Wow—nine years of Lavish Interiors and More.
While everyone else is looking back at 2016 on social media, I’m looking back at 2017: the year I traded the safety of an architectural firm for a desk in a converted lunchroom. Since then, there have been countless selections made, problems solved, and custom homes nurtured from the first scoop of dirt to the final pillow fluffed.
It hasn’t always been easy. I remember the years of being spread too thin—working 7 am to 7 pm. But having my daughter, Karley, provided a natural reset. It gave me the space to realize my innate desire isn’t just to be a great Mom and design beautiful homes; it’s to serve, inspire, and spread love, beauty, and peace.
I’ve learned that I don’t have to choose. I can be a great Mom, design high-end custom homes for incredible clients, and increase the world’s growth-minded thinking. Today, Lavish is about both: the technical precision of a build and the manifestation of personal abundance. But to understand the “More” of where we are going, you have to see the blueprints of how it all began.
The Foundation: A Master’s Degree in Reality
Before founding Lavish Interiors and More in 2017, my education wasn’t confined to just lecture halls. It was earned in the drafting rooms of high-end residential architectural firms and on the muddy job sites of multi-million-dollar builds.
My career began at 17. While my peers were earning high school credit in retail jobs, I convinced my principal to let me leave early to work at an architecture firm. I had already taken every architectural class my school offered—I was hungry for the real thing. By 20, I was buying and remodeling my first home. By my late 20s, I had experienced both the heights of luxury and the depths of an economic crash.
That crash took my husband’s businesses, our multi-million-dollar primary home, our multi-million-dollar lake house, and the life we had together. But it gave me something far more valuable: a priceless lesson in what true “abundance” really means.
Before launching my own business, I spent years as the right hand to a luxury builder, managing budgets, vendors, and the high-stakes complexities of custom construction. I realized that if I could build a house from the ground up, I could certainly build a design business that prioritized my clients’ experience above all else.
The Era of Custom Homes (2017–2021)
In 2017, I officially stepped out on my own. My first office was a tiny, converted lunchroom in one of St. Louis’s most prestigious architectural firms. By day, I worked tirelessly to earn the trust of some of the industry’s best architects. By night, I was either with my family or attending networking events to build my reputation.
Eventually, I succeeded. I became the “relief” for high-end custom home clients, guiding them through the overwhelming process of building their dream homes.
I’ll never forget one client telling me, “Without your guidance, I would’ve been curled up in a fetal position from the stress.” That moment was a revelation: my work wasn’t just about design or selections—it was about protecting my clients’ peace.
The Necessary Pause & A New Perspective
By late 2021, my career had incredible momentum, but life called for a different kind of build: an addition to our family. Pressing pause to welcome our daughter, Karley James—our most incredible surprise—wasn’t easy. I knew I could return to my career, but I also knew the landscape would be different.
For a few years, I tried to “spin my wheels” from home, but as both a mother and a business owner, I realized I couldn’t function at my best without a dedicated space to create.
Last year, I took a leap and leased the space I’m in now. It has been life-changing. This isn’t just an office; it’s a physical manifestation of personal abundance. See our office transformation in progress in the video below:
Back in 2017, I was thrilled just to have a desk. Today, I’m building a sacred space where my team, vendors, and family can coexist. I envision a future where samples are beautifully organized, designs are spread out on large tables, and creativity has room to breathe. This space is more than an office—it’s a place where we inspire love, beauty, and peace, not just for our clients but for ourselves.
The Future: Manifesting Abundance in 2026
So, what does the “More” in Lavish Interiors and More truly mean as we step into this next chapter? It’s about going beyond design—sharing practical systems that simplify life, inspiring others to elevate their spaces and lifestyles, and offering accessible solutions that create meaningful change. All while continuing to collaborate with incredible clients to design stunning, one-of-a-kind custom homes.
Here’s a glimpse of what’s ahead:
- The Lavish Calendar: A system designed to help you see your year at a glance and to live intentionally because your best year starts with a plan. Dream it, map it, and make it happen by carving out “pockets of peace” for travel, family, and self-care amidst professional commitments.
- Curated Inspiration: Through my LTK and Amazon shops, I’m sharing my favorite finds to help you create a home and life that feel effortlessly beautiful.
- Studio Mini Sessions: You don’t need a multi-million-dollar contract to experience the Lavish touch. Our new mini-sessions offer a professional refresh for your space with ease and confidence.
- Custom Home Design: My heart remains in the “bones” of a home. I’m actively partnering with architects, designing custom homes and taking on full-home remodels, bringing 20+ years of unique expertise to every square foot.
Celebrating 9 Years of Lavish
Nine years ago, Lavish Interiors and More was just the beginning of building my dream. Today, it’s a thriving reality, built on resilience, creativity, and a deep passion for helping others live beautifully. This anniversary isn’t just about looking back—it’s about looking forward to a future of Personal Abundance.
As I look toward the “More” of 2026, I am being more intentional than ever with my time and my craft. To ensure I can provide the high-level guidance and peace of mind my clients deserve, I am currently limiting my custom home design and major remodel intake to just 2–3 additional new builds. If you are ready to start the journey from the first scoop of dirt to the final pillow fluffed, please reach out to me directly at [email protected] to discuss your vision and secure your spot for the coming year.
Thank you for being part of these last nine years. I am so grateful for the clients, collaborators, and supporters who have been part of this journey. I can’t wait to help you manifest a life of true abundance in the year ahead—creating spaces and lives that are truly, deeply Lavish.
Inspiring a life of personal abundance—built on beauty, peace, and functional perfection.
