I have incredible admiration for people who can look at a space and, in their mind, knock down walls, lay down floors, paint walls, and see a clear vision for its transformation.
I do not have this skill.
When Vince and I were house hunting, I got the major ick walking into some spaces.
If a place is dated, dark, ugly or — God forbid — smelly, I have a hard time seeing past that to the grand possibilities.
That takes a special skill, and homeowner and interior designer Diana Pierre-Louis has it.
She purchased her home in Hypoluxo, Florida with a vision to transform it into a quietly coastal haven for her family.
When you watch her home tour, you’ll hear all about her design choices, DIY tips, and bargain finds, but what you won’t hear about is what first sparked her interest in home design.
Diana grew up in her father’s carpet shop. She remembers being five years old and playing hide-and-go-seek with her cousins between the carpet rolls in the warehouse.
She observed her father work with interior designers, and realized at a young age what most kids probably don’t notice — there are lots of choices for what goes on a floor.
As she got older, she’d spend her summers helping in the shop and deepening her love for design.
As an adult, Diana always styled her interiors with intention, but she didn’t pursue it professionally until the age of 40 — during the COVID-19 pandemic, with two kids and a husband.
She was able to tell her father that she graduated from her program before he passed away, an accomplishment they could proudly share.
I’m amazed by the before and after photos of Diana’s home — seeing the transformation and her incredible talent.
But what felt even more amazing was learning more about her, and understanding that her bond with her family is at the root of who she is as a designer.
That family bond is what cultivated her interests, which developed into a passion.
Now, Diana is creating a beautiful home for her own children, carrying forward her father’s legacy.
When you walk through her home, you see beautiful finishes, creative DIY projects, and a designer’s eye for detail.
But underneath all of that is something even more enduring: a daughter’s love and a father’s influence.
And it all started in a carpet shop.
This is my hobby. 