Today we’d like to introduce you to Holly Vandagriff.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
My path into design wasn’t a straight line. I spent more than two decades in the corporate world, building a career that was steady and predictable… but honestly, not where my creativity lived. Design was always the thing I gravitated toward in my personal life — rearranging rooms, helping friends with their spaces, diving into anything that involved color, texture, or flow.
Eventually, it reached that point where staying put felt riskier than finally doing the thing I’d always wanted to do. So I made the leap and launched EastView Design Studio. It was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying, but it was the first time my passion and my work were pointed in the same direction.
Today, I run the business on my own — every project, every client relationship, every detail. My focus is creating spaces that actually reflect how people live, not just how they should look on paper. I gravitate toward modern transitional and modern rustic styles with an organic feel—layered textures, mixed materials, and designs that balance function and beauty without trying too hard.
It’s been a journey of refining my process, learning from every project, and building a business rooted in integrity, creativity, and solid communication. And honestly? I wouldn’t trade a single step. Each part of the story led me exactly here.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smooth? Definitely not. I think anyone who believes starting a business is easy or instantly profitable hasn’t actually started one. It takes a lot more grit than people realize. When I launched EastView Design Studio, I quickly learned that passion alone isn’t enough — you need systems, stamina, and a willingness to rethink everything… repeatedly.
There were long nights, endless trial-and-error, and plenty of moments where I had to step back and rebuild a process from the ground up. And honestly, that cycle never really stops. Running a business — especially solo — is a constant mix of designing, managing, refining, and making sure every client gets the best experience possible.
But here’s the part I hold onto: every challenge pushed me to level up. Each struggle sharpened my process, strengthened my communication, and made the business better. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s been worth it — and the growth that comes from doing the hard work is something I wouldn’t trade.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
At my core, I’m someone who sees spaces in layers — not just furniture and finishes, but the feeling a room gives you the moment you walk in. That’s what drives my work as a designer. I’m constantly thinking about how texture, flow, light, and materials all speak to each other to create something that feels intentional, lived-in, and balanced.
Design is truly something I can’t switch off. Whether I’m in a client’s home, a hotel lobby, or grabbing dinner at a restaurant, my brain immediately starts rearranging the room — shifting layouts, swapping materials, mentally restyling corners like a quiet little chess match in my head. It’s second nature at this point, and honestly, it’s one of the reasons I love what I do. The inspiration never stops.
My professional life today looks a lot different from the corporate career I spent two decades building, but the shift made sense. In design, I get to blend creativity with the structure and problem-solving I naturally gravitate toward. I love diving into the details — floor plans, functionality, how people actually move through a space — just as much as choosing the right mix of materials and organic textures to bring a room to life.
Running EastView Design Studio on my own means I’m involved in every part of the process. I meet clients where they are, learn how they live, and translate that into a design that feels like an elevated version of their everyday life. The real goal is balance — creating spaces that look refined without feeling untouchable.
What I offer clients goes beyond a pretty room. It’s a full experience: thoughtful planning, clear communication, and a design that aligns with who they are and how they want to feel in their home. At the end of the day, that’s the heart of my work — crafting spaces that are not only beautiful, but genuinely support modern living.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
For me, success isn’t just about creating a beautiful room — it’s about whether the space actually works for the people living in it. If the design solves problems, improves their day-to-day flow, and feels like an elevated version of their life, that’s success.
I look at success through a few lenses:
• Did the final result match (or surpass) the original goals?
• Does the client feel seen, heard, and excited about their home?
• Does the space function well, not just photograph well?
Client feedback plays a huge role. When someone tells me they now use a room they once avoided, or that their home finally feels calm and intentional — that’s the payoff.
Behind the scenes, success also looks like strong systems: staying organized, managing time well, refining my process, and making sure each project runs smoother than the last. I’m constantly learning, adjusting, and staying up to speed on design trends and materials so I can offer clients the best possible experience.
At the end of the day, success is the intersection of creativity, function, and trust. If the space supports the way someone lives — not just how it looks on Instagram — then I’ve done my job.
Pricing:
- When it comes to pricing, I take a customized approach. Every project is different — different needs, different scopes, different levels of involvement — and I never want to force clients into a one-size-fits-all model. Instead, I walk through the space, understand their goals, and tailor the design service to match what they truly need. Because of that, I prefer to discuss investment during a direct conversation. It allows me to be transparent, make sure we’re aligned on expectations, and recommend the most efficient path forward. Anyone interested can reach out through my website, and we can talk through their project to determine the best fit and the right level of support.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.eastviewdesignstudio.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eastview_design_studio/
- Other: https://share.google/FhSPfnyZpmo76gjho
