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Erika Hollinshead Ward

@mrserikaward

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Interior designer| Founder, Erika Ward Interiors
20 years creating homes that support how we live.
Designing Life with clarity, advocacy, and calm.

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Headed to High Point Market, and one piece of advice I’d give any designer sourcing for projects:

Don’t just look for what’s beautiful. Source also for what’s usable.

Ask about lead times. Sit in the upholstery. Touch the fabrics. Understand what can be customized, what can ship quickly, and what actually makes sense for the projects already on your calendar.

That’s exactly why resources like the @hookerfurnishings Custom Upholstery Quick Ship program stay on my radar. Beautiful options are important—but so is being able to specify with confidence and keep a project moving.

Market can be visually overwhelming, so go in with a plan: source intentionally, take notes, photograph everything, and always ask, “Where would I actually use this?”

That question will save you a lot of time.

#HookerCustomUpholstery #designadvice #hookerfurnishings @hpmkt taken in High Point Market by @mrserikaward

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2 days ago

There are details in a home that will eventually be covered by drywall, paint, cabinetry and beautiful finishes.

But hidden doesn’t mean forgotten.

My clients have been writing Scripture throughout the framing of their new home—placing God’s Word quite literally within its walls.

And I love what that represents.

As a designer, I spend so much time thinking about the things that make a home beautiful and functional. But I also believe deeply in creating homes that support the life happening within them—the marriages, the children, the celebrations, the difficult seasons, the ordinary Tuesdays and all the years still to come.

There is an intentionality here that goes far beyond design.

Before the finishes.
Before the furniture.
Before this house ever becomes “home,” they are establishing what they want its foundation to be.

A home built with intention.
A family strengthened by faith.
A foundation rooted in something far greater than anything we could ever specify on a set of plans.

This is what Designing Life means to me.

#erikawardinteriors #designinglifewitherika #newconstructionhomes #designbuild taken in Tyrone, Georgia by @mrserikaward

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16 days ago

Happy 18th birthday to my Dallas. ❤️

Being the middle child in a family of five equally amazing kiddos means you’ve learned how to make your own space. But I hope you’ve always known this: I see you. I see your heart, your discipline, your humor, and the quiet work you put in long before anyone is watching.

Mothering you has taught me that raising a child for greatness isn’t about deciding who he should become. It’s about recognizing who God made him to be, giving him room to grow (I’m trying son 🥹), and reminding him of that truth along the way.

I’m proud of the player and student you are. Even more, I’m proud of the young man you’re becoming. Eighteen looks good on you, Dallas. You’re wise beyond your years. As you know, I love you endlessly, and I’ll always and forever be in your corner. 🫶🏽 Mommy by @mrserikaward

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21 days ago

One of the greatest compliments is when a clients trust in us extends beyond their own home. As their lives and investments grow, the relationship continues into the second homes, investment properties, and new opportunities.

For this renovation, our goal was to create a property that felt welcoming to its future owners while making thoughtful design decisions that supported our clients return on investment.

Because wherever life takes our clients, we’re here to help them design what comes next.

#erikawardinteriors #designinglife #investmentrealestate #Atlantarealestate taken in Kirkwood Historic District - East Atlanta by @mrserikaward

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a month ago

After two decades in design, I’ve learned that the right piece has to do more than look good—it has to work for the rooms and the project timeline.

I brought this @hookerfurnishings Quick Ship chair into my studio to test it for myself, and it checked all the boxes: select frame options, fabrics and leathers, swivel or stationary styles, down-plush cushioning, and approximately 4–6 week lead times.

Beautiful, comfortable, customizable, and easier to source.

That’s the kind of resource I’m happy to keep in my client-project toolbox as well as recommend to my colleagues.

#HookerCustomUpholstery #HookerFurnishings
#DesignAdvice taken in Atlanta, Georgia by @mrserikaward

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2 months ago

Every great conversation needs a great guide. And we found ours. ✨

Erika Ward Award-Winning Interior Designer & Lifestyle Advocate

Erika Ward is known for creating spaces that transform lives — and on September 10, she is stepping into a new kind of space to help guide one of the most important conversations happening in Fayette County right now. We are so honored to have her as the moderator of our expert panel.

Join us Thursday, September 10 at Trilith Cinemas for a FREE screening of The (M) Factor 2: Before the Pause + live Q&A.

🎟 Reserve your free seat — link in bio. First 30 get VIP seating + a gift bag!

@mrserikaward— you are going to be incredible. We cannot wait! 💛

#MFactor2 #WomensHealth
#Perimenopause #FayettevilleGA #Trilith taken in Town at Trilith by @mrserikaward

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2 months ago

June covered a lot of ground—in every sense.

From Michigan and Minnesota to New York, this month was filled with meaningful work, unforgettable experiences, and a lot of miles.

Professionally, I had the opportunity to continue developing custom homes, transform renderings into reality, and take on an exciting new challenge: designing a wellness center from the studs up. There’s something incredibly rewarding about helping shape a space before the walls are even finished.

This month also brought me to New York, where I celebrated being featured in In the House by Alton LaDay and had the privilege of moderating a conversation on legacy, creativity, and community alongside fellow designers.

And then there were the moments that matter just as much. Traveling with my family as my son experienced his college football official visits reminded me that some of life’s most meaningful milestones happen outside of work. Watching him dream about his future while continuing to build mine has been a gift.

June reminded me that the best seasons aren’t perfectly balanced—they’re beautifully full.

Here’s to the projects, the people, the places, and the purpose. Onward to July. 🤍

#JuneRecap #ErikaWardInteriors #DesigningLife #WellnessDesign #newconstructionhomes by @mrserikaward

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4 months ago

Still reflecting on the wisdom, honesty, and shared experiences that emerged during Designing Legacy & Opening Doors on behalf of Diversity Advocacy Alliance and @hpmkt

Our conversation reminded me that inspiration often begins long before we recognize it. It can come from the homes we entered as children, the creativity we witnessed in our families, or the first designer who helped us see that a career in this industry was possible.

We also reflected on the people who help move us forward. They are not always industry giants. Sometimes they are mentors, peers, teachers, family members, or people within our own communities who offer encouragement, access, perspective, or simply the confidence to take the next step.

The path requires us to take chances—to lead with boldness and audacity, while also developing the restraint to listen, edit, and move with intention.

Legacy is not only about what we accomplish. It is about who we encourage, what we share, and the doors we leave open behind us.

Grateful to everyone who joined us for such a meaningful conversation and thank you to our sponsor @fabricut / @atlanta_fabricut for hosting us!

Participating Designers:
@mrserikaward
@oliviawestbrooksinteriors
@cvioncompany
@joystreetdesign
📸 : @cr8shun.studio taken in Atlanta, Georgia by @mrserikaward

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4 months ago

Last night was one of those moments I will carry with me forever.

Standing in New York celebrating the release of In the House by @altonladay —and seeing my work included alongside 32 other extraordinary Black interior designers—is an honor I don’t take lightly.

As proud as I am of this accomplishment, my heart couldn’t help but think of my grandfather. I wish he were here to see this. I’d like to think he would’ve had the biggest smile last night!

This moment isn’t just about beautiful interiors. It’s about legacy, representation, perseverance, and every step that led here.

Grateful. Humbled. Still in awe.

Thank you, Alton, for creating a project that celebrates the richness and impact of Black designers. I’m honored to be part of its story. 🤍 @monacellipress @phaidonpress by @mrserikaward

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4 months ago

I hit the daddy jackpot with my first draft pick. ❤️🏈

He’s such a good father, I just kept renewing his contract.

Five kids later, he’s still our MVP. Happy Father’s Day Sweetheart 🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 taken in Peachtree City, Georgia by @mrserikaward

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4 months ago

A little full circle moment I’m really excited to share…

I’ve joined @luannnigara ’s Boardroom for Creative as a board member.

Years ago, when I was a guest on A Well-Designed Business, I shared something that has shaped so much of my career: the power of transferable skills.

Before design, I had a background in construction finance, project management, and client communication. At the time, I did not fully understand just how much those skills would shaped the way I run Erika Ward Interiors.

But LuAnn really connected with that idea– and over the years, I’ve heard her mention “Erika Ward’s transferable skills“ in conversations with other guests.

That has meant so much to me.

Because those skills became part of my secret sauce.

The structure.
The systems.
The ability to guide clients through big decisions.
The way I lead projects, communicate expectations, and keep all the moving parts moving.

Now, through the Boardroom for Creatives, I get to help other designers and creative business owners bring more clarity, confidence, and structure to the business side of their work.

I’m so grateful to LuAnn for seeing the value in that conversation years ago – for inviting me into this next chapter.

Designers, I look forward to meeting you in the Boardroom. taken in Atlanta, Georgia by @mrserikaward

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4 months ago

May looked less like polished portfolio shots and more like real life — tennis matches, graduations, official visits, family dinners, long days, meaningful conversations, design meetings, motherhood, movement, gratitude, and tiny moments I don’t want to forget.

Learning that a beautiful life is still worth documenting, even when it doesn’t perfectly match the grid. #DesigningLife #OneLifeToLive by @mrserikaward

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4 months ago