In Conversation With Abbie Naber

What first sparked your interest in interior design?

My interest in interiors was driven by my own home renovation. My "former life" consisted of a degree in Fine Arts and Fashion Design, and a long career of dance choreography and costume design. After having my first child in 2016, I spent a few months at home in between careers trying to figure out how to plant the seed and slowly build a new career. Well, it wasn't so much a slow growth. Things took off quickly after we renovated our own home and were published in a few magazines and online. That led to clients, which led to more clients, more referrals and a quick catapult into the world of interiors.

How would you describe your approach to interior design?

My approach to design is trying to create a balance between an artful, individualized space and one that is liveable, approachable, and not too precious. Many of my clients are in their middle age with children, so taking into account that liveability factor is really important to me. I also like to approach each space with the intention of creating something one of a kind. Whether that's the art specifically curated for that space, a unique textile pattern, or an intentional color palette, I truly try not to replicate past work and always try to look forward.

Who or what have been your biggest design influences?

I am influenced by travel, diving into old design books and art books from my college years and I find refueling in nature and away from tech a big part of staying creative and connected. I love the work that Nina Freudenberger creates, Ome Dezin, Valle de Valle, and Tali Roth to name a few.

How do you typically begin a new project?

I require new clients to provide imagery as well as fill out extensive questionnaires to get the process started. Once I've been able to review what they have verbalized and what they have shown me visually (the two don't always line up), then I begin my work by an essential multi-week discovery phase. This phase is how I begin every project, and I never skip this part of the process. It allows me to develop a macro lens as to how I envision the space(s). Once this is shared with the clients and I've been given feedback based off of these "look and feel" images, then I can start design concepting, space planning, drawings and material sourcing. This phase creates the "north star" for the project.

What does a successful collaboration with a client look like to you?

I love this question. I know when it's a good fit because there is an ease and flow in regards to communication. There needs to be a strong element of trust in my process and capability, but also a certain level of feedback and input from the client. It truly should be a collaborative process and a bit of a dance back and forth.

Is there a story behind the home or space in the Canyon or Eichenlaub projects that shaped your choices?

With my Canyon project, there was a high degree of trust and "letting me do my thing." With that came a lot of creative freedom. Take the den, for instance. It was a bit of a risk to offer terracotta as a hue to fully saturate the space. But, upon receiving the green light to do so, it allowed me to get really specific with the remaining color choices and fully complete the space in a cohesive, thought-out way. I loved that this client was open to bold wallpaper, riskier color choices, and fully saturating walls in color.

What feeling were you trying to evoke in this space?

Each space in the Canyon project is a bit different. The family room (right off of the kitchen in Canyon - where we have used your table) is quite small and didn't allow for a lot of furniture. I decided that this space needed to connect the kitchen to the outdoor deck, so the color palette was lighter, brighter, and more of a continuation of what we had developed in the kitchen. Alternatively, the den is more of a saturated "hugged" in space that was color drenched and perfect for afternoon naps and movie nights.

What decision felt risky at the time but paid off?

For our Canyon project, I think there was some risk involved with the art choices - specifically the green and blue figure painting in the breakfast nook area and the large horse art in the living room. Both are very specific and bold and add so much personality to these spaces. Coming from a Fine Arts background, art is crucial for me to include in a space.

For our Eichenlaub project, the two tones of countertops felt risky to the clients. I kept assuring them that having the two different countertop materials would layer the space and add depth.

What detail took far longer than anyone would guess?

Our Eichenlaub project cruised along (thanks to our wonderful builder, Scofield Homes.) In general, the Canyon project saw multiple delays that were out of our control. The millwork turned out beautifully but did take a bit longer than I had anticipated. It was a single cabinet maker on that job. However, the quality surpassed many other experiences that I have had.

Was there something you changed at the very last minute?

For both of these projects, things turned out relatively similar to where we had started with our concepts!

What's a compromise you were nervous about — and how did it turn out?

Initially, specifying reclaimed beams for the Canyon project was something that I was pushing hard for. Due to budget, it just wasn't realistic. In the end the veneer wrapped beams looked great and modernized the home a bit.

Did either project surprise you once it was finished?

I suppose there's always an element of surprise when you get to see drawings and concepts come to life. That is something that I still look forward to with every job. I guess you hope that you're surprised in a good way, haha! The tile work on both projects surpassed my expectations and looked even better installed than in concept.

What's something you'd do differently if you revisited one of these spaces?

I would have loved to work on more of the secondary spaces in our Eichenlaub project and add more color to the walls.

What part of the process was more difficult than it looked from the outside?

Our Eichenlaub project truly was a breeze. We work with some great builders and were fortunate to partner with Scofield Homes on this one. There was an ease about the communication and design intent conveyed to the trades. Mistakes were minimal and the project sped through construction very quickly. The scope of our Canyon project was larger and much more detailed. Communication with the trades was trickier and the onsite hours managing and seeing details through took a lot more dedication, time, and effort.

How do you think about balancing timeless vs. current design elements when designing a space?

I'm so glad you brought this up as this is one of my intentions for 2026 and onward. Balancing timelessness while still holding a unique point of view is constantly on my mind. We are being bombarded with imagery - just click or swipe and instantly you're presented with an array of options. That can often saturate the design world and cloud creativity. I don't want my work to be a Pinterest grab. I've found that taking a step back, turning off the screens, and hand drawing can help keep the inundation at bay.

Burnout is an inevitable part of being in a creative field. Do you remember any particular instances where you felt burned out and what did you do to get out of that headspace?

Let's add being a solopreneur and having young kids to the mix! It can be a grind at times. I find spending time in nature essential for a reset. Whether that's a trip to the mountains to ski, hiking, or walking the beach and grounding in nature, getting away from tech really helps me reset.

What is one thing you would recommend to someone who is deciding whether to work with an interior designer?

I come from an unbiased place when I say, it's well worth the investment to hire a designer. There is an overall plan and timeline that will keep your project on the correct path. Ultimately, that can save a client time and money. A lot of people don't realize just how many minute decisions there are that lead to another which lead to another and so forth. Decision fatigue is a real thing. I would advise you to do your research before you enlist in help of a designer. Know your budget and be aware of the cost to build.