It’s me, Desiree, Owner and Principal Designer of Black & White Interiors! Welcome to “Designer Dez Says”, my blog on what’s on my mind.
A little bit about me, I grew up in California where I believe my mom gave birth to me in the wrong place. I love Texas and everything about it! Growing up I always searched for my perfect niche, whether it was art, photography or fashion design. I knew I had an artistic calling yet I wasn’t quite sure where or how to focus my passion. It wasn’t until around the age of 24 when I fell in love with HGTV.
I knew design was what I was meant to do! I left my boring world in management and started a new adventure doing custom window treatments. I continued to develop my skills as my passion grew. I achieved my next goal of work in a design firm, YAY. While there, I finally found my calling and decided to start college to learn more about design. After three years, I graduated from Westwood College with a BS in Interior Design and ready to take on the world!
I left my boring world in management and started a new adventure doing custom window treatments. I continued to develop my skills as my passion grew. I achieved my next goal of working in a design firm, YAY! While there, I finally found my calling and decided to start college to learn more about design. After three years I graduated from Westwood College with a BA in Interior Design and ready to take on the world!
In 2008, I met Nick and by 2009 we were married and moved into our first home. I was still determined to make our home in Texas. Finally, in 2010 our dreams came true and we were moving to Texas. We decided to settle in Bastrop where my husband is living his dream of being a firefighter. It surprises most people I meet, maybe it’s my crazy hair, to know I’m actually a country girl at heart. We have four dogs (Bella our Husky mix, Snicker, and Shi-thead our pit mixes and Bruiser our purebred Dachshund), and seven chickens. Next stop, babies!
I started my journey in Texas at Bassett Furniture in Austin where I quickly became their top designer. I stayed with Bassett for four years until I felt it was time to branch off and achieve my ultimate goal of owning my own business. I partnered with Karrie Bennett, a friend, and decorator who had worked alongside me while at Bassett, and poof, Black & White Interiors was born! Given our name, some would think we only design in black and white, but quite the contrary. I came up with the name because we are polar opposites other than the fact that we both design some fabulous homes and spaces.
After a year and a half, we finally opened up our retail design studio that showcases unique, custom pieces not found in Austin. I believe anyone who has a dream, sets a goal and works hard can achieve anything.
Now about the hair! I love to express my creativity on the outside; it’s also a great way for people to remember me. I love life and all it has to offer, so why not have crazy colored hair! I will say in appearance, I fit right in with the whole “Keep Austin Weird” mantra. Texas is my home and this is where I am meant to stay and change my client’s lives one room at a time!
Until next time!
Desiree