I was intimidated. The idea of starting up, dealing with vendors, and handling the business side seemed overwhelming.

After gaining more experience with the second designer, I decided to start my own company on February 13, 2019. I got a solid year of being a business owner before COVID hit. 

At the time, I had left my retail job at the Container Store. When COVID hit, I thought nobody would be investing in their homes, but it turned out to be the exact opposite. People realized the importance of their homes and remodels became a huge focus. It's been a great ride, and design is something I've always been passionate about.

Q: What are some pieces of advice you have for newlyweds decorating their first home?

You have to respect all the voices within the home. Each person’s preferences are important, and the home has a voice of its own that should be honored. For example, a craftsman home doesn’t want to be ultra-modern; it wants to maintain its character.

Functionality is crucial. Couples won’t always agree, so there must be compromises. Maybe one person wins on the style of the sofa, and the other wins on the fabric. Each person should have a say, especially in spaces they use the most. It’s about finding a balance that reflects both individuals and the home itself."

Q: How do you go about balancing different tastes in a home?

I give clients a homework assignment with a book of different design styles. Each person marks what they like and dislike separately. When we discuss their choices, we identify common ground and emotional connections to certain styles. It’s not always about specific furniture pieces but about how a space makes them feel.

Mixing and matching different elements, like combining curved organic lines with more angular shapes, creates layers and textures that add interest. Everything doesn’t have to be exactly the same, but it needs to have a common thread that makes sense together.

Q: What are some common mistakes you see people make when decorating?

Online shopping is just too easy. We can scroll through websites and be drawn to various items that don’t necessarily make sense together. The common mistake is trying to decorate without a clear idea of the end goal. Think about what you need from the space, whether it’s a cozy, restorative environment or a highly functional area.

Start with a neutral base and add personal touches with accessories and decor. Think about functionality and what brings calm to your space. If items are dual-purpose, functional, and beautiful, it’s a win-win.

Q: Tips for finding a good interior designer?

Find someone you connect with personally. Have a conversation over the phone or meet in person to ensure it’s a good fit. Consultations are a great way to test compatibility and gather ideas before committing to a full project.

 Look for designers who are passionate and whose style aligns with your vision. Remember, designers and contractors will be part of your life during the project, so it’s important to have a good relationship.

Q: Favorite resources for inspiration?

I’m part of a co-op called First Impressions Interior Design in Walnut Creek. It provides better buying power and access to the latest trends.

The reps keep us updated with new products through lunch and learns and other resources. Continuous learning is essential, and collaborating with fellow designers and reps helps us stay up-to-date and adaptable.