We were lucky to catch up with Nikki Klugh recently and have shared our conversation below.
Nikki, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.
One of the biggest, most transformative risks I’ve taken in my career was when I decided to dive into the world of social media and video content—long before it became the powerful branding tool it is today. Years ago, I started broadcasting my work and design tips live on Facebook. At that time, live streaming wasn’t nearly as popular or well-understood as it is now. I’d have a few viewers here and there, and I remember feeling like the only person who cared to tune in was my mom! Yet, something inside me whispered that if I stayed consistent, there could be value beyond the numbers I was seeing.
The challenge was maintaining faith in the process even when the immediate results weren’t there. I was investing time, energy, and a lot of my heart into these videos, but the response felt minimal. A good friend, who foresaw the rise of video in all aspects of social media, encouraged me to keep going, reminding me that this work was preparing me for opportunities that were yet to come.
She was right! Eventually, these early videos did exactly that. A few years later, those same videos paved the way for an incredible opportunity: I was cast in a national commercial for a well-known brand. I never could have predicted that my small Facebook Live audience would be the foundation for a career milestone that offered unparalleled exposure for my business. Those videos served as a visual portfolio for the casting director, gave me countless hours of practice, and, most importantly, built my confidence in front of the camera.
After that commercial, I became more adept with the sharing of my education and experience in the industry, to the point that I felt secure in my decision to create and produce my own interior design show, “On The Move with Nikki Klugh”. We filmed 6 episodes of design transformations from start to finish and the least stressful part was me being in front of the camera.
Taking that risk taught me that success often demands a commitment to consistency and courage, even when the rewards seem far off. The experience taught me the importance of trusting the journey, staying true to my passion, and recognizing that every small step might be building towards something greater. That commercial ran for six weeks and introduced NIKKI KLUGH DESIGN GROUP to a whole new audience, solidifying my belief that every risk, no matter how uncertain it feels in the moment, can be worth taking.
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.
I’m Nikki Klugh, founder and principal designer of NIKKI KLUGH DESIGN GROUP, INC., where we specialize in transforming ordinary spaces into “sacred spaces.” My journey into design began in a very personal way. Growing up, I always loved creating beautiful, inviting environments—a passion I shared with my mother, who encouraged our weekend transformations around the house. However, it wasn’t until I had my second son and found myself frequently redesigning our home as my Navy doctor husband and I moved from place to place that I realized interior design could be a meaningful, impactful career.
Our mission at NIKKI KLUGH DESIGN GROUP is to create sanctuaries that truly reflect our clients’ lifestyles and inner worlds. We work with clients who are looking to elevate their surroundings, transforming not just the look but the feel of their homes, offices, or other spaces. Our team provides a comprehensive range of services, including construction consulting, new construction, full home remodels, kitchen and bath remodels, custom furnishings, space planning, renderings, and architectural drawings. We also take pride in our project management expertise, ensuring a seamless, high-touch experience from concept to completion.
One thing that sets us apart is our unique approach to “Designing to the Senses,” which combines color theory, sensory elements, and design psychology to create spaces that feel as good as they look. Each design is highly personalized, grounded in an in-depth assessment of each client’s preferences, lifestyle, and personality, enabling us to curate spaces that feel luxurious, rejuvenating, and personal. This method also allows us to tailor the atmosphere to each individual’s emotional and sensory preferences, so every element speaks directly to them.
I’m particularly proud of reaching a major milestone in 2022—achieving our goal of grossing a million dollars in annual revenue. But beyond financial success, this accomplishment represents the trust our clients place in us and the growth of a company that supports communities, creates jobs, and enables us to give back. One of our initiatives I’m most passionate about is Move-In Day Mafia, a project where we design dorm spaces for students at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). Projects like these are close to my heart, as they allow us to create beautiful, nurturing environments for deserving students, many of whom are navigating significant life transitions.
At the heart of our work is the belief that everyone deserves a space that makes them feel loved, inspired, and at peace. We’re not simply designing homes or offices; we’re curating experiences, environments that renew our clients’ spirits and allow them to live fully in spaces that reflect who they truly are. For me, there’s no greater joy than helping people fall in love with their surroundings and seeing the transformative impact that a well-designed space can have on their lives.
If there’s one thing I want clients and followers to know about NIKKI KLUGH DESIGN GROUP, INC., it’s that we’re here to bring a sense of serenity, elegance, and personal connection to every project. Our promise is to create extraordinary spaces that offer peace of mind, comfort, and a touch of luxury in the everyday.
Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?
A lesson I had to unlearn was that success can come from one “big break.” Early in my career, I remember getting a call from a well-known celebrity who was interested in working with me. It felt surreal, like I had finally “made it,” and I believed this one project would singlehandedly catapult my business to new heights. I envisioned how this collaboration would put me on the map and open doors to even more high-profile clients.
Surprisingly, reality unfolded differently. While the project went well, it didn’t lead to the fame or immediate growth I had expected. Looking back, I see it as a pivotal moment, one where I realized that sustainable success is a gradual journey, built on consistency, resilience, and a long-term vision rather than one defining opportunity. This celebrity project was not a silver bullet, and that was a valuable, grounding lesson for me.
That experience taught me to focus on my craft, serve each client with care and dedication, and prioritize building meaningful relationships rather than waiting for a single breakthrough. I began to understand that true success in this industry comes from the accumulation of efforts, the trust you build, and the passion you infuse into each project. Letting go of the “big break” mindset allowed me to stay committed to my work and, over time, build a business that reflects my values and vision.
How do you keep in touch with clients and foster brand loyalty?
For me, fostering strong client relationships goes far beyond the end of a project—it’s about creating a lasting connection that honors the personal nature of the work we’ve done together. Designing a space is an intimate process; I get to know my clients’ tastes, needs, and lifestyles, and my team and I invest ourselves fully in creating a home that reflects their essence. This depth of connection makes it natural to stay in touch long after the project wraps up.
I reach out regularly to check in on how the space is working for them and to see if there are any ways we can support them with smaller updates or seasonal design ideas. I also send thoughtful, personalized notes or gifts to celebrate special occasions or milestones, so they know they are remembered and valued. Beyond this, our team invites clients to our private events or design workshops and keeps them engaged with our work through a quarterly magazine filled with curated design tips, trends, and insider news.
We also ensure that each client feels part of our design family by creating a comfortable, seamless experience from start to finish. My goal is that they feel the same sense of care, attention, and dedication they experienced during the design process. This personal approach is how we’ve cultivated a loyal client base that not only returns to us for new projects but also refers us to their family and friends. It’s an honor to have clients who trust us deeply and view our services as an investment in their happiness and lifestyle.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://NikkiKlughDesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nikkiklughdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NikkiKlughDesign
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nikkiklugh/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@OnTheMoveWithNikkiKlugh? sub_confirmation=1
- Other: NKDG YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@NIKKIKLUGHDESIGNGROUP? sub_confirmation=1
The Create Your Sacred Space Podcast with Nikki Klugh: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/create-your-sacred-space/id1703712697
Complimentary Discovery Call: https://bit.ly/DCCanvasRebel
Image Credits
Jim Brady – Brady Architectural Photography
Rich Mino – Mino Pro Media Group
Patrick Bertolino – Starlight Images, Inc.
Bill Sitzmann – Sitzmann Photography