top of page




slate studios | the guide | blog

A collection of essays exploring design philosophy, process, and the spaces we create.
Explore our curated blogs on design.

slate studios | the guide | blog

A collection of essays exploring design philosophy, process, and the spaces we create.
Explore our curated blogs on design.


What Exactly Does a Full-Service Interior Designer Do?
Behind the Scenes of a Slate Studios Renovation When you see a finished interior design project, you see the beautiful part. The custom cabinetry is installed. The lighting is perfectly placed. Furnishings, window treatments, and accessories complete the look. It's like the home magically came together that way. What you don't see are the months of construction/renovations that happened before the final photograph was taken. At Slate Studios, full-service interior design exte

Katie Walker
5 days ago11 min read


Why Your Interior Designer Should Be the First Call You Make When Building a Custom Home
One of the most common things we hear from new clients is, "I think we're finally ready to hire an interior designer." By that point, they've already hired an architect, selected a builder, finalized floor plans, and construction is about to begin. Naturally, they're starting to think about cabinetry, lighting, furniture, and finishes. But here's the thing… We wish we had met them months earlier. At Slate Studios, we've been brought into countless projects at what homeowners

Katie Walker
Sep 15 min read


Resilient by Design: Creating a Beautiful Home That Can Weather Florida's Storms
Living in Florida offers a lifestyle that draws people from all over the world. Waterfront sunsets, year-round outdoor living, and endless summer make it easy to see why so many choose to call the Sunshine State home. But with that lifestyle comes the responsibility of designing homes that can withstand Florida's unique climate. Hurricane season officially runs from June 1 through November 30, spanning half the year. While not every community will experience a direct storm, e

Katie Walker
Aug 198 min read


How Much Does An Interior Designer Cost?
Understanding The Investment Behind Full-Service Design If you've ever searched "How much does an interior designer cost?" you're probably looking for a number. While I'll certainly talk about investment, I'd first like to explain why there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer. Once you understand what full-service interior design actually includes, the investment makes much more sense. Some designers charge hourly, others work on a flat fee or a percentage of overall project cos

Katie Walker
Aug 88 min read


Why Designing a Second Home in Florida Requires a Different Approach
Designing a second home is exciting! The dreams of more frequent vacations, forming roots in a new community, and looking forward to seasonal retreats are finally becoming a reality. For many homeowners, a second home in Florida represents more than just another property. It's a place to unwind, reconnect with family and friends, escape harsh winters, and enjoy a lifestyle that feels a little more relaxed. However, one of the biggest misconceptions we encounter is that a seco

Katie Walker
Jul 307 min read


Back-to-School Home Organization: Designer Tips for a Smoother School Year
Designer Tips for Home Organization As summer winds down and a new school year approaches, many families begin preparing schedules, shopping for supplies, and coordinating activities. While most back-to-school checklists focus on what happens outside the home, one of the most impactful preparations happens inside it. A thoughtful home reset can help mornings run more smoothly, reduce daily stress, and create spaces that better support work, study, and family life. At Slate St

Katie Walker
Jul 167 min read


What Naples Tables Teaches Us About Interior Design
Every year, Naples Tables is a celebration of creativity, hospitality, and design. Hosted annually by The League Club in Naples, Florida, Naples Tables brings together designers and creatives from across Southwest Florida. This highly anticipated event brings together talented designers, artists, and community members who create imaginative tablescapes in support of local charitable organizations. While the elaborate table settings are unbelievably beautiful, Naples Tables is

Katie Walker
Jun 267 min read


7 Things to Know Before Hiring an Interior Designer in Tampa
Interior designers are misunderstood. After nearly twenty years immersed in the world of interior design, I think I've earned the right to say that with confidence. Most people assume interior designers spend their days sifting through paint chips, lamenting over fifty shades of white (which to the untrained eye all look the same). We are thought to peruse stores at our leisure, testing the softness of pillows and ogling over beautiful furniture. We have an incredibly glamoro

Katie Walker
Jun 155 min read


Discover Your Signature Style: The First Step Toward a Home That Feels Like You
Every beautiful home begins with a point of view. Take our Signature Style Quiz to discover the design aesthetic, influences, and details that resonate most with you, and learn how understanding your style can transform the way you approach your home.

Katie Walker
Jun 154 min read


Wellness by Design: Creating Restorative Spaces with Tampa Bay Thrives
For many students, the school day moves quickly, filled with noise, expectations, social pressures, and constant stimulation. Rarely do students have a space where they can pause, breathe, and reset. At Slate Studios, we believe thoughtful design has the power to shape how people feel, heal, and connect in the spaces they inhabit. That belief has been deeply reinforced through our ongoing collaboration with Tampa Bay Thrives, an organization dedicated to improving mental heal

Katie Walker
Mar 257 min read
bottom of page
