Seeing beautiful interior design inspiration is always a welcome sight in our social media feeds. We spoke to four of our favorite local home + design influencers who shared with Westport Lifestyle how they got started, what inspires them, and what they love about their followings.
Gina: Decor & DIY at @beautypigeonhome
How did you become interested in design?
When I was 5 years old, we moved into a beautiful home with my family that was over 100 years old. Seeing my parents restore, renovate, paint, wallpaper—that helped me develop an eye for detail and a feeling of making home my happy place.
How did you learn to DIY?
I have a creative brain that’s always thinking of ideas. One of DIYs that I'm most proud of is a pair of nightstands that I built. It was my first time picking up a power tool!
How do you find diamonds in the rough?
From HomeGoods to estate sales—I love the hunt! If you find something, ask yourself if it fits into a moodboard [of your home]. Be intentional with what you buy, and remember that anything you love is always in style.
What’s your favorite way to transform a room?
Eliminate all visual clutter! An instant refresh, costs $0, and the reward is priceless.
What's most rewarding about building a community?
I love the feeling of inspiring others, making people laugh or feel seen. I’m forever grateful that people support what I share.
Jen, interior design @my_designport
How did you become interested in design?
Growing up, I sketched houses for fun. I realized I had an eye for design. In my TV producer career, I was always the person moving furniture around the office. One day, my boss asked me to redecorate his apartment. That project sparked something—I took design classes, assisted a designer, and landed a project with HGTV.
How would you describe your style?
My dream home would be a Scandinavian-style modern chalet. But I also swoon over modern farmhouse design. And while I wouldn’t call myself “coastal casual,” I appreciate a bleached-out beach house. My home, a compact Colonial, is a mishmash of all these influences.
How was Designport born?
When the pandemic hit, friends started asking for advice. I thought, “Why not create a Facebook group dedicated to home design?” The name Designport felt perfect for a town brimming with creative energy. I started curating content, advice and home tours and loved doing it.
What’s most rewarding about building a community?
Hearing from people who’ve connected with an interior designer, landscape designer, or artist through Designport. And I’ve met the kindest, most generous people. Their stories make the time and effort behind Designport worth it.
Caitlin, interior design @thepicketfenceprojects
How did you become interested in home design?
Even as a kid, I had strong opinions about how my mom decorated my bedroom! When my husband and I bought our first home, I started a blog to document how I was decorating and DIY projects we tackled.
What's most satisfying about DIYing?
Seeing the final result and thinking, Wow, I did that! Especially when the end result looks just as good as something professionally done.
How would you describe your design style?
I gravitate toward a mix of old and new and earthy textures and tones, in clean, uncluttered spaces. Living in Coastal Connecticut has influenced my aesthetic with a coastal nod.
With three young kids, how do you balance design and functionality?
I want my kids to feel comfortable, but my husband and I want it to reflect who we are. Storage is my best friend. I avoid making anything too precious, and embrace patina. We rely on secondhand items, so I’m not stressed if they get a little more “loved.” And magic eraser is my secret weapon!
What’s your favorite room in your home?
Our dining room. It's full of natural light, and we added custom cabinetry and a herringbone-patterned brick floor, which gives it so much character.
What's most rewarding about building a community?
Hearing that I’ve inspired someone. I’ve gained so much inspiration from others on Instagram, so being able to pay that forward is a very cool feeling!
Meredith, design-focused organization @houseofprim
How did you become interested in design/organization?
I’m a Leo and an oldest daughter, so I love beautiful things and keeping them in order. [And when I had children,] I realized that if I did not have smart systems in place, I would not survive. I found that I loved making spaces look and feel better—when they did, I was better.
What are your favorite projects to work on?
The ones that are challenging speak to the “figure it out” part of my brain. The satisfaction I get from turning [those spaces] into something wonderful is why I do it. But I love them all!
How would you describe your design style?
I'm always making a space feel warm and inviting, with color, textures, or the way you set it up. [It’s all about] classic elements, complimenting colors, and some personality!
What’s your favorite House of Prim product?
They are all my babies! I loved working on our Silicone Travel sets—curating the pieces, quality, and colors. Seeing people love and use them has been the best feeling.
What's the most rewarding part about building a community?
I started House of Prim with the idea of aspirational, attainable images that would inspire. If we help someone else, that is the best reward I can think of.