Edina Houston is a passionate interior designer with luxurious, modern, transitional style.

NHN: What kind of art do you create and when did you start?

Edina Houston: I’m an interior designer, so I like to call it functional art. It’s functional art because it’s your entire environment. I see it as moving, living pieces because they’re always there. I started when we built our first home. I had the construction documents and I figured I would design the house ahead of time so everything was ready. By the time we closed on the house, I had a full installation day. Prior to that, I didn’t even know that was a thing. I was just trying to get ahead of the game. When you’re in a new construction community, neighbors are a little nosy. They want to know what everybody’s doing. I had a couple nosy neighbors come in and they said, “Oh, my God. Who was the designer? I need their card.” I said, “Oh, I did.” They went, “What?! Can you help me?” That’s where it all started. 

NHN: What inspired you to design in Lake Nona?

EH: We’re from South Florida. We moved here around the end of July. I was so fascinated with the area. When you think of Orlando, you think of Kissimmee and the Disney and Universal area, but once we started driving around this area, I felt like the architecture was so different and this place could be amazing from a design standpoint because it already has the art scene.

NHN: When did you realize you wanted to pursue design?

EH: Once I’d done three or four houses in the community, I realized this is something I should make a business because they were paying me to do it. After I designed our house and I helped everybody in the neighborhood, I went back to school for design.

NHN: Interior design vs. interior decorating?

EH: There’s a stigma that interior designers are very snobby because they went to school, and I don’t believe that’s the case. Interior designers typically have an education and work in conjunction with a general contractor. Interior decorators typically don’t go to school. It’s a niche they have and they’re really good at it. They do all the fun interior stuff like pillows, throws, all that stuff. That’s not to say that one is better than the other.

NHN: Describe your design style.

EH: Over the last five years, I’ve narrowed down my design style, but it’s always evolving. I have things I love to do in everyone’s house. But there are certain trends I’ll take an ounce of and throw them in. My aesthetic is modern, transitional organic luxury because I like to have luxury-type items, but I don’t want a full house of designer pieces. 

NHN: Most rewarding/challenging design experience?

EH: Most rewarding are nurseries. I’ve had clients that I’ve worked with while they’re pregnant. Once they deliver, it’s cute to watch the evolution of this pregnant woman and the family going through this process. It’s the best reveal ever because you grow with the design. Most challenging was when COVID hit, and everything spiraled out of control. That whole shipping container debacle was crazy. We had no clue when things were coming.

NHN: What is your design process?

EH: My process is very artistic. First, the house has to be clean. That sounds crazy, and I don’t know why, but the house has to be spotless. If I have projects, I need to know I can focus and zone into the artistic side. I play music and relax. I have to be outside and flow through. It has to be natural. I don’t like forcing it. It has to come naturally so I’m able to curate everything my clients need. I’m able to get everything I need generated and sent by the end of the day. On designing days. I try not to do anything else. I typically save those for Friday or Saturday morning when it’s nice and quiet. I have my busy work Monday through Wednesday. And that’s when I do all the accounting, all the stuff nobody wants to deal with. 

NHN: Who/what inspires your art?

EH: Nature, history, other artists. My favorite artists are Mikel Welch, Kelly Wearstler, Forbes+Masters, and Nicole White.

NHN: Besides design, what are your passions?

EH: Painting, yoga, dance, and traveling with the family.

NHN: New projects?

EH: I am doing two Airbnbs down south. I have a condo renovation down south, and I just started a loft/media room in Lake Nona.

NHN: Where can people find your portfolio?

EH: You will really get to know me by Instagram @edesignsandco. I do stories often, sometimes day in the life. I also have my website edesignsandco.com.

Photos courtesy of Edina Houston