Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Elizabeth Hamilton. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Elizabeth, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. The first dollar you earn in a new endeavor is always special. We’d love to hear about how you got your first client that wasn’t a friend or family.
I began telling my social circle I was an Interior Designer. After a long career in the Advertising Business it was a bit scary to change industries and start calling myself a designer even though I had gotten a degree in Interior Design in college many years ago.
I had a friend at the time who was in the home staging business and she often received requests to design homes, however, she wasn’t interested in taking her business in that direction. One day I received a call letting me know she referred me to a potential client.
What ultimately landed me this design job was my passion. The client was wonderful and she mentioned several times the reason she hired me for that first project was because she could feel how passionate I was about design and bringing her vision to life. It wasn’t my book of work, my past client referrals or my website – it was pure passion!
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.
Although formally trained with a bachelor’s degree in interior design, the greatest design lessons I learned were taught unknowingly by my mother as I watched her create beautiful spaces by carefully balancing scale, color and unique finishes. She was one of the first to hang fabric as wallpaper in our 1800’s Pennsylvania farmhouse.
Going on to study British Art & Architecture while living in London confirmed my love of mixing the traditional with pops of contemporary elements. While incorporating a fresh twist on classic interiors, I have utilized this design philosophy to create transitional spaces ranging from historic homes on the East Coast to family homes in North Texas.
Great design stems from the collaborative relationship between client and designer where the goal is creating warm, fresh and unique spaces for my clients that honor their stories. Hamilton Interiors was born from a deep passion for designing homes that are both stunning and practical. With a foundation in design and marketing, I merged creative vision with a strategic mindset to build a firm centered on collaboration and innovation. Understanding that many clients feel daunted by the design process, uncertain about where to start, or simply too busy to bring their ideas to fruition, I set out to make design approachable and enjoyable. My approach balances style and functionality, providing tailored guidance to transform each client’s dream home into reality.
Looking back, are there any resources you wish you knew about earlier in your creative journey?
Even though I had experience running a business before launching Elizabeth Hamilton Interiors, stepping into a new industry came with its own unique challenges. Design has its own language—its own systems, billing structures, contracts, vendor relationships, and operational rhythms—and learning those nuances takes time .
One of the best decisions I made early on was to surround myself with others in the design community. Joining local industry groups, participating in online forums and Facebook communities, and connecting with designers at every stage of their careers offered an invaluable sense of support. There is an incredible amount of wisdom to be gained from those who have navigated the industry for years, as well as fresh perspectives from those just starting out.
Most importantly, these connections remind you that you’re not alone. Building a design business can feel isolating at times, but immersing yourself in a community—people who truly understand the work—can accelerate your growth and give you the confidence to establish practices that serve both you and your clients well.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Reputation, in my view, is built slowly and intentionally—through countless small moments of integrity that clients may not even see but absolutely feel. In the design world, where trust is essential, those moments matter.
One of the most consistent themes that comes through in my client reviews is the value they place on communication and follow-through. Clear, consistent touchpoints and thoughtful updates help clients feel supported from the very beginning of a project to the final install. When people invite you into their homes and lives, they deserve that level of care.
Intentional communication, reliable follow-through, and an unwavering respect for the client experience—has shaped how people perceive my work. Clients often tell me that beyond the beauty of their finished spaces, it’s the process itself that left the biggest impression. And in many ways, that is the truest measure of reputation.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.elizabethhamiltoninteriors.com
- Instagram: @elizabethhamiltoninteriors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElizabethHamiltonInteriors/
- Linkedin: Elizabeth Hamilton Interiors
