We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Vanessa Katzen a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Vanessa, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Alright, let’s jump into one of the most exciting parts of starting a new venture – how did you get your first client who was not a friend or family?

I got my first client somewhat unexpectedly—when I sold my first apartment, the buyers loved the design so much they asked to purchase it fully furnished. Shortly after, the real estate broker who handled the sale approached me to help design her own space. From there, everything took off. One project led to another, and what started as a personal passion quickly evolved into a full-fledged design career. It was such an organic beginning, and I’m incredibly grateful for how naturally the business has grown from those early opportunities.

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! For those who haven’t come across me before—I’m an interior designer who sort of stumbled into the business in the most unexpected (but perfect) way. When I sold my first apartment, the buyers loved how it was styled so much that they asked to buy it fully furnished. Then the real estate broker who handled the sale reached out and asked if I’d design her place too. That was the moment everything clicked. One project led to another, and before I knew it, I was building a business doing something I truly love.

These days, I work on a mix of residential and boutique commercial projects—everything from designing cozy family homes to refreshing stylish city apartments. I offer full-service design, which means I handle everything from space planning and picking out finishes and furniture to coordinating installations and putting in those final styling touches that make a space feel complete.

At the heart of what I do is helping people feel good in their space. So many clients come to me unsure of where to start or overwhelmed by all the decisions. My job is to take that stress off their plate, help them get clear on their vision, and bring it to life in a way that’s beautiful, functional, and personal to them. I’d say my style leans organic modern—minimal but layered with texture.

What makes me proudest is the relationships I’ve built along the way. So many of my clients come back for future projects or refer friends and family. I think that says a lot about how collaborative and personal the process is. I really care about the people I work with and the spaces I help them create.

If you’re thinking about updating your space—whether it’s one room or the whole home—I’d love to be part of that journey. I’m here to make the process smoother, more fun, and most of all, meaningful.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

As a child of immigrants growing up in New York City, I never imagined that something I loved—something creative and personal like design—could actually lead to a career. Like a lot of first-generation kids, I was raised with the idea that stability and success came from more traditional paths. Interior design always felt like a passion or a side interest, not necessarily a “real job.” But over time, I started to realize that the things I naturally gravitated toward—making spaces feel intentional, beautiful, and lived-in—were actually skills people needed and valued.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

At the heart of my creative journey is the goal of helping people feel truly at home in their space—both emotionally and physically. I believe design isn’t just about making things look good (though that part is fun!); it’s about creating environments that support how we live, how we connect, and how we unwind.

My mission has always been to blend beauty with intention—to design spaces that reflect the people who live in them, while also making everyday life a little easier, a little more peaceful, and a lot more inspired. I want clients to walk into their homes and feel an instant sense of comfort, joy, and pride.

Coming from a background where creative careers weren’t always seen as practical or “secure,” it’s been deeply motivating for me to show that doing what you love—especially in service of others—can be both fulfilling and successful. My work is personal, collaborative, and always evolving, but the mission stays the same: to create spaces that feel like home in the truest sense of the word.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://vanessakatzendesign.com
• Instagram: @vanessakatzendesign

Image Credits

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