Welcome to our second installment of #WomenOfTheWest, where we sit and talk with some of the most inspiring women of the Western community and learn about their life journeys, challenges, and triumphs.
Today, we interviewed Brett McPherson, the owner and lead designer of Designer's Brew (@designersbrew), a high-end interior design studio in Oklahoma. She talks about her journey into interior design, her passion for it, and how she balances running a successful business with spending quality time with her family.
Hi, Brett! We’re so glad to have you here. Can you please introduce yourself to the readers?
Hello, I am Brett McPherson. My family and I live in Arcadia, OK. I grew up on a cattle ranch in western Oklahoma and always aspired to be an interior designer. So here I am, still embracing the Western lifestyle with my family and practicing design on my own for a solid 17 years now.
Wow, 17 years! You’ve been in the industry for quite a long time. How did you get into interior design and develop the skillset for it?
I studied Design, Housing, and Merchandising at Oklahoma State University (Interior Design). I believe God gave me a natural talent, but I also learned so much in design school to help me be where I am today.
Growing up, did you always know you wanted to become an interior designer?
I am the blessed bird that has known since the fifth grade what I wanted to do with my life. Every job I've ever taken has been a baby step towards entrepreneurship in this field.
That’s amazing! Becoming an interior designer must’ve been a childhood dream come true for you, then. Can you talk more about how you get started on your design process? What are your primary considerations?
At this point in my career, the project scales seem to be larger; therefore, I can do fewer projects. So the process starts with making sure that I am the best fit for my client’s needs and that their project is something that I feel drawn to and passionate about. If all of those things are good and we proceed, ideally, I begin at the very beginning. I work heavily on spatial planning while the architect drafts the project.
What’s been the best thing that’s happened to you since you started Designer's Brew?
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The best thing that has happened to me since I started Designer's Brew is EASY: I married one of my clients. I was 31, and he was 37. Neither of us had ever been married, and I knew the minute he walked into my office that I wanted to date him. He was a builder in search of a new firm to work with and update his product line. We kept finding excuses to meet up, and we were engaged within six months! We knew in the second week of dating that we would be married. We waited six months, so people wouldn't think we had totally lost our marbles.
Wow, it’s so romantic to think that your life’s passion led you to the love of your life. 🤎 But while it may seem like it’s all been roses and romance, we know that running a business comes with its fair share of struggles. Can you tell us what challenges you’ve faced while running Designer’s Brew?
Logistics, scheduling product delivery, back orders, shipping costs, spaces not being built to plans, trades making in the field, judgment calls instead of calling me, etc… But mainly, just the amount of time placing and organizing orders is absolutely mind-blowing. It is nearly a full-time job for Brittan.
Out of all the projects you’ve undertaken so far, which one are you most proud of and why?
When Robin Packard and I worked together to build her dream house, it was a really special project for me.
It wasn't just a house for them — it was a new start, new beginnings for her little family, years of hard work coming to fruition, and dreams coming true. I love being a small part of that type of home.
Plus, it was just really beautiful. I pushed really hard for her and her builder to trust me and do some things they didn't think were necessary, but in the end, all of those things I fought really hard for are the things that make it magnificent!
After helping people build their dream homes, how do you relax and unwind?
I crawl into bed and cuddle with my husband. We have a show on, I play on my phone, and I almost always end the day reading a book. It helps me sleep better, and I enjoy reading.
Sounds like a lovely daily routine! Let’s go back a bit to interior design: What advice would you give someone who wants to be a successful interior designer?
Go to school. Learn all the things. Work in different types of options in the field and learn your niche. Know that there are a lot of years of $5,000 furniture budgets to grind through before the really cool projects come along. Know that it's really hard, but that doesn't mean you're doing it wrong. Great things don't come easy!
I would also encourage you to work really hard but really define boundaries. End work at a certain time and devote that other time to your family or things that are important to you. This really helps balance things in life and prevents burnout.
All great advice. Thank you, Brett! And lastly, do you have any upcoming projects you’d like to share?
I have been doing this for a long time, but I am currently working on a once-in-a-lifetime project. It is a 15,000 sq. ft. private residence that sits on a cozy 400 acres. This home will be a delicate blend of Cabela's and a high-end lodge. It will be truly special in the end.
I am also working on a very different development with my husband, where we are building very luxurious small cottages. This is in downtown Edmond, Oklahoma. These are known for their walkability and absolute cuteness. They are a must-see. If I were single, this is absolutely where I would be living!
Sounds amazing! We’re excited to see how your projects will turn out.
A Tour Inside Brett’s Gorgeous Historic-Style Barndominium Home
Ever wondered what the inside of an interior designer’s home looks like? Spoiler alert: It looks absolutely fantastic! Let’s go inside and have a closer look…
How would you describe your home and its aesthetic?
We live in a truly historic-style barndominium. I have a very Scandinavian base for our home, woven with Navajo and Southwest accents, and of course, Western art and style blended together.
What made you decide to go for a style like this?
I think I made it up of all the things I love! I have had the same pieces for a loooong time, and I still love them!
Out of everything in your home, which are your favorite pieces?
My very first "splurge" was a $700 antique desk. When I bought it, I did not have the money to do so, but I had to have it. It sits with an incredible Native American painting above it, and it creates a moment for me every single day!
Which is your favorite room in your house?
Hmmmm.... man. I honestly love them all. I suppose our great room. This is my favorite room in the house because I can see everybody while I'm cooking and while we hang out. It's so open and airy yet cozy.
Hope you don’t mind — what’re your favorite Paseo Road picks that can be found in your home?
I have so many! You can narrow this down if you need to!
The end to a long day is better with these sheets!!!! I can't say how much I love these sheets!
This throw is a rich enhancement to any space
These are the best throw pillows!
- Genuine Leather & Suede Arrow Tasseled Throw Pillow
- Woven Suede Lumbar Pillow
- Stella Boot Stitch Faux Silk Velvet Lumbar Pillow
- Tweed Buckle Detailed Lumbar Pillow
For a punchy cowboy look, I love this collection!
For a very "Ralph Lauren" vibe I love to use this collection
For the casual cowgirl look, I love this collection
Sophisticated Cowgirl Cottage blend
As a person who loves soft cozy textures, I love this collection. I have the Velvet Quilt collection, and we love it so much!
I absolutely love this subtle southwest print. Neutrals can be so rich!
I love the clean hotel feel. This collection will totally bring this home!
That luxury rustic master calls for this.
Aaaaand I'm a sucker for plaid! Here’s my fave:
Want to create a beautiful home like Brett’s? Shop all of her favorite Paseo Road picks on her personally curated collection page.
Wow, we’re absolutely floored by your enthusiastic support. Thank you so much! 🤎 We’re actually down to our last question: to a person whose livelihood is involved with crafting beautiful homes: what does “home” mean to you?
Oh, I could go on a deep dive here.
Home is where we bring in others and let them feel our love towards them. Home is where we mend wounds, build dreams, and all things in between. Home is where we raise our children and build stronger marriages. Home is what we share with others to make them a part of us!
That’s such a beautiful definition. Thank you for sharing that with us and inviting us into your home!
And that marks the end of our interview with Brett McPherson. If you want to see more of her works or reach out to her, go to her website or any of her social media pages below:
Website: designersbrew.com
Instagram: @designersbrew
Tiktok: @designersbrew
Pinterest: @designersbrew
Wrangle yourself up and mosey on over to see Betty's spotlight on our downright luxurious Lyocell sheets in her blog post "In Your Bedroom - Tips for creating your cowgirl haven"!
