Twitter has been a powerful tool for us here at BuildDirect. It’s allowed us to invite people into our world here a bit, give away some advice, and get some advice back in return about the world of building projects and DIY renos. There are lots of people out there who are just as eager to share their expertise as we are.
In this first official addition of our Gurus to Follow on Twitter series, we’re going to take a look at 12 interior designers on Twitter who are not only thought-leaders and innovators in their industry, but are also highly personable people too who are actively creating useful content, and are likely to follow back. Take a look.

Interior designer, entrepreneur, speaker, author, charity advocate, and TV presenter (among many other things), Debbie Travis is the trusted, go-to voice for stylish interior design ideas for the average person. Oprah Winfrey calls her ‘the master of paint and plaster’. Visit DebbieTravis.com to find out more.

Debbie is author of the book Slob Proof, which is a guide to pet and family-friendly interior designs. Her no-nonsense and realistic approach to interior design is matched in appeal only to her sense of humor. Debbie has been featured in national newspapers and magazines (USAToday, Washington Post) and on nationally syndicated television and radio shows, too.

Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Wanda is a sought-after interior designer who believes in adding the best experience of design, no matter what kind of space you’ve got. She’s also an active blogger. You can read and subscribe to (or subscribe to and read, if you will) her blog at Interiorconcepts.blogspot.com
Filling out her interests in design, Kimberley is a speaker, journalist, and broadcast personality, operating in both the United States and Canada. Kimberley is Decorating Editor of Canada’s Style at Home magazine and author of the book 500 Ideas for Small Spaces.
5. @AveryDesign (Catherine J Avery)

Catherine sees the interior design process as collaborative, a philosophy which is at the forefront of her company Avery Design. A former Wall Street marketing executive, she discovered her flair and passion for interior design was her true calling. Visit Catherine’s website at averydesigninteriors.com.
6. @HomeWorkshop (Kathy Barlow)

Not only is Kathy a self-professed ‘design junkie’, she’s also a passionate community builder, taking her own love for creative interiors and inviting others of the same persuasion to add to her vision. You can visit her blog to view a list of designer contributors, all experts in their fields.
7. @Radecor (Rosyln Ashford)

Rosyln is a designer and a home stager, using her designer’s eye to help homeowners sell their homes faster, and for a better return. Rosyln (or ‘Ra’) has taken her skill for fabric and furniture placement it put it to work for a goal-oriented approach to interior design. Visit her website at Rarooms.com
8. @UrbanDecorSue (Susan Rapp)

Coming out of a merchandising and display background, Susan Rapp harnesses the power of tasteful furniture in a space to bring interiors to life. Her talents in this field are matched only for her passion for social media, like Twitter, and her blog, urbanlifestyledecor.com.
9. @PGraceDesigns (Paula Grace Halewski)

With her background in psychotherapy, Paula brings her keen understanding of human psychology into her work as an interior designer who incorporates “timeless attraction of beautiful, classic design married with contemporary elements”. Read her blog at paulagracedesigns.blogspot.com.
10. @Barbara_Miller

Barbara’s dedication to family-friendly spaces in residences and businesses is rivaled only by her dedication as a parent. But, these two loves feed each other, creating “functional design that will withstand the daily use of homeowner’s children, pets, friends, or customers”. Read Barbara’s blog at barbaramillerdesign.com/Blog.
11. @GreenYourDecor (Jennae Petersen)

Jennae’s frustration with her struggles in finding eco-friendly products while designing inspired her to create her own design company and blog with eco-friendly design in mind on behalf of clients. She delivers on style, and on sustainable materials and practices. Visit her website at greenyourdecor.com.
12. @StarrMiller

President and Principle at her boutique interior design company, Starr has helmed projects featured on HGTV’s Save My Bath. Her keen understanding of design principles, and her ability to really listen to what her clients are asking for have been the keys to her success. Visit her website at StarrMiller.com
Related posts:





{ 3 trackbacks }
{ 19 comments… read them below or add one }
Thanks so much for mentioning me on your posting! Its great to see such an engaged and engaging community of designers!
@DebbieWiener
You’re welcome, Debbie. Taking a closer look at your work, and the work of the others listed here, has been a great experience. I love reading about passionate people in whatever field they happen to be in. Because of that, this series of ours is going to be pretty fun for me to put together.
Thanks for your comments!
Hey, I found a couple of new (to me) designers to follow! What a great resource for anyone on twitter interested in interior design or looking for tips. Thanks for another valuable post,
@hshomestaging
Fabulous list, Rob! I’m honored to be in such great company. I’ve been following many of these wonderful women, but can’t wait to dive into your links and check out the others. Twitter is indeed a powerful tool — it has been an incredible way for me to meet and interact with other creative souls.
– Kathy
@HomeWorkshop
Thank you so much for including me in your list. I feel proud to be associated with these fine ladies. Can’t wait read more of your insights into Gurus to Follow on Twitter (I’ve never been referred to as a guru before ~ I think I like it
Paula Grace ~
wow – thanks for the mention! i was wondering how i come I suddenly received new followers today! and it wasn’t even follow friday! thanks!!!!
Way to go Roslyn!
We just started Tweeting a month ago and this is a great resource for us as we continue to connect with others in the furniture/Decor community. We look forward to following all of you!
All the best,
HFM
@HickoryFurnMart
What an honor to be included with some of the greatest interior design tweeps I know. Thank you so very much. You made my day!
All the best of success to you,
Catherine
Rob,
What a fantastic list! I can’t wait to learn more about your 12 guru’s. Below are a few others you may want to check out for a future series.
@Kitchen_Sync Kelly Morisseau
@susanpalmer Susan Palmer Designs
@chateauinterior Chateau Interiors
@poshliving Layla Altman – Posh Living
@kerryanndame Kerry Ann Dame – Posh Living
Thanks!
Shannon
@sbilby @cyswebsites
Rob,
Thank you for including me in this inspiring list of designers! I have been following many of them and been impressed with their knowledge, creativity and generosity. I am excited to have discovered a few more gems to add to my list and honored to have been included in such company!
Barbara
While I am honored to have made the cut, there are so many great interior designers on Twitter, I can’t imagine narrowing the list to 12! Shannon’s list is a great start to find others.
In the next few days, I will begin to unveil my new image and branding – still my signature ‘relaxed elegance’ and family friendly tips but with a more modern look. Hope you will check it out and let me know what you think!
Rob,
This was so kind of you! I know several of the other interior designers, through Twitter and in real life, so it’s such a pleasure to share this honor with them. Truly great talents and people! I just began Twitter, last year, right about this time. I just dove into the Social Media pool, hopping I could keep swimming. The wonderful community, I’ve found, is so positive and uplifting. Shannon is so right . . . there are so many fabulous designers, who share their vision and view of interior design. I encourage everyone to hop on Twitter for many different perspectives.
Warm regards,
Wanda
Wow! I am humbled to have made your list! I have met so many fabulous people through Twitter and it seems you have found many of them as well. I continue to be inspired by them all. The thing I love most about the design business is the collaboration. We don’t really compete, we help each other and ultimately our fabulous clients.
Thank you again for your kindness!
Starr
Thanks everyone for comments! You all deserve to be recognized for your great work and your ability to engage on social media platforms – including on this little blog of ours. As Catherine has said, and as Shannon has illustrated well, there are many, many deserving interior designers out there who also deserve top billing. Thanks for mentioning that too. There are so many great people to meet, and so many opportunities to help each other make the Internet a better place, as well as inject a new vitality into our respective industries.
Cheers!
Happy to already be acquainted with the about half of the “stars” on your list…yes, am “following” a dedicated and talented lot.
…and yeah for all of you for engaging as you are via social media and to see the fruits of your labors come via inclusion in such a list. It only gets better.
No, not a designer, but, like you all, looking for collobarating our efforts on all fronts and seeing the win win effect, over and over and over again….
Great day to all!
Ruth
Why such a “sexist” club? The ladies above are all quite talented, but what about some male viewpoints?
This is your chance, Wayne! Nominate your favourite male interior designers that we should all be following right here. I’ll make sure to provide links to their profiles.
Thanks for comments!
I am always looking for great sites that teach about blogging and I found your site that teaches about the “Interior Designers” attribute that is so important to Designers.Thanks for sharing with your readers!