Design in Real Life Podcast

Maria Bowers, NJ Residential Interior Designer
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Design in Real Life is a podcast for homeowners who want to feel confident tackling everything from paint colors to full-scale renovations—without the stress or second guessing. I’m Maria Bowers, an interior designer who’s spent the last decade helping people create homes they actually want to live in—mess and all. In each episode, I share real-world design tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and simple ways to make your space feel more like you. Whether you're styling a bookshelf, redoing a kitchen, or just trying to make your house feel more like home, you're in the right place. Let’s take the pressure off and design in real life—one decision at a time. bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

Episodes

  1. From Chaos To Calm

    1D AGO

    From Chaos To Calm

    Our homes shape the way we feel every single day. In this episode, I’m sharing how clutter, color, and atmosphere affect our mental health—and simple ways you can make your home feel more calming and supportive without a full makeover. This coincides with a post I wrote-read it here. If you don’t want to miss an episode or newsletter, head over to BDesign’D and sign up—I’d love for you to be part of the community. 💛 Thank you for listening, Maria This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

    18 min
  2. Why Did We Think This Was a Good Idea?

    AUG 5

    Why Did We Think This Was a Good Idea?

    So… remember that breakthrough I had? The one where I felt like I was finally shaking off my work slump? That was, what—four weeks ago? I came up with this solid plan: rotating blog posts, podcast episodes, focused time for client work and my own home. I was feeling organized, inspired… grounded. And then—Aurora happened. We’ve been talking about getting a dog for years. But my youngest was hesitant—first scared, then flat-out resistant to change. Eventually, he softened, and we found the sweetest little bulldog puppy. The timing felt perfect: the boys are older, my husband works from home a couple days a week—it all seemed manageable. What we didn’t factor in? We are way out of newborn/toddler mode. Like, a decade removed. And somehow we forgot the most important detail: puppies = chaos. To top it off, we timed it perfectly (read: terribly). The same night we came back from our annual beach trip, Aurora arrived. Oh, and we also kicked off our kitchen project while we were away—starting with the ceiling (more on that in a future post). So yeah, we came home to drywall dust and a 12-week-old puppy. I honestly have no idea what we were thinking. 😆 We’re about a week in now, running on fumes—no sleep, no routine, kids heading back to school—and it’s giving me major flashbacks to the baby years. I remember counting down the days until they could sleep through the night, feed themselves, and not need to be carried everywhere. And now, here I am… the parent who tells younger parents, “It goes so fast. Treasure these moments…” Looks like I need to take my own advice. Here’s a quick glimpse at my garden visits lately—short and sweet. I’ll share more soon, including a proper kitchen update. Life’s a little chaotic right now, but I wouldn’t trade it—even the sleep deprivation—for anything. Speak soon, Maria This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

  3. The White Paint Illusion

    JUL 16

    The White Paint Illusion

    You’d think white paint would be the easiest choice, right? It’s just white. But if you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of swatches—or even worse, painted a wall thinking it would look one way only for it to go full yellow or blue—you know how frustrating it can be. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

    13 min
  4. Is It a Full Moon or What?!

    JUN 20

    Is It a Full Moon or What?!

    Not gonna lie—this week felt straight out of the twilight zone. School events, dances, graduations… and then I randomly got sick? It’s been a lot. Add in nonstop rain and fog, and it’s safe to say I’m more than ready for some sunshine. Thankfully, it’s finally on the way (cue the “here comes the sun” soundtrack). The garden’s been in a bit of a holding pattern—everything’s slow, especially the peppers, which are still stuck in seedling mode 😆 But fingers crossed the heat kicks things into gear. I finally was able to get up to the garden to check in on what’s growing, what’s not, and what I’m hoping will take off soon This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

  5. The Questions I Get Asked Most as a Designer (and the Real Answers)

    JUN 11

    The Questions I Get Asked Most as a Designer (and the Real Answers)

    Ever wondered what interior designers actually do behind the scenes? In this first episode of Design in Real Life, I’m pulling back the curtain on how my business works—what goes into pricing, timelines, sourcing, and why this job is way more than picking pretty things. If you’ve thought about hiring a designer (or just love the real talk), this one’s for you. Thank you for listening and let me know in the comments what you’d like to hear about! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out! Maria This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

    16 min
  6. Introducing the Design in Real Life Podcast 🎙️

    JUN 2

    Introducing the Design in Real Life Podcast 🎙️

    I’ve been slowly putting one foot in front of the other with this whole podcast idea. Some days it feels a little out of my comfort zone, and other days it feels like the most natural next step. After blogging for nearly eight years, I’ve realized there’s so much more I want to share—things that are just better spoken than typed. I’m not doing this with big expectations or chasing some spotlight. Honestly, part of me is just excited to have a new way to connect—and maybe hear myself talk a little (ha!). But mostly, I’m doing this for the homeowner who’s standing in the middle of a room feeling completely overwhelmed with choices. My goal is to take what I’ve learned over the last decade—not in a know-it-all way, but in a “yep, I’ve made that mistake too” way—and make the process feel less intimidating. I’ll also be bringing on some of my favorite design friends to chat, pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes, and of course, share a few funny stories along the way. So whether you’re planning a big renovation or just trying to figure out which paint color won’t make you regret your life choices—I hope this podcast becomes a space that feels helpful, honest, and a little bit fun. Episodes will probably land about once a month (because life is full!), and I’m so looking forward to having you along for the ride. Thanks for being here. I’m really glad you are. —Maria This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

    1 min
  7. The Garden Chronicles Week 2

    MAY 11

    The Garden Chronicles Week 2

    Transplanting and planting new seeds! I finally got around to transplanting our red bell and banana peppers, those combined with the poblano plants, I have about 15 pepper plants 🤪😆 I planted some more seeds of lettuce, flowers, onions (which I’ve never grown) and plan on getting the herbs and flowers I need for pest control. This is the fun and simple part- I’m interested to see once they really get big what pests and diseases will come about, if any but im assuming since its nature haha, but it’s all part of the process! Have an amazing day, a very happy Mother’s Day!💐 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

  8. The Garden Chronicles

    MAY 7

    The Garden Chronicles

    Week 1 after transplanting walkthrough 🤗🌱 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

  • 8 Episodes

About

Design in Real Life is a podcast for homeowners who want to feel confident tackling everything from paint colors to full-scale renovations—without the stress or second guessing. I’m Maria Bowers, an interior designer who’s spent the last decade helping people create homes they actually want to live in—mess and all. In each episode, I share real-world design tips, behind-the-scenes stories, and simple ways to make your space feel more like you. Whether you're styling a bookshelf, redoing a kitchen, or just trying to make your house feel more like home, you're in the right place. Let’s take the pressure off and design in real life—one decision at a time. bdesigndinteriors.substack.com

Information

  • Creator
    Maria Bowers, NJ Residential Interior Designer
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Maria
  • Show Website
    Design in Real Life Podcast