Forewarning: you might be stuck here for a while, but, I promise you’ll leave feeling inspired. Inspired, not only by this thoughtfully designed and styled home, but by the amazing mother/daughter design duo behind the scenes, Megan and Dawn of E. Interiors. We’re chatting with them about how they got their start, how they’ve grown an engaged Instagram community of 80k+, what the e-design process looks like, the biggest lesson they’ve learned as business owners and so much more. So whether you’re here purely for the home inspiration or want to take your own biz to the next level, there’s something here for everyone. You might also leave feeling a tad bit envious of this too-good-to-be-true home built by AFT Construction that Nick Sorensen shot so beautifully. But hey, that’s what Pinterest is for, right? And if you aren’t already, make sure to follow along with E. Interiors, our newest lifestyle creatives on The List!
Can you tell us the story behind E. Interiors? How did you both get your start and how did that turn into a successful mother-daughter business?
Being a mother/daughter design team is honestly just really fun! My mom started decorating for other people over 20 years ago when people started asking for her advice based on her own home. That turned into staging homes for realtors to help sell their properties. I would always help with jobs when I could because I loved the creative process so much. It was a snowball effect from there and soon enough people were asking my mom to consult on homes they were building or renovating. Having started a few side businesses to help my family get through school (I did photography, started a pillow company and a baby clothing line), I learned a lot about what it takes to get things off the ground. Once my husband graduated from dental school and settled down, I approached my mom about partnering and making this “side gig” an official business. That was in 2015 and the last 3 years have been so much unexpected growth, learning experiences and an amazing amount of excitement for us. We now have a handful of people on our team and stay super busy doing what we love!
How would you describe the E. Interiors design style in just three words?
Fresh, Timeless, Inviting
Can you walk us through what a typical e-design process looks like? Who is e-design right for?
We start the e-design process by gathering inspiration from our client as well as any specifics or needs they have for the space. The more information we can get from our client up front, the more efficient the process is. Once we have the initial consultation, we create a design board. We then present it to the client and go through a round of revisions based on their feedback. We wrap up the project when the final design board is presented to the client with all the resources and links they need to implement the design into their space.
E-design is perfect for anyone who doesn’t quite know how to execute their vision for make their space/spaces come together. It’s for someone who can trust in the process of not being 100% hands on. We’ve found that when people can wait to see it all come together, they are happier with the overall result compared to someone who feels the need to be involved in every decision along the way.
What is one thing you do to start your morning off on a productive foot?
Dawn: I make my bed first thing and listen to an inspiring message while I get ready.
Megan: I make sure and exercise right off the bat and take a minute to make a list of everything I need to get done that day before my kids get home from school.
You’ve grown a beautifully engaged Instagram community around E.Interiors (we love following along!). What tips do you have for others trying to grow their social presence?
Thank you so much, I appreciate that! If I am being honest, Instagram has been a love/hate for me over the years. I used to spend way too much time stressing about it and focusing on the numbers. It wasn’t a healthy balance. I had a mental shift last year (it was kind of forced with my pregnancy sickness) and decided to let go of the “Instagram rules” I had researched, heard about and took classes on. I knew I needed to focus on quality over quantity and if that meant not being 100% consistent with posting, that was fine. It was then, when I was just being totally authentic, that our growth really came. It’s a gradual process and nothing happens over night. The best advice I could give is to put your head down, not compare yourself, and just be real. Just like I do, I’m sure you probably see right through the copycat Instagrammers. Just be real, that’s all 🙂
How important do you think it is to have a blog that compliments a design business? What are the benefits?
I think having a blog/website presence in our line of work is crucial in showing off past, present and current projects. Everything we do is visual, so having this platform is essential, especially because people refer to our blog for ideas and inspiration. I wish there was more time in the day so I could blog more often, (my non tech savvy mom doesn’t know how to type in a URL) but I like that it’s one more way to show our personalities and who we are in our family and business.
What is the most valuable lesson you’ve learned as a business owners?
You can’t do everything yourself, there just aren’t enough hours in the day. Know your strengths, play to those, and delegate the rest. It may take some time to get to the point where you can afford to hire help, but the second you can, do it! The second we were able to hire design help, our business really blossomed. Also, everyone has value and there is room for everyone…good vibes only!
What is your number one tip for crafting a beautiful home?
Mix textures and make it functional! Simple as that, right?!
If you could nominate a designer on the rise that you’re currently loving, who would it be?
Oh man, there are so many! But I’d have to say Amber Interiors or Sarah Sherman Samuel – their style is right in line with my own personal style.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
To have a friend, you must be a friend. Guess who taught me that? My mom! I think this rule applies personally and in business. Relationships are the most important aspect of life in general.
If you had to use only ONE paint color throughout a home, what would it be?
Simply White
Instagram account(s) you’re currently crushing on:
I just discovered @cafeappliances – their appliances are unreal! We also just started a new IG @einteriors.everday to share our favorite items that make everyday life a little better!
Current favorite book and/or podcast:
The Magnolia Story
Top three favorite home decor shops:
Hard to pick just 3, but Anthropologie, CB2 and Urban Outfitters offer some real gems
Beats usually playing in your studio:
If by studio, you mean mini van with 4 kids in tow… Lauv, LANY or Imagine Dragons. Haha, real life!
Interior Design: E. Interiors | Photography: Nick Sorensen | Builder: AFT Construction
