Today we’d like to introduce you to Nikki Sorensen.
Hi Nikki, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
My journey into interior design began shortly after college when I moved to Atlanta, Georgia, for an internship with Frank Lloyd Wright’s great-granddaughter. Although I had hoped the internship would lead to a permanent position, life had other plans!
While attending an interior design networking event, I mentioned my passion for both interior design and professional organizing. To my surprise, I left with a handful of women asking for my number! What began as a professional organizing business naturally evolved into a full-service interior design business as clients discovered my background in design.
Over the years, life took my family and me between Minnesota and California. Along the way, I worked at a small design studio, continued taking on projects independently, and took some time away to focus on raising my children.
Eventually, we settled in beautiful Santa Barbara, where I reestablished my interior design business over 10 years ago. Today, Nikki Sorensen Designs offers a range of services, from comprehensive interior design and one-day design intensives to design-only services and investment property design.
Looking back, my career hasn’t followed a perfectly straight path, but each chapter has shaped the designer I am today. I feel incredibly fortunate to do work I genuinely love in such a beautiful place.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Like most journeys, it hasn’t always been a smooth road! Moving several times and starting over in new cities certainly came with its challenges. Each move meant making new relationships, establishing a new clientele, and finding my place in a new community. Balancing motherhood with my passion for design also meant stepping away from my career at times and learning to embrace the different seasons of life.
But looking back, I wouldn’t change much. Each experience taught me to be adaptable, patient, and willing to take chances. I’ve learned that success doesn’t always happen on the timeline we envision, and sometimes the unexpected turns lead us exactly where we’re meant to be.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Nikki Sorensen Designs?
Nikki Sorensen Designs is a Santa Barbara based interior design business offering everything from comprehensive interior design and space planning to one-day design intensives, design-only services, and investment property design. My goal has always been to create beautiful, inviting, and functional spaces that reflect the people who live in them.
I think what sets me apart is my approach to client relationships. I genuinely enjoy getting to know my clients, understanding their needs, and making the design process feel approachable and collaborative. I don’t believe great design has to come with a big ego. I value honesty, humility, and a good sense of humor. If I don’t have an answer, I’ll be the first to admit it, and we’ll figure it out together!
Over the years, I’ve found a niche working with vacation rental properties, which has become a part of my business that I truly love. I enjoy the unique challenges, the fast pace, and the opportunity to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also durable, functional, and welcoming to guests. This work has even inspired me to explore a new business venture focused on turnkey short-term rental design and setup services.
What I’m most proud of is the relationships I’ve built and the trust my clients place in me. Many of my projects come through referrals, and to me, that’s one of the greatest compliments I can receive. At the end of the day, I want my clients to feel that they’ve worked with someone who truly cares about their home, their investment, and their experience along the way.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with our readers?
I’ve always believed that our homes should be a place where we can relax, recharge, and feel completely ourselves. Beautiful design is wonderful, but to me, it’s just as important that a space feels comfortable, welcoming, and lived in. I don’t believe you need an unlimited budget or a perfectly curated home to create something special. Sometimes it’s the simplest changes that make the biggest difference.
I also feel incredibly fortunate to live and work in Santa Barbara. The beauty of the Central Coast is a constant source of inspiration, and I’m grateful for the wonderful people and relationships this community has brought into my life. I’m excited to see what the next chapter brings!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://nikkisorensendesigns.com
- Instagram: nikki_sorensen_designs
