Why interior design and marketing have more in common than you think

One of the questions I'm asked most often is:

"So... what is it that you actually do?"

Or, "Which one is your real job?"

The truth is, I wear two hats. And yes, people often find that confusing.

Some assume one must be a hobby and the other a profession. Others wonder how interior design and marketing can possibly fit together. But for me, they have always gone hand in hand because they're built on exactly the same principles.

It all starts with people

Whether I'm redesigning a family home or developing a marketing strategy for a business, my first question is always the same:

Who is this for?

Great interior design isn't about following trends or buying expensive furniture. It's about creating spaces that genuinely improve how people live. Spaces that reflect their personality, suit their lifestyle and make them feel at home.

Marketing is no different.

It's not simply about logos, social media or advertising. It's about understanding people, uncovering what makes a business unique and telling its story in a way that connects with the right audience.

In both roles, I'm solving problems. I'm listening. I'm asking questions. And I'm creating something that feels authentic.

Creating experiences people remember

I've always believed that people remember how you make them feel.

In a home, that might be walking into a calm, beautifully designed living space that instantly makes you relax.

For a business, it might be the warmth of a welcome, a memorable brand or a campaign that makes people smile and encourages them to come back.

Whether it's choosing the perfect lighting scheme or developing a year-long marketing strategy, the goal is exactly the same: to create an experience that people remember.

Creativity with purpose

I love creativity, but it should never exist for creativity's sake.

Every design decision should improve the way a home functions.

Every marketing campaign should have a clear objective, whether that's increasing enquiries, building loyalty or raising awareness.

The best ideas are both beautiful and practical.

Different projects. Same mindset.

One morning I might be helping a client reimagine a five-bedroom house, selecting layouts, colours and finishes that transform how they live.

That afternoon I could be planning a tourism campaign, writing website content or helping a business uncover the story that sets them apart.

They might look like completely different jobs, but to me they're simply different ways of doing the same thing: helping people realise the potential in their homes or their businesses.

Why having two careers is a strength

I think there's still a perception that we're supposed to fit neatly into one box.

You're either a marketer or a designer.

• Creative or strategic.

• Business or interiors.

I've never really seen it that way.

Working across two industries means ideas constantly cross over. A branding project might inspire an interior concept. A home renovation might spark a fresh way of thinking about customer journeys or storytelling.

Each role makes me better at the other.

Two hats. One passion.

At the heart of everything I do is a genuine passion for understanding people, solving problems and bringing ideas to life.

Whether you're refreshing your home, renovating a property, launching a new business or looking for creative ways to grow an existing one, my approach is the same: listen first, understand what matters most, then create something that's thoughtful, authentic and built around you.

So yes, I wear two hats.

Just not usually at the same time… although it has been known. 😉