How Interior Designer LeAnne Sofia Turned Her House Into A Home

When decorating a space, according to interior designer LeAnne Sofia, it’s important to fill it with meaningful items that help transform it from a house to a home. It’s so easy in today’s day, to follow the latest trends found on Instagram, but trends come and go. A home full of meaningful items and items that you love (new or old) is timeless. LeAnne works to help people design their ideal space to make it their own through her edesign interior design company, Pretty Olive Interiors. Learn more about LeAnne and take a peek into her home in this post below.

What is Pretty Olive Interiors?

Pretty Olive Interiors is an edesign service. Clients can purchase different packages through my website depending on their needs. I offer full packages that include everything needed to put together an entire room, or refresh packages for those just looking for a few new accessories and paint colors. I also have experience helping clients that live in rental properties, and love finding temporary ways to personalize their spaces. Because it’s edesign, I can work with clients wherever they are, and still be present through video chat, text message and email throughout the entire design process. I’m very passionate about helping my clients from start to finish.

When did you know you wanted to be an interior designer?

I’ve always loved interior design. As a teenager, I rearranged my room constantly, and even put together mood boards (even though I didn’t know what they were called at the time) of my dream bedroom. When my husband and I purchased our first home, I was working as an office manager, and feeling dissatisfied. Designing our home became an outlet for my creativity. Pretty soon, friends and family were asking for my advice. Several years (and houses) later, my husband suggested I take an interior design course, and Pretty Olive came along not long after. By that time I was in my late 30s, and had finally figured out what I wanted to be!

What are some top tips our readers can use to make their house a home?

Your home should be a reflection of you. It sounds obvious, but it’s easy to rely solely on Instagram and Pinterest, and copy what others are doing when designing your home. While social media can be a great source of inspiration, it can also keep you chasing after the next trend, and that can leave you feeling frustrated and discontent. Decorate with items you love whether new or vintage. Take your time, and add things that are meaningful to you. This is your space. Make it someplace you enjoy being.

How would you describe your décor style?

Hmmm…maybe Scandi boho or boho minimalism. I’m drawn to neutral palettes, wood, plants and lots of cozy layers.

What inspires you to create?

When it comes to design, it’s the client that inspires me. I like to schedule an initial phone call with them instead of having them fill out an online questionnaire. During the call, I ask them all about their style, what they hope to accomplish in their space and have them take me on a virtual tour, if possible. Afterwards, I’m always itching to rush to my computer and design a mood board based on our conversation. It may just be a few key pieces of furniture or paint colors I think they’ll like, but I can’t relax until I get it done.

What do you wish you knew before you started Pretty Olive Interiors?

Just how competitive the world of interior design is. There are some amazing designers out there, and it can be hard to stand out. That takes great marketing, and I wish I had done more research on that before getting started.

What do you love most about being a business owner?

Definitely the flexibility! I’m a first-time mom, and I love being with my son. This allows me to set my own schedule and work from home. My husband owns his business and works from home as well, so we both get to be here to watch our son grow up. I’m incredibly thankful for that.

What are some of your self-care must-haves?

A long hot bath is my favorite form of self-care, so I always have aromatherapy bath salts on hand. I also try to take good care of my skin, and have used products from Avène for years. My favorites are the Thermal Spring Water Spray and PhysioLift eye cream. I use them every day!

How do you keep your introversion in check when you have to work with clients?

Because I’m passionate about interior design, I have no problem talking about it with my clients. Creating something always seems to make my introversion disappear, but put me in a room full of strangers and tell me I have to engage in small talk with them all night, and you’ll see me running for the exit!

Do you have any tips you can share about effectively working from home as a business owner?

Set boundaries. When I’m working with a client, I tend to become single-minded, and work around the clock to get the design finished. I have to remind myself that just because I don’t physically go to an office, it doesn’t mean I can’t clock out at a reasonable time and leave the project unfinished until morning.