Participating in the Kingston Design Show House was a career milestone I’ll always cherish. Not only did it challenge me creatively, but it also helped me sharpen my approach to marketing and storytelling as a designer. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at my experience—and the key takeaways that might help you elevate your design business.
THE JOURNEY TO "ROSEWOOD WATER LILY"
When I first decided to participate, I’ll admit I was nervous. Designing a space for a show house is unlike anything I’d done before- uncharted waters. You’re working on a platform where every detail is under a microscope—not just by fellow designers but also by media, vendors, and design enthusiasts.
For my space, the 2nd Floor Hallway Bathroom (which I named “Rosewood Water Lily”), I wanted to create a design that felt soulful, nostalgic, and bold. Working with sponsors like Benjamin Moore and Poter Teleo heightened the stakes but also opened incredible doors.
Before images
KEY MARKETING TAKEAWAYS
Do It Scared
Taking the leap despite fear was my mantra throughout the show house process. TBH, it’s one of my favorite mantras in life. Marketing yourself as a designer can feel daunting, but the rewards of putting your work in front of a larger audience are worth it. Every big opportunity starts with a risk—and often a little (or a lot of) fear.
Tell Your Story
People connect with stories, not just visuals. During the show house, I made sure to weave a narrative around the inspiration behind "Rosewood Water Lily." Sharing that story through captions, reels, and even during the podcast interview helped bring my work to life for others.
Leverage Collaborations
Partnering with vendors and sponsors was a game-changer. It not only helped bring my vision to life but also expanded my reach. Collaborating with brands, sharing content, and tagging each other on social media amplified visibility for everyone involved.
Document the Process
People love seeing the behind-the-scenes journey. Sharing construction updates, design decisions, and even the challenges (hello, tight deadlines!) allowed my audience to feel invested in the project.
We're almost at the finish line. The image on the left is Naïka triple checking the window treatments. The image on the right is of the contractors carefully installing the custom vanity cabinet.
Network, Network, Network
The show house introduced me to an incredible community of designers, editors, and vendors. Making these connections wasn’t just beneficial for this project—it’s been a stepping stone for future collaborations and projects.
MY PODCAST EXPERIENCE
The cherry on top of this journey was being invited to share my story on A Well-Designed Business with LuAnn Nigara. Talking about the highs, the hurdles, and the lessons learned felt like a full-circle moment. If you’re curious to hear more, check out the episode!
FINAL THOUGHTS
If you’re a designer considering a show house or looking to grow your brand, remember: Bold moves create big opportunities. Lean into your fear, tell your story authentically, and don’t be afraid to collaborate.
Have questions about my show house experience? Or tips of your own to share? Let’s chat in the comments!
With heartfelt gratitude,
Naïka J. Andre
Naïka Andre is an interior designer and home expert based in Stamford, Connecticut. As the founder of NJA Interiors, she creates soulful, vibrant spaces that optimize how people live in their homes. Known for her bold use of color, layered textures, and global influences, Naïka brings a fresh and fearless approach to design.
Her work has been featured in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, HGTV, Good Housekeeping, Domino, Business of Home, and more. When she’s not designing, Naïka loves traveling, curating antiques, and uncovering the stories behind vintage finds.
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