We’re looking forward to introducing you to Maria Erixson. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Maria, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What is a normal day like for you right now?
A typical day for me is never really the same, which is exactly what I love about being an entrepreneur in this industry. The freedom of not having a traditional 9–5 allows me to structure my days in a way that supports both my work and my life as a mom.
My mornings usually start with taking my kids to school. If I’m in the middle of an active renovation, I’ll often head straight to the site to meet with contractors early in the day. Those moments are really important, you have to be extremely detail-oriented and hands-on to make sure the design vision is being executed correctly. Especially with older homes, there are always unexpected challenges, so staying ahead of things is key.
A big part of my work also happens in showrooms. I spend a lot of time sourcing materials, tile, flooring, finishes, because clients really need to see and feel everything in person. It’s a big investment and those decisions matter.
On days when I’m not tied to a project, I try to start with something for myself, like a morning run through an inspiering neighborhood or a Pilates class. I have a lot of friends who are also entrepreneurs, so we’ll often meet for lunch and brainstorm ideas for each others business, it’s a very inspiring and supportive dynamic.
Then there are the days when I’m fully in my design world. I’ll be in my office, completely focused, working on concepts and layouts. Once I get into that creative flow, I don’t want to stop, I just let the ideas come I often forget to even eat lunch those days.
By the afternoon, I shift back into mom mode, school pickups, activities, homework, dinner. It’s a full, active life, but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Maria Erixson, an interior designer and founder of NordiCal Designs, a Los Angeles based studio focused on creating warm, elevated, and highly functional homes. My design approach blends Scandinavian simplicity with California ease, spaces that feel calm, lived-in and thoughtfully curated.
I grew up in Sweden and have been based in Los Angeles for the past 12 years, which has naturally shaped my aesthetic and perspective. Before starting my own studio, I worked as a project manager for a large corporate event company in Sweden, where I developed a strong foundation in planning, coordination and execution, skills that are essential in managing complex residential projects today.
At the core of my work is the belief that design should enhance people’s lives. I focus on creating spaces that feel personal and meaningful, not just beautiful homes, but environments that truly support how my clients live day to day. Many of my projects involve full renovations, where I work closely with contractors and clients from concept through completion, ensuring every detail is intentional and cohesive.
I’m also a mom, which influences how I design, prioritizing spaces that are both inspiring and practical, where everyday life and design can coexist effortlessly.
Right now, I’m focused on growing my studio, taking on larger residential projects and continuing to build a brand that feels personal, thoughtful and deeply connected to the people I design for.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
A defining moment in my life was the end of a long-term relationship. From the outside, everything looked perfect, I felt safe and thought I had the life I was supposed to have. But slowly, without realizing it, I had started to lose myself.
When it ended, my world completely shifted. I had to rebuild not just my life, but my confidence and sense of identity. It was a difficult period and I was so afraid of change and of being on my own. But looking back, it was exactly what I needed. I turned my worst nightmare into my biggest blessing.
That experience forced me to grow in a way I never would have otherwise. I learned that life is truly what you make it, your mindset shapes your reality and often, your own thoughts are the biggest limitations.
Today, I feel stronger and more grounded than ever. I no longer fear being alone or the hard moments, instead, I see them as opportunities for growth and I’ve learned to embrace them.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
I definitely have moments where I question myself and what I’m doing. My industry can be really challenging, you’re working with people’s homes, their money, their expectations… and there’s a lot of psychology involved. Since I also manage my projects, I’m often in between the client and the contractors, trying to make everything align. It’s not always easy.
But I always come back to why I do it. I love helping people create a home where they can feel safe, relaxed and just be themselves. That part is so rewarding.
And honestly, I love designing so much that most of the time it doesn’t even feel like a job. I’ve also learned to embrace the challenges, they push me and they help me grow.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
I think my friends would say that what really matters to me is creating a life that feels good on the inside, not just how it looks from the outside. My kids are everything to me and I really value being present with them and building a life that feels safe, fun and inspiring for them.
It’s also really important for me to stay true to myself and never feel dependent on someone else. I’ve learned that the hard way and it’s something I carry with me in everything I do.
I care a lot about freedom, being able to create my own path, both in my work and personal life. That’s a big reason why I chose to start my own business.
I’m also very conscious of who I surround myself with. Energy matters and I want to be around people who inspire me, support me and bring something positive into my life.
And with my kids, I always try to teach them that their mind is their most powerful tool, that how they think will shape their life.
I also really value growth. I’ve been through things that forced me to evolve and now I actually welcome that. I want to keep growing, learning and becoming a better version of myself.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. If you retired tomorrow, what would your customers miss most?
I think my clients would miss the way I solve problems and how I can see possibilities in a space that they might not see yet, different layouts, better flow and solutions that really make their home work for them.
But also, the connection. I’m a very people-focused person and I think that’s a big part of what I bring. I need to be in the room, understanding them, their lifestyle, how they live, because that’s how I create something that actually feels right for them.
It’s not just about the design, it’s about the experience and how personal it becomes.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.nordicaldesigns.com
- Instagram: @nordicaldesigns
- Yelp: Nordical Designs
Image Credits
Images of me – Kristen Scott Murphy Photography
Images of design spaces – Maria Erixson
