Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Trevor Fulmer. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Hi Trevor, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to hear the backstory behind a risk you’ve taken – whether big or small, walk us through what it was like and how it ultimately turned out.
In April 2019, I launched Trevor Fulmer Design. I had recently been published in The Boston Globe and client inquiries were rolling in, but in March 2020 life came to a standstill. Covid. My client’s and I were all suddenly stuck at home. This meant no client visits, no vendor appointments, no contractor work, nothing. I thought I picked the absolute worst timing to launch my own business.
During the lockdown I asked myself, “what can I do to stay creatively sharp?” Because of my graphic design background, I knew I could create shapes, patterns, repeats, and digital textures. What was I going to do with these designs and how could they relate to my new career in interiors? A light bulb came on. I began to research wallpaper and rug manufacturers. I then took my patterns and applied them to these mediums. After months of design and research, I established Natural Principles, my first wallpaper and floor covering collection, inspired by untouched and peaceful shapes found in nature. I took a leap of faith and turned a seemingly small passion project into a thriving business.
Trevor, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
After working 13 years in the advertising industry, I felt stagnant, uninspired, and desperate for change. During this time I discovered that I had another creative skill set – interior design. I started by designing my own home, then family and friends’ homes. When I received a cold-call from a friend of a friend, I knew I developed an aesthetic other people aspired to have.
I am now Principal of Trevor Fulmer Design, a full-service Boston-based interior design studio. We create approachable modern spaces filled with unexpected “ah-ha” moments.
We believe our client’s homes are the backdrop to their life’s story. It should be filled with their most important possessions and people. Their home should evoke feelings. It should excite, provoke, comfort and convey their truth. A room is just a room until it has love, life, laughter, and maybe a cocktail or two.
Our design process is founded on building trust, growing relationships, and exceeding expectations. We partner with our clients, solve their unique needs, and help their authentic selves shine through.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
I set goals everyday and I don’t let them become overwhelming or unachievable.
Goals should scale. Today, I want to introduce myself to one new builder. This week, I want to finish our design proposal. Next month, I want to acquire one new client. Next year, I want to grow the team. Next decade, I want to collaborate with three brands and release new collections.
If I don’t meet my goals, I ask myself what can be done better next time and how can I learn from them.
Any stories or insights that might help us understand how you’ve built such a strong reputation?
1) A willingness to learn and seize every opportunity.
I was planning to attend a panel discussion. At 7am on the day of the event, I received an email from the organizer saying one of the panelists had a health-related issue and was not able to participate. The organizer asked if I would be willing to fill in at the last minute. I had no time to prepare. I didn’t know the questions. I was nervous and apprehensive. I’m a perfectionist, but I was once told, “don’t let perfection stand in the way of progress”. I didn’t want to let fear win. I said yes, prepared as much as possible, and had an incredibly rewarding experience speaking in front of industry peers.
2) A creative-focused mind backed with business and marketing intuition.
I became an interior designer to interior design (duh!), but I quickly learned that hours of my days are spent running a business. This was daunting. My background was in graphic design and marketing, but I studied, read books, hired a business coach and financial advisor, and made decisions based on educated intuition. The road was not (and is not smooth), but I’ve learned from mistakes and became laser-focused to grow and create a financially profitable business. A positive mind-set is a necessity. I refuse to fail.
Contact Info:
- Website: trevorfulmerdesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trevorfulmerdesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tfinteriordesign/
- Other: Houzz: https://www.houzz.com/pro/trevorfulmerdesign/ Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/trevorfulmerdesign/
Image Credits
Headshot: Tonya Wilhelm Primary Bedroom 1: Sabrina Cole Quinn Primary Bedroom 2: Jared Kuzia Living Area 1: Jared Kuzia Living Area 2: Trevor Fulmer Living Area 3: Sabrina Cole Quinn Home Office 1: Trevor Fulmer Dining Room 1: Jared Kuzia Entryway 1: Trevor Fulmer