Meet Courtney Morgan | Interior Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Courtney Morgan and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Courtney, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
This is a great question and something I struggle with every day. It has definitely changed since opening up my own firm. When you are working for yourself, it’s hard to “turn it off” and clock out right at 5 or 6 like most jobs. Especially when my office is in my home and all of my projects are calling to me from down the hall. But it is so important to create that balance. What I have found most helpful is that I sometime have to actually add it to my calendar as if it is an appointment and treat is as important as I would treat any other work appointment… “Date Night/Lunch Date with the Hubs”, “Pilates”, “Happy Hour with The Girls”. I’ve found that if I make sure and make time for me and those around me, then I am more productive throughout the week I then feel fulfilled and refreshed.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I struggled with going out on my own and starting my firm for a long time. I think most creative people struggle a little with that feeling of not being good enough at some point (if not all the time). Now, I feel like kicking myself for not doing it sooner. With all of that said, I wouldn’t trade all the experience I gained in the years leading up to this point for anything. Straight out of college, working for a firm designing the interiors of model homes gave me the ability to design for different styles, demographics and budgets. Working as an In-Home Consultant at a window treatment showroom helped strengthen my drapery and upholstery knowledge. Working at a firm that helped new home buyers select all the materials and finishes for their soon-to-be built homes gave me immeasurable knowledge on all thing’s construction and the “harder” side of design IE flooring, countertops, lighting, etc. I then worked for an interior shutter company where I was the Creative Design Director. I created a custom drapery line and a barn door product line for them which is featured on a big box store website. Everything I have done has led me to this point and I couldn’t be more grateful. Honestly, as much as I knew and felt that becoming an interior designer was my calling in life, the classes you take for that degree are like nothing I’d ever done. School always came somewhat easily for me…but those classes made me really take a deep look inside to make sure this truly was my passion. I think most people think it’s a career of fluffing pillows and playing with furniture or picking out pretty things, but it is a lot more technical than people give credit. The best part is that knowing all the rules lets you know when you can bend them and that is where the truly creative fun happens.
As a designer, I take great pride in my ability to listen to my client’s needs and wants and interpret them into something beautiful and functional. No project is ever the same and no two clients are either. That is the best part for me. A designer is a person who will get to know some fairly intimate things about you and your family, so you need to make sure it will be a good working relationship. Making them truly feel heard is just as important as the final design in my mind.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
You can’t come to Houston without getting some Tex Mex. Margaritas and queso are a must! So that would definitely be our first stop. And I know there are some fancy Mexican restaurants around town, but I like mine with more of a comfy feeling. La Tapatia, Los Tios or Lupe Tortillas are my go to. And since you can’t live on margaritas and queso alone I’d also take them to Oportos, and Nancy’s Hustle. We would definitely hit up some antique or consignment stores. There is no better feeling than finding those special treasures. MAI, Guild Shop, Blue Bird are some local favorites.
Happy Hour would for sure happen and in the Montrose area there are so many to try. My favorite’s are probably 13 Celsius, Postino, and Sonoma.
Entertainment wise, the HMNS is always a great place to visit or any new exhibits going through the MFA. I also like to see if there are any new concerts or comedians coming into town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Yes, definitely I do! I have to say a huge “Thank You!” to my husband for being my true cheer captain in all of this and pushing me to do it. You were right, sweetie! And now that’s in writing! I would also be amiss if I did not also mention all of my family and friends. The list of people is too long to write, but they have all been overwhelmingly supportive of this endeavor and I hope they truly all know how much it means to me. A majority of them have hired me as well which is the greatest compliment one can receive.

Website: https://www.vestagrey.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vestagrey/

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/courtney-morgan-58236a41/

Image Credits
Colleen Scott