Today we welcome LA-based interior designer and stylist Dorothea Coelho to the podcast. Dorothea shares her remarkable journey from stand-up comedy to working with one of LA’s top designers and ultimately creating a unique design business model that includes professional styling services. We explore the often-overlooked art of styling, from the thoughtful editing of a space to the logistics of collaborating with photographers and designers. Dorothea offers invaluable insight into the stylist’s role in the design process and shares tips on sourcing, storytelling through objects, and the power of collaboration. If you’re curious about how to level up your next photoshoot or are considering bringing a stylist onto your team, this episode is for you.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

• Dorothea’s unconventional path from comedy and acting to interior design and styling
• What it’s like to learn design on the job and the value of mentorship in the field
• The emotional and visual impact of styling and how it enhances a space
• Tips for curating vintage and second-hand items with intention
• The stylist’s role in a collaborative photoshoot and how it differs from a designer’s
• Sourcing secrets and styling staples that bring a space to life
• Why kindness, collaboration, and curiosity are essential for success
• Advice for designers thinking about hiring a stylist for the first time

NOTABLE QUOTES

• "Every designer is a stylist, but this was like the pressure… everything had to be done. It was like being at the Olympics."
• "A room is like a song. What the songwriter intended might be one thing, but how we interpret it could be another."
• "Just remember that we’re here to help. It’s not a competition—it’s a collaboration."
• "You have to love your space. If you don’t love it, take it out of the shot."

SUPPORTING RESOURCES

• Dorothea Coelho on Instagram
• Brave Used World on Instagram
• Register for Design Biz Retreat

SPONSOR LINKS

• Design Manager — Project management and accounting software for interior designers
• Daniel House Club — Trade purchasing from 150+ vendors with exclusive pricing
• Hooker Furnishings — High-quality furnishings and personalized design support