Renée Gaddis has been recognized as Naples, Florida’s top interior designer for over a decade. Her designs attract and inspire the area’s leading residential properties, as well as top architects and home builders. Renée is known for her ability to work within a diverse lifestyle portfolio, ranging from coastal to contemporary and transitional, along with creating unique commercial spaces. She is a graduate from Iowa State University, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in fashion merchandising, design and production, which ultimately was an asset transitioning to another creative field — interior design. After graduation, she followed her college sweetheart, now husband of 25 years, to Florida. Renée worked for an interior design firm for 13 years before starting her own firm, Renée Gaddis Interiors, in January 2012. Take a look at some of Renée’s signature designs in today’s Designer Friday.
This bedroom comes alive as sunlight bounces between the cloud-like chandelier, sculptural mirror and pearlescent lamps, amplifying the mix of silvery neutrals and watery blues.
Andrew Joseph: How do you approach a new design project?
Renée Gaddis: Designing someone’s home is an incredibly personal process, and I approach each project with that in mind. My goal is to truly understand what “home” means to each client — where they feel most at ease, what brings them joy, and how they live day to day. I like to explore their preferences for color, texture and pattern by having them share inspirational images, and it’s always insightful to see their current space. From there, I build on that inspiration and develop a curated presentation that guides our initial conversations. We’re also lucky to collaborate with exceptional architects and builders, and I believe in forming a strong team from the very beginning so that every voice is aligned from day one.
AJ: What is the most important element in a successful interior design?
RG: The most important element is capturing the client’s vision and creating a space that feels personal, comfortable and entirely their own. Great design isn’t about following trends or choosing the color of the year — it’s about crafting something that feels timeless and meaningful to the people who live there. We aim to exceed expectations and create homes that reflect individuality and stand the test of time.
Elegance emanates from the sweeping staircase and arched passageways, heightened by bold pops of color in the artwork and florals that enliven the neutral setting.
AJ: What’s the best piece of advice you’ve received as a designer?
RG: Be true to yourself and your clients. Compete only with the designer you were yesterday, not with others. Every project is a learning experience, and mistakes are part of the growth. Also, never forget: it takes a village. Beautiful design is never the result of one person alone; it’s always a collaborative effort.
AJ: How do you stay creative and inspired?
RG: Travel is one of my biggest sources of inspiration — it refreshes my perspective and influences my creativity in ways I don’t even realize until I return. I’m also inspired by fashion; the textures, color palettes and structure seen on the runway often inform how I think about design. I stay engaged by flipping through design publications and exploring new ideas online, but above all, it’s my clients who keep me inspired. Each client brings something unique to the table, and I love the challenge of translating their personal style into a space that feels authentic to them.
AJ: Can you tell us about a specific moment in your career that made you feel accomplished?
RG: One moment that stands out is when a former client from Naples reached out to have me design their new home across the country in California. They could have worked with anyone, but the fact that they trusted me again — and wanted to recreate the design experience — was incredibly meaningful. Since then, I’ve had the honor of working with several repeat clients on out-of-state projects, and every time it happens, it reaffirms that I’m doing something right.
Built-in bunk beds with hidden cubbies and a clever staircase pair with striped bedding to energize this coastal kids’ room.
AJ: If you weren’t a designer, what would you be and why?
RG: An event planner! I thrive under pressure and love the energy of creating something beautiful in a short window of time. I’m passionate about flowers, food and celebrations, and there’s something fascinating about crafting moments that are fleeting — especially since I’m so used to creating spaces meant to last for years. It would be a completely different kind of creativity.
AJ: What’s your design pet peeve?
RG: Trends — my relationship with them is love-hate. While I appreciate staying current and informed, I’m careful not to let trends dictate a client’s design. Every person is unique, and what’s popular in cabinetry, tile, or color this year may not align with their long-term vision. My goal is to design spaces that feel timeless, not timestamped. My clients are investing so much in their homes, and I want them to love their space for years to come—not look back and think, “That was so 2025.”
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