Today we’d like to introduce you to Fawn Baranko.
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?
I’ve always had a passion for interior design, but I didn’t follow a traditional path to becoming an interior designer. Before launching my design career, I spent 20 years serving as a Navy nurse. Those years gave me a deep appreciation for people from all walks of life, each with unique needs, challenges and goals. I also learned to adapt quickly when plans suddenly change…which can certainly happen during home renovations. An unexpected benefit of military life was the opportunity to live in many different places across the country. Every move became a new design adventure where I learned through experimentation and discovered how thoughtful design can improve the way people live.
After I retired from the Navy, I decided to turn my lifelong passion into a profession. I returned to college, earned a degree in Interior Design and founded Interiors by Fawn in 2018. Today, I combine my interior design education with the insight, empathy, and problem-solving skills I developed as a nurse to create spaces that are both beautiful and purposeful. Every project is thoughtfully tailored to reflect each client’s personal style while supporting their lifestyle needs for today and their future.
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?
One of the biggest challenges I face as an interior designer is helping people understand the value a designer brings to the process. Many homeowners know they want their home to look better, but they may not realize how much thoughtful design can improve the way they live every day.
My role goes far beyond selecting colors, finishes, and furnishings. Much like my approach as a nurse, I begin by listening, asking the right questions, and understanding the whole person—not just the space they live in. I help clients clarify their vision and discover possibilities they may not have considered. I take the time to understand how they live, what they want their home to feel like, who else uses the space, and how their needs may change over time. Whether they plan to move in a few years or remain in their home for decades, every design decision is made with those goals in mind.
To me, great design is about more than creating a beautiful space. Your home should make your life easier and more enjoyable. It should support your daily routines, reduce stress, and adapt to your changing needs over time. Just as importantly, it should evoke the feeling you want to experience every time you walk through the door—whether that’s comfort, energy, relaxation, happiness, or a sense of well-being. Helping clients understand the connection between thoughtful design and a better quality of life is one of the most rewarding—and sometimes most challenging—parts of my work.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
What sets me apart is the combination of my design expertise and my military healthcare background. My experience as a Navy nurse taught me the importance of listening, understanding individual needs, and developing solutions that improve quality of life—perspectives I bring into every project. I’m proud of the range of projects I manage, from single-room refreshes to full-home transformations, and my ability to create thoughtful design solutions that meet a variety of budgets and lifestyles. I also provide trusted oversight for clients who are away from home during the renovation process, managing the details and coordination needed to bring their vision to life.
I don’t believe there is one design style that works for everyone. Instead, I help clients discover and bring to life their own personal aesthetic while ensuring their home functions beautifully for the way they live. Every project begins with understanding the person behind the space—their routines, priorities, challenges, aspirations, budget, and vision for how they want to experience their home.
I specialize in creating spaces that balance beauty, function, and long-term livability. If you love to cook, I’ll introduce you to innovative kitchen solutions while creating a space where everything you need is organized and easy to access. If you dream of turning your bathroom into a personal retreat, I’ll design a space that feels like your own private spa. When accessibility features are needed, I make sure they are thoughtfully integrated so they enhance the design rather than detract from it, creating homes that support people through every stage of life.
I’m also passionate about creating a positive design experience. Remodeling can feel overwhelming, so I tailor my approach to each client, providing the level of guidance and collaboration that works best for them. My goal is not only to create a beautiful home but also to make the journey enjoyable, stress-free, and rewarding. Ultimately, I want every client to love where they live and feel that their home truly supports the way they want to live.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Ultimately, my success is built on the people who have believed in me, challenged me, and trusted me along the way. I’m especially thankful for my clients, who invite me into something deeply personal—their home. My business would not be where it is today without the trust they place in me to help transform their spaces into homes that truly reflect who they are and how they want to live. Their willingness to share their needs and aspirations has been one of the greatest influences on my growth as a designer. Each project teaches me something new and reinforces why I love creating spaces that make a meaningful difference in people’s everyday lives.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.interiorsbyfawn.com/
