Design in Real Life Podcast

Maria Bowers, NJ Residential Interior Designer

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. 12/02/2025

    How to Plan Home Projects After the Holidays: Your 2026 Renovation Guide

    Subscribe to not miss anything! Once the holidays are over and the decorations are finally packed away, the house always feels a little strange — kind of empty, kind of refreshing, but also like you’re seeing everything for the first time again. And honestly, this is usually when I start noticing all the little things that need attention. In this episode, I’m talking about how that post-holiday “blank slate” can actually help you figure out what home projects make the most sense for 2026. I’m also sharing what we’re planning over here: we’re finally redoing our master bathroom and bedroom. We did quick fixes years ago, but it’s definitely time for a full do-over… and we’re actually tackling this one ourselves after a year of contractors in our house. (Check back in a few months to see if I regret that decision, haha.) I’m walking through the simple questions I ask clients when they’re trying to figure out where to start, what most people get wrong this time of year, and a couple things you can do right now that make planning way less overwhelming. If a home project is on your mind for the new year, this episode will help you look at your space with clearer eyes — and maybe even get excited about what’s possible. If you’re enjoying these conversations, make sure you’re subscribed. You’ll get my monthly newsletter, new palettes, blog posts, podcast episodes, and all the real-life design updates from our own home — right to your inbox. Come join the community! 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

    How to Plan Home Projects After the Holidays: Your 2026 Renovation Guide
  2. 06/02/2025

    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

    Introducing the Design in Real Life Podcast 🎙️

Ratings & Reviews

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