Holistic Interior Design Podcast

180: Behind the Veil - Refreshing a Legacy Brazilian Steakhouse (on a Real Budget)

This week, I’m taking you behind the veil of a real-time project: a 3,000-sq-ft, family-run Brazilian steakhouse in San Diego’s Gaslamp. After smoke and water damage from last year’s fire, the owners asked us to refresh on a very tight budget—without losing legacy. We’re building a nature-forward concept inspired by butterfly wings, jungle softness, and river ripples to attract a younger, social-sharing guest while honoring the founder’s story. You’ll hear how we’re sequencing high-impact moves (starting with “crystal cave” restrooms), reusing what we can (table bases, lighting locations), and designing zones with intentional lighting, textures, and screens to create mystery and flow. If you want to see the visuals, hop on the Behind the Veil newsletter. [https://tiger-veil.kit.com/bb35e49068] What you’ll learn * How to build a concept from a single heritage artifact (and make it feel intentional, not theme-y). * Budget-savvy upgrades: large-format tile, prefab counters, selective lacquer, and zone-specific sconces. * How to handle immovable elements at the entrance (hello, salad/hot bar) with screening and lighting. * Restroom strategies that elevate guest experience and inclusivity (family-friendly layouts). * Practical ways to use lighting and soft dividers to create flow, intimacy, and discoverability. Links * Listen to the Hospitality Design Talks Podcast [https://hdt.captivate.fm/listen] * Join the newsletter: Behind the Veil [https://tiger-veil.kit.com/bb35e49068] Secrets, musings, and design magic await in your inbox. * Work with Rachel: Design inquiries + consultations rachel@tigerveil.com * Instagram: @tigerveil

Quick little update from Rachel

Hey everyone—Rachel here with a quick update on the future of this podcast and where I’m currently focusing my creative energy. I’ve been deep in reflection and realignment—personally, professionally, and creatively. That means this podcast will be taking a pause for the time being as I shift my focus toward new directions that are lighting me up, especially in the hospitality design space. ✨ What’s next? I’m diving deeper into restaurant and hospitality design and will be focusing my energy on the Hospitality Design Talks podcast. https://hdt.captivate.fm/listen [https://hdt.captivate.fm/listen] I’ve also launched a brand new podcast for ASID San Diego called Interior Design San Diego—a weekly show specifically for interior designers, industry partners, and design professionals. If you're in the field, this is a great space to gain insight on business practices and community happenings. https://interior-design-sd.captivate.fm/listen [https://interior-design-sd.captivate.fm/listen] All previous episodes of this podcast will remain available, and I’ll be sharing more exciting updates in the hospitality world soon. Thanks for being here—and for your continued support on this evolving journey. 🖥️ Connect with me: Instagram: instagram.com/tigerveil Email: rachel@tigerveil.com

179: Virgo Season Reset: Decluttering with Intention

Have you ever noticed how certain seasons make you want to reset — to clear the clutter, reorganize your space, and find a little more flow? That’s not random — that’s Virgo energy at work. In this episode of the Holistic Interior Design Podcast, Rachel taps into the wisdom of Virgo season — the zodiac’s call to simplify, systemize, and realign your home and life. She even pulls a tarot card, the Wheel of Fortune, to guide us through the shifts and cycles we’re all moving through right now. Virgo energy is about clarity, rhythm, and release — not perfection. This is your time to: * Declutter with intention, letting go of items (and energy) that no longer align with you or who you are becoming. * Reorganize your spaces in ways that truly support your rhythm and well-being * Create more mental, emotional, and physical spaciousness for what’s next Think of it as an autumn reset — like spring cleaning, but for the soul. Whether it’s clearing cobwebs in your attic, letting go of clothes you’ll never wear again, or finally cleaning up your digital desktop, Virgo season is your invitation to lighten the load and make room for flow. So if you’ve been feeling the nudge to get organized, release, and realign with the season — this episode is for you. Your Turn: Do you have a Virgo season ritual or autumn clearing practice you return to each year? Rachel would love to hear what helps you reset. ✨ Special Invitation: If you’re in San Diego, Rachel is co-hosting a Libra Dinner Gathering on Sunday, September 28th at 5:30 PM in partnership with Alchemy Choose Thy Poison. This intimate evening will weave together astrology, tarot, seasonal foods, and sacred ritual — all centered on Libra’s energy of balance, beauty, and harmony. Reserve your seat here. [https://eventbrite.com/e/the-zodiac-table-series-libra-tickets-1680676882799?aff=oddtdtcreator] Interested in working with Rachel? Email her to inquire rachel@tigerveil.com

178: Floors with a Soul: The Purpose-Driven Story Behind Geneva Flooring

I sat down with the incredibly wise and wildly grounded Lisa Wells, owner of Geneva Flooring, and let me just say… this convo was equal parts design deep dive and soulful reminder that how we build our spaces matters. Lisa brings over 25 years of experience in the flooring world — but more than that, she brings heart. We talk about why flooring is foundational (literally and emotionally), how sustainable choices start with awareness, and why her team’s long-time trade relationships are the secret sauce. And yes, we totally nerd out on things like wool carpets, cork floors, and what to do before you fall in love with that Pinterest board inspiration. QUICK LINKS & GOODIES: * Visit Geneva Flooring: genevaflooring.com [https://www.genevaflooring.com] * Follow Lisa & the team on IG: @genevaflooring1 [https://www.instagram.com/genevaflooring1] 💌 BEFORE YOU GO: If this episode lit something up for you — maybe you’re in the middle of a reno, dreaming of a future space, or you just love hearing women talk shop — share it with a friend who gets it. Screenshot, tag us, leave a review… it truly means the world. Looking to work with Rachel? Reach out at rachel@tigerveil.com [rachel@tigerveil.com]

177: Handmade, Heart-Led, and Carbon Neutral: Fireclay’s Commitment to Conscious Craft

What happens when a love for art, sustainability, and soulful living collide? You get Caitlyn Child—and her work with Fireclay Tile is proof that design can be radically beautiful and rooted in deep intention. Today’s guest is Caitlyn Child, the Vice President of Sales at Fireclay Tile, a certified B-Corp and pioneer in handmade, sustainability-focused tile. But Caitlyn isn’t just in sales—she’s in the business of storytelling through space. And she’s here to show us how thoughtful materials, slow design, and a passion for people can transform more than just a home… they can shift the way we live and connect. HOW CAITLYN TURNED HER CREATIVE ROOTS INTO A PURPOSE-LED CAREER From antique-hunting childhoods to art history studies to a decade in social work (!), Caitlyn’s journey wasn’t linear—but it was aligned. She eventually found her way to Fireclay after studying architecture and falling in love with the tactile, earthy nature of clay. Now, she’s helping lead a company that’s redefining what it means to build sustainably in a waste-heavy industry. WHY FIRECLAY ISN’T JUST ANOTHER TILE COMPANY When we say Fireclay is doing things differently, we mean it. This isn’t just another trendy brand trying to ride the green wave. They were the first tile company to use lead-free glazes back in 1986, and they’ve stayed true to their roots ever since. Every single tile is handmade to order in California and Washington, using domestically sourced minerals, recycled water, and reclaimed materials. They’re not just carbon-neutral—they’re designing beauty from the ground up with intention, artistry, and innovation. WHAT MAKES HANDMADE TILE SO MAGICAL Caitlyn walked me through all the nuances that make handmade tile special—from natural variation in oxides to the way light hits a glaze. You can literally feel the difference. Their tiles tell a story: of mineral-rich soil, of skilled hands, of conscious choices. We talk about the emotional, artistic, and even spiritual connection people have with materials that come from the Earth. And how Fireclay partners with designers to translate that energy into custom, intentional work. WHEN DESIGN BECOMES A HEALING PRACTICE This episode isn’t just about tile—it’s about the people behind the spaces. Caitlyn shares how Fireclay is empowering its reps and collaborators to create community-led events that are as soulful as they are strategic. And it’s why I’m SO thrilled to be part of their upcoming Summer Solstice Gathering at their Costa Mesa showroom. This isn’t another salesy mixer. It’s a nourishing, heart-centered celebration of creativity, connection, and ritual. Expect astrology, tarot, design inspiration, and real talk about how to support your clients not just aesthetically—but energetically. WHY THIS CONVERSATION MATTERS In a time where the building industry often prioritizes speed and scale, this episode is a grounding reminder that slowness, integrity, and beauty still matter. Fireclay is proof that innovation doesn’t have to mean cutting corners—it can mean digging deeper. Whether you’re a designer, a homeowner, or just someone who wants to bring more intention into your spaces, this episode will inspire you to think about materials—and relationships—in a whole new way. HIGHLIGHTS WE COVER: * Caitlyn’s path from social work to sustainable tile * Why Fireclay puts people and planet over profit (and still thrives) * How handmade tile becomes a tool for storytelling and legacy * Why community and creativity are at the heart of their business model * What to expect from the Summer Solstice Gathering in Costa Mesa COME JOIN US! Summer Solstice Event Fireclay Showroom, Costa Mesa, CA Thursday, June 13 | 4–7pm Astrology, tarot, sacred intention setting, community connection, and so much more. RSVP Here [https://www.eventbrite.com/e/summer-solstice-a-metaphysical-networking-event-for-business-growth-tickets-1345651823829?utm-campaign=social] CONNECT WITH CAITLYN + FIRECLAY 👉 fireclaytile.com [https://www.fireclaytile.com/] 👉 @fireclaytile [https://www.instagram.com/fireclaytile] on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest, YouTube, and Facebook ONE LAST THING… At the very end of our chat, I asked Caitlyn what she does to stay grounded—and her answer gave me chills. From daily meditation to sending one heartfelt message to someone every day, her practice is a beautiful reminder that presence is power. Whether it’s a tile, a text, or a ritual, we all have the ability to infuse our lives with more meaning. I hope this conversation inspires you to do just that. My Best, Rachel