When it comes to design, safe is not in Nicole Roe’s vocabulary. As the founder and lead designer of R. Nickson Interiors, she’s building a bold, detail-rich world that’s as gutsy as it is grounded. Based out of a dual-purpose studio and warehouse in Lakeland, Florida, Nicole and her powerhouse all-female team are known for pushing creative boundaries, running a tight ship behind the scenes, and delivering spaces that feel unapologetically personal.
We sat down with Nicole to chat about the power of styling, her (very organized) obsession with hardware, and why evolving as a designer is not just allowed — it’s essential. Spoiler: You’re going to want to take notes 📝
Summarize R. Nickson Interiors’ approach to interior style in just three words.
Unapologetic, Functional, Individual
Introduce us to the team behind your design practice 👋
Nicole, our Founder and Lead Designer, is the creative force behind the vision. With a strong background in construction and an eye for high-impact design, she’s the dreamer, the decision-maker, and the one who dares to push boundaries to make every project unforgettable.
Mari, our Interior Designer, is the detail-obsessed driver who makes things happen. She dives deep into the layers of each project, turning big-picture concepts into beautifully executed realities and ensuring every design moves forward with clarity and momentum.
Kelly is our Operations Specialist — she keeps the engine running. From procurement to working closely with our warehouse, she ensures that all the moving parts behind the scenes flow smoothly so that our projects do too.
Jahna, our Brand Coordinator and Nicole’s right hand, wears many hats and wears them well. From keeping the brand voice cohesive to supporting every aspect of the business, she brings both structure and creativity to the table.
And finally, Mitra runs our warehouse operations like a pro. She receives, inspects, and manages all deliveries with care and keeps everything safely stored until install day. Our connected warehouse is a huge part of what keeps us efficient, and Mitra is at the heart of it.
Together, we operate out of our design studio and warehouse in Central Florida.
What’s a USP that your studio stands by, that’s not commonplace at other interior design firms?
One of our strongest unique selling points is that we operate with a fully integrated design studio and our own warehouse under one roof. That means we don’t just design beautiful spaces — we control the process all the way through to the final install. We receive, inspect, and store every piece ourselves, which helps us avoid delays, damages, and surprises that can happen when you rely on third-party receivers. It’s a huge part of how we protect our clients’ investments and deliver a seamless, elevated experience.
Plus, we’re not afraid to be bold. We challenge our clients to go outside their comfort zone — not for shock value, but to create spaces that are deeply personal, full of character, and unlike anything else. That blend of control, confidence, and creativity really sets us apart.
To what extent does being based in Lakeland, Florida influence your design choices? Where are the best places to seek inspiration, locally?
Being based in Lakeland gives us this really unique design advantage — we’re surrounded by a blend of influences that let us lean into a wide variety of aesthetics. We’ve got water, farmland, historic homes, and a growing urban energy all in one place. One day we’re inspired by the breezy, natural textures of Florida’s Gulf Coast; the next, it’s the quiet beauty of a small-town porch or the lush greens from a nearby state park.
There’s also no shortage of visual inspiration locally — between natural springs, beautiful beaches, charming downtowns, and vibrant art scenes, we’re constantly reminded that design doesn’t have to fit in a box. Plus, with two major airports nearby, we’re just a quick hop from any out-of-town project, so we get the best of both worlds: grounded in Florida's layered landscape, but always ready to bring that influence anywhere.
Can you walk us through a recent project where hardware played a key role in shaping the overall feel of the space?
In a recent full home renovation, hardware played a huge role in defining the feel and personality of each space — and we didn’t hold back. The project included a double-island kitchen, a bold laundry room packed with storage and color, five unique bathrooms, and a hardworking mudroom. Every one of those spaces had its own hardware series, and most featured different metals. We’re big believers that hardware is more than just functional — it’s jewelry for the home.
In the kitchen alone, we used three different styles of hardware, each adding a layer of detail and dimension. We often incorporate backplates to give cabinetry a little extra presence, and we love mixing metals when it makes sense. That tension between finishes can really bring a space to life.
Our hardware walkthroughs are never rushed — especially on a project like this. Our installers know to block off a few hours because every knob, pull, and placement is intentional. It’s one of the final touches, but it makes a huge impact on the overall feel and sophistication of the design.
Your website explains that a well-designed space should be an extension of a homeowners personality. How do you help your clients to interpret their character into a design scheme?
We believe that everyone deserves a space that truly reflects who they are — and not just who they are today, but who they’re becoming. A big part of our job is helping clients gain the confidence to own their style and lean fully into it. We’re not here to copy Pinterest boards — we’re here to create something that's deeply personal, elevated, and unmistakably them.
It starts with vibe — are we going bold and high contrast, or soft and tonal? Do you love rich textures or sleek finishes? What’s the one piece that should steal the show? What do you collect, and what stories do your things tell? We ask the questions that help clients discover their own design point of view, often before they even realize they had one.
Then we push it further. Our job is to stretch the vision just enough — mix in unexpected elements, refine the details, and create something that feels both comfortable and elevated. When a client walks into their finished space and says, “This feels so me — but better,” that’s the magic.
What’s one underrated design detail that you think makes a big impact but often gets overlooked — and how do you incorporate it?
Styling — without a doubt. It’s one of the most underrated design details, but it’s also what makes the biggest emotional impact. We hear it all the time from clients who’ve worked with other designers in the past. It’s not that their designer wasn’t talented — it’s that the project didn’t feel finished. There was no magazine-worthy ending: no styled coffee tables, no thoughtfully layered shelves, sometimes even the art was missing.
We believe styling is what transforms a house into a home. It’s where the personality really shines through. It’s the final 10% that pulls everything together and makes the space feel intentional, lived-in, and loved. We never skip it. Whether it’s a stack of beautiful books, a collected object, or a perfectly placed vase, styling is the part where clients say, “Okay — now it feels real.” And it’s often the part they end up loving most.
What advice would you give to aspiring designers who are just starting to find their voice and want to build a practice that feels both creative and commercially strong?
My biggest piece of advice? Give yourself permission to evolve. It’s okay not to have it all figured out from the beginning. Every project will teach you something new — about design, about clients, and honestly, about yourself. Your voice as a designer (and as a founder) doesn’t have to be fully formed on day one. Start with a solid foundation, learn the rules, then slowly start breaking them in a way that feels authentic to you.
It’s easy to feel pressure to pick a “style” or build a brand that fits into a box, but the truth is, the most successful practices balance creativity and commercial strength by staying adaptable and open. You’re allowed to shift, refine, and change your mind as you grow. That’s not a weakness — it’s part of becoming a designer with real depth.
Trust the process, stay curious, and know that your work — and your voice — will keep getting better with every single project.
Who are three other designers, or resources, that you look to for inspiration?
Last one. What are your 3 top picks from our collection right now?
- KEPLER Heavyweight Knurled Pull, Antique Brass
- BOBBIN D-Bar Pull, Burgundy
- HUMBOLDT Knurled Cabinet Knob, Antique Brass
