Designer Profile: Nicole Salceda

Nicole Salceda's career in interiors began as a passion for making polished, functional design more accessible. 

She left her job as an elementary school teacher to see those spaces come to life first-hand. What started as a handful of clients quickly became a rapidly growing portfolio full of homes in her signature warm minimalist style. 

Now, having been through a dream home remodel of her own, she has even more perspective when it comes to the client's experience of interior design. Here, we take a look at Nicole's story, so far. 

Nicole and Eye For Pretty's team – each member hand-picked for their talent –work closely to create inspiring spaces. They assemble elements that are old, new, handmade, and thrifted for homes that are understated, but far from boring. Each refined detail is a testament to Nicole's distinct penchant for bringing a room together – to her eye for pretty.

What Is Your Design Process?

'My design process begins with getting to know our clients and finding out what's important to them in the way they live. We can design beautiful spaces all day long but it always comes down to how they want their space to look and feel. 

'I then gather architectural plans to review and see what inspires me in the home. It might be a pretty archway or a room with lots of windows. 

'From there I gather materials and colors that will pull the space together and bring my vision to life. Laying it all out and presenting it to clients is always the best part!'

Where Does Your Inspiration Come From?

'I'm constantly inspired by Napa Valley which is a very close drive from my home. The landscape, natural materials and overall feeling when you are there is quintessential CA living and that's always what I aim to deliver in our client projects.'

What Is Your Process When Approaching A New Project?

'Whenever we begin a new project, we make sure we've done our due diligence in making sure it's the right fit both for our firm and for our clients. A new build or home remodel is a long process and you want to make sure the relationship is strong from the beginning. 

'It takes a certain amount of trust to be successful. We always lay the foundation in the beginning and are very transparent with what to expect. Our clients appreciate this and it makes the entire project run smoothly.'

If You Could Go Back In Time And Give Yourself Any Advice, What Would It Be?

'My best advice to my younger self would be to find your people and get them in the right seats. When I started out, I was a solo designer and wore all the hats which led me to not doing anything really well. 

'When I learned that hiring was the secret to success, I was able to expand the firm's reach, take on more clients and be more profitable. You don't have to do it alone and honestly it's more rewarding to have people that believe in you and your brand that support your vision.'

What’s On The Horizon For You And Your Firm?

'We are coming up on the one year anniversary of our first brick and mortar, Eye for Pretty At Home which is very exciting. It's been a joy to be able to expand our reach beyond our immediate clients and bring a little Eye for Pretty into homes nationwide. We have many amazing projects wrapping up including our first custom spec home in September as well as some exciting collaborations in the works.'

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