Meet Kelly Flanagin | Owner

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kelly Flanagin and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kelly, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Within the dynamic field of interior design, where functionality and aesthetic appeal meet, there is a creative and strategic underbelly that is often overlooked by outsiders. The elaborate design process, which is at the center of this hidden world, is a journey with steps beyond simple visual alteration. The question that has to be addressed for individuals who are not familiar with the subtleties of interior design is: What is one aspect of interior design that most people are probably unaware of? The enigmatic character of some phases—which are hidden from clients’ eyes to protect the industry’s priceless trade secrets—is where the discovery resides.

The design process mastered at GoldLeaf Interior consists of a well-planned sequence of steps, each of which makes a distinct contribution to the production of exquisite, customized interiors. We start with a thorough consultation during which we explore the wants, needs, and preferences of the customer. After that, a thorough project proposal is created, setting the groundwork for the partnership. However, what really sets apart the nuances of our work is what happens beyond the first client-facing phases.

Behind the scenes, the design phase of the process takes an enthralling turn as concepts are developed, polished, and customized to the unique needs of the client. This stage is the culmination of our design team’s skill in striking a careful balance between aesthetic, style, and functionality. While the client is shown early design mock-ups and has final say with selections, this is the last time they get a peek into the creative process until the day their design is complete. Here, the client’s ideal space is meticulously designed, and any obstacles are anticipated and solved beforehand.

Confidentiality becomes more pronounced when the process moves into the procurement and sourcing phase. During this phase, materials, furniture, and décor pieces are carefully chosen and acquired; frequently, these items come from multiple vendors; some local and some from out-of-state or from European markets. It is crucial to use discretion at this point to prevent the early disclosure of design aspects that give each project its own distinct personality. It is in these little movements that the magic of interior design starts to emerge.

Simultaneously, the project management phase performs the elaborate dance of finances, schedules, and quality assurance. This step necessitates careful coordination to guarantee the smooth transition of design inspirations into concrete reality. Project management is the unsung hero who works behind the scenes to make sure the client’s vision is beautifully realized, from organizing deliveries to communicating with contractors.

In conclusion, the complexity of the concealed processes that go beyond the first phases of interior design is something that outsiders might not be aware of. The process of designing, sourcing, and managing the project all work together to create the magic that turns homes into cultivated sanctuaries once only envisioned. The deliberate concealment of certain design phases, driven by the need to withhold trade secrets, underscores the commitment of GoldLeaf Interior to deliver not just visually attractive, but also exclusive and bespoke interiors.

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?
My path into the entrepreneurial world as a female small business owner has been a journey of wearing multiple hats in the realms of both real estate and interior design. I’ve always wanted to work in the design field, both as a designer and as a business owner, but the path to doing so wasn’t direct. After I completed my undergraduate degree at East Carolina University, I delved into the world of real estate; working alongside investors furnishing apartments and builders on model homes in New York, hoping to absorb everything I could from the experience. This led me to get my Masters in Business, which gave me the final push to start my small business. I moved to the suburban oasis of Holly Springs, outside of Raleigh, in 2019 and launched my interior design business in 2020 with a newborn and a toddler amid the pandemic. I always say that “pressure makes diamonds,” and I believe that with the already challenging landscape that was navigating being my own boss for the first time, the only option was to succeed. After the trials of 2020, my small business flourished by adapting to the limitations at the time and introduced the ability to design for local, national, and international clients.

Over the past few years, we’ve built our relationship with our clients, who have truly become friends, while simultaneously working on a national TV show that has set us apart from others in the world of design. My business has become synonymous with personalized, relatable, and timeless designs. Every design is unique, tailored to each individual client to give them a personalized aesthetic that will be beloved for years to come. No matter if it’s as small as your dog’s house or as large as your entire estate, there is no space I won’t design. I’m committed to continuing to build relationships in the Triangle area and giving the utmost effort to accomplish every design want and need imaginable. Design is a journey – a process; and I’m here to walk you through it and help design your dreams into reality.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Embarking on a week-long exploration in this captivating haven, my dearest friend would be enveloped in an opulent tapestry of experiences curated with finesse. Mornings would unfold in a tropical symphony on my porch swing, surrounded by dancing banana leaves, elephant ears, and palm trees, echoing the romance of Parisian springs. Luxuriant picnics amidst the Raleigh Rose Garden and high tea at the Umstead Hotel would set the tone for days steeped in elegance. Leisure beckons in Fenton with its shopping enclave filled with vibrant boutiques, while tennis at the Club at 12 Oaks adds a sporty flourish. Evenings enchant with sushi on Osha’s dimly lit patio in downtown Holly Springs, serenaded by a water fountain. Literary indulgence awaits at the Fearrington Village bookstore. Day trips unfurl like chapters in a luxurious novel—hidden gems in the Triangle Area, antique treasures and the Cradle in Pinehurst, waterfront dining and bespoke shopping in Beaufort, and the grandeur of Biltmore Estates in Asheville. The cultural crescendo includes visits to the NC Museum of Art and captivating ballet performances at the Raleigh Performing Arts Theater. This meticulously woven itinerary invites my cherished friend to revel in the sublime tapestry of luxury, culture, and indulgence this exquisite region generously bestows.

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?
It has been nothing short of amazing how supportive the thriving Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill triangle area and the tight-knit community of Holly Springs have been during my journey as a female small business owner. These communities’ companies, organizations, and locals have developed into supportive pillars that provide an atmosphere conducive to the fulfillment of entrepreneurial dreams. The Triangle and Holly Springs, whether via patronage, mentoring, or just a common feeling of community, have been crucial to my career. Without the creative license given by our clients from the surrounding areas, we would not have the ability to create spaces that reflect their lifestyle in a way they only dreamed of. This chapter is devoted to the communal spirit of encouragement that characterizes these areas, demonstrating the influence of the community in molding the story of a small business owner’s accomplishments.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldleafinterior/

Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/kellyvflanagin

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GOLDLEAFINTERIORSLLC

Other: https://msha.ke/goldleafinterior

Image Credits
Catherine Nguyen Photography