Inspiring Conversations with Madison Lussier of Madison Nicole Design

Today we’d like to introduce you to Madison Lussier.

Hi Madison, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I knew from a pretty early age that I wanted to be an interior designer. I remember days in high school, where so many of my friends were stressed about the decision of what to major in for college. I had already submitted an early application to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. It was the only school I applied to, and I knew that I wanted to study architecture. For me, it was incredibly important that I knew and understood buildings — the history of architecture, but also how homes are constructed and the bones that support those beautiful interiors. Thankfully, I was accepted at Cal Poly, which boasts one of the best Architecture programs in the nation. The program is a grueling five years, but so worthwhile!

After graduating with my Bachelors in Architecture, I started working for a high-end Architecture + Interior Design firm in Los Angeles. I was thrown into the trenches pretty early on and started managing my own projects. I also enrolled in the Masters of Interior Architecture program at UCLA Extension at the same time. One of my professors at Cal Poly had recommended it to me, and I’m so thankful I completed the additional 18 months of schooling. It’s possible to be a great designer without a formal education, but the investment bolstered my knowledge and provides me with a great deal of confidence when speaking to architects and contractors and understanding their terminology.

After five years working at the firm in Los Angeles , I decided it was time to move on. Several people contacted me about design jobs, and although it was scary, it was a good time to make the leap and start working for myself. Madison Nicole Design became official almost five years ago, and it is absolutely surreal to see how much this business has grown. The last year and a half has been so incredibly challenging with all the changes and supply chain delays due to the pandemic, but we’ve continued to experience growth and it is just a dream come true!

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?
Starting Madison Nicole Design has definitely not always been a smooth road. I don’t know of any business owner who could honestly say that it’s easy. Every week it seems like there is a new challenge or a new thing to learn. There are so many moving parts and different aspects to an interior design company. I believe most people are unaware of all that designers do, because part of our role is to make the end product look like it was achieved effortlessly, and as stress-free as possible. We are always told how “fun” it must be to just spend other people’s money… but in reality, that privilege comes with a tremendous responsibility!

As you know, we’re big fans of Madison Nicole Design. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
We are a full-service residential interior design firm focusing on everything from new home builds to furnishing a single room in a house. People have come to recognize us for our focus on coastal-inspired design, but we’re not talking seashells and starfish. It’s more about the feeling that coastal towns exude that we focus on capturing. Our designs are thoughtful, relaxed, and effortlessly beautiful. We focus on marrying form and function and believe that every home truly can have both, despite the number of kids and dogs running around!

We have worked hard this year to also expand our offerings and just launched our own line of designer pillows! They can be mixed and matched for different looks, tailored to each customer’s home decor. We will be adding accessories to that line soon, and eventually furniture as well!

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
I find joy in a lot of things — from small things like coffee, sunny days and vodka sodas with extra lime to more significant things like my big, mixed family, my three crazy pups, and my incredibly supportive husband who encourages me in all of my endeavors. Traveling also makes me extremely happy. Experiencing different countries and cultures, and getting inspiration from all areas of the globe is a big priority for me – both personally and professionally. I think keeping a mindset of gratitude for all that we are given is the best way to live.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.madisonnicoledesign.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/madisonnicoledesign
• Facebook: Facebook.com/madisonnicoledesign
• Other: shop.madisonnicoledesign.com

Image Credits:
Lindsey Drewes (@lindseydrewes) Molly Rose (@mollyrose.photo)