Hey Everyone! I figured I would take this time to introduce myself in more detail now that I have done so on my social media’s. This one will go a little further in depth so you can choose to read on if you wish:)
So, who the heck is Katy Retzbach?? Let’s start by saying I am a mom, and I absolutely LOVE being a mom. I have 3 amazing kids, Harper (3 years old) and twins, Andrew and Scarlett (19 Months old). I also have 2 dogs, Peter and Frankie as well as an amazing husband, Andy. We currently live in Newtown Square, PA and bought our house in 2016, a rancher from 1950 that has never been updated. That being said, we bought this house with the intent that we could eventually build up and renovate the existing footprint as well. Since we bought the house, we have completely gutted one bathroom (pictures on my website of the blue vanity and crazy flooring), finished the basement (my now office), and painted just about every room in the house, except for the kitchen. (I can’t wait to gut the kitchen and expand it into the dining room).
I started my business full time when I had my daughter, Harper, 3 years ago. I decided the timing was right to take the leap and leave the company I worked for to start my own, full service Interior Design Service. It was by far the scariest thing, aside from becoming a new mom, that I have ever done. I was so nervous I wouldn’t be busy, that people wouldn’t hire me, or take my advice if they did. I learned quickly that I LOVED working for myself and being able to be home with my daughter, but still do what I love. Now I sit here, 3 years later, busier than every, with 3 kids under 3……what in the world was I thinking??? LOL. I honestly wouldn’t change it for the world. My kids, family and business mean absolutely everything to me.
Speaking of which, my business. Like I said, its something I love doing and enjoy being able to help clients create their dream spaces, homes, rooms to help them live a better life. Most people think of a designer and they think I just pick paint colors, pillows and furniture, but if you saw what I do any given day you would see it’s so much more than that. I not only do those things, but I also manage expectations, I make sure the process is fun (because lets be honest its stressful to have your home ripped apart), I stay on top of projects during the build out, draw lighting plans, details of cabinetry and millwork, and also select the finishes. On the back end, I schedule appointments at showrooms, I invoice and manage my money, pay bills, order samples, and god knows how much more at any given time. But to be honest, as stressful as it can be at times, I absolutely love it. I love the details, I love the chaos (seriously, did you see I have 3 kids under 3?? ). I love working with new clients, builders, GC’s and tradesman. I love learning why things are done the way they are (in the field) to help me better understand how I can be a better designer.
As if all of that wasn’t enough, I also sit on the board of the NKBA (National Kitchen & Bath Association) for the Mid-atlantic Chapter, as well as the IFDA Philly chapter. These organizations help me as a designer, stay up to date on the newest technology, meet new trades to work with, and expand my knowledge in this field. I can learn anything from how to drain a shower properly with certain products, what type of tile is good to use in a steam shower, or even what CFM’s you need to vent your range. Its amazing how much at any given time we need to know in order to be better at what we do.
So what else do you need or want to know about me? I enjoy cooking, I love going for hikes, I love just going out to dinner or to the movies with my husband or even drinks (when the world is open) with friends. I also enjoy meeting new people who share similar life goals and daily ideas. I love learning about what I do (or anything for that matter). I believe that if you are the smartest person in the room, you are in the wrong room. There is never a day that goes by that I am not trying better myself or my business. I graduated from Arcadia University with my BFA in Interior Design and unfortunately its was when the economy crashed. I then worked for a philly designer for about 2 years and decided I needed to better my education and went back to school at Drexel University and received my Masters of Science in Interior Architecture and Design. The day after I walked in my graduation from Drexel, I got my first “real” full time job at a custom cabinetry and millwork manufacturer, Village Handcrafted Cabinetry. It was there I learned my love for details, millwork and cabinetry, and lets be honest, its easy to do so when you get to design such amazing things for clients. When I didn’t understand something, I was able to go into the shop, where they make everything, and see it for myself and that’s when I fell in love with cabinetry. The details that go into a cabinet are just amazing. When I ask clients now about what they are looking for I ask them all of these questions: What style cabinetry do you like- flush inset, overlay, beaded inset? Do you like painted or stained cabinetry? Raised or flat panel? Traditional or Transitional? The list goes on. Then there’s the molding on the cabinetry, that can really just elevate what the cabinetry looks like. It’s amazing how many things go into a kitchen or bathroom design these days.
So, that’s my story. I own and operate, Designs By Katy Lynn, LLC inc out of my home. My 2 year plan is to have a space outside of my house and my 5 year goal is to have a team that works for me in my space. I hope that in the next 10 years I can elevate my business to a successful design firm that the second someone says my name, there is nothing but rainbows and butterflies:). One can be hopeful, can’t they?
I hope you enjoyed learning more about me and my life. Please follow along on my social medias as that is the most up to date projects I currently have going on.