Interior Design Diaries

How Hiring Me Actually Saves You Money [Bonus Episode]

In this special bonus episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing a bit of my own story with you. You'll learn about my journey into interior design, which started with a business degree and a passion for sketching architecture. It’s the marriage of creativity and business acumen that I believe makes Lulu Designs so successful.  I’ve also included some highlights from my clients, highlighting the importance of finding the right designer and emphasizing the key role of trust and transparency in a successful partnership. If you would like to work with me, check out my website at luludesigns.com [http://luludesigns.com] or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay [https://www.instagram.com/luludesignsbylindsay/]

From Overwhelm to Dream Kitchen

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes during a major home remodel? This week, we’re getting real about the messy, thrilling, and sometimes unexpected process of transforming a home into one that truly works for you. I’m Lindsay Olson, designer, problem solver, and your personal guide to making sense of even the most overwhelming design projects. Today, I’m opening up my project diary for a very current, real-time remodel journey. This episode is a peek into the design process with one of my wonderful clients (and now friend!), Dr. Mina Kopel. But this story isn’t just about Mina, it’s about what it takes to move from paralyzed by decisions to empowered and excited for what’s ahead. We talk roadblocks (hello, mysterious plumbing and that infamous “stupid wall”), how to keep your sanity when living through construction, and why finding the right designer might just make all the difference in the world. This is the human, honest side of design, the part where no question is too small, where yes, you can text your designer about sinks and slabs, and where together, we build a home that reflects your life (and keeps the kids out of your pantry… well, maybe). Key Takeaways From Our Conversation: ▪️ Renovations can feel overwhelming, but support makes all the difference ▪️ Decision fatigue is real; lean on your designer’s expertise ▪️ Real-time problem solving is part of every remodel ▪️ Mood boards and clear plans ease stress and speed decisions ▪️ Functionality and flow always matter more than following rules ▪️ It’s possible to remodel, and keep life running, at the same time For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com [http://luludesigns.com] or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay [https://www.instagram.com/luludesignsbylindsay/]

Industry Secrets Designers Won’t Tell You… Until Now!

Ever asked yourself why your dream space never seems to match your bank account, or why your project’s budget keeps becoming a taboo topic? There are so many “hard truths” behind design budgets that no one seems to talk about…until now. Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really costs to work with a designer, how value is built into every decision, and why transparency around money is the secret ingredient for any successful project. I’m joined by my thoughtful (and always candid) friend and fellow designer, Molly O, but trust me, this candid conversation is all about empowering you, the homeowner, the dreamer, the design lover, to navigate those dollars and decisions with confidence. We’ll be breaking down the basics, from those sneaky hidden costs to the “why” behind markups, and why you can’t always take reality TV’s reno budgets at face value. Whether you’re planning your first makeover, hiring a designer, or just curious about how the whole process works, this episode is the honest, no-nonsense guide we all wish we had before our first big project. Key Takeaways From Our Conversation: ▪️ Be open and honest about your real budget early ▪️ Hidden costs like shipping and taxes add up fast ▪️ Good design means planning, transparency, and a set process ▪️ Designer markups are industry standard, just like retail stores ▪️ Custom pieces add value and experience beyond mass retail ▪️ Trust your designer’s expertise and value in the process For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com [http://luludesigns.com] or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay [https://www.instagram.com/luludesignsbylindsay/] Learn more about Molly O Interiors here [https://www.mollyointeriors.com/].

From Flooded to Functional: The Importance of Thoughtful Space Planning

Ever feel like your home is conspiring against you? Between unexpected floods and the chaos of family life, turning a house into a true home can feel impossible. But what if those challenges were the catalyst for something beautiful? I'm Lindsay Olson from Lulu Designs, and in today's episode of Interior Design Diaries, I sit down with Michelle Barto to chat about her home's incredible transformation. We dive into the drama of not one, but two floods in her home, and how that led to a complete design overhaul. It's a story about turning lemons into a stylish, functional, and deeply personal lemonade. She now takes joy in seeing her family truly live in the space, and it serves as a reminder that good design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating a backdrop for life's precious moments. Key Takeaways From Our Conversation: ▪️ Sometimes, disaster leads to the best design ▪️ Functionality is key for a busy family ▪️ A home should tell your unique story ▪️ Small details can make a big difference ▪️ Organization reduces daily friction ▪️ There's beauty in old and new For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com [http://luludesigns.com] or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay [https://www.instagram.com/luludesignsbylindsay/]

The Truth About Contractors: What You Need to Know Before a Renovation

Ever wondered what really happens when you decide to tackle that dream kitchen renovation? Spoiler: it’s not all paint chips and pretty countertops! Join me as we peel back the curtain on real-life design decisions, difficult choices, and the priceless feeling of walking into a space that finally feels like home. I'm Lindsay Olson, the heart behind Lulu Designs. Today, I’m letting you in on a candid conversation with two of my favorite longtime clients as we reminisce about their recent kitchen transformation. This isn't just about beautiful cabinets or the perfect shade of white (though we get into those, too!). It's a deep dive into the real journey: navigating budgets, working through contractor challenges, and, yes, celebrating the tiny victories along the way. Key Takeaways From Our Conversation: ▪️ Listening deeply leads to truly personalized design solutions. ▪️ Small budgets can yield big transformations with the right approach. ▪️ Sticking with a trusted team ensures a smoother renovation process. ▪️ Organization and planning make move-in (and everyday life) easier. ▪️ Home styling elevates good design to great, livable spaces. ▪️ The end result makes all the challenges worth it, I promise! For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com [http://luludesigns.com] or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay [https://www.instagram.com/luludesignsbylindsay/]