From DIY-er to Interior Design Entrepreneur

Hello, everyone!

It's Brittany Lyons here—your go-to Dallas-based interior designer, curator of peaceful spaces, wife to Karlos K. Lyons, occasional world traveler, and fashion enthusiast. You might know me from Instagram and TikTok, where I regularly share updates on my interior design projects. Today, I'm excited to share my personal journey into the world of interior design.

A room designed by Brittany Lyons featuring a gold framed mirror over a black nightstand beside a bed with pink and green covers and pillows. Abstract coral colored art hangs over the gray headboard.

The Early Influence: From Family Projects to First Design Love

Growing up, my parents flipped houses and managed rental properties. While those early experiences may have laid the foundation for my passion for design, it wasn’t until I graduated from college and decorated my first apartment that my love for interior design truly emerged. When I posted photos of my space on social media, a friend noticed and asked for help with her new home. That unexpected request in 2015 marked the beginning of my interior design career.

Taking the Leap: Moving to Dallas and Rediscovering Design

In 2016, I moved to Dallas and took a break from design to focus on supporting my family. But design found its way back into my life. In 2018, a college friend reached out, needing help with his rental properties in Houston. Despite modest budgets, these projects provided invaluable experience. I didn’t actively promote myself, but word of mouth led to more opportunities. One day, a coworker asked me to redesign her bathroom—just because she remembered me mentioning my interior design side-hustle. That’s when I realized this was more than just a hobby.

Balancing Act: Juggling a Full-Time Job and Interior Design

Balancing a full-time job with design projects was challenging, to say the least. At one point, I managed two bathroom renovations simultaneously, often working nights and weekends. My perfectionist tendencies meant I wanted to oversee every detail personally, ensuring my standards were met. As my portfolio grew, so did the complexity and budget of my projects. This shift allowed me to focus on quality over quantity, honing my passion for creating peaceful, functional spaces where clients could truly relax and practice self-care.

The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Interior Design

The COVID-19 pandemic underscored the importance of comfortable, functional living spaces. As we spent more time at home, our priorities shifted. My passion for creating beautiful, practical homes became even more relevant during this period. The demand for well-designed spaces increased, and I found myself even more committed to helping clients transform their homes into sanctuaries.

Embracing Entrepreneurship: Overcoming Challenges and Celebrating Success

While I anticipated the challenges of entrepreneurship, by the time I transitioned to full-time interior design, I had already tackled many obstacles. This journey isn’t without its stressors—delays, damaged goods, and surprises are all part of the job—but my love for organization and commitment to carefully planned processes has kept both my clients and me satisfied.

Transforming my clients' lives through design is incredibly rewarding. The best part? Seeing the joy on their faces when they unveil their new or refreshed spaces. This positive feedback fuels my passion, and I look forward to continuing this journey, creating stunning, functional homes, and sharing more blog posts with you all. Stay tuned for more!