Turning your passion into a profession isn't easy, but when perseverance meets opportunity, the results can be life-changing. Such is the story of Kaylee Stewart, a design-savvy student who transformed her love for home renovations into a promising career in interior design. Her story is both inspiring and timely for anyone looking to explore a creative profession or pivot their career path toward design.
Every journey starts somewhere, and for Kaylee, it began at home—literally. Growing up surrounded by color palettes, home improvement TV shows, and DIY tools, she found joy in rearranging furniture, envisioning home makeovers, and helping her family with various renovation projects. Her fascination with how space could influence emotion and functionality grew stronger over time.
While many students are unsure of their career paths, Kaylee’s vision was clear early on. She realized she didn’t just want to decorate rooms—she wanted to transform spaces, breathing life into empty corners and outdated interiors through thoughtful design.
Kaylee’s transition from hobbyist to professional began at Oregon State University, where she initially considered a general business or liberal arts route. But the turning point came when she discovered the university's Interior Design program. The moment she stepped into the design lab and spoke with faculty members, she knew she had found her calling.
This was more than a stroke of luck; it marked a significant shift in direction. With support and guidance from experienced mentors and professors, she started building her academic foundation in design principles, spatial planning, and material understanding—all vital components of a successful designer’s toolkit.
What's a classroom without real-world context? Kaylee took her learning beyond textbooks and sketches. She enrolled in on-site internships where she:
These experiences not only enriched her resume but also gave her the confidence to make bold design decisions. She learned to adapt to client feedback, navigate design software, and manage project timelines—skills that would become essential as she moved further into the field.
Interior design often merges art with science, creativity with logistics. At Oregon State, students like Kaylee are encouraged to explore art history, sustainable materials, ergonomic design, and color theory to inform their concepts. Kaylee became especially interested in sustainable and eco-friendly design, a niche she aims to focus on as her career evolves.
This holistic approach prepared her not just to envision beautiful rooms but to craft purpose-driven spaces that serve the people who use them every day.
Now a senior ready to graduate, Kaylee is turning her classroom knowledge into a full-fledged interior design portfolio. Her ambitions are far-reaching, but grounded in the principles she’s learned through years of study and experience. She’s currently:
Her goal? To eventually own her own multi-service design studio that offers everything from spatial planning to renovation oversight. She envisions a firm that not only designs homes but also teaches young creators how to launch successful design careers.
Kaylee’s journey isn’t just about individual success. Inspired by the supportive community she found at Oregon State, she also volunteers with local high school programs and career expos, motivated to guide aspiring designers on finding their own path.
"Design is more than putting pretty things together. It’s about understanding how people live, move, feel—and making their space work for them. That’s what makes this career so rewarding," says Kaylee.
In a world where career uncertainty looms large for young adults, Kaylee’s journey offers a hopeful narrative for students interested in design and the creative arts. With strategy, mentorship, and passion, she carved out a space where she could combine her interests in both hands-on work and artistic expression.
Moreover, her trajectory reflects a growing trend: more students are shifting away from traditional business or tech careers and embracing "passion-driven professions" that offer personal satisfaction and lifelong growth.
The industry itself is on an upward curve. Thanks to increasing demand for remote-friendly spaces, sustainable design solutions, and home personalization, interior designers are more in-demand than ever. Kaylee's decision to specialize in sustainable interiors places her at the forefront of this evolution—including trends in:
Kaylee’s story is a beacon of inspiration for students and professionals alike, proving that the road from passion to profession is paved with purpose, education, and real-world grit. Whether you're a remodeling enthusiast or someone drawn to color coordination and layout design, consider her journey as a map to your own success.
As Kaylee puts it, "Follow your curiosity, and the career will follow." And judging by her trajectory, the best is yet to come in the world of interior design.
💌 Remember, every successful career starts with a first step. For Kaylee, it was a love for home makeovers—where will your journey begin?
A moving real estate Thanksgiving story about helping military families transition. Discover how virtual staging honors memories while preparing homes for new c…
A heartwarming Thanksgiving interior design story about creating spaces for blended families. Discover how thoughtful design helps new families feel at home tog…
Master fall virtual staging with AI tools. Discover autumn real estate marketing strategies and property listing ideas that drive emotional buying decisions.