We recently connected with Erika Demshar and have shared our conversation below.
Erika, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
One of the biggest ways Erika Demshar Design differs from the traditional interior design industry is in how I make design feel accessible, attainable, and approachable for everyday people. Having my experience in home staging and not in traditional interior design, I bring a fresh take on what design is.
The design industry often focuses on luxury projects with high budgets, making it seem like great design is only for those doing full-scale renovations. But I believe beautiful, functional spaces should be within reach for anyone, no matter their budget or style confidence.
That’s why I approach design differently—I meet people where they are. Whether it’s a new homeowner feeling overwhelmed with furniture placement or someone wanting a refresh without replacing everything, I provide practical, stylish solutions that work with what they already have while helping them discover what truly lights them up in their home. And helping them fall in love with their homes once again.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
Hi! I’m Erika, I’m the founder of Erika Demshar Design – Your Everyday Designer. I’m a mom to two amazing boys, Devan (14) and Ty (11), a wife to Brett, the most supportive husband, and fur-mom to Paisley Love our energetic Husky/Shepherd rescue puppy. My happy place is my home in Walnut Creek, CA. And when I’m not designing, you’ll find me with a martini in hand, floating on a lake or hunting for treasures at HomeGoods
My journey into the design world started with home staging. I co-owned a home staging business, Staged the Magnolia Way, for nearly six years, where I transformed homes to appeal to buyers. I loved the creative process, the problem-solving, and the way staging a home could completely shift the energy of a space. But when my business partnership unexpectedly ended, I found myself at a crossroads. I wasn’t ready to let go of what I had built, and honestly, walking away from a steady, successful business was terrifying.
But that transition also forced me to take a step back and ask myself: What do I truly love about design? I realized my passion wasn’t just in staging homes for sale—it was in helping people create homes they love living in every day. That’s when Erika Demshar Design was born.
I work with homeowners who want a fresh start in their space but don’t know where to begin. My clients are often people who:
– Just moved into a new home and need help arranging their furniture so it feels right in their new space.
– Have lived in their home for years but feel like their style is outdated or uninspiring.
– Struggle with decorating because they don’t know how to mix and match furniture, colors, and accessories.
– Want a designer’s eye without committing to a full-scale renovation or luxury interior design budget.
I offer hourly home styling and design services, helping clients with everything from furniture placement to selecting decor & finishes, styling shelves, and creating a space that feels effortlessly pulled together. I also provide Room Refresh services, where I guide homeowners through a design update—whether that means rearranging what they have, adding new pieces, or shopping together to bring their vision to life.
There are a lot of interior designers out there, but what makes me different is my approachable design. I don’t believe design has to be expensive or intimidating—I believe it should be attainable for everyone. I meet my clients where they are, working within their budget and their existing pieces whenever possible. I want my clients to feel like they have a designer bestie—someone who listens, understands their needs, and helps them bring out the best in their space without pressure or perfectionism.
Starting over with Erika Demshar Design was one of the scariest things I’ve ever done, but also one of the most fulfilling. I’m most proud of the fact that I didn’t let fear stop me. I took a leap, trusted my passion, and built a business that aligns with what truly makes me happy. Every time a client tells me, “I finally love my home again,” or “I never knew my space could feel this good,” I know I’m exactly where I’m meant to be.
At the end of the day, I want people to know that great design isn’t just for magazines or million-dollar homes—it’s for you. Your home should feel like a reflection of who you are, and I’m here to help you make that happen in a way that feels fun, easy, and exciting.
If you’re looking for someone to help you refresh your space, style your home, or just give you the confidence to make design decisions, I’d love to work with you! Let’s create a home that truly lights you up inside.
Have you ever had to pivot?
Pivoting isn’t always a choice—it’s sometimes the only path forward. After nearly six years of building a successful home staging business, I found myself facing an unexpected ending. My business partner decided to step away, and suddenly, everything I had poured my heart and energy into was no longer mine to grow. I had to sell my half of the business, and while it was technically my choice, it didn’t feel like one. At the time, I couldn’t see how I could run an entire staging company on my own. It felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me.
The months that followed were some of the hardest. I grieved the loss—not just of the business, but of the identity I had built around it. I questioned everything. Could I start over? Did I even want to? What did I truly love about what I had been doing? What did I want to do in life?
Slowly, clarity came. I realized that what I loved most wasn’t just staging homes to sell—it was the creative process of making spaces feel beautiful. And not just for buyers, but for the people who actually live in them. I wanted to help everyday homeowners create homes that felt like them—without the pressure of luxury budgets or major renovations. That’s when Erika Demshar Design – Your Everyday Designer was born.
Starting over was terrifying. I had to rebuild everything—my website, my marketing, my client base. I had to put myself out there in an entirely new way. I had to push past the fear of failure and the doubt that whispered, What if this doesn’t work? But I refused to let fear stop me. As my best friend advised me, “do it scared Erika!”
And so, I did.
Today, I help people style and refresh their homes in ways that are beautiful, attainable, and true to who they are. I teach them how to decorate without breaking the bank, so they don’t feel guilty changing things up in a few years. And most of all, I help them see the potential in their spaces—and in themselves.
This pivot wasn’t just about changing careers. It was about rebuilding confidence, trusting my creativity, and proving to myself that I could rise again. I’m still building. I’m still learning. But every day, I choose to show up, push forward, and believe in what I’m creating. It’s been my unexpected beginning.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
For most of my life, I’ve been a people pleaser. I avoided confrontation, withheld my true thoughts, and did whatever I could to keep the peace. But over time, I realized that the more I pleased, the less people actually knew me. And for as long as I can remember, all I’ve ever wanted was to be seen and accepted for who I truly am. Yet, I was the one hiding—afraid that if I was too honest, I might not be liked.
Unlearning this hasn’t been easy. It’s meant facing the discomfort of disappointing people. It’s meant letting go of the “good girl” version of me who prioritized likability over authenticity. But in doing so, I’ve finally given myself permission to take up space—to have a voice, to be both honest and kind, to trust that I matter just as I am.
This shift has been everything in my journey as a solopreneur. When you work for yourself, there’s no one else validating you—you have to be your own source of belief and confidence. I’ve had to unlearn the idea that my worth is tied to other people’s approval and instead, step into a mindset of self-trust and boldness. I’m no longer shrinking myself to fit someone else’s expectations. I’m here, I’m taking up space, and I’m owning my place in the design industry—unapologetically.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.erikademshardesign.com
- Instagram: @erikademshardesign
- Facebook: Erika Demshar Design
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/erikademshar/
- Other: Threads: @erikademshardesign
Tik Tok: @erikademshardesign
Image Credits
Stacy Antonopolous