A surprising trend is emerging in homes today: people who don't feel comfortable in their own spaces.
Interior Designer Nicole Gudeman hears the complaints of unwanted walls, limited storage and rooms that are too small–or too big–for a cohesive decor style.
That's why she's quietly revolutionizing the way people experience their homes–from multi-million-dollar manors to $300,000 middle-income residences.
As the owner of New Era Designs, a boutique interior design firm, Nicole combines science with artistry to create spaces that resonate deeply with the people who inhabit them.
Her philosophy is quite simple: Design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about functionality, psychology and, above all, creating a sense of home.
Nicole didn’t always envision herself as a designer. Her journey began at Michigan State University, where she initially pursued dentistry.
“I thought I wanted to be a dentist,” she recalls with a laugh. “But then I started taking interior design courses to fulfill elective requirements. I’d leave class, call my mom and just gush about everything I’d learned. It felt like the perfect marriage of art, science and math.”
That spark led her to transfer to the prestigious College for Creative Studies (CCS), where she earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design.
“People think of interior design as purely artistic, but to me, it’s a science,” she explains. “There’s a psychological foundation behind every design choice, from the colors on the walls to the layout of the furniture. We create spaces that not only look good but also feel good to live in.”
This meticulous approach has become her hallmark, as she begins the process with her clients’ unique needs and lifestyles.
“Every home is a puzzle,” she says. “You have to consider how the space will be used, who’s living there and what makes them comfortable. For some clients, that might mean designing a compact kitchen that minimizes walking distance during meal prep. For others, it’s about creating a living room that doubles as a home theater for family movie nights.”
Her commitment to functionality extends to her business model. Nicole offeres a transparent, client-friendly pricing structure.
“I don’t mark up furniture or materials, and I pass on my trade discounts directly to my clients. It creates a mutually beneficial relationship and helps make design accessible to everyone.”
It’s almost a mission with Nicole. “There are so many people with homes in the $300,000 to $600,000 range who don’t think they can afford an interior designer,” she says. “With me, they can.”
Accessibility is a cornerstone of Nicole’s mission. “I’ve worked on homes ranging from 1,000 square feet with tight budgets to $1.6 million properties with expansive floor plans,” she says. “The goal is always the same: to make your space feel like home, no matter your budget.”
This philosophy is exemplified in one of her favorite projects—a redesign for a family in Troy with a small budget but unique needs.
“Both the husband and son have ADHD, and the family felt more at ease in the grandparents’ home than their own,” Nicole shares. “The goal was to bring more comfort and organization to their home. I approached it like solving a puzzle, reimagining their floor plan to create a calming, cohesive environment. Seeing the mom tear up during our first meeting was incredibly rewarding. That’s why I do this.”
Nicole’s portfolio includes commercial spaces, such as multifamily housing and dental offices.
“I enjoy blending the personal touch of residential design with the functionality of commercial spaces,” she notes. Her expertise in both realms, coupled with a burgeoning reputation for photorealistic renderings, has set her apart. Through her secondary venture, The Render House, Nicole creates lifelike visualizations that help clients and fellow designers envision their projects with clarity.
“Renderings make a huge difference,” she explains. “You can see exactly how your space will look, down to the finishes and furniture. It eliminates guesswork and makes decision-making so much easier.”
When asked what drives her, Nicole’s passion is palpable.
“I designed my home to be my sanctuary, and the joy I feel here is immeasurable,” she says. “I want everyone to feel that way in their own space. Your home should be a source of comfort and happiness. It’s not about trends or luxury for its own sake. It’s about creating a place where you can truly be yourself.”
Visit NewEraDesigned.com or call Nicole at (248) 330-6380 for a consultation.
(DESIGNER: Please place this somewhere):
Special thanks to our friends at Ghiordes Knot (248.643.0333) for availing their gorgeous showroom in the Michigan Design Center in Troy. Their luxurious new and antique carpets from around the world are a treasure to any project.