We had the good fortune of connecting with Elle Cole and we’ve shared our conversation below.
Hi Elle, what led you to pursuing a creative path professionally?
I pursued a career in high-end luxury interior design because of my passion for creating graceful and unique living spaces. Artistry and creativity have always been a fundamental part of my identity, and I wanted to channel that energy into a profession that allows me to transform ordinary spaces into extraordinary works of art.
Luxury interior design provides a canvas for me to express my artistic vision and push the boundaries of what’s possible in terms of aesthetics and functionality. It allows me to blend my love for art, architecture, and craftsmanship to curate spaces that not only reflect the individuality of my clients but also offer a heightened sense of comfort and sophistication.
Moreover, working in the realm of luxury interior design offers me the opportunity to constantly evolve and stay at the forefront of design trends and innovations. The challenge of creating timeless, one-of-a-kind interiors that surpass expectations is incredibly fulfilling and keeps me motivated to continually refine my skills and stay inspired.
In the world of high-end interior design, every project is a unique masterpiece, and I find immense satisfaction in turning my clients’ dreams into reality, exceeding their expectations, and leaving a lasting mark of beauty and elegance in their lives. It’s a career that allows me to indulge my passion for artistry and creativity while also providing a luxurious and meaningful experience for my clients.
Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
The journey of my luxury interior design business is characterized by unwavering determination, the pursuit of excellence, and an unquenchable passion for creativity. What sets us apart from others is a story of audacious ambition, where I, despite pursuing an education in economics, refused to let the fear of the unknown in the world of interior design deter me. Instead, I embarked on a quest to seek knowledge from renowned architects and designers, thirsting for the expertise that would propel me in this fiercely competitive industry.
The path to our current business standing was anything but easy. Challenges presented themselves at every turn, and there were moments when it felt like the odds were stacked impossibly high against us. However, giving up was never an option. I persevered, relentlessly learning and pushing boundaries, even when it seemed like I was teetering on the brink of defeat. The determination to succeed fueled our journey.
I’m immensely proud to have achieved national recognition and acclaim in the field of luxury interior design, with features in renowned publications such as VOGUE, Traditional Home Magazine, Modern Luxury Interiors, Southern Living, and New York Spaces, to name just a few. Being selected as a top designer for The Traditional Home Hamptons and Napa Valley Showhouses has been a true honor, providing a platform to showcase my design expertise and creativity. Moreover, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my insights and design philosophy on various television/podcast programs, including Ballard Design Podcast-‘How to Decorate’, The Jeff Crilley Show, Access Carolina, and FOX News, further solidifying my commitment to delivering exceptional design experiences to clients who appreciate the fusion of elegance and innovation that defines my work.
Through this journey, I’ve learned invaluable lessons. I’ve come to understand that “no” is not a rejection but an opportunity to refine one’s approach, a mantra I’ve embraced wholeheartedly. And in those challenging moments, when the chips are down, I’ve discovered that it’s the golden hour to reinvent oneself, to emerge stronger, wiser, and more resilient than ever.
Our brand story is a testament to these principles, a narrative of unyielding passion, meticulous craftsmanship, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, akin to the esteemed fabric house of Scalamandre’. We are more than just a brand; we are a symbol of timeless luxury, where creativity knows no bounds, and the pursuit of perfection is a never-ending odyssey. Our story epitomizes the power of determination, resilience, and the ability to transform challenges into opportunities for growth and innovation. It is a story I am immensely proud of, and one that I hope will inspire others to fearlessly pursue their dreams, regardless of the obstacles that may stand in their way.
Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Dallas, where everything’s bigger, including the fun! We’ll kick off our adventure at the Dallas Arts District, where we’ll dive into a world of creativity and culture. With art galleries galore, we’ll peruse the Dallas Museum of Art, where we’ll pretend to be art critics, discussing the profound meaning of abstract art while secretly wondering if we’re just looking at a bunch of colorful squiggles. After that, it’s sushi time at “Uchi,” where we’ll indulge sushi that’s so good it’ll make us question our life choices. We’ll debate the proper way to use chopsticks and maybe even attempt some daring sushi acrobatics – but watch out for flying wasabi!
As the sun sets, we’ll embrace our inner foodies, don our fanciest attire and step into the world of upscale dining at “Knife” by the culinary wizard himself, John Tesar. We’ll savor every bite, taking Instagram-worthy photos of our food that will make our followers drool with envy while trying to avoid embarrassing ourselves with an overdose of steak-induced happiness.
And, of course, you can’t visit Dallas without diving headfirst into some Southern comfort food. So, we’ll wrap up our culinary journey to “Sissy’s Southern Kitchen & Bar” and indulge in fried chicken and biscuits like there’s no tomorrow. We’ll laugh, reminisce, and probably eat way too much, but hey, that’s what best friends and Southern comfort food are all about. Afterward, we’ll hit the Dallas nightlife scene, dancing the night away and sharing endless laughter as we make memories that will last a lifetime.
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?
I am deeply grateful for the success and the position I have achieved in my life, and I recognize that a significant part of it is owed to the unwavering efforts, support, mentorship, love, and encouragement I have received from two remarkable individuals: my loving husband, Brian, and my college professor, Dr. Kay Mizell. Brian has been my rock, always there to offer encouragement, belief in my abilities, and the emotional support that allowed me to pursue my dreams in high-end luxury interior design. His unwavering belief in me has been a constant source of inspiration and strength. Likewise, Professor Dr. Kay Mizell’s mentorship during my college years played a pivotal role in shaping my creative vision and honing my skills. Her guidance, knowledge, and encouragement instilled in me the confidence to pursue my passions with determination. I am truly blessed to have such incredible individuals in my life, and I attribute much of my success to their presence and influence.
Website: https://www.ellecoleinteriors.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ecinteriors
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/ElleCole
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/ElleColesmu
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ElleColeInteriors
Other: https://www.pinterest.com/ElleColehome
Image Credits
Photographers: Nathan Schroeder, Rebecca Roberts (lavender silk draperies), Caren Alpert via Traditional Home Magazine (bathroom with decorative wallpaper) all other images are Nathan Schroeder.