Make Life Beautiful Brigette Romanek

We are back with our Make Life Beautiful Series with designer Brigette Romanek! We’re so excited to share Brigette’s inspiring story and journey in the design industry, and we know you will love her spirit and work as much as we do.

In our Make Life Beautiful series, we’re taking an inside look at some of our favorite aspirational designer’s worlds and asking them a series of questions to talk openly about their journey into the interior industry. 

Born in Chicago, Illinois, Brigette Romanek moved to Los Angeles, the city she now calls home, when she was 6-years-old. The daughter of a singer, she grew up heavily influenced by music and the treasures her mother would bring home from her travels across the globe.

Brigette continued to nurture her love for travel into adulthood, living in many cities across the US and abroad before returning to Los Angeles to put down roots. She credits her upbringing and exposure to the sights, sounds, and artistry of different cultures as some of her most formative design influences.

Without further ado, here is our conversation with Brigette Romanek.

What was your very first job — ever?

My first job was for a friend by the name of Kelly Sawyer. It was very organic. She asked for help with her house and we took it from there.

Tell us about your journey into the interior design industry, when did you realize that you could turn your love for design into a career?

When I started working with my friend, Kelly Sawyer! It became clear she was really valuing my help and wasn’t simply asking for advice from a friend. She said, “I have to pay you!” That’s when I realized, “Oh my gosh! This could be a career!

If you could go back in time and give your young designer self one piece of advice what would it be?

Trust your instincts.

Where do you find the most inspiration for your work?

Books are often where I like to find inspiration, but you find inspiration just when you open your eyes in the morning. Everything is a source of inspiration one way or another! I know all designers say that, but it’s very true. When you’re a creative soul, you see something in most everything. I’m inspired by life.

What does your creative process look like?

Knowing my client. 2. Knowing what they need. 3. Building from there.

What was the biggest design or business challenge that you have encountered and grown from?

“Working in commercial design, you can often have four or five clients at one time for one project. Being able to make everyone feel happy with the final design is a challenge when everyone’s style varies. That’s been my biggest achievement to date – bringing together five clients that each want a different aesthetic. It’s about finding the balance between what everyone wants.”

What has been your biggest achievement? When was the last time you thought “wow, I can’t believe I just accomplished that!”

“When I close the door on every project, big or small, I feel that. Every project is a chance to create something brand new. You always want to be better and more creative each time you go around.”

Which upcoming project or endeavor are you most excited for?

“I’m most excited about a project that was solidified about a week ago and we’re already full steam ahead. It’s going to be a home in Montecito that just makes me scream with joy! It’s very creative.”

To learn more about Brigette Romanek, visit her studio’s website at romanekdesignstudio.com, and follow her on Instagram at @romanek.design.studio