Today we’d like to introduce you to Paula Dixon.
Hi Paula, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
As with any story, there is never a clear simple road. For me, my design journey began at a young age–with Barbie dolls and a spiritual gift of creativity.
My mom was a teen single mother doing her best with limited resources in the 80s, which meant that when it came to playtime, creativity filled the voids. We couldn’t afford Barbie furniture, so I would make beds out of VHS tapes and bathcloths. Without realizing it, I was learning early on how to see potential in things around me–how to create beauty and comfort out of what I had.
I valued homes and family even then. Both of my parents were adopted out of CPS(child protective services), and their stories shaped how I view people and communities. I learned that the spaces we build–whether homes or connections–are what give life.
After high school, I went to trade school to become a hairstylist. I worked full-time behind the chair while also attending college full-time to earn my bachelor’s degree in business. That season taught me balance, perseverance, and how to connect deeply with people–skills that have carried through every chapter of my life.
After graduating, I began working as a project manager for a high-end kitchen and bath designer. Our projects included spaces at the Houstonian and Whispering Pines Golf Course–both settings that demanded precision, creativity, and collaboration. I loved the work, but found myself wanting to understand and be part of all of design.
When my oldest son was nine months old, I made the decision to go back to school to pursue my second bachelors degree in interior design. I graduated top of my class, summa cum laude–this was the beginning of a life choice to blend creativity, people, and design.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Not at all! But I wouldn’t change a thing! Nothing in my life has come easy, and I am deeply grateful for that. Every challenge has built character, resilience, and faith.
From working full-time while attending college full-time, to balancing motherhood and a second degree, there were plenty of late nights and doubts. But those experiences taught me lessons no classroom ever could–how to stay grounded, adapt, and keep moving forward.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it has been purposeful. Every setback taught me to be resourceful. Every season stretched my faith. And each turn in the road shaped the designer and business owner I am today–someone who believes that even the hard parts of our story can lead to something beautiful.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I am classically trained in architecture, which truly shapes the way I work. Unlike decorators, Interior Designers complete higher education and advanced training in building construction, systems, and codes. That knowledge matters, especially when a project involves building or remodeling, not just selecting finishes.
At Paula Dixon Design, we specialize in projects that blend construction with thoughtful interiors. We draft detailed plans that consider how a home will actually be lived in, from electrical placement to furniture layout, so every decision supports everyday life.
What sets my brand apart is our approach to creating livable spaces that feel collected, meaningful, and personal. We love incorporating fresh, previously owned pieces alongside custom designs to give a home a story. Most of all, I am proud to own my company and to use it as a way to honor God through my work. Every project is an opportunity to serve well, design with intention, and help clients see how even the most practical spaces can become something truly beautiful.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
At Paula Dixon Design, we believe in integrity and accountability within our industry. Texas deserves to become a licensing state so clients can understand the difference between trained interior designers and decorators. When anyone can call themselves a “designer”, it blurs the lines–almost like greenwashing–and diminishes the value of education, ethics, and experience.
We hold ourselves to a higher standard because design is not about chasing trends; it is about honoring the people who have entrusted us with one of their most valuable assets–their homes. Our role is to listen, understand, and create spaces that reflect the lives within them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.pauladixondesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pauladixondesign/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pauladixondesign
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/paula-dixon-design-llc/
Image Credits
Claudia Casbarian
Ellen Renee
