Interior Design Diaries

In this special bonus episode, I'm pulling back the curtain and sharing a bit of my own story with you. You'll learn about my journey into interior design, which started with a business degree and a passion for sketching architecture. It’s the marriage of creativity and business acumen that I believe makes Lulu Designs so successful.  I’ve also included some highlights from my clients, highlighting the importance of finding the right designer and emphasizing the key role of trust and transparency in a successful partnership.

If you would like to work with me, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay

Ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes during a major home remodel? This week, we’re getting real about the messy, thrilling, and sometimes unexpected process of transforming a home into one that truly works for you.

I’m Lindsay Olson, designer, problem solver, and your personal guide to making sense of even the most overwhelming design projects. Today, I’m opening up my project diary for a very current, real-time remodel journey. This episode is a peek into the design process with one of my wonderful clients (and now friend!), Dr. Mina Kopel. But this story isn’t just about Mina, it’s about what it takes to move from paralyzed by decisions to empowered and excited for what’s ahead.

We talk roadblocks (hello, mysterious plumbing and that infamous “stupid wall”), how to keep your sanity when living through construction, and why finding the right designer might just make all the difference in the world. This is the human, honest side of design, the part where no question is too small, where yes, you can text your designer about sinks and slabs, and where together, we build a home that reflects your life (and keeps the kids out of your pantry… well, maybe).

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:

▪️ Renovations can feel overwhelming, but support makes all the difference

▪️ Decision fatigue is real; lean on your designer’s expertise

▪️ Real-time problem solving is part of every remodel

▪️ Mood boards and clear plans ease stress and speed decisions

▪️ Functionality and flow always matter more than following rules

▪️ It’s possible to remodel, and keep life running, at the same time

For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay

Ever asked yourself why your dream space never seems to match your bank account, or why your project’s budget keeps becoming a taboo topic? There are so many “hard truths” behind design budgets that no one seems to talk about…until now.

Today, we’re pulling back the curtain on what it really costs to work with a designer, how value is built into every decision, and why transparency around money is the secret ingredient for any successful project. I’m joined by my thoughtful (and always candid) friend and fellow designer, Molly O, but trust me, this candid conversation is all about empowering you, the homeowner, the dreamer, the design lover, to navigate those dollars and decisions with confidence.

We’ll be breaking down the basics, from those sneaky hidden costs to the “why” behind markups, and why you can’t always take reality TV’s reno budgets at face value. Whether you’re planning your first makeover, hiring a designer, or just curious about how the whole process works, this episode is the honest, no-nonsense guide we all wish we had before our first big project.

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:

▪️ Be open and honest about your real budget early

▪️ Hidden costs like shipping and taxes add up fast

▪️ Good design means planning, transparency, and a set process

▪️ Designer markups are industry standard, just like retail stores

▪️ Custom pieces add value and experience beyond mass retail

▪️ Trust your designer’s expertise and value in the process

For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay

Learn more about Molly O Interiors here.

Ever feel like your home is conspiring against you? Between unexpected floods and the chaos of family life, turning a house into a true home can feel impossible. But what if those challenges were the catalyst for something beautiful?

I'm Lindsay Olson from Lulu Designs, and in today's episode of Interior Design Diaries, I sit down with Michelle Barto to chat about her home's incredible transformation. We dive into the drama of not one, but two floods in her home, and how that led to a complete design overhaul. It's a story about turning lemons into a stylish, functional, and deeply personal lemonade. She now takes joy in seeing her family truly live in the space, and it serves as a reminder that good design isn't just about aesthetics; it's about creating a backdrop for life's precious moments.

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:

▪️ Sometimes, disaster leads to the best design

▪️ Functionality is key for a busy family

▪️ A home should tell your unique story

▪️ Small details can make a big difference

▪️ Organization reduces daily friction

▪️ There's beauty in old and new

For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay

Ever wondered what really happens when you decide to tackle that dream kitchen renovation? Spoiler: it’s not all paint chips and pretty countertops! Join me as we peel back the curtain on real-life design decisions, difficult choices, and the priceless feeling of walking into a space that finally feels like home.

I'm Lindsay Olson, the heart behind Lulu Designs. Today, I’m letting you in on a candid conversation with two of my favorite longtime clients as we reminisce about their recent kitchen transformation. This isn't just about beautiful cabinets or the perfect shade of white (though we get into those, too!). It's a deep dive into the real journey: navigating budgets, working through contractor challenges, and, yes, celebrating the tiny victories along the way.

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:

▪️ Listening deeply leads to truly personalized design solutions.

▪️ Small budgets can yield big transformations with the right approach.

▪️ Sticking with a trusted team ensures a smoother renovation process.

▪️ Organization and planning make move-in (and everyday life) easier.

▪️ Home styling elevates good design to great, livable spaces.

▪️ The end result makes all the challenges worth it, I promise!

For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay

Ever wondered what it’s really like to take your home from concept to candle-lit completion? This episode pulls back the curtain on the joys, surprises, and lessons discovered during a full-house remodel, revealing what happens when you trust the right designer to transform every inch of your space.

In this episode of Interior Design Diaries, I walk you through a recent project that truly embodies what “from concept to completion” means. I’m chatting with my friends-turned-clients Kevin and Lisa, who trusted me to overhaul their beloved family home.

We dive into all the real-life details, from architectural game plans and making those tough choices, to embracing the construction mess and that magical moment when everything comes together. But this isn’t just a conversation about a pretty reveal. It’s about teamwork, trust, and creating spaces that families actually want to live in (and never leave!).

Whether you’re dreaming up your own remodel or just love a good design story, this episode is full of honest insights and a little bit of heart.

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:

▪️ Start planning with your lifestyle and needs in mind

▪️ Trust and chemistry with your designer are everything

▪️ Cohesive design happens when one vision guides the process

▪️ Quality control and project management are crucial for big remodels

▪️ Embrace the all-at-once approach—phasing can cost more later

▪️ The real magic is living happily in your finished home

For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay

How do you select the perfect designer for your home? What does it take to turn a dated kitchen into a glorious heart of the home or a guest bathroom into a serene escape? Join me, Lindsay Olson, as I sit down with my wonderful client, Cindy Valdes, we dive into the journey of crafting spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. Cindy shared her struggles with choosing a designer and that thrilling moment when she decided to entrust the transformation to my creative vision. This episode peels back the layers of what goes into a design that truly makes a house a home.

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:

▪️ The importance of trusting your designer's vision

▪️ Kitchen islands can transform family living spaces

▪️ Functional design is key for busy family lifestyles

▪️ Collaboration creates unique, timeless kitchen spaces

▪️ Bathroom renovations benefit from stress-free management

▪️ Engage trusted professionals for a seamless home renovation

For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay

Engineer: Wickstrom Engineering  

Architect: Sean Woods 

Energy Consultant: Peralta 

City of Newport Beach

Bedrosians

Walker Zanger 

Dal Tile

Rejuvenation

Brassna

What happens when interior design meets the demands of a professional chef's kitchen? Are you ready to explore the fascinating intersection of culinary expertise and interior design? This episode is bound to stir your imagination as we dive into a dynamic conversation about blending functionality with beauty in kitchen design. I'm Lindsay Olson, your host and fellow design enthusiast, thrilled to share my passion and insights with you.

Today, we're taking a journey through the art of designing spaces that echo with both style and practicality. Joining us is my dear friend Amy, a chef whose kitchen transformation posed a delightful challenge, her insistence on kitchen functionality sets the stage for an episode rich with design insights and real-life house-flipping adventures. Join us as we explore how the dreams of expertly designed kitchens come to life, blending culinary efficiency with a touch of personal flair.

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:

▪️ Kitchen design starts with practical appliances in mind

▪️ Collaboration leads to unique, tailored design solutions

▪️ Trusting your designer enhances creativity and satisfaction

▪️ Each home has its unique story and style

▪️ Balancing aesthetics with functionality is crucial

For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay

Can tearing down a single wall dramatically change the feel of a home? How did some whimsical wallpaper from Etsy become a focal point in a luxurious, funky bathroom? Unlock the door to transformation in today's Interior Design Diaries episode, where I delve into the journey of turning a house into a home with the help of my lifelong friend and client, Sara. 

This episode is less about structural changes and more about creating a space that reflects your essence. We'll explore how design serves as a bridge between past experiences and future aspirations, adding depth and soul to your living space. Sara and I discuss the transformative power of design choices that breathe new life into your home, making it uniquely yours.

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:

▪️ Transform your home into a personal sanctuary

▪️ Small design changes can yield huge impacts

▪️ Trust in the designer-client partnership is crucial

▪️ Personal touches honor both past history and new beginnings

▪️ Thoughtful space planning enhances living and entertaining

▪️ Design intertwines aesthetics with personal connection

For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay

What does it take to maintain the charm of a beach cottage while modernizing it for family life? This episode is your front-row seat to a magical home transformation that does just that!

I'm Lindsay Olson, the creative heartbeat behind Lulu Designs. Today I step into the world of Kelly and John Mann, who, along with their adorable baby Johnny, embarked on a journey to breathe new life into their charming yet outdated beach cottage. Our conversation wasn’t just a tale of knocking down walls and choosing tiles, it was about creating a seaside sanctuary that resonates with personal histories and future dreams. Kelly and John’s openness to bold design moves, like their iconic green statement fridge, stood out in a remodel filled with delightful surprises. It’s a story of turning a ‘house’ into a ‘home’ that’s as cozy as it is contemporary.

Key Takeaways From Our Conversation:

▪️ Vital role of location in design decisions

▪️ The harmony of maintaining charm in modern remodels

▪️ Importance of designer-client trust in bold choices

▪️ Transforming a small space into a functional home

▪️ A fun touch: hidden doors and statement fridges!

▪️ How collaborative design reflects family essence

For more on my services, check out my website at luludesigns.com or connect with me on Instagram @luludesignsbylindsay