We were lucky to catch up with Tyka Pryde Edwards recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Tyka, thanks for joining us today. We’d love to start by getting your thoughts on what you are seeing as some the biggest trends emerging in your industry.

One of the biggest trends I’m seeing right now in the interior design industry is the rise of wellness focused design. It’s no longer just about creating a beautiful space, it’s about creating an environment that improves the mental and physical health of the people living there. From infrared saunas in bathrooms to skin care devices once reserved for high-end spas now being integrated into home designs, wellness is truly at the forefront of luxury living.

I actually worked on a project recently where a client wanted to transform their home into a sanctuary of wellness. So, we designed this incredible space that included a steam room, an infrared sauna, a pilates room, and even a meditation room with grounding materials to create a deep sense of calm. It wasn’t just about the aesthetics; it was about how the design could enhance their well-being on a daily basis. I think that’s the opportunity here—homes becoming a place of healing and restoration, not just a place to live.

But with this trend comes a concern about accessibility. These features can be quite costly, and the conversation often centers around high-end homes. That’s why I’m passionate about finding ways to bring wellness into more modest homes and budgets, which I think is where the real innovation lies. It’s not just about the price tag; it’s about designing spaces with intention. That’s a shift I hope to see more of in the future—making wellness accessible for everyone, not just the ultra-wealthy

Tyka, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Absolutely! I’d love to share my story. I’m Tyka Pryde, a passionate interior designer and Emmy nominated production designer, specializing in transforming spaces not just for aesthetics but for how they make people feel. I’ve had the incredible opportunity to work on home renovation shows like Queer Eye, Extreme Makeover Home Edition, Honest Renovations and Rock the Block. I also run my own interior design business, working with private clients to elevate their homes, focusing on individuality, beauty and wellness.

My journey into this industry started with my love for creativity and storytelling. I’ve always believed that our spaces should reflect our personalities and tell a story about who we are. I graduated with a BFA in film making to become a director and broke into the world of television production design, where I found that merging my love for design with media was the perfect way to inspire people on a larger scale.

What sets my work apart is my dedication to creating immersive environments. I believe in using design as a tool for healing and empowerment. For me, it’s not just about making a space look beautiful; it’s about transforming lives. I focus on incorporating elements of wellness into my designs, creating spaces that reduce stress, which is something I’m truly passionate about.

One of the things I’m most proud of is my ability to create content that resonates with people. Through social media, I’ve been able to share design tips that help everyday people turn their homes into luxurious, functional spaces, even on a budget.

Ultimately, I want people to know that my brand is about more than just pretty spaces—it’s about creating environments that support your well-being and reflect your unique personality. Whether I’m working on a high-end project or helping someone with a more modest budget, my goal is always to leave a lasting, positive impact.

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

One of the biggest lessons I had to unlearn is that perfectionism is not the same as excellence. I used to think that to be successful, every single detail had to be flawless, every design had to be “perfect” by my own rigid standards, and nothing less would do. But what I’ve learned over time, especially working in fast-paced environments like television production, is that perfectionism can actually hold you back. It can create unnecessary stress and prevent you from moving forward or from embracing creative risks that might take a project to the next level.

I had a pivotal moment on set of a home renovation show when we were running out of time to complete a space before filming. I was obsessing over tiny details—things the average viewer would never even notice. But my team was behind schedule, and I had to make a decision: stick to my perfectionism or focus on the bigger picture, which was delivering a space that felt right, even if it wasn’t 100% flawless. I chose the latter, and the end result was stunning. It wasn’t “perfect” in the way I had originally envisioned, but it was beautiful, functional, and the homeowners loved it. That’s when I realized that excellence means knowing when to let go, trusting the process, and valuing progress over perfection.

This was a huge shift for me, especially as a creative person who puts so much of my heart into my work. It helped me realize that success comes not from getting every little thing right, but from being adaptable, resourceful, and open to change. I had to unlearn the idea that my value as a designer was tied to how “perfect” my work appeared, and instead embrace the idea that it’s the impact and the feeling my designs create that truly matter.

This has not only freed me creatively but also allowed me to build stronger relationships with my clients and collaborators. It’s also made my work much more fun because I’m no longer paralyzed by the fear of making a mistake. I focus on delivering something meaningful, not something “perfect,” and that has made all the difference.

How did you build your audience on social media?

For me, it almost did happen overnight! I remember the moment I decided to stop just passively scrolling TikTok and realized that there weren’t many interior designers on the platform who looked like me. I knew I had something new to say, and that’s when everything changed. I wanted to teach people how to make their individuality shine in their designs instead of just copying what they saw on Pinterest. So, I posted my first video, and within that first month, I gained 30,000 followers. It was wild!

What made the difference was my focus on giving people actionable content they could actually use in their homes. I wasn’t just showing off pretty spaces—I was teaching, inspiring, and encouraging people to take creative risks. Staying consistent and truly engaging with my community has been the key to my success. When you connect with your audience, respond to their questions, and provide real value, that’s when the magic happens.

For anyone just starting out on social media, I’d say find what makes you unique and lean into that. There’s an audience for everyone, but you have to show up authentically and consistently. Don’t just post to post—make sure you’re offering something of value that resonates with people. And most importantly, engage with your community. The more you connect, the more people will feel invested in your journey and want to stick around.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://tykapryde.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tykapryde/
• Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@tykapryde

Image Credits

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