From Pro Volleyball to Purposeful Interiors with Kristen Hildebrand
Kristin Hildebrand, Founder + Creative Director of KH Interiors
Some people fall into design through a straight line. Kristin Hildebrand took the scenic route, and it shows in the best way.
In this episode, Nicole talks with Kristin, founder of KH Interiors, about how a decade of international travel as a professional volleyball player shaped her understanding of home. After years of living out of a suitcase, Kristin now designs spaces that feel grounding, restorative, and deeply livable. The kind of homes that hold real life, not just “the reveal.”
Kristin also shares the behind-the-scenes realities of growing a studio, hiring a team, and leading projects across the country, plus what it looked like to relocate her family to the Bay Area while keeping her studio and staff rooted in Costa Mesa.
This conversation is equal parts inspiring and practical, especially if you are building a business that needs to work in real life.
Standout moments from the episode
How Kristin translated a pro athlete mindset into leadership, discipline, and client experience
Starting KH Interiors in 2018 and getting her first job in design with zero experience
What it was like growing up with an interior designer dad and how that shapes her work today
The systems behind distance design: site visit expectations, builder communication styles, and weekly accountability
Why being selective about clients is not a luxury, it is a business strategy
Kristin’s belief that home should feel like safety, calm, and a “big hug” after a chaotic day
The joy of seeing real life happen inside the spaces you design: birthdays, messes, memories, and all
Quote-worthy takeaway
Home is not just the finished photo. It is the backdrop for the moments your family will remember.
Connect with Kristen:
Instagram: @kh.interiors
Website: kh-interiors.com
Listen and Watch:
Spotify: LINK
Apple Podcasts: LINK
YouTube: LINK
