Professional interior designer Tristan Gary always knocks it out of the park when designing for clients. We asked her how designing her own primary bedroom during the spring ‘23 ORC differed from her professional work.

When designing a space for my clients, their needs and desires are always at the forefront of my mind. What I’ve discovered over the years is that these needs often mirror my own—because, at the heart of it, we all want spaces that make us feel good. Sometimes it’s the perfect color. Sometimes it’s the lighting. Sometimes it’s the tooth of a fabric. These three elements—color, lighting, and texture—have the power to make or break a space, whether I’m designing for myself or my clients.

This bedroom design was such a joy to create! The journey started with collaboration—I reached out to my favorite flooring company, and they said yes. Then, I connected with Thibaut, my go-to fabric and wallpaper brand, and they didn’t just say yes—they encouraged me to go all out. What followed was a whirlwind of support from incredible brands, some of whom were just learning about the One Room Challenge but believed in the vision.

That belief means everything to me. My clients trust me to bring their dreams to life. My vendors trust me to showcase their products in the best light. And through this challenge, I’ve been reminded of the importance of designing for myself too.

This bedroom is more than just a beautiful space. It’s a sanctuary that makes me smile, helps me relax, and fuels my creativity. It’s a reflection of the joy I feel when designing for others—a reminder that creating spaces that nourish the soul is what I’m meant to do.

To everyone who’s been part of this journey: thank you for believing in me. Here’s to more incredible spaces that inspire us all!