Today we’d like to introduce you to Katerina DiFranco.
Hi Katerina, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
From a young age, I was immersed in the world of construction—my dad is a contractor, and I spent many weekends tagging along with him to job sites. I was fascinated by the transformation of raw, unfinished spaces into something beautiful and functional. That early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for design and building.
As a creative at heart, I knew I wanted to pursue a career that combined both artistry and structure. I went on to earn my Interior Design degree from Kent State University, and later completed a Master’s in Construction Management to deepen my understanding of the technical side of the industry. Not long after, I joined a local architecture firm known for its high-end workplace interiors, where I gained invaluable experience working on large-scale commercial projects.
Even while working in the corporate world, I never stopped creating. I found myself helping friends and family with home projects, and in 2019, I had the opportunity to design the interiors of my own home—from drawing up the floor plan to selecting every finish and fixture. That experience reignited my love for residential design and planted the seed for what would come next.
Soon after, a friend from college asked me to design their home, and that project was a turning point—it made me realize just how much I enjoyed the personal nature of residential interiors. While I still take on select small-scale corporate projects, my heart is truly in creating spaces that reflect the lives and personalities of the people who live in them.. I launched my own LLC, left the corporate world, and dove headfirst into working one-on-one with clients. The timing aligned perfectly with a major life milestone—I was expecting my second son—so stepping into entrepreneurship also allowed me the flexibility to focus on my growing family.
Today, I’m a proud mom of two boys, and I run my own residential interior design business, building a portfolio entirely through word of mouth. I’ve worked on everything from new construction homes to intimate renovations. I truly love forming personal connections with my clients—learning how their families live, what matters most to them, and helping bring their dream spaces to life. Every project is a new opportunity to blend beauty, function, and individuality—and I can’t wait to see where this journey continues to take me.
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?
Transitioning from a corporate role—where I had years of experience—to running my own business in a different area of design was definitely one of the biggest challenges. I always had an entrepreneurial spirit and dreamed of being my own boss, but stepping into the unknown was far from easy. Still, I’m incredibly glad I took that leap and trusted myself.
There are constant learning curves when you shift from large-scale corporate projects to more intimate, budget-conscious residential work. In the corporate world, I often worked on multi-million dollar interiors, and now I’m helping families make the most of every dollar. That shift pushed me to really understand the numbers—learning how to design thoughtfully, creatively, and efficiently within a range of budgets.
Running your own business also comes with a lot of behind-the-scenes responsibilities that I never had to consider before. From tracking my hours and managing orders to sourcing reliable delivery services, building a brand, and creating all my client presentations—every detail falls on me. As both the face and the engine behind the company, I take full ownership of the final product, which can be both exciting and demanding.
That said, I’ve been fortunate to build a strong support network. I work closely with talented contractors and industry professionals who help bring my vision to life. It’s not always a smooth road, but it’s a fulfilling one—and I’ve grown so much because of it.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I’m an interior designer who focuses primarily on residential spaces, though I also take on select commercial projects. What I really specialize in is flexibility—meeting clients where they are and tailoring my services to their specific needs. Whether it’s simply reworking a furniture layout or designing a full-scale new build from the ground up, I’m here to help however I can.
What sets me apart is how personal and transparent I am throughout the entire process. I work closely with my clients to make sure they feel involved and confident in every decision. Some clients want to be hands-on; others prefer to let me run with it. Either way, I make sure the experience feels collaborative and stress-free.
I’m most proud of the new build homes I’ve worked on—there’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing a space come to life from a blank canvas. It’s exciting to see how thoughtful design choices, both big and small, have a lasting impact on how a home functions and feels.
My background in both interior design and construction management gives me a unique edge. I bring a balance of creativity and technical expertise to each project, which allows me to not only create beautiful spaces but also make smart, efficient design decisions that align with the client’s vision and budget. I’m not just there to make a space look good—I’m there to make it work well for the people living in it.
Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
What truly makes me happy is seeing my clients’ reactions as their space begins to take shape. There’s a special moment when finishes start going in or millwork is being installed—suddenly, the vision I’ve had in my head for weeks or months becomes real for them, too.
Walking through a space with a client and seeing their excitement, their gratitude, and sometimes even their surprise—it’s incredibly rewarding. Knowing I played a part in creating a home or space that brings them joy is what drives me. That emotional connection and sense of impact is what it’s all about for me.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @difranco_interiors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576857370479
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/katerina-difranco-18648062/
