Crafting Environments to Feel Like Home

Her first hands-on design experience came at 16 years old when she was given the opportunity to design her family’s attic bonus room, transforming it into a movie space. What might have seemed like a daunting task for most teenagers became a defining moment for Strickland, one that confirmed her love for design.

Strickland later pursued her passion academically, earning an Interior Design degree from the University of Alabama. While her professors played an important role in shaping her foundational knowledge, some of her most impactful learning experiences came outside the classroom. A course in New York allowed her to shadow a renowned designer, offering a behind-the-scenes look at real-world projects. Additionally, a summer spent working in a furniture and design showroom in Orange Beach, Alabama provided invaluable hands-on experience and mentorship that helped refine her skills.

Strickland launched her own business shortly after graduating in 2010. Interiors was born out of both ambition and a deep desire to create meaningful, personalized spaces for her clients. Her signature style, which she describes as “livable elegance;’ strikes a balance between beauty and functionality. Strickland believes that while a home should reflect elegance and sophistication, it must first and foremost serve the people who live in it. By layering textures, incorporating thoughtful details, and tailoring each design to her clients’ lifestyles, she creates spaces that are both inviting and refined.

Strickland treasures the relationships she builds with her clients, many of whom become lifelong friends. By truly getting to know the individuals and families she works with, she is able to design homes that feel deeply personal. For her, there is no greater compliment than a returning client with a new project.

Her design process begins with a detailed floor plan and extends to every aspect of the home, from selecting plumbing fixtures, flooring, and lighting to choosing paint colors, cabinetry hardware, and finishes. She brings the space to life through carefully curated furniture, artwork, and accessories. One of the most meaningful partnerships of Strickland’s career is her work with the St. Jude Dream Home. Nearly a decade ago, she received the call to serve as lead decorator.

At the time, she was pregnant with her daughter, making the opportunity even more significant. The project holds deep personal meaning for Strickland. A childhood friend who was treated at St. Jude lost her battle, and that memory continues to inspire her work on each home. For her, the project is not only about design, it’s about honoring lives, supporting families, and witnessing the power of community.

Over the years, she has seen design trends evolve. Recently, she’s noticed a shift away from stark, modern minimalism toward warmer, more layered interiors. The pandemic reshaped how people view their homes, transforming them into multifunctional spaces where comfort and connection are paramount. Today’s designs Today’s designs emphasize texture, warmth, and a sense of welcome.

For those aspiring to enter the field, Strickland offers simple but meaningful advice: follow your passion. While the journey may come with challenges, she encourages emerging designers to embrace every opportunity to learn and grow.

When reflecting on her career, one project stands out above the rest, designing her parents’ home which was featured nationally, in The Cottage Journal. After returning to her hometown of Rayville with her husband, Strickland had the unique opportunity to collaborate with her parents as both their daughter and designer. The experience was deeply personal and remains one of her proudest accomplishments.

Even after years in the industry, Strickland’s passion for design remains as strong as ever. She continues to stay inspired by keeping up with trends and exploring innovations in lighting, tile, and plumbing. Recent visits to major industry headquarters have further fueled her creativity, offering new perspectives and ideas to bring back to her clients.

For Jan Strickland, interior design is more than a profession, it’s a calling. Through every project, she blends creativity, functionality, and heart, creating spaces that not only look beautiful but truly feel like home.