Interior Designer Nikki Klugh Discusses the Importance of Sacred Spaces

Hi, We Empower Magazine readers, meet Nikki Klugh of Nikki Klugh Design Group. Nikki is a CEO and Principal of her own firm. She has transformed her life of being bullied and feeling less than to creating what she coins “sacred spaces” for herself and her clientele through interior design. Her expertise of luxury and transformation truly sets her apart from other designers.

It’s the creativity, innovation, passion, and impact for us.

Nikki’s design work has been seen on HGTV, Home Depot, BET, Black Girls Rock, Martha Stewart, Entrepreneur, MSN, USA Today, Black & Inc, and much more.

We Empower Magazine obtained an exclusive interview with Nikki.

Please tell us the backstory of how Nikki Klugh Design Group came about.

Nikki: Growing up, I felt like the ugly duckling that didn’t fit in. I needed a place where I felt safe, nurtured, loved, and happy away from the ugliness of the world. In 2003, I created NKDG with the intention of helping people transform their spaces into one-of-a-kind, luxurious sanctuaries. I advocate for lives filled with luxury, excitement, and deep joy every day. I root for the underdog and always say yes to transformation.

As your firm’s CEO and Principal Designer, what is a typical business day like for you?

Nikki: Typically, I’ll wake up, listen to some gospel music, exercise and prepare for any team meetings/backend business needs. Then I’ll look at the day ahead and prioritize my list as needed.

What can you share with us about the Sacred Spaces?

Nikki: Your home is a Sacred Space and a place for relaxation, rejuvenation, restoration and respite. Interior design extends far beyond making spaces beautiful, comfortable or even simply functional. Sacred Spaces have the ability to change our lives — to shift the way we feel and the way we function at a deep level.

How does it feel to have your designs showcased by big time media such as BET, Black Girls Rock, Martha Stewart, Entrepreneur, and more?

Nikki: It feels INCREDIBLE!! I am so blessed to be featured in publications like this. Not just to showcase my hard work and talent, but to inspire people of all ages that look like me to follow their dreams and create their own successful businesses.

What design projects are you most excited about today?

Nikki: We have several projects in the works across the country that are at different levels of design. From virtual eDesign clients, to furnishing, to complete remodels.

One project I am very THRILLED about is our collaboration with Move — In Day Mafia. The “MAFIA” is an army of volunteers who show up to the campuses of Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) to provide these underserved yet DESERVING freshmen with a dorm room makeover experience and other support to make sure their dreams of graduation won’t shatter!

We are working with them to create BEAUTIFUL dorm rooms for the students attending Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas. We are currently interviewing the students and creating design concepts. Our next step will be sourcing everything and then finally installing and styling these homes away from home before the school year starts.

Being a Texas native this project is close to my heart and I can’t wait to see the looks on the students’ faces when they see their dorm room design come to life.

More information and donation opportunities can be found on their website: https://moveindaymafia.com

What else would you like our readers to know about you?

Nikki: I’m a daredevil. So for example in Playa Del Carmen, we went ziplining and I’m the one to try it upside down or do some crazy stunt or something. Or on an ATV you know hanging back so that I can go faster and catch up with everybody else. So yeah, I definitely am a tomboy and love adventure. This is one of the reasons I enjoy home renovations because I can put on my hard hat and get my hands dirty.

How do you want to be remembered in the design industry?

Nikki: I love to take interior design outside of the hallowed halls of academia, museums, and institutions and make it accessible for the most discerning clientele and audiences. I want to show the world that design matters. How a space looks, feels, and sounds affects us on a daily basis in ways we don’t even realize.