Today we’d like to introduce you to Tess Leeds.
Hi Tess, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always said that if I could eat colors, I would. Color, or should I say the right combinations of colors has always had an incredible impact on me. I drew my first floorpan in 5th grade, and I’ve been decorating and redecorating every since. However, designing professionally wasn’t a direct path. I started the working world as a World Language Spanish teacher at a small private school. And while I loved the unpredictability of middle school wackiness, and the creativity teaching allowed me, teaching wasn’t my ultimate passion. Repainting my own apartment again and again, and again, was.
“You’re rooms are getting smaller with all those coats of paint,” my father teased.
“How long before you make the leap to do what you love?” My mother gently nudged.
The answer was 13 years. A solid teaching career under my belt, I decided to jump ship and build a business helping others to create spaces they loved. However, I didn’t want to go the traditional interior design route with hidden mark up fees that felt deceitful or imprint my style and taste on them. I wanted to use my teaching skills to help clients create a design plan that reflected their style; a plan they could execute as their budget and schedule allowed. No pressure interior design.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
I’m not sure that any transition to a new career is ever entirely smooth. There was certainly a learning curve. How to find the best resources for a client’s budget? How to get my visual design point across effectively and efficiently? How to charge for my time and skill set? The list of learning is endless and ongoing, 17 years later.
One mistake I never made twice was commenting on an old torn blanket, only to find out it was given to them by their mother who recently passed away. The line I use now when I see a the sore thumb in a room is, “Tell me about his piece,”. Most often the client wants it gone, but sometimes, it’s a treasured item with a sentimental story behind it. You never want to step on toes. It is after all, their home. Not mine.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Tess Leeds Redesign?
Tess Leeds Redesign is Boston based interior design company. As a one woman show, I help regular people with average budgets and messy kids/pets create a plan they can execute as their budget and schedule allow. I like to think of myself as an “un-snooty designer”. It’s my job to create a functional, cohesive and beautiful space, but it doesn’t have to be overpriced.
Most clients can’t afford to overhaul an entire room all at once, but they need help creating a structured plan to make functional spaces as their needs change (a new baby, empty nesting, down-sizing, up-sizing, etc). I help clients decide where they can splurge and what to save on. During a redesign session we work as a team, creating the vision together. With an in-hand to-do list after the meeting, clients know what to do next and where to shop. A follow-up meeting ensures that colors and textures of any new furniture work together, and that the undertones of the paint are just right.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
I always laugh that I’m the only designer not glued to instagram. Being a mom of twins and working with new clients weekly keeps me too busy. But I do love Emily Henderson and Young House Love. And of course, nothing beats a cup of coffee with an old fashioned magazine — hello House beautiful, Domino or Architectural Digest!
Pricing:
- I price by the room. Client’s know exactly how much the creative fee will be before we begin.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tessleedsredesign.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tess_leeds_redesign/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tess-leeds-259a6589
