Today we’d like to introduce you to Kayleigh Eppinger.
Hi Kayleigh, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
As cliche as it sounds, I’ve always wanted to do this. I have a vivid memory of explaining to my first-grade class what an Interior Designer even was. I love making people fall in love with their spaces. Growing up in rural Pennsylvania, I wasn’t exposed to super high-end or innovative, awe-inspiring designs, but I was given a real lesson on how people create a home and make it theirs, even if modestly. In college, I decided I’d give architecture a try, and quickly realized I didn’t want to be an Architect, but the education and rigor really made me a better, more hard-working designer.
Out of college, I moved to LA to pursue my career (and follow my, now husband, who was going to grad school). Initially, it was a challenge to find something in interiors because of my Architecture degree. So for a little while, I worked at an architecture firm that let me do commercial interiors. It was another learning experience but was never quite fulfilling. There’s something about working with someone to design their home that’s so personal and meaningful that, for me, commercial projects never quite captured. In my time at the architecture firm, I was constantly sending my resume and portfolio out to residential interiors firms all over LA, hoping that one would call me back, but honestly never expecting it. One day, while I was at work, I got a call from a big-time firm that I had always dreamed of working for. I was so surprised and knew this was a once in a lifetime opportunity so I took the call outside of my office, which was in the heart of downtown, right across from a rail station. The entire interview I kept apologizing for the noise of the train, helicopters flying by, or people on the sidewalk talking on their phones. I was sure that I had blown the interview, seemed super unprofessional, and wasn’t even the slightest bit qualified. But somehow, they called me back. I had an in-person interview, and eventually got the job! (another call I took outside my office and did a happy dance on the sidewalk).
Working for a big designer in LA was the most amazing experience. I got to work on some ridiculous projects with unlimited budgets, in the most beautiful places, meeting and working with some fantastic people. I traveled all over the country making incredible homes for people. And best of all, I was so happy and fulfilled. I knew that I had found my place. When the pandemic hit, things got a little harder. My husband and I were already missing the east coast where we had grown up, and not being able to see any family during that time got to be too much. We decided that, as much as we loved it, it was time to go home. The hardest part of moving away was leaving my dream job, and I knew that working somewhere else would always feel like a step down in comparison, so I decided that on top of moving across the country, I should start my own business. As terrifying as it was, I still feel just as fulfilled and like I’m definitely in the right place.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Definitely lots of struggles! Starting a business, even in an industry that you know really well and have worked in for years, has an enormous learning curve. You have to wear all the hats and some of those hats you’ve never tried on in your life. Designing a website, managing social media, getting business licenses, making relationships with tradespeople, and, my worst nightmare, taxes. The first year I did taxes for my business I had *multiple* meltdowns. I think in all of these things, it’s become really crucial for me to lean on other people, which was a struggle on its own. I have always had a really hard time asking for help. I never want to be a burden to someone else or have them feel like I’m taking advantage of them, but I’ve had to ask for a lot of help and I’ve learned that people truly want to lend a hand. There are so many wonderful designers who have been doing this for a while who have passed on clients to me, shared local contacts, shared my work on their social platforms, and given just the most amazing and honest advice and I never felt like I was asking too much. Most people in this design community want to lift others up and help in whatever way they can and that’s been so amazing to see and learn, growing my own business. Also, a huge shoutout to my tax accountant brother-in-law for helping me with taxes so I have less meltdowns in the future. All of it has really taught me that through the struggles, I can always find someone else to lean on and help me get through.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Epp Interiors?
We’re Epp Interiors, an interior design firm specializing in making spaces that feel cozy, and effortlessly put together. We really try to get to know the client deeply and tailor each project to their needs, loves, and what speaks to them. You won’t see us repeating materials or cutting and pasting. A home needs to feel exactly suited to just those who are living there.
We take on projects of all shapes and sizes. We work all over the country with all kinds of budgets, bringing high-quality design to everyone. Our services include everything from the nitty-gritty of drawing sets, project management, material selection and specifications, to the fun of sourcing furniture and accessories, selecting fabrics and lighting, installing and styling. We really relish the details and know that being thoughtful about every little piece and part of a design is what makes it special and unique.
We love creating beautifully designed spaces that feel collected – making a space feel like it’s been expertly curated over time rather than a showroom home. We pride ourselves on being thoughtful about the different ways in which each person lives in their home, paying homage to the architecture and history of the space, and respecting the environment and community that surrounds it. We especially love designing with natural materials and colors, vintage treasures, mixed patterns and loads of textures. We try to layer all of these elements together to design spaces that create a mood. We want spaces to make you feel something when you’re in them. Our work always ranges in style, tailoring each project to the unique client, but always has that distinct, effortless and inviting feel that makes it an Epp Interiors project. Nothing too fussy or precious, but always put together and warm.
We love surprises, fun facts and unexpected stories. Is there something you can share that might surprise us?
I love to cook and bake. My maiden name is Baker and, ironically, my dad always baked when I was a kid and my mom is the best cook I know. Coming from Italian and Portuguese families, food has always been a big part of my life. Cooking a meal for someone is the best way to say thank you, help with grief, or bring people together. There are certain dishes that strike vivid memories for me of being in the kitchen with my family. That’s why kitchens are my hands-down favorite to design. The way people use their kitchens differently is so interesting and I love being able to design something perfect for that specific cook. Do they use tons of spices and need easy access to them, do they host big parties around an island, are they coffee fiends or late-night snackers? Getting to know these little details about a client and designing around that is so rewarding. It makes the space so much more meaningful and encouraging people to be in the kitchen together, through design, brings me so much joy.
Also, hmu for the best gnocchi recipe.
Contact Info:
- Website: eppinteriors.com
- Instagram: @eppinteriors
Image Credits
Epp Interiors
