Discover the inspiring journey of Nichole Hill, a Certified Public Accountant turned celebrated Interior Designer. Nichole's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of following one's passion.
Once confined to the numbers and nuances of accounting, she found her true calling in the dynamic world of interior design, facilitated by the supportive community and flexible learning environment at The Interior Design Institute.
This interview explores how Nichole embraced her creativity to reshape her career path, showcasing that it’s never too late to pursue what truly brings you joy. Dive into Nichole's design philosophy, her experience with Magnolia, and how her previous career crafted a unique foundation for her burgeoning success in design.
Image source: #IDIstudent Nichole Hill from @_nicholehill
Hi! My name is Nichole Hill. After recently completing an interior styling internship with the well known brand, Magnolia, and obtaining my Diploma of Interior Design from IDI, I have returned home to Albuquerque, New Mexico.
I am currently working as an interior designer and stager with a local company, Su Casa. Besides interior design, I also love running, yoga, baking, and really anything creative!
My love for creativity and design began when I was young. Whether I was redesigning my bedroom every few months, creating things to sell at craft fairs with my mum, or baking a new recipe, I loved creating and making things beautiful and dreamed of working in fashion one day.
As I got older, while I still loved being creative, I also found an interest in business and decided to do what I thought was most practical. I graduated college with my Bachelor’s and master’s in accounting.
Then, I went on to work in public accounting and obtained my Certified Public Accounting license, quickly realising just how much I needed to be creative in my career to be happy.
While I was working in accounting, I began decorating my own apartment, creating designs on software like Spoak and learning more about interior design. I eventually decided it was time to pursue this passion of mine.
I enrolled in The Interior Design Institute course and applied at a local home staging and interior design business and was lucky enough to be hired as a stager and designer, beginning my journey into interior design.
While everyday looks a little different, I do have some rituals I always stick to when designing for a client, friend, or even myself.
I always start with learning as much as I can about the person I am designing for — their routines, inspirations, hobbies, and style. I usually begin with a questionnaire and reviewing inspirational photos and items they already love.
From there, I create a mood board to define the overall direction before moving into the design phase and making decisions for the space.
Image source: #IDIstudent Nichole Hill from @_nicholehill
I would say my design style is a mix of styles and is constantly evolving. However, I do think there are a few elements I will always be drawn to.
Growing up in New Mexico, I have always been surrounded by adobe architecture and nature. Because of this, I gravitate toward organic and natural styles, with earthy tones like cream, pink, tan, rust, and green.
I love natural materials such as wood, stoneware, leather, and linen, and I enjoy mixing new with old — especially incorporating antiques or thrifted pieces.
I find creative inspiration from Pinterest, reading through magazines and design books, and talking to other creatives. I also find inspiration by getting out in nature or going somewhere new. Whether it's going on a run/walk outside or going to a new coffee shop, an antique store, or even taking a trip.
Trends can be tricky. For me, when it comes to trends I try to always ask myself if I’ll still love it in the future and does it feel true to who I am and what my style is. I think trends can be great in helping you discover something you didn’t know you loved but it’s important to know your unique style so you’re not just following a trend because everyone else is.
My ethos is centered on creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also an extension of the people who live in them — spaces where people can truly be themselves.
I believe our homes tell our stories, and by understanding a client deeply, I aim to create designs that enrich everyday living and promote well-being.
I like to work in a space that feels comfortable and inspiring. At home, I keep a pin board with inspiration and samples, along with candles and fresh flowers.
When I need a change of scenery, I enjoy working outdoors or at a local coffee shop.
Image source: #IDIstudent Nichole Hill from @_nicholehill
I make time for things I enjoy — whether that’s running, working out, or spending time with family and friends. These are the things that energise and motivate me.
Spending time with family, being creative, seeing hard work pay off, and being in nature.
The online design community has been incredibly important. I’ve learned so much from other creatives and love how social media can connect people with shared passions.
Being hired as a designer and stager at Su Casa, completing client projects, being featured in articles, interning with Magnolia, and graduating from IDI.
Image source: #IDIstudent Nichole Hill from @_nicholehill
Running, yoga, baking, cooking, thrifting
Definitely pink!
“Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” — William Morris
Live Beautiful, Magnolia Journal, Feel Free, Architectural Digest
Brands I’m loving right now - Bed Threads for the best linen bedsheets & OurPlace where I purchased my favourite pan to cook with and a local favourite brand is Upside Goods for the best candles!
Favourite software - Spoak a fun, easy-to-use design software for mood boards, floorplans and elevations!
Thoughtful, cohesive, meaningful.
After already graduating with a Bachelors and Masters in accounting, I did not want to go back to college full-time when I decided to follow my passion of interior design. However, I still wanted to learn more about it and gain some kind of education. I came across IDI one day and loved that it offered the flexibility to study on my own time and schedule, but still offered the guidance and community I was looking for. I read reviews from past student and heard some of their stories in design and knew that the course would be perfect for me!
My favourite part of the course is the assignments at the end of each module. I had so much fun completing each assignment and loved that many of them equipped me with the skills and knowledge of what it would be like working for a client. I also really enjoyed getting feedback from my tutor, Meghan Yang; she provided me with a lot of helpful guidance and advice. After completing the course, I feel more than ready to take on my own clients and projects.
Image source: #IDIstudent Nichole Hill from @_nicholehill
My advice to new students would be to enjoy each assignment and take your time. Take time reading other resources and discover multiple ways of creating mood boards, elevations, sample boards, etc. Pretend you really are presenting your projects to a real client and start to create processes and systems you would use when running your own business. Taking time to do things like this will help you be more prepared when you do start taking on clients and will help you discover what works best for you!
Now that I have completed the IDI course, I am now working on the SketchUp and AutoCAD Advanced Modules at IDI. With Su Casa, I am working on a few exciting design projects and stage several homes a week with our wonderful team!
@_nicholehill
bio.site/nicholehill
Image source: #IDIstudent Nichole Hill from @_nicholehill
Nichole Hill's transition from accounting to interior design is not just inspiring—it's a call to action for anyone contemplating a career change towards more creative pursuits. Like Nichole, you can leverage the comprehensive courses offered by The Interior Design Institute to pivot your professional path towards something you love. Our programs are designed to equip you with the necessary skills, offering flexibility to learn at your pace and a community that supports your growth every step of the way.
If you're ready to start a new chapter in your career, explore our courses and take the first step towards a fulfilling future in interior design. Don't wait any longer; embrace your passion, join our community, and start transforming spaces and lives today. Sign up now and experience the satisfaction of turning creativity into your career. With our 7-day money-back guarantee, you have nothing to lose but a world of opportunity to gain!
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