She Designed for Billionaires But Her Best Tips Are Free: with Celebrity Designer Nour El Nasrani

10 Jul 2025 · 56 min · 25 chapters

Ask about this episode

Ask anything about it. ChatGPT or Claude reads this page and answers with the times it was said.

Connect VO and ask about every podcast you hear, including the moments you saved. Add to ChatGPT · Add to Claude

In short

How to design a home with “soul” (meaning, comfort, and personality) rather than chasing price tags or name brands; includes Noor El Nasrani’s process, sanctuary rules, and practical do/don’t guidance (decluttering, proportions, lighting, materials, and layout).

Guest background

Noor El Nasrani is a Vegas-based interior designer with an architecture/interior architecture bachelor’s degree. She grew up in Lebanon around architects/interior designers and developed an early design/entrepreneurial drive (watched Shark Tank). She worked in hospitality design (hotels/casinos/bars) before moving into luxury residential, building her business through firm experience and client referrals.

Key claims

Start with the designer (not contractor/architect first). The biggest self-design mistake is wrong proportions (too-small furniture, rugs, art; chandelier/coffee tables too small). “Soul” comes from character, unexpected moments, and objects clients truly enjoy. Sanctuary design = declutter + calming colors + layout with breathing room.

Notable examples/clients

Dean Spanos (Chargers) and Susie Spanos (word-of-mouth; Noor started after one lunch). David Goggins (no direction; Noor designed a condo unit including a kitchen; he called at 9 p.m. to praise her). She also cites inspirations like Jake Arnold and Kelly Wearstler.

Written by AI. May contain mistakes. Listen to the episode to check what was said.

Chapters

Tap a time to open that second in VO

Host's Personal Journey

0:51 to 1:05

The host shares insights into personal connections with listeners and recent projects.

“Their advanced search filters allow you to explore 2 million new and used cars so that you can find the perfect car.”

Host's Personal Journey

2:00 to 2:16

The host shares insights into personal connections with listeners and recent projects.

“Want to know you're on the best path to the right car?”

Host's Personal Journey

2:19 to 5:05

The host shares insights into personal connections with listeners and recent projects.

“No one has all the answers, but when we ask the right questions, we get a little closer.”

Creating a Soulful Space

5:05 to 9:00

Discussion on the importance of designing spaces with intention and personality.

“So without further ado, let's chat about our episode today.”

Interview with Noor El Nasrani

9:00 to 14:00

Interview with designer Noor El Nasrani about her design philosophy and experiences.

“So the question we're circling today is what does it really mean to give a space soul?”

Nour's Journey in Design

14:00 to 18:08

Learn about Nour El Nasrani's path from low-paying jobs to high-profile clients.

“too much because I like the residential world.”

The Importance of Connections

18:08 to 19:38

Understand how connections and relationships can change a designer's career.

“And obviously there's so many different avenues and aspects.”

Understanding Client Needs

19:38 to 22:20

Discover how to ask the right questions to understand clients' desires.

“That takes guts to just go full force there.”

Design Inspiration Sources

22:20 to 24:47

Explore how Nour gathers design inspiration from various influences.

“Like I said to you, I want to walk in and I want to feel totally calm.”

Working with High-Profile Clients

24:47 to 26:55

Gain insights into Nour's experiences working with well-known clients like Dean Spanos.

“And then after we connected, I realized that you have designed for some pretty high profile clients.”
Show all 25 chapters

Designing for Mental Toughness

26:55 to 28:00

Learn about Nour's experience working with David Goggins and the challenges faced.

“one of the other clients that stood out to me is David Goggins.”

Designing for High-Profile Clients

28:00 to 30:00

Learn about the challenges and excitement of designing for well-known personalities.

“And I was like, that's honestly scarier than when they tell you.”

Creating a Home Sanctuary

30:00 to 31:30

Discover the essential rules for transforming a space into a calming sanctuary.

“You know, I was actually in cross country my whole life, but now I hate it.”

Expressing Personality Through Space

31:30 to 35:10

Understand how home decor reflects one's personality and values.

“I mean, I think it really shows their personality.”

Human First Design Principles

35:10 to 38:10

Explore the concept of designing spaces that prioritize human needs.

“How do you think, because your home, you said, is very like wabi-sabi and zen, right?”

Common Design Mistakes to Avoid

38:10 to 40:50

Identify the biggest pitfalls clients face when working with designers.

“They teach us the golden ratio in school.”

Proportions in Design

40:50 to 42:00

Learn why correct proportions are crucial for effective interior design.

“Is there anything else that comes to mind?”

Design Tips for Elevating Spaces

42:00 to 44:38

Learn how to enhance your home's aesthetic with strategic design choices.

“And that's going to help trick your eye to thinking that the space is taller because of the things we're using in it.”

Influence of Childhood Home on Design

44:38 to 46:59

Discover how childhood experiences shape design philosophy and style.

“we arranged to give a little more height you know to the background a little more yeah just i was shocked how how little things made a big difference yes like moving one book yes yes Yes, exactly.”

Affordable Luxury in Home Design

46:59 to 49:04

Find out how to create a luxe look without a hefty budget.

“with my friends a lot lately is home ownership, because it's nearly impossible to buy a home in LA.”

Key Steps for a Gorgeous Room

49:04 to 50:18

Understand essential steps to make any room aesthetically pleasing.

“Modular furniture is really nice for that.”

Rapid Fire Design Insights

50:18 to 55:40

Get quick tips and insights on design do's and don'ts.

“What's the first thing you notice when you walk into somebody's home?”

Favorite Design Elements and Trends

55:40 to 56:01

Explore current favorite materials, styles, and elements in design.

“Okay, an art style that you're craving in homes right now.”

Design Tips and Favorite Products

56:01 to 57:36

Hear about Nour El Nasrani's favorite design elements and tips.

“That's really hard because coffee table books are so, so specific to my clients.”

Design Tips and Favorite Products

58:28 to 58:53

Hear about Nour El Nasrani's favorite design elements and tips.

“Some people use ChatGPT to answer questions.”
Hear the part that matters, and keep it.Open this episode in VO. Double tap your headphones to save a moment as you listen.
Get VO free

Transcript

Automatic transcript. May contain errors.

0:00Danielle:This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human. Okay, here's the thing. Life doesn't exactly slow down, and neither do I. Between work and travel and podcasting and everything else on my calendar, I need clothes that can keep up. That's why I'm all about cotton. It's natural, breathable, soft, and doesn't shed microplastics when washed. Plant, not plastic. So whether it's a perfectly worn-in t-shirt, elevated loungewear, or the cozy cotton PJs that you'd prefer to wear all day long, cotton always delivers. It's comfortable, makes getting dressed easy, and then it somehow always looks good. Cotton, the fabric of our lives.

0:36Danielle:A new car is kind of like a new book. It takes you places you never thought you could go. What will you drive into the next chapter of your life? It's fun to dream about your next car, but when you're done dreaming, you need to head to cars.com. Cars.com has the tools and expert advice to help you find your dream car. Their advanced search filters allow you to explore 2 million new and used cars so that you can find the perfect car. Start your search with cars.com. Where to next? Shortly after I enrolled at Rasmussen, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was like a bomb had just been dropped in my life.

1:15Danielle:I reached out to Rasmussen. They immediately were like, Rosa, take what time you need. You can come back when you're ready. We are cancer-free today, and I'm just so grateful for Rasmussen for all of their support throughout my journey and for my own village. Rasmussen University. Find your seat and start now at rasmussen.edu. Bite into a stacked sandwich made with hero bread. And the only thing you'll think is delicious. You won't think it has up to 19 grams protein, 11 to 32 grams of fiber, or just 0 to 5 grams net carbs. but it does. Hero Bread. No compromises, just loaves, buns, tortillas, bagels, and noodles packed with flavor.

1:56Danielle:Right now, get 10 % off at Hero.co with code IHEART. That's H-E-R-O dot C-O code IHEART. All figures per serving of Hero Bread. See Nutrition Facts on Hero.co. Want to know you're on the best path to the right car? Start at CarMax where every car is CarMax certified and backed by a 10-day money-back guarantee at a price that's up front from the start. Visit CarMax.com for details. Want to drive? CarMax.

2:24Danielle:No one has all the answers, but when we ask the right questions, we get a little closer. Closer to truths. Closer to each other. Even closer to ourselves. I'm journalist Danielle Robay, and each week my guests and I come together to challenge the status quo and our own ways of thinking by daring to ask, what if? Why not? And who says? So come curious, dig deep, and join the conversation. It's time to question everything. Hello, hello, hello. I hope you had an amazing two weeks. I I know I was MIA, took a little breather, but it was for a good reason, I promise. I was launching the Reese's Book Club podcast called Bookmarked.

3:16Danielle:And guys, we have a show. We have another show. So it's really a fun show to do. And it's different than this. So if you need something to listen to on Tuesdays, go check out Bookmarked. I promise you'll love it. And as always, we have Question Everything on Thursdays. but I needed that two-week hiatus because, you know, when you launch a show, it just takes all of you. It requires so many meetings and recordings and rewrites and research. And I just, I just wanted it to be special, you know? And we have a little housekeeping because I've been MIA on hiatus for two weeks, but I Zoom with at least one person a week, one listener a week.

3:58And I

3:59Danielle:Actually, it's my favorite part of the week for sure. You all are just the coolest people. I learn from each one of you. And the whole point is that I'm supposed to pour into you and either help you with your business or ask you certain questions, get to know you. But honestly, you all pour into me so much. I get so much from these Zooms. So the way to enter is to email hello at danielerobay.com. either send a screenshot of your review of the podcast or send a screenshot. If you've already done that, send a screenshot, sending an episode to two friends, two people that you love and just sharing the question, everything love.

4:38Danielle:And, um, yeah, that's open every single week. We pick one person a week, sometimes two. And, um, yeah, it's just my way of saying thank you. I, I deeply appreciate you all. I pour all of me into this and the fact that you listen and you care and you engage, it just means the world to me. Thank you. And I love meeting you. So without further ado, let's chat about our episode today. What makes a room, an apartment, a house absolutely unforgettable? It's not the price tag. It's not the name brands. It's not even the size of the space. It's the soul. If you've been listening for a while, you've probably heard me quote my grandmother's famous line, collections are for museums.

5:33Danielle:I was raised in a house that was anti-stuff. My dad used to say, Danielle, if you buy things, then you have to buy things to take care of the things and store the things and clean the things. He was anti-things. And honestly, he's not wrong. Most of the time, stuff is just stuff. But this year I learned something new. After my apartment flooded in December and I had to move, I decided it was time to officially adult. For the first time ever, I bought furniture that wasn't from Facebook Marketplace. because I wanted this place to actually feel like home. I had always, I'd spent over a decade feeling transient.

6:13Danielle:I didn't know where I would live, if I would move to New York or Miami or Chicago or what I would do. So I just never invested in decorating my space. And I felt like I was on the go so much it didn't matter. But this time I wanted it to be different. I wanted this new place to actually feel like home. And I had a vision. I wanted it to feel like a one hotel. Now, if you've been to a one in any city, you know exactly what I mean. Wood, plants, calming scents. It's intentional and grounded and warm. But if you haven't been to a one hotel, go grab a coffee in the lobby sometime. You'll get it, I promise.

6:54Danielle:But I also knew enough that I couldn't do it alone. I scoured the internet. I asked friends for referrals to designers. I even tried one of those online designer consultation platforms. but nothing felt quite right. I needed real help. And then one day I was scrolling Instagram and I found Noor El Nasrani. She's an interior designer based in Vegas. And I was instantly drawn in. Her work was clean, but not cold. It was thoughtful, but not cluttered. So I cold emailed her. You guys know I love a cold email. So much of my life has been because of a cold email. And then fast forward, we decided to work together.

7:35Danielle:And when I got to know Noor, I loved her even more. Her design philosophy is simple but powerful. Your space should tell your story. Done right, she feels design should make you feel something. Calm, energized, inspired. It should make you feel like yourself. And Noor didn't just build a business creating beautiful homes. She built a reputation for reading the room. Literally, right? Like from NFL owners to David Goggins, she's known for crafting these very soulful, elevated spaces that are both luxurious and livable. That's so important. Who wants a pretty couch that isn't comfortable to sit on, right?

8:14Danielle:So today, Noor shares how to create a home that reflects you. What to splurge on, what to skip. You know I did this within a budget. She shares the trends that she loves, the ones she says are on their way out, and the biggest mistakes people make when designing their space. We also talked about how she transformed mine, but mostly I wanted you to have access to her brilliance because she was the first person who made this whole process feel easy and doable. So whether you're starting fresh or you're thinking about refreshing a single room or just craving a little inspo or are thinking about it for the future, this episode will help you fill your space with meaning and intention and soul.

9:00Danielle:So the question we're circling today is what does it really mean to give a space soul? It's time to Question Everything with Noor Al-Nasrani.

9:13Danielle:Welcome to Question Everything. Thank you. Thank you for being here. You came all the way from Vegas. I'm so happy to be here. And I get to finally meet you in person. And redecorate our entire set. Yes, yes. So you redid. You did my entire apartment. Yes. We're not done yet. We're almost done. We're not done yet. We're not done yet, but yes. But I was really excited for you to redo this set because we moved the chairs. And I was like, the perfect person is coming in today. Little things, just moving things inch here. The proportions just really help without even realizing it's such small changes that help.

9:44But it's beautiful anyway. Thank you.

9:46Danielle:Well, one of the things that I understood better after working with you was the idea of read the room. You know, you hear that phrase like read the room. And when you walk in here, what do you read? Honestly, I walk in here and I feel just like zen and comfortable. I feel like your set is so like like a chameleon. Like I feel like whoever you're hosting here will feel comfortable. and then also it lets the person shine I feel like so there's not a lot in the background that's like taking away from the person so that's kind of how I feel I feel like it's comfortable that's so nice of you to say thank you that was actually the goal because perfect I think some sets are really fun to look at yes but I notice when I'm watching interviews I'm looking at the background yes like what candy do they have oh my god I'm looking at the candy the bubble gum in the little jar you Right?

10:39Danielle:Instead of the person. And my favorite profile pieces, like writers, I always say, are my rock stars. And my favorite profile pieces, when you really see the person. Yes, yes. So it's all about that. Yeah. So that's what I see first when I walk in. Thanks for saying that. Great job. When did you realize you had an eye for design? So I've been into design since I was little. So I grew up around, mine as an architect, my uncle, like all my uncles are either architects or interior designers. I grew up in Lebanon. So I grew up around that a lot and I was always into the arts. I was drawing. I did like an art show when I was 10 and I was like selling my art for like$50.

11:19I mean, that was amazing when I was 10, you know, I was like banking. But so I always liked that. My mom said I was always just tearing papers and drawing. I was never like playing with other things. But anyway, so I knew I always knew I wanted to be a designer. And then we moved here and I went into design. I went to architecture school, even though my dad was like, don't do it. Doesn't pay well. It's hard work. But I did it. I mean, he's very supportive, but you know what I mean? He's like, trust me, I know. But so I've just always loved it. And then once I started, once I learned the technical aspect, because I didn't have that technical background, and then my actual like designs got to shine.

12:00And then I realized that people were really receptive to that. And I was like, yeah, this is good. So I didn't know you went to architecture school. Yeah, I have my bachelor's degree in interior architecture.

12:10Danielle:So one of the things that I'm very curious about is the business aspect of design because you clearly have the eye. Like you walked in here in two seconds and figured it out. But business is a whole different part of this. Did you always have that piece too or was that sort of learned? I mean, I want to say I've always had it. I've always felt that entrepreneurial spirit. that word's always hard to say but I've always felt that like I literally watched every episode of Shark Tank I'm like really into that and I've always known even just when I went to school I knew I wanted to start a business and I knew I had to work to get there and I just always had the vision and the goal and I to get there so the business yeah it's not you know it's not every creative person's favorite part dealing with all that kind of stuff but but it was nice that it didn't feel so challenging for me because I've always learned a lot about it.

13:05Danielle:Did you start the business as soon as you graduated? No, no, not at all. Starting right after school is really tough because you haven't gotten the experience. Yeah. And I did not want to fail right away. So I'm like, because that's kind of when you start, you can do it. And I know people have done it, but it gives you more chances of, you know, failing, getting up, failing, getting up. I was like, I'm gonna do this this way so I went and I worked for a firm out of college I worked there for four years worked my way up I started as like a design assistant and really quickly she was giving me senior level projects and I worked my butt off and I would stay like till 1 a.m working there hot glue gun all over my fingers like it was rough what was the hot glue gun for material boards we would do like presentation boards with fabrics and tiles yeah and it was in the hospitality world so we did like hotels, casinos.

13:58I designed multiple like bars on the strip and I don't advertise it too much because I like the residential world. But so I worked my way up and I worked my ass off for very little money. Like salaries were around like$20 ,000 at the time. But so, but I knew there was an end goal. I knew that I'm going to gain this, you know, experience and learn. And I was always seeing a way out. And then I just, from there, I went to a different firm and then I wanted to get back into residential because that's what I love, the luxury residential fees. And then I just made so many connections and the clients that were, you know, going there, they just, we had a really good connection.

14:39And then I started, I ended up working for like a builder group, like a, like a developer. Yeah. So again, I just made all these connections with clients there. And then they started asking me to take on projects by myself outside of the company on the weekends and nights. And I was like, yeah. So I started my first project. This is a good story, but my first project, my client, she owns a private jet. She has a hangar in Henderson in Vegas, basically. And she had like a famous Hollywood designer designing her homes in Vegas at the summit, which is where she lives. And she's like, you know, my designer, this little hangar is too small for him.

15:20You know, he's not available. He doesn't take projects like this. would you take it on the weekends? And I was like, yeah, of course. But just know Monday through Friday, I can't pick up the phone. Like I have responsibilities at work. She's like, no problem. I did it on the weekend. She loved it. She fired her big time Hollywood designer. Shout out. I'm sure you're great. She fired him and hired me to design her 20 ,000 square foot house. And then from there, it just, it was worth it.

15:49Danielle:Were you ready for that project? Oh yeah, I was ready but 20 000 square feet that's like how much money like how much money worth of furniture does it cost to do 20 000 square feet a lot millions millions yeah yeah a lot and you knew how to order where to order were there a lot of returns of course not one not a single one oh my god yeah yeah not a single one but it takes time that project took three years so it takes time we it's not like we're just going in and rushing and ordering things right it's room by room so how it started actually after the hanger she hired me we developed a good relationship she had a spa room in her house okay she's like he's just not yeah amen that house is stunning i love you cassandra it's like but she she's like the spa he's just not getting me and i feel like you get me so can you just do the spa and she wasn't even gonna like tell him she was just gonna be like here's my idea like her own ideas okay I did this spa like in one weekend and she was like love it done do the rest of the house so that's that's how it happened but I was so ready for I mean I had been ready for it I was taking on huge projects at the firms I was working on and I was doing everything from A to Z I was like meeting clients I was even helping my old boss write contracts for them.

17:13I was doing material sourcing, presentations, renderings, meeting with them. I was like, I would be in a room full of like 20 guys in suits because that's how it works in the hotel industry. There's, you know, CEOs and it's not just one person. And so I was so ready for it. I just had to see my end to where I had enough connections. And basically I started getting so many of these like weekend side jobs from clients being like we just want to pay you and not you know go through company and then when i started basically making more than what i was make making on weekend projects more than my yearly salary i was like time to leave this is it so that's

17:53Danielle:interesting because i think a lot of designers or future designers would want to know what kind of the path is and when to leap. So that's smart. So you work for a firm, you learn what to do, and then you can make the leap. Yeah. And obviously there's so many different avenues and aspects. I mean, some designers I look up to that are amazing have not gone this route. They didn't even study it. And you really don't need to study it, to be honest. It helped me, school helped me a lot with time management and figuring that out. But school didn't teach me how to design you know design is so specific you have one teacher telling you if your work is good or not like that's their opinion but there's so many different avenues some people just don't go to school they just start doing their friend stuff and then now all of a sudden they have a huge business yeah so but this was my way that I saw was doable and this was the way that I was like comfortable with and just you know took it there that's awesome yeah who are that you mentioned designers you look up to yeah who are the people do you have like two or three names yes i mean jake arnold love him look up to him he's amazing i've met him because we worked together on a project at summit kelly worstler icon obsessed i stalked her in an airport once oh yes obsessed she's going through security she's not a celebrity but she is yeah she is she's an icon i'm like kelly is that you no you talked to her i did because i love her work oh my god i love her I listened to her on podcasts.

19:25So she took a totally different route.

19:28Danielle:Yeah. She was completely, and so did Jake. His route was different. They started just, they didn't go to schooling. They just, you know, full force. And I totally admire that. Yeah. That takes guts to just go full force there. Absolutely. But I was like, you know what, I'm going to do this. And I don't want to struggle as much. So you know that I'm obsessed with questions. Yes. And one thing I noticed when we had our first Zoom session. Yeah. was you asked a lot of great questions to get to know the heart of what I was wanting. Yes. Particularly because I actually don't have the words to describe what I want because I'm not in the design world.

20:04Danielle:I can imagine a lot of people you meet are the same. Yes. Oh, absolutely. I'm curious what kinds of questions you like to ask clients when you first meet them to really get an understanding of what they want. Yeah. This is such a good question because that's really what we do is try to figure out what's in their head when they don't even know. So that's really good. My first question is really about their lifestyle because we can figure, I can usually figure out what styles they like, but I first start with their lifestyle, like how they're using their space, how many in their family, are they hosting a lot?

20:40Are they not? Where do they like to sit? You know, all of those kinds of lifestyle questions really change the space. And then secondly, because it's really hard for clients to pinpoint what style they like and a lot of times they like multiple different things and it's our job to bring it together I don't want them to be like I want this you know I want to also show what I can do so what I ask is I'll ask them what's your favorite hotel you've been to and we talked about that too which you actually told it to me right said it to me right away but well

21:10Danielle:because I was like I want my apartment to look like the one yeah yeah yeah it's such a vibe but so I asked them like what's their favorite hotel they've been to or a restaurant or a lobby or just anything a space and then they'll say that and i'll be like why did you like that is it the way it makes you feel or is it the the moodiness the lighting so i try to like decipher from that or then if they're a little more into a little more involved then i'll be like like magazines like one of my clients she loves ad and she'll flip the magazine i'm like rip me pages that that are you know attractive to you and that appeal to you and then she'll rip them and they're all so different.

21:48But then right away, I'm able to just know what she's liking in each one. Do you have to ask her or you kind of get the vibe? I get the vibe because sometimes it's hard to ask because they don't even know.

22:03Danielle:But that's the thing you can't teach, right? Yeah, exactly. So that's what I'm saying. Schooling, yeah, sure. We can go learn how to draw things or do that. But this is a thing you can't teach is how to just kind of like decipher what they're wanting just from some photos and yeah it's hard to explain because that's one thing with design yeah like you can't be taught you can't be taught that you can be taught other technical things but you know that kind of vision you cannot be taught it's funny because in the hair and makeup world like if you use hair and makeup artists they'll always say like what are you looking for and it's very hard to describe so what you do is you send photos of celebrities yes and you're like i like this eye or i like this look but the thing is is like you could look completely different than them and the makeup isn't going to translate the same is design the same in that way it's pretty similar because honestly sometimes like you'll show a picture of somebody and you're like i love her makeup and then if they don't what we see is different from what what the you know professional sees so they'll ask like what specifically do you like there because they have totally different features yeah so it's the same with a house you see in a magazine i mean that house has totally different features yeah but what do you like so i ask it's more about the mood she'll be like i like how fun this room is or i like how dim this is or i like how it makes me feel calm rather than i like this sofa and this wallpaper and this that so it's it's more of that but yeah it's pretty similar because what i'm garnering from you sitting here is like you're basing it on this feeling.

23:37Danielle:Yes. Like I said to you, I want to walk in and I want to feel totally calm. Yes. Like zen. Yeah. And you're like, okay, got it. And you knew right away. Yes. So sometimes what do people say? Like they'll say, I want to come in here and feel inspired. Not inspired, but they'll say, for example, like one of my clients, it's her study, her like little office. And she's like, I don't want it to feel like an office. I want it to feel like a fun funky space and she's like funky and cool she's like I want it to feel like that I want some color I want like collage on the walls and I was like okay got it and then I could take it into different directions but I usually just I find something that's inspiring me and I go there and then another thing people ask or like another client say I want it to feel worldly right so meaning to me that means like they want it to feel like items have been collected from all over the world and things you don't see and things maybe that you saw in a different country that we bring in.

24:36So that helped me gather things from all over the world in that house and make it feel like they said like European, you know, so that's kind of where I draw inspiration. Yeah.

24:47Danielle:So I found your work on Instagram. And then after we connected, I realized that you have designed for some pretty high profile clients. One that stood out to me was Dean Spanos, who's the owner of the Chargers. How did that relationship come about? Dean and Susie are the loveliest people you'll ever meet. When Susie calls me on the phone, my face lights up. She calls my husband, his face lights up. She's truly amazing. Dean and Susie was word of mouth. All my clients, which is, I'm so blessed that I have that relationship. But one of the sales agents, I believe, recommended me to them. And I had one meeting with Susie.

25:26We had a lunch and I didn't even show her my work. We had one lunch. Wow. And it was in the start too, so I didn't have my really nice website and all that. And she's like, okay, can you start Monday? And I was like, yes, of course. So you told me that that was a life-changing project. Yes. Why? It's just working, seeing how hard they work and their work ethic. And for Dean to tell me that he sees that in me, like the hard work and that work ethic just meant a lot to me and meant to me that I'm going on the right, that I'm where I'm supposed to be. So honestly, every project I have has been life changing, not just because of the client, just because the relationship we've developed, what the end product that I loved, you know, adding a checklist, like I did that, you know, so honestly, they're all equally life changing, but working with them has just been a blessing.

Read the full transcript

26:22They're, they're so humble they're so sweet so generous with their time and we developed an amazing product to the point where Susie she'll call me randomly and she'll be like Noor everyone compliments me on this she's a sweetheart everyone comes compliments me on this you're amazing she's like you're the most talented designer I know and I was like that's so sweet there's so many talented designers out there so she's just she just calls you to pump you she calls me to pump me up every time Susie calls me, I get an ego boost. Like I'm like, I'm feeling good today. Okay. Well, one of the other clients that stood out to me is David Goggins.

26:58Danielle:Yes. I love David Goggins. Me too. Okay. I just, for anybody who doesn't know, he's a retired U.S. Navy SEAL, ultra marathon runner, ultra distance cyclist, triathlete. He wrote the book, Can't Hurt Me. Yeah. And it kind of popped off because he had been through so much in his life and he decided you, nothing and no one can hurt me. It's mind over matter. Yeah. I know. Talk about mental toughness. Yeah. What is it like working with somebody like that in a design capacity? Yeah. I mean, I was nervous. Yeah. I was nervous. David is a force. He is amazing. And Jennifer too. They're amazing. And yeah, the first meeting we had, cause he's a no BS kind of guy.

27:40Right. He will call it how it is. And the first meeting I was nervous. I was like, this is David. I need to go, you know, I need to give him everything he doesn't know he needs. And the best thing about that project is they did not give me any direction. They really didn't. And that's why I was nervous because they were like, look, you're the professional. We hired you. Show us what you would do. And I was like, that's honestly scarier than when they tell you. I'm like, okay, challenge accepted. His unit had, we had to do a lot of remodel to it because the unit he had actually didn't even have a kitchen.

28:17And it's in a condo. It was a very weird layout. And we had to get really creative to get them a kitchen even. But the best moment I remember is I had just done my presentation of just something that I would design for me. And I had just done my presentation. And I don't think David was there. I think it was Jennifer. And she loved it. And she's like, I'll show it to David tonight. He was doing something much, much cooler, you know. And I get a call. And I had just met my husband. And I get a call and we were together. Me and my husband were in the car. I get a call at like 9 p.m. from a random number because he doesn't do phones.

28:55I don't know if you guys know this about him. And I answer and he goes, Noor, it's David Goggins. And I was like, oh, my God. I was like, did he hate it? And he's like, I just want to tell you, you effing crushed it. And I was like, and he's on speaker. and my husband who was in the military too was like holy beep it's and I was just like this is so freaking cool you crushed it yeah he and he said it much more you know I'm not gonna I can't do you know what he does but he's so passionate and for his passion to for him to show me that passion about how much he loved it and then the next time I can say I can tell so many stories because these are so fun.

29:38But the next time we had a secondary meeting to finalize the rest of the house, he got so pumped. He threw the papers on the ground and he was hyping me up. And I was just like, this is truly amazing because it shows that this is what I would design for me that they loved it too.

29:56Danielle:Did his philosophy rub off on you at all? Oh yeah. I mean - Did you start running? You know, I was actually in cross country my whole life, but now I hate it. I hate running. And, you know, props to everyone who can. But, yeah, I mean, being around someone like that, it's hard not to. You know, you admire them so much that you're like that. But, you know, I've always grown up with that tough mentality. My dad is, you know, taught us to be resilient, to get up. You know, some may call it tough love, but I loved it because it taught me to be resilient. And it reminded me a lot of what he says. Yeah.

30:35Danielle:That's cool. Yeah. I can imagine for somebody like that, his space needs to be a sanctuary. Yes. Because he's doing a lot during the day. Yeah. So he needs to come home and enjoy the space that he's in. What are your rules for making a home a sanctuary? Number one, declutter. It's number one. Everything else. Throw everything. Start yourself from scratch. If it doesn't mean anything to you, toss it. But a sanctuary, it's really just a feeling. You know, if your day is so hectic, I usually tend to design the space to be a lot more zen and a lot less things around and a lot less, you know, perfectly styled all the time.

31:15It needs to give you a leeway to just whether you're lounging down on the couch, you know, and you get up, that couch still needs to feel like it's put together.

31:26Danielle:What do you think somebody's home says about them? Hmm. I mean, I think it really shows their personality. But like what do you think it says about their true self? It really shows how they are on their day-to-day life Like if your home is a little more eclectic to me Like you're probably a little more, you know fun and a little more open to risks You're a little more of a risk taker Oh interesting And if your house is a little more subdued, a little more, you know safe Like it also kind of says that about you that maybe you are a little safe in your day-to-day life But your personality shows, I mean, if a house is moody, that can tell you that person has that cool, you know, edgy vibe.

32:08But yeah, I mean, a space says a lot about you. I mean. Also what you value, right?

32:14Danielle:Like if you have certain art, it's like, okay, this person cares about art more than maybe they care about their tables. A hundred percent. That's great. Yeah, that's a great point. And also the functionality of the space, how you're using it. If you're valuing comfort over an aesthetic that like can't be touched really. So yeah, exactly what you value in this space is such a good one. Have you ever designed a space for somebody who only cared about aesthetic? Like they were like, I don't care how uncomfortable a chair is. I wish. I wish. Call me. I mean, yeah, no. Sometimes Jake Arnold's work looks like that to me.

32:50Danielle:Like I'm like, and I'm, it may be not, but I'm like, it's also perfect. Like how do you sit down? I know. Like his space for Chrissy Teigen and John Legend. Yeah. Oh my God. I know. Beyond. I feel like his, what I've seen, you know, it actually reads very comfortable. Okay. To me. But yeah, I can see, I can see some as a little more cutting edge. And I love, like they had that tree, like right in the middle of the house. Yes. But I love that. There's a fine line between that. And, you know, you may get that client that's like, I don't care. We'll, we'll deal with it. Yeah. You know, do what you do.

33:25and that's a dream client.

33:27Danielle:You have this quote on your Instagram bio that I really love. It says, if a place has a soul, it remains alive forever. Yeah. How do you give a place a soul? What does that mean? I love this quote. I saw it. I was in a hotel Villa Desta in Lake Como five years ago and I saw this quote. And since then I've like, this is so me. I'm like living by it. What to me, a place that has a soul can really show your character can really show that you you put your heart into it you're not afraid to put objects that someone else may not like you know it's it's you and for me if a place feels a little you know too what do they call it nowadays like beijian boring you know but it just it's adding your own like so hard to explain but i feel like a lot of my projects, I put my clients, like mine and their souls into it.

34:22I'm like, I want to bring you things that you truly enjoy and things that maybe like give you like a feeling when you look at them, like this art piece or this vase or this little fun chair in the corner. So just bringing in soul. And it doesn't have to mean that it needs to be colorful and eclectic, but you need to have some unexpected moments in there. You need to, you need it to feel unique to your person.

34:45Danielle:what emotional needs are you trying to meet when you create a space so this kind of goes i think this kind of goes back to like if you have a hectic day you know hectic life hectic work that you probably want your space to feel a little more zen and you know if your days are a bit more maybe a little less challenging i guess maybe you can have a little more fun in the house and dedicate a little bit more to that so we're always trying to give a feeling of home to be honest How do you think, because your home, you said, is very like wabi-sabi and zen, right? Yes. I'm trying. It's not a forever home, but I'm trying.

35:24Danielle:How do you design to solve for stress? Can you give me two or three examples? First and foremost is decluttering and having, let everything have its own space. Okay. So designating objects to spaces really helps because then you know where everything goes. So that kind of helps you de-stress and not being like, oh, why is everything, you know, all over? The other thing is colors, too. If there's a color that de-stresses you, some might be blue, some might be green, some might be white, you know. And we do have a lot of, you know, white in our house, too. And to me, it just calms me, those colors.

36:04And then you have to bring in a little contrast in that. But, you know, and beyond that, it's really the layout, the layout of the space. You need enough, you know, movement room. You need enough, you know, egress, like to walk around between things and not feel so tight and, you know, just kind of cluttered, I guess. Yeah, confined. Yeah. Do you think that design can actually heal something in people? Yeah, I mean, absolutely. I think absolutely it can. I mean, maybe separately from a home on like a bigger societal level, you know, we see our buildings now and our houses are all like so cookie cutter.

36:43And I feel like you really find a joy in someone when they walk into a space, whether it's a building, a hospital, a school, and you feel like it's open. There's daylight. It almost heals something in you. Like you walk in and you're like breathing like fresh air.

36:58Danielle:Yeah. One of the questions you asked me that I love was how do you use your space? What are you using it for? And I had some very specific things because I work from home. So I'm like, I do my makeup, my hair and makeup. Like I have a station that I need. I have a podcasting space, so on and so forth. And it made me think about human first design, which I learned about a few years ago. And the idea on a societal level is that like parks, benches, public spaces have been designed as spaces and then people fit into them. And human first design is the opposite. that you think about the person living in the space.

37:35Danielle:So for instance, if it's for kids, you would make the desk shorter, the water fountains or toilets smaller. And I realized there's this like golden rule or golden ratio. It's built off a six foot one male. Yes. The average height of men is not six foot one even. So like if you go into a bathroom and it's like the shower is so tall, it's because it was built for the golden ratio. You're really designing human first. Is that something that they're teaching in schools now? Or is that something that you've cultivated? I've definitely cultivated that because that's, I pride myself in having a deep connection with my clients and fitting it to their needs.

38:15Danielle:Yeah. They don't necessarily teach that. They teach us the golden ratio in school. I can't tell you how many times we have to like study and test on that. We need to fix the golden ratio. It makes me especially mad when I put my luggage up for TSA, like on the conveyor belt, because I only do carry-ons. I know, yeah. I'm low maintenance like you. And it's so high because it's built for a six-foot male. They're high, yes. I know. I get it. Anyways, I do. But, yes. No, I love it. Yeah, I mean, you've really got to design for your client to have a successful project. That's, you know, I could argue that that's why those, the cookie cutter builder grade, should we call them, you know, not trying to say those are bad, but you can argue that functionality, they don't work because they're not tailored to a specific person.

39:00So yeah, that's a great point.

39:02Danielle:Okay, this is the big question. Yes. Because I know everybody listening that's thinking about designing or redesigning their space wants to know the biggest mistakes that clients make when they start with a designer. Easy. Okay. I'm going to tell you. Be brutally honest. I'm going to tell you the biggest mistake my clients make before they hire me and why they come. They put too much reliance on the contractor and the architect. and they think that they're designing their space because a lot of them try. And every single time one of my clients has gone to their contractor architect first, they've come right back to me and we had lost a bit of time there.

39:42So my advice is always start with your designer. That's the space you're in every day. That's what you're seeing every day. So hire your designer first. Contractors and architects are great. I think when everybody does what they do best, that's a successful project. There's this saying, a jack of all trades is a master of none. And it's really, really true. Like everybody has a specialty and an expertise. And when you hire your designer first, or even at the same time as your team, a designer can really get ahead and tell you some of the things that we can change to the architecture of the house to make it more functional internally.

40:20Because an architect may be looking on the outside and the contractor is looking at budgets and the build out on the timeline, but designer can help really pull it all in together. And even with budgets, a designer can really help you figure out what's worth splurging on and what's not. And so I see that mistake happening all the time with clients hiring their contractor. Maybe their contractor says, I can design it. I'll, you know, I'll design it for you or the architect. And the most successful projects is when all three of us work as a team. Okay.

40:53Danielle:That's so interesting. I didn't know that. Is there anything else that comes to mind? The other biggest thing is proportions. That's the one thing that if somebody's self-designing or even, yeah, yeah. I mean, if somebody is self-designing their space, that's the one thing I see people get wrong. But 99 % of the time is the proportions. Yeah. Say more, like, Because what I see is that people underestimate the size of the furniture you need. They usually make things too small. Like the chandelier is too small or this coffee table is too small. Exactly, yes. And the thing with putting items that are smaller than the space calls for, now your whole space feels small and feels off.

41:37But there's different ways that the right proportions can help your space. For example, if you have low ceilings and you're building, like, let's say, a cabinet wall or something, try to keep things lower. Like, if you're doing, let's say, like a little shelf, it's going to be hard to explain, but make some things lower. Like, maybe you have a little ledge that's lower rather than tall cabinets with shelving on top. And that's going to help trick your eye to thinking that the space is taller because of the things we're using in it. So maybe your furniture is a little bit lower to help give more height to the space.

42:13But the other thing is, is I see a lot of the times arts too small, couches, rugs. It's a big one. Rugs are too small. Go bigger. If you're in doubt, just go bigger, you know?

42:23Danielle:What is the first piece of furniture that you purchase when you're designing a space? Do you start with the coffee table? No, I usually start with whatever the biggest item in the room is. Okay. So if it's a living room, a sofa. If it's a bedroom, a bed. So I always like to start with the bigger piece because that helps tell me what other space I have to work with. Because that's the most important piece in that room. That's actually a really helpful small tip. Oh, good. That's really good. What are spots in people's homes where we could probably benefit from some bigger small changes? Are there areas that you gravitate towards?

43:00Areas in people's homes. Hmm. I have to think about that one.

43:06Danielle:I'll tell you a pet peeve of mine. Tell me more. What do you mean? Yeah. And you tell me. Yeah. This question is coming from if the aesthetic is fun and eclectic and cluttered, then it works. Yeah. But most people's is not. Most people's design is a little bit zen. Yeah. And I find too many coffee table books, too many plants. Like, it's just too much. Right, right, right. What do you think people could benefit from looking through the Noor lens? Yeah, yeah. So like the less is more concept. Yeah. I think what people, the thing is, it can be done the right way. Even less is more is also great, but also sometimes more is more is great, you know, especially in this era of like maximalism.

43:48But I think where people go wrong is like the layout of things. Like, let's take your example, your, you know, yeah, example, for example, like the coffee table books. Yeah. There might be a lot, there might be a lot of accessories on the shelf, but it's about how you put it together. Like there has to be, there has to be a height variance, like the specific height variance that helps. So whether you, you start with something, let's say on the left corner, that's a bit taller. And then you have to supplement it with something in the middle. Maybe that's like, like a book, like something a little shallower.

44:22And then you have to come down to that corner and maybe put like a grouping of two. So it's more about arranging i think a lot of people have the right stuff but the arrangement is what's off i mean we just kind of did that here in your studio even though it's gorgeous just little things that we arranged to give a little more height you know to the background a little more yeah just

44:47Danielle:i was shocked how how little things made a big difference yes like moving one book yes yes Yes, exactly. What was your childhood home like? My childhood home is my favorite home. So I grew up in Lebanon. And the homes there back in the Mediterranean, basically, they are really like homogenous with the land around it. So which I love and which is what's hard to replicate when you're outside of that land. But the house I grew up in was all rocks. like the whole thing was made out of you know the the stacked stone so there was no drywall on the inside of the house the exterior and the interior were it was all one material you can tell there was like true craftsmen in there this it was a chimney stove top real oak flooring you know the parquet flooring it was just gorgeous and even though it wasn't a big space it really felt like home and that home is still in our family.

45:49My uncle now has it because we had to sell to move here. But I love visiting. It's gorgeous. You know, it just it really feels like what everyone is trying to go back to is that kind of like simple life of like growing your own vegetables and fruits and living in a house that really makes you feel cozy and warm.

46:12Danielle:Do you think that growing up in that house influenced how you design today? Absolutely. I mean, I've always said that my style gives an ode to my Mediterranean heritage. And what I love most is that they design the spaces there to be homogenous with the land around it and to kind of like take inspiration from that. So you see a lot of the raw natural materials, the plasters, the stone, the limestone, the woods, and that real like craftsmanship. So I really try to bring that almost in every project, even if the project doesn't have that look, there's always that bit of like twist in there. And I always like to add something a little unexpected than you see from a typical like Mediterranean style.

46:57But yeah, it did.

46:58Danielle:One of the things I've been talking about with my friends a lot lately is home ownership, because it's nearly impossible to buy a home in LA. Are there tips you have for making a space feel luxe without spending a ton of money? Yes, absolutely. I mean, luxury design doesn't have to always mean a huge budget. It means being intentional with what you buy, taking your time, not going to a showroom and just buying everything you see and putting it together. It's really about taking the time, adding functionality to the space, letting things speak to you almost like you see an object that, you know, that you kind of develop a feeling for but but there's tons of little things like honestly window coverings window treatments and coverings can really really change up a space and we saw that with your space too and it's something that's really easy that you can just put up and it really helps cozy it down from that you know cookie cutter look so that helps a lot you know fresh cone of paint always helps too that's a good one yeah fresh you know nothing cannot be solved without a fresh coat of I like that.

48:04Danielle:Yeah. Okay, what's worth investing in and what's worth saving in a house? So I would say what's worth investing in the most is the pieces that you use the most. That you're going to be, like, for example, your sofa. You're on that every single day. You know, you're gathering, you're hosting, you're developing memories there. So you want that piece to really last you. So I think bigger pieces like that, whether it's a sofa or, for example, your bed and your bedding. like a good bedding you know you really feel like you're on a cloud so i would say invest in the pieces that you're using the most especially if you can get things that are modular like like one of my sofas for example because i know that we'll probably be moving soon it's a modular piece so i can always add on to it in the future so that's nice too but that's one of the perils of design is you you spend money on a space and then when you move yes it's very hard no matter how nice the piece is.

49:01It just always fits a little different. I know it's hard. Yeah. Modular furniture is really nice for that.

49:07Danielle:Give me five steps to make any room gorgeous. Okay. Five steps to make a room gorgeous. Okay. Number one, paint your walls, baseboards, and ceiling the same color. That's good. It gets good. Number two, no accent walls. Please ditch the accent walls. It is, your room is supposed to feel, you know, one space. Number three, like I said before, go bigger. Rugs go bigger. Curtains go taller. Art, larger. So it really, really helps. Number four, use raw and natural materials. You know, hardware, stones, anything that you can that you feel like you're finding in nature. Yes, raw. Bronze finish. For example, bronze hardware versus a matte black hardware.

49:53And then number five, layer with textures. Do a lot of layering, whether it's textures, colors, add things in varying heights. So the room should feel layered and that really will get you good room.

50:07Danielle:That was so good. All the kids are clapping like this. I want to give you a silent clap. That was so good. Okay. Rapid fire. Okay. Are you ready? Yes, I'm ready. What's the first thing you notice when you walk into somebody's home? I want to say clutter, but I don't want to sound like I'm judging anyone. But functionality. When you start out designing a room, what's the first piece you start with? The biggest item in the room. Interior designer hot take. Oh, ditch the orchids. Orchids, it feels like you're in the dentist's office. Do not display orchids. My dad was a dentist and I agree. What's the fastest way to make a room look more expensive?

50:49Room look more expensive, proportions.

50:52Danielle:Okay. The right proportions. What's a design rule that's totally outdated? Oh, I have so many. Okay, that you have to only use light colors in a smaller room. A small room can also be moody and dark. Not mixing metals, overhead lighting. We're over that. What's your toxic trait as a designer? Oh, yeah, my designs are never easy. Like contractors are borderline love me and hate me because I'm always challenging them. That's cool. Yeah. What's one thing that renters can do to make their home feel custom and luxe? But like, you know, when you rent, you can't change furnishings. First thing I would do is change all your overhead lighting to a warm white.

51:33Yeah. We have to do that. It's so easy. Really? Will you tell me how? It's so easy.

51:44Danielle:This whole process has been like sort of a test for me because I hate doing real life things. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Like, I love working. No, I do too. And I'm like, I hate figuring out lighting. I hate fixing the dishwasher. Yes, yes. So this has been a good test where I'm going to fix my lighting. Yes, yes. What's a design rule you love to break? Overhead lighting. Don't do it? I hate overhead lighting. Yes, it's not a hospital. I love overhiding. Yeah. I know, it's really tough. We all do it. It's hard. I mean, the houses come with it. You know, it's like per code. But, you know, I love dim lighting.

52:16I love lighting that's grounded, like your floor lamps, your table lamps. Yeah. And, you know, love that. Do you do warm lighting, not cold? Yes, warm lighting. Yes.

52:25Danielle:The item that you would save from your house if you could only pick one thing. So my husband and I, we DIY'd a coffee table. And I love it so much. I drew like an organic shape on a piece of wood. He cut it. We stained it. We trimmed it. And it looks so gorgeous. So we're saving that. Yeah. Okay. What's a book that you've read that changed your life? Something you think everybody should read? So, I mean, definitely while working with David Goggins, you know, I've read his books Can't Hurt Me and Never Finish. And they're really just so inspirational. Yeah. What's something that every woman should try once?

53:05What's something every woman should try once? I know. Try going out with no makeup. Somewhere nice, somewhere fancy. Get dressed up and lose the makeup and feel confident. No one's ever said that.

53:19Danielle:That's a great one. You'll be surprised how much it changes your confidence and your ability to be like, I don't care. Yeah. Okay, grab the question everything card game next to you and pick a card, whichever one calls to you. It's like tarot. Okay, we got to mix them up. Yeah. How would you describe yourself to a stranger? Hmm. Hmm. How would I describe myself? I feel like I'm a very excited person. In fact, I get excited over things. I care a lot about things. And then I'm a little fun and crazy sometimes and loyal. That's really nice. Loyal to friends, to family, to that. So hopefully that's how they would describe me too.

54:08Okay.

54:08Danielle:Current faves. Yes. Love that. People are always asking me about that. Current faves. Okay. Okay. Current faves, what's your favorite stone? Right now, I love Chepo Beige or in that family. Go-to off-white paint? Baby Fawn by Benjamin Moore. Love it. I love that you know the name. Yeah, because I just used it and it's now my new favorite. A design style you love? So I love Wabi Sabi, but not the mainstream Wabi Sabi that everyone's now, that term is being used very loosely. The, you know, pure form of wabi-sabi that, you know, Axel Vervoer does stunning. Agreed. Yeah. If you had to choose one favorite store to furnish a house with.

54:53Oh, the future perfect.

54:55Danielle:Gorgeous. A brand you're obsessed with. Okay, I'm going to give you lighting, furniture, and accessories because I just can't pick one. Furniture, I'm obsessed with Andriana Shamaris. She does custom, like, raw, natural wood furniture. Accessories, LES collection. And lighting, apparatus. Obsessed. A color you didn't expect to love, but you do. Purple. What? Yes. Like lilac or deep purple? What are we talking? All of them. Every single shade of purple. Lilac. I just used this stone that has purples and greens. It's called Four Seasons. That might have to be my new favorite stone in your other question.

55:34Gorgeous. Burgundy. I mean, your burgundy top. All shades of purple. Is burgundy purple? It's a shade of it.

55:40Danielle:Oh my God. Yeah, we're putting it in that family. Okay, an art style that you're craving in homes right now. Oh, tapestry on the walls. Cool. Yeah. That's very Turkish of you. I like that. Yeah, I love it. A design rule you're happily breaking. Design rule I'm happily breaking. Mixing wood tones and mixing metals. A coffee table book you always include. That's really hard because coffee table books are so, so specific to my clients. So there's not one I'm ever repeating because it just doesn't make sense. But I love Asseline. That's the brand that you can, they have the best coffee table books.

56:14Cool.

56:15Danielle:A product you stockpile before it sells out. A product. So it's not specifically a product, but once you find cutlery or like dishes, like or cups, something that you love, stockpile it because it will go out of stock and then you have to get a whole new set. And then you break one and it's over. Yes. Yes. Yeah, exactly. A plant or floral that you're using nonstop? Plant. I love a plant called Song of India. It's gorgeous. And then flowers. Love florals. Ranunculus. I don't know if I'm saying it right. Ranunculus. Ranunculus. Oh, you said it much better. I'm like a ranunculus. They're beautiful.

56:52Ranunculus. Yeah, gorgeous. Gorgeous.

56:54Danielle:Hardware finish you're having a love affair with? Bronze. Most design-forward hotel you stayed in? I love the Santa Monica proper. Ooh. Yeah, Kelly Wurstler. Interior design account that you're stalking on Instagram. I love Visual Pleasure magazines. Visual Pleasure mag, the handle. Most underrated styling object. Plants. Cool. You are so talented and wonderful. Thank you. And really, truly a wonderful person to work with. Thank you so much. You've been amazing to work with. I feel like I'm working with a best friend. Me too. We've had so much fun. We really have. We giggled a lot.

57:36Danielle:Okay, you know what time it is. Today's a good day to have a good day. I'll see you next week.

57:55Danielle:Okay, here's the thing. Life doesn't exactly slow down, and neither do I. Between work and travel and podcasting and everything else on my calendar, I need clothes that can keep up. That's why I'm all about cotton. It's natural, breathable, soft, and doesn't shed microplastics when washed. Plant, not plastic. So whether it's a perfectly worn-in t-shirt, elevated loungewear, or the cozy cotton PJs that you'd prefer to wear all day long, cotton always delivers. It's comfortable, makes getting dressed easy, and then it somehow always looks good. Cotton, the fabric of our lives. Some people use ChatGPT to answer questions.

58:31Danielle:Others use it to get real work done. With ChatGPT Work, you bring the goal, plus real inputs like briefs, notes, files, feedback, data, and project plans. It can help turn them into an analysis, tracker, deck outline, prototype, or workflow you can review and keep shaping. You stay in control, giving direction and choosing the final output. Put ChatGPT to work on your most ambitious ideas and projects. Get started at ChatGPT.com by selecting Work Mode. Available on Plus and Pro Plans. shortly after I enrolled at Rasmussen I was diagnosed with breast cancer it was like a bomb had just been dropped in my life I reached out to Rasmussen they immediately were like Rosa take what time you need you can come back when you're ready we are cancer free today and I'm just so grateful for Rasmussen for all of their support throughout my journey and for my own village Rasmussen University find your seat and start now at rasmussen.edu Honey, Felipe sent another photo.

59:31Danielle:From Argentina? How? With T-Mobile, of course. Mira, he's video calling us. Hola, familia. Did you get my photos? We did. They're so pretty. Here to share every moment with T-Mobile. Enjoy data roaming at no extra charge in 21 Latin American countries. Switch now on the T-Life app or T-Mobile.com slash connectate. Qualifying plan required not for extended international use. You must reach out in the U.S. and primary usage must occur in our network. Visit T-Mobile.com. Hey, y 'all. What's up? This is Lorna LaRosa from the latest with Lorna LaRosa, the podcast. Remember Varnell Hill from the 90s sitcom Martin?

1:00:06Danielle:He's back. And now on Paramount Plus, more than 30 years later, Tommy Davidson is stepping back into the spotlight in an all new Martin spinoff, the Varnell Hill Show. And Varnell has just one question. Did you miss me? Now he's got network execs, a wild writer's room, family drama and everyone telling him he's passed his prime. Varnell isn't slowing down, bringing raw, unfiltered jokes every step of the way. From executive producer Martin Lawrence, The Varnell Hill Show is now streaming exclusively on Paramount+. This is an iHeart Podcast. Guaranteed human.

From the publisher

What does it take to design for billionaire homeowners, celebrities like David Goggins, and NFL owners—while staying grounded in soul and intention? For interior designer Nour El Nasrani, it's about more than pretty spaces. It's about feeling. The Lebanese-born, Vegas-based founder of By Nour Design joins Danielle to share how she built a luxury design business from scratch, the spiritual side of design, and what our homes secretly say about us.

Nour shares:

  • How she landed her first client.

  • The unlikely moment that changed her career—and made her fire her own boss

  • What it was really like designing for Navy SEAL David Goggins

  • The unexpected trait she uses to win over high-powered clients (hint: it's not her design degree)

  • Why she never starts with a Pinterest or style board—and the questions she asks instead

  • He 5 rules for making any room look expensive (without spending a fortune)

  • The #1 mistake people make when designing a room (you're probably doing it)

  • How to create a home that actually helps you de-stress

  • Why mood matters more than trend

  • Thee rule she breaks in every room she designs

  • How she transformed Danielle's apartment + what the inspiration was behind it!

  • Plus, a hilarious round of "Smash or Pass: Beige Edition," and the quote that guides her work: "If a place has a soul, it remains alive forever."

If you've ever wanted a home that feels more like you, this episode is your blueprint.

Follow Nour on Instagram here.

Book rec: Live Beautiful by Athena Calderone

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More from QUESTION EVERYTHING

All 60 episodes
She Designed for Billionaires But Her Best Tips Are Free: with Celebrity Designer Nour El NasraniQUESTION EVERYTHING · 56 min
Listen in VO