Experienced luxury realtor with Compass Real Estate and founder/owner of the award-winning interior design studio, Spaces Designed, Komal Sheth has had a prolific career helping people decorate their living spaces as well as buying or selling a home. Her design work, in particular, is new and fresh and her projects really appeal to a universal sense of style. No wonder why she has been ranked among the top 20 interior designers in Austin.

We recently got the chance to talk to her, hoping to hear a few of her incredible stories and share them with you.

Ready to be inspired?

What made you choose to become an interior designer and a real estate professional?

Well, there’s no ‘one’ reason I can think of why I chose to pursue interior design in Austin, TX, or become a real estate professional. I mean, both interior design and real estate provide a path to financial freedom, a flexible schedule, and the personal fulfillment of helping families fulfill their dreams. I don’t think many other careers can offer this much.

Walk us through your interior design process.

As a designer, I know not to put the horse before the cart and style the space around what I think works best over the personal taste of my clients. So, the first thing I do to get the project flowing is to understand what my clients want and what their aesthetic/functional requirements are. I ask them what they like/not like about my style (just so I know we’re on the same page) and what their favorite colors are since I work with color a lot. Of course, the budget is always discussed at the beginning, so I know how and where to source products. Based on all of this information, I draw up a plan that lists all the elements that I’d incorporate in the space. Once the client is on board, it’s time to nail the specifics – hard finishes, soft furnishings, furniture, wall treatments, floor coverings, fixtures, and fittings…

Where do you find inspiration for your design project?

I have curated a set of inspirational images that help introduce me to different styling elements that I can adapt to a design project. I also draw inspiration for my residential and commercial interior design projects from my travels, where I try to learn as much as possible from the different cultures, artisans, and artists I meet on the way.

What elements define your style?

I don’t have a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach. All of my designs are different and for a good reason: they’re about the people that are going to use that space. So, I try to lend every space the energy and personality of the individual owner. I also believe in incorporating elements that balance form with function, so comfort isn’t compromised for style.

What do you find the most challenging about designing a home?

The biggest challenge, of course, is to stay within the budget. Apart from that, scheduling and managing time, managing client expectations, and finding the right people for the job can get challenging from time to time.

Find out more about interior design trends

Why do you think people should hire you as their interior designer and realtor?

If you hire me as your interior designer, I can make it a lot more desirable to potential homeowners when you put it on the market. And as a realtor, I can find properties that would fit your vision to the T. In addition, the extended Engel & Völkers network allows me to check out many properties in the Austin/Westlake area even before they go on the market.

How would one go about if they want to hire you?

If someone wants to hire Space Designed for a project, they can get in touch with me via email (Info@SpacesDesigned.com) or phone (512.423.0981), or directly at my office (2710 Walsh Tarlton ln #101, Austin, TX, 78746). or hire through the Consultation form.