Owner of BOLD Interiors Krystal Phillipson shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Good morning Krystal , we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
I am most proud of the way I’ve continued to challenge myself and grow as both a person and as a small business owner. Building BOLD Interiors in rural Iowa hasn’t been easy especially in the world of interior design where opportunities can sometimes feel limited but I’ve always been determined to create my own path.
Recently, I taught myself how to design and launch my own website. That process took so much trial, error, and late nights, but when I finally went live, I actually cried happy tears knowing I had built it completely on my own. It was a reminder that with persistence, you can figure out just about anything.
I also recently opened my Etsy shop, where I sell custom artwork, t-shirts, blankets, and other creative pieces that allow me to connect with clients in new ways. It’s been both a challenge and a joy, but I truly believe if you’re not pushing yourself outside your comfort zone, you’re not growing. Every step I’ve taken has reinforced my passion for design and my belief in building something meaningful even when nobody else sees the late nights and hard work behind it.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Krystal Phillipson, and I’m the founder of BOLD Interiors, a design brand built on the belief that great design should feel personal, intentional, and accessible no matter where you live. With over 18 years of experience in interior design, I’ve had the privilege of helping clients transform their homes into spaces that reflect their personality, lifestyle, and story.
What sets BOLD Interiors apart is that it’s more than a design service -it’s a creative hub. Alongside my interior design projects, I offer e-design, custom artwork, shirts, and more. Each piece of my work is rooted in the same mission: to bring beauty and inspiration into my customers’ lives in unique and meaningful ways.
Living in rural Iowa has pushed me to think outside the box when it comes to marketing and growth. I’m proud to have taught myself new skills, from building a brand presence to creating products that resonate with a wider audience. These challenges have shaped me into not only a designer but also a creative entrepreneur.
Right now, I’m excited about continuing to grow BOLD Interiors as both a design service and a lifestyle brand, helping people create homes and environments that feel authentic, cozy, and inspiring.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
One of the most influential relationships in shaping how I see myself has been with my best friend, Sylvia Roberts. We studied interior design together and graduated from Northern Arizona University, and over the years she has been a constant source of encouragement and inspiration.
As a single business owner, it can sometimes feel isolating, but having another woman in the same industry to lean on has been invaluable. Sylvia runs her own interior design business in Texas, and even from afar she has always believed in me, pushed me to grow, and supported me through the ups and downs of entrepreneurship.
Having a friend who understands the unique challenges of being a woman business owner someone I can relate to, bounce ideas off of, and celebrate wins with has been a gift. Her support has taught me the importance of community and collaboration, even when you don’t have co-workers in the traditional sense. Small women-owned businesses thrive when we stick together, and that belief has shaped how I see myself and my role in this industry.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There have definitely been times when I felt like giving up, but at my core I’m stubborn in the best way and I don’t quit. Being a Taurus, I go after what I want with persistence, and interior design has always been both my passion and my joy.
On the hardest days, when self-doubt creeps in, I’ll get a message from a client telling me how much they love their home or how a design completely transformed their space. Those reminders instantly shift my mindset and ground me in why I do this work to make people feel good in the spaces they live in.
Whether it’s a brand new build or something as simple as a custom t-shirt, seeing the happiness my work brings others is the most rewarding part of what I do. That joy always outweighs the challenges and keeps me moving forward.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
One of the biggest lies in the interior design industry is that you always need to be on top of the latest trends. I tell my clients the exact opposite your home should reflect you, not what’s trending this season. Trends come and go so quickly, especially when it comes to remodeling, and it’s not realistic or sustainable to constantly chase them.
Instead, I encourage clients to create spaces they truly love spaces that tell the story of their life and their family. No two homes should be identical, because no two stories are. Design should be personal, timeless, and meaningful, not a competition with your neighbors. That’s when a house really becomes a home.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people remember me as a designer who led with her heart. I truly care about each client I work with, and that’s why the job can sometimes feel stressful because I’m so invested in their happiness and in creating a space that feels right for them.
When someone lets you into their home, you build a personal connection, and I don’t take that lightly. I’ve always been an open book, and my clients appreciate that I’m honest with them even if it means telling them when something won’t work. At the end of the day, I want them to know that I was there to guide them, protect their vision, and help make their space not just beautiful, but a true reflection of who they are.
That’s the story I hope people will tell that I cared deeply, worked with integrity, and always designed with heart and don’t be afraid to be BOLD.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rootdinteriors.com
- Instagram: boldinteriorsbykrystal
- Facebook: boldinteriorsbykrystal
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