Today we’d like to introduce you to Kaylee Pauley.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My love for architecture and interiors emerged in my mid-teens. I remember driving through an area of historic homes, captivated by the houses we passed — some intricate, some subtle, each with its own voice. I found myself drawn to certain homes, curious about the lives unfolding within their walls. I could imagine their interiors, the rhythms of daily life, the stories they held.
Although I didn’t initially pursue interior design in college, midway through my marketing degree, I realized that the world of design stirred something far deeper within me. With the encouragement of my then-boyfriend, now husband, I made the leap — and it remains one of the best decisions of my life.
Design school was rigorous, especially while working full time, but I loved every moment of it. I graduated magna cum laude in 2009 and soon after joined a high-end residential design firm in Green Hills, where I spent several years honing my craft. It was there that my passion deepened — not just for the creative work, but for the layered process of collaboration with architects, builders, tradespeople, and, most importantly, clients. I fell in love with the meticulous attention to detail that elevates a project from beautiful to timeless.
After six years, I stepped back to focus on raising our young family, intending to pause my career altogether. But design kept calling me back. Over time, friends, past clients, and new connections continued reaching out, and I found myself gradually taking on projects — first in a consulting role, and eventually full-scale renovations and remodels as my children reached school age.
Today, I’m honored to lead Kaylee Pauley Interiors, working alongside homeowners through a wide range of design journeys — whether thoughtfully transforming a kitchen, reimagining an exterior, finishing a previously untouched space, or furnishing a newly purchased home. With each project, I strive to create layered, intentional spaces that reflect the heart and story of those who live there, designing homes that feel as beautiful as they are deeply personal.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I’d say it’s been both smooth and challenging. I’m someone who naturally makes the best of situations and tends to give others the benefit of the doubt. In many ways, that’s been a strength in this industry — helping me build trust and form meaningful relationships with my clients — but in other professional spaces, it’s sometimes left me vulnerable to being taken advantage of.
Over the years, I’ve worked with a wide range of personalities, from the clients I’m honored to serve to the teams, employers, and collaborators I’ve partnered with. I’ve had to find my voice — learning to advocate for what’s right and in the best interest of the client, while also recognizing that I have to honor what’s fair and right for myself and my family as well. Some of those lessons, especially in past professional roles, have been painful, the kind you don’t forget — but they’ve shaped me.
I’ve come to understand that while my heart plays a big role in how I approach this work, running a business also requires healthy boundaries. I can’t manage other people’s emotions or expectations at the expense of my own well-being. Those experiences, though difficult at times, have made me a stronger, more grounded business owner — and ultimately, I’m grateful for the growth they’ve brought.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
One thing that sets me apart is my ability to thoughtfully incorporate a variety of looks and styles. My own home reflects this layered approach — it’s not defined by any single aesthetic. It’s a gathering of pieces I love: sometimes something a little more modern and fun, sometimes an antique piece with a European influence, sometimes a playful pop or an unexpected texture. That ability to balance and blend styles is something I bring to my clients as well. I work hard to make sure each space doesn’t just look beautiful, but truly tells the story of the people who live there — reflecting their unique tastes, their lives, and what they love.
I’m most proud of the trust my clients place in me. It’s such an honor to be invited into someone’s home and to help shape the spaces where their lives unfold. That relationship, that level of trust, is something I never take for granted.
What makes you happy?
Oh goodness, so many things make me happy — but nearly all of them center around slowing down and being with the people I love. Whether it’s an evening walk with my husband and kids, them on their bikes or rollerblades while we stroll hand in hand, admiring the landscape of each home we pass… or wandering the aisles of a favorite antique shop with my sister or best friend… or savoring apple cider donuts and picking apples in Vermont during one of our annual fall trips — taking in beauty alongside the people I love fills my heart.
I also deeply enjoy evenings gathered around a table with family or friends, sharing good food, laughter, and a glass of red wine.
I’m a “doer” by nature, so I’d be lying if I said that accomplishing a to-do list, fitting in a great workout, or plowing through a full day’s work doesn’t bring me satisfaction. But none of that fills my cup or makes me come alive in the same way that nature and relationships do.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://kayleepauley.com
- Instagram: @kayleepauley
- Facebook: @kayleepauleyinteriors
- LinkedIn: @kayleepauleyinteriors
