Meet Lori Ann Peniston | Interior Designer / Realtor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lori Ann Peniston and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lori Ann, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
My goal starting D2D was to help people transform their space and transform their lives. I worked with hoarders to help them get the help they needed and create a space for them to be happy and comfortable. I did land a few jobs but unfortunately hoarders have to be ready to really do the work. I really needed someone who specializes in this area of mental health to assist me in helping so I could focus on working with the client and leading the team.

Covid hit and what business I had came to a close. I had time to refocus my energy and during covid I got my real estate license. I love working in residential so have now refocused my energy to working with clients redo their bathrooms and kitchens! I also do room makeovers.

Across America the real estate market has been booming. It is reported by NAR “5.64 million existing homes were sold in 2020, according to data from the National Association of REALTORS®.” Most of these people paid over listing price for their homes in the range of (275k – 1.5m and prices will be different across the country). Most people fought so hard to get into these homes and most likely submitted multiple offers to even get a chance in landing a property and most likely exceeded their budget. These people have crazy stories and so many Americans can identify with similar stories! When the average American can identify with this it will bring compassion and when you add compassion, creativity and fun you have a show people will want watch and be a part of!

Where does D2D come in? I am love to work with a budget and in fact always try to find the best deals or come up with something creative to make it work! High focus on bathrooms and kitchens but not opposed to transforming a joining room with or without their furniture. Pulling a current CMA in the area is extremely helpful to not over price their investment and make it beautiful. Working with what they already have and coming up with very creative ideas so make a space cohesive. For example, a job I am currently working on now that would normally cost 8k -9k I am doing for 2.5K and that includes install. This window treatment will transform the space. Think outside the box and more importantly allowing the client to express what they want and be heard with compassion! Turning their disaster into a design they will love.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I love to create art, look at art and am so inspired by other artist. I have always said we all need a muse to get us outside of the box! I love to hear about what my clients love and listen to their vision and then create a room that they will relax in and feel amazing!

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.
Deep Ellum – Armoury D is a cool little spot! Fort Worth Water Garden and Kimble
DMA and all the surrounding museums

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I worked for Michelle as her intern back in 2005 and she became my mentor and friend. Michelle is so talented, positive and driven! Michelle is always there with positive feedback or will aways answer questions to guide me the right direction. She has helped so many designers find their talents and still manages her own firm!

Michelle Bushey RID, IIDA, LEED AP 1st degree connection 1st
President / Design Director Cohesive Design Group, LLC Licensed Realtor at Rogers Healy and Associates

Website: disaster2design.com

Instagram: disaster2design

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/lori-peniston-6565aa4