Featured in Business of Home: Why I Encourage My Clients to Take Design Risks—With Confidence
Design Risk Isn’t About Rebellion—It’s About Alignment
In a recent Business of Home article by Aidan Taylor, eight interior designers shared their insights on how to help clients step outside their comfort zones. From mood boards and 3D renderings to in-depth personal interviews, each designer had a unique way of making bold feel doable.
My approach? It all starts with listening.
My Philosophy: Listening First, Leading with Clarity
At R. Nickson Interiors, bold design isn’t about being loud—it’s about being true. Before I present a single fabric swatch or paint color, I take time to understand my clients deeply:
What makes them feel at home?
How do they live their day-to-day?
What do they want their space to say about them?
When clients feel seen and heard, bold choices stop feeling risky—they start to feel right.
Balancing Style with Real Life
Let’s be honest: life is messy. Families, pets, routines—all of it matters. But practicality doesn’t have to mean boring. I love proving that beautiful, expressive design can also be livable and functional. Whether it’s a bold wallpaper in the powder room or a daring custom upholstery choice, the design still needs to support real life.
From Fear to Confidence: Making It Visual
Even the most design-forward clients appreciate reassurance. That’s why I rely on tools like 3D renderings, real-life examples, and hands-on materials to help clients clearly visualize what we’re creating together. When they can see the vision, it becomes a lot easier to embrace the unexpected.
My role is to guide, not push. I help clients see how a design risk isn’t a gamble—it’s a way to make their home feel more like them.
Being featured in Business of Home alongside other talented designers was an honor, but what I loved most was the shared thread: boldness starts with trust. And for me, that begins the moment I sit down with a client and ask, “What would make this feel like yours?”
