Today we’d like to introduce you to Andrea Karow.
Hi Andrea, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
My interest in design goes all the way back to high school. I was constantly changing the bedding in my room, moving artwork around, experimenting with color, and finding little ways to make a space feel different. Even then, I loved how much our surroundings could influence the way we feel.
After college, I had the opportunity to work for a design firm for about a year, where I gained an incredible amount of hands-on knowledge about the industry, working with clients, and bringing a design from an idea to a finished space.
Eventually, I realized I wanted to build something of my own. I started Davenport Design with the goal of creating beautiful, thoughtful interiors that felt elevated but still approachable and livable. I wanted to cater to what I think of as “Middle America”—families who appreciate great design and quality but also want their homes to be comfortable, functional, and reflective of the way they actually live.
Over the years, the business has grown largely through relationships and referrals, and my projects have grown right along with it. What started as a love of color, textiles, and rearranging my childhood bedroom has evolved into helping clients create homes that feel personal, collected, and truly their own.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not always. One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to balance the creative side of design with the realities of running a business. When you own a small firm, you are not only the designer—you are also handling client communication, scheduling, budgeting, sourcing, problem-solving, and all of the behind-the-scenes details that keep a project moving.
Another challenge has been learning to trust my own point of view and understand the value of the service I provide. In the beginning, it was easy to feel like I needed to say yes to every project or accommodate every request. Over time, I have learned how important it is to establish boundaries, choose projects that are the right fit, and build a business that reflects both my design philosophy and the way I want to work.
There have certainly been difficult projects, unexpected construction issues, delays, and the normal growing pains that come with owning a business, but each one has taught me something. I think those experiences have ultimately made me a better designer, a better business owner, and a much stronger advocate for my clients.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Davenport Design is a full-service interior design firm focused on creating beautiful, thoughtful homes that feel elevated without feeling untouchable. I work with clients on everything from renovations and new construction to furnishing, finishes, lighting, plumbing, cabinetry, and the many details that ultimately make a home feel complete.
I would say I’m especially known for creating spaces that feel collected, warm, and timeless rather than overly trendy. I love mixing beautiful materials, color, pattern, vintage-inspired elements, and architectural details in a way that still feels comfortable and livable for a modern family.
What sets Davenport Design apart is the level of personal involvement I bring to every project. Because I run a boutique firm, my clients work directly with me throughout the process. I’m not just thinking about how a room photographs—I’m thinking about how the family is actually going to live in it, how the materials will perform, where things need to be stored, how the lighting will feel at night, and whether every decision makes sense for that particular client.
I’m probably most proud that the brand has grown organically through relationships and referrals. To me, that says a lot. When a client trusts me with their home and then recommends me to a friend or asks me to work with them again, that is one of the greatest compliments I can receive.
Ultimately, I want people to know that good design does not have to feel intimidating or inaccessible. My goal is to give clients a home that feels distinctly theirs—beautiful and elevated, but also welcoming, functional, and meant to be lived in.
What does success mean to you?
I define success as being able to build a business that allows me to do meaningful, creative work while still being present for the people and parts of my life that matter most.
Of course, growth and financial stability are important, but for me, success is also measured by trust. It is having clients come back, refer their friends and family, and feel genuinely happy in the spaces we created together.
I also think success means continuing to evolve. I never want to feel like I have arrived and have nothing left to learn. If I can continue growing creatively, becoming a better business owner, taking on projects that excite me, and building a brand that feels authentic to who I am, I consider that a success.
At the end of the day, I want to be proud of the work I put into the world and proud of the life I built around it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.designdavenport.com
- Instagram: davenport_design
