Brigette Romanek is an acclaimed interior designer and the founder of Romanek Design Studio. In this episode, Brigette shares her journey from a self-taught design enthusiast to one of the most sought-after interior designers, working with A-list clients like Gwyneth Paltrow, Beyoncé, Jay-Z, and Christian Bale.
Since launching her studio in 2018, Brigette has been consistently recognized on Architectural Digest’s AD100 and First Dibs 50 lists. She was named an Elle Decor Titan in 2024. In this conversation, she opens up about building a successful creative business, trusting her instincts over formal training, balancing luxury with functionality, and staying resilient in an ever-evolving industry.
Brigette is also the author of the bestselling book Livable Luxe, which showcases her signature design approach: beautiful, livable spaces that support and inspire. Whether you're an aspiring designer, an entrepreneur, or simply someone who loves stunning interiors, this episode is packed with wisdom, creativity, and business-savvy insights you won’t want to miss.
Timestamps:
[00:00] Introduction
[03:52] Exposure to global design through travel
[05:36] Trusting instinct over formal training
[06:01] Challenging traditional design rules
[07:11] Blending luxury with functionality
[08:52] Creating spaces that feel lived in
[09:30] Making client visions a reality
[10:21] Customizing designs for each project
[11:19] Writing the book Livable Luxe
[12:57] The power of storytelling in design
[14:07] Walking as a form of creative reset
[15:21] Finding inspiration in everyday life
[16:43] Breaking from routine to spark ideas
[17:15] Scaling a design studio without losing quality
[18:45] Lessons learned from business growth
[20:14] Building a strong team for success
[21:31] The importance of setting clear boundaries
[22:49] Navigating client expectations
[23:16] Encouraging team input and creativity
[24:42] Balancing leadership with artistic freedom
[25:06] Creating a supportive studio culture
[26:07] Learning from early business mistakes
[28:28] Expanding into product lines
[30:46] Bringing in experts to support business growth
[31:55] The importance of delegation
[34:00] Common challenges for new designers
[35:23] How Brigette's biggest client collaborations happened
[36:45] Working with high-profile clients
[37:39] The creative freedom clients give her
[38:47] Overcoming setbacks as an entrepreneur
[39:35] Staying resilient in a competitive industry
[40:36] The power of believing in yourself
[42:03] Advice for self-taught designers
Resources Mentioned:
Livable Luxe by Brigette Romanek | Book
Romanek Design Studio | Website
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