Design is more than what a space looks like. It is how it feels, how it supports daily life, and how it tells a story over time.

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, Nicole Roe sits down with writer and stylist Sarah Lyon to talk about vintage sourcing, organized maximalism, and why restraint often creates the most meaningful spaces. From flea market strategy to editorial insight, this conversation explores how character is built, not bought.

What happens when someone who spent a decade competing internationally decides to build a life that feels grounded?

In Episode 6 of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, Nicole sits down with Kristin Hildebrand, founder of KH Interiors, to talk about the pivot from professional volleyball to purposeful interior design. Kristin shares how years of living out of a suitcase shaped her belief that home should feel restorative, how she built her studio from the ground up, and the systems that allow her team to run distance projects across the country with clarity and confidence. If you are building a design business, navigating a relocation, or simply craving a calmer way to live at home, this conversation will meet you right where you are.

Designer Galey Grimes joins Nicole for a thoughtful conversation about creating a home that feels warm, collected, and deeply personal. Together they explore functional luxury, Southern style with a modern ease, and the beauty of layering vintage pieces that tell a story. A grounded look at what truly makes a space timeless.

Artist, astrologer, and energy healer Jaclyn Carmen shares how burnout led her to a completely new path and why reading the energy of a room can change the way you work, connect, and design your surroundings.

Artist Kirsten Sadlier joins Nicole to talk about her coastal inspired creative process, the energy behind her artwork, ADHD as a strength, and why human made art still has a place in our homes. A grounded and inspiring look inside her world.

Nicole sits down with Sydney Dozier of Renaissance Marketing to explore how our surroundings influence creativity, confidence, and connection. Together, they discuss the crossover between interior design and brand design, and how building something that feels like home starts with authenticity.

Season Two begins with designer and friend Antonio Deloatch. Together we talk about safe spaces, fresh starts, and the ways our surroundings shape how we live, create, and rest.

What do luxury Indian weddings and high-end interiors have in common? More than you think. In this episode, Nicole sits down with Brittney Ellis of Eventrics Weddings to explore how thoughtful design, layered experiences, and elevated hospitality create unforgettable moments—whether it’s for 400 guests or just your closest friends at home.

In this week’s episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, I sit down with Rachel Jackson—ADHD-friendly interior designer, neurodiversity advocate, and founder of Rachel Jackson Design and The Home Design Lab—to explore how thoughtful design can radically improve how we function, feel, and connect in our spaces.

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, I sit down with Hawaii-based interior designer Shaolin Low, founder of Studio Shaolin. Based in Honolulu, Shaolin has built a thriving design firm known for creating layered, personality-filled spaces that feel effortlessly livable. But designing in Hawaii comes with its own set of challenges — from sourcing and shipping limitations to the pressure of creating homes that capture the relaxed beauty of island life while still feeling deeply personal. In this conversation, Shaolin shares how her non-traditional background, event-planning mindset, and love of color come together to shape every project she touches.

Discover the world of luxury interior design with John McClain in this inspiring episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings. John, a seasoned designer known for transforming spaces across coasts, shares his journey from working in both California and Central Florida to fully embracing the high-end design scene in California. With a keen eye for timeless elegance and modern innovation, John reveals the secrets behind his luxury projects and explains how he tailors spaces to reflect each client’s unique lifestyle.

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, host Nicole Roe sits down with Rachel, the innovative founder behind Subtle Impacts. Rachel is redefining the traditional workout space by transforming ordinary free weights into decorative, design-forward pieces that elevate your environment and boost well-being.

In the latest episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, Nicole sits down with Hailey Kolbe, a passionate entrepreneur who turned her love for vintage treasures into a thriving business. The conversation explores how Hailey’s Texas grit, sharp eye for unique finds, and willingness to trust her instincts helped her carve out a successful career in the world of design and curation.

In this eye-opening episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, we sit down with Brad from A Finer Touch Construction to explore the grand world of luxury compounds and opulent estates. Brad takes us behind the scenes of his projects—ranging from sprawling multiple-structure builds to intricate, high-end finishes that make each home truly one-of-a-kind. We discuss the balance of form and function, tips for managing client expectations, and how Brad brings ambitious visions to life on a grand scale.

In this episode of Highly Affected by Her Surroundings, I sit down with Ali Kay, an incredible entrepreneur, podcast host, and mom who’s redefining what it means to live intentionally. Ali shares her journey toward a simpler life that still embraces the lifestyle she loves, giving us a peek into the thoughtful process of designing her family’s new home. We discuss the challenges of letting go of rushed decisions, the importance of patience, and how creating a space that feels just right has taken longer than expected—but has been worth the wait.

In this episode, I sit down with two incredibly talented and dynamic designers—Jamie of Studio Gaspo and Meredith of House of Huck—for a fun and insightful design roundtable. We dive deep into the questions everyone’s asking:

• What’s really trending in the design world, and what’s worth skipping?

• How do we navigate client requests, bold choices, and personal preferences?

• The highs, lows, and hilarious moments of working in interior design.

Jamie and Meredith bring their unique perspectives, expertise, and plenty of sass to the conversation. Jamie, the founder of Studio Gaspo, recently hosted a webinar that explored the art of preparing a spec book and working seamlessly with builders and developers on spec homes. Meredith, the powerhouse behind House of Huck, offers courses and downloads that help interior designers streamline their businesses and stay organized.

Tune in to hear us chat about our shared love for design, our occasional disagreements, and the creative chaos that comes with the job.

In this episode, Antonio shares his experiences balancing the distinct design demands of the East and West Coasts, his favorite project add-ons, and tips for creating luxury in everyday spaces. We also dive into the transformative power of scent and texture, as well as his top design inspirations, from favorite hotels

I’m beyond thrilled to finally introduce you to my latest passion project—my brand-new podcast, Highly Affected by Her Surroundings! After months of planning, brainstorming, and collaboration, it’s time to take you behind the scenes and dive deep into a topic that’s not just central to my work as an interior designer but also to how we live our everyday lives: our surroundings and how they affect us.