Meet Michelle Kroll | Interior and Spacial Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Michelle Kroll and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Michelle, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
Starting my own interior design business was something had been on my heart for a long time. After years of working in the industry, both in commercial and residential design, and taking time to focus on raising my kids, it was important to build a business that combined my passion for beautiful, functional spaces with the flexibility to build a career on my terms.

What really motivated me was seeing how many people want a home that feels like a true reflection of who they are, but don’t always have the time, budget, or know-how to make it happen. That’s why I’ve centered my business around approachable, personalized services—whether that’s virtual design for clients anywhere, full-service projects for local families, or detailed space planning and 3D renderings.

My goal is to meet people where they are and help them create a home that truly supports their everyday life. It’s been incredibly rewarding to connect with clients in different ways, and I love being part of their journey to a more functional and inspiring home.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
My career path hasn’t been a straight line—it’s included work in commercial and residential design, the event industry, and time as a stay-at-home mom. That pause actually gave me a new perspective on the importance of home. I experienced firsthand how much our spaces impact our routines, our peace of mind, and our overall well-being.

What sets me apart is my thoughtful approach to function and flow. I specialize in space planning and 3D renderings, which help clients visualize their space before making big decisions. Whether I’m working locally or virtually, I focus on creating designs that are personal, practical, and beautiful, because our homes should support how we live, not just look good.

Starting over after time away wasn’t easy. I battled self-doubt, but I reminded myself of what I bring to the table: experience, creativity, and a deep passion for helping people love where they live.

The biggest lesson I’ve learned? Success doesn’t have to follow a traditional path. I’m building a business that grows with my life and helps others do the same in their homes.

At the heart of it all, I want people to know: I’m here to help you design a home that reflects your story and brings joy to your everyday life—whether that’s through virtual design, space planning, or full-service support.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend was visiting, I’d plan a laid-back, sun-soaked week filled with good food, great views, and a mix of local gems and can’t-miss spots. There’s so much to love about Southern California, especially around Malibu and Ventura County, it has this perfect mix of coastal charm, small-town vibes, and a little bit of luxury.

Day 1: We’d start with breakfast and coffee at The Stonehaus in Westlake Village, then head straight to the beach, probably Zuma or El Matador for Malibu scenery. Dinner would be at Duke’s Malibu, with the hula pie for dessert!

Day 2: We’d take a little drive up the coast to spend the day in Carpinteria, one of my favorite small beach towns. We’d start with breakfast at Lucky Llama Coffee, then stroll down Linden Avenue and pop into the local shops and boutiques. The beach there is calm and beautiful, perfect for a relaxing few hours in the sun. We’d grab sandwiches at Padaro Beach Grill for lunch then maybe stop by one of the small local wineries or tasting rooms for a glass of wine.

Day 3: A full-on design and inspiration day, visiting some of my favorite home decor shops and showrooms, maybe even hitting up a flea market if the timing is right. We’d end the day with a cozy dinner at Made in Italy Bistro and then relax at home on the patio.

Day 4: We’d head down to Santa Monica for a full day of shopping, people-watching, and design inspiration. We’d start the morning at a cute coffee shop like Primo Passo, then hit up the Third Street Promenade and stroll down to Montana Avenue for a mix of name brands and local boutiques.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Honestly, this journey started with a dream that I kept tucked away for a long time, and it took a lot of inner work and self-belief to finally bring it to life. That said, I absolutely have to give credit to my husband, he’s been my biggest supporter from day one. He’s always believed in my ability to turn my passion into a business, even when I doubted myself. His encouragement gave me the confidence to go for it.

I also want to shout out the small (but mighty) community of creative women and fellow moms I’ve connected with along the way, whether online or in person. Watching other women carve their own paths, juggle business and motherhood, and keep showing up has been incredibly motivating.

And finally, I’ll give some credit to all the books and podcasts, that kept my vision alive when I wasn’t sure what the next step was. This business was born out of passion, persistence, and a deep desire to help others love their homes—and every little spark of inspiration along the way helped get me here.

Website: https://www.michellekrolldesign.com

Instagram: @michellekrolldesign

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michelle-kroll-85b65a43