Interview With Liane

Was design always in your DNA?

Everything “home” has definitely been in my DNA. I grew up in a small German town in a house that had been in my family for five generations. There were always DIY projects going on—from bathrooms to the roof—and my dad made sure I knew the name and function of every tool in the shed. That was my crash course in architecture and building.

Later, as a college student in India, I found myself endlessly drawn to the fabric markets—learning about dyeing techniques, production methods, and the mesmerizing world of patterns and prints. I knew I wanted to do something with it all.

Fast forward through years of international moves, stylish homes across continents, and countless friends I helped decorate along the way—I finally found the courage to turn my passion into a career. I’m so grateful for the trust and encouragement I’ve received. Decorating Den Interiors, with its rigorous entry standards and stellar training, gave me the perfect platform to make it official.

Tell us about your career before Decorating Den Interiors.

Before stepping into the world of interior design, I spent 25 years in international affairs. My work ranged from science and technology collaborations between Germany and South Korea to helping German and U.S. universities expand into Asian and Middle Eastern markets. I worked across government, private, and nonprofit sectors—and lived in Germany, India, South Korea, and Japan before settling in the U.S. over a decade ago.

I spent much of that time working with two very different (but oddly similar) groups: engineers and artists. They showed me that precision and creativity can go hand in hand—something I use constantly in my design work.

Thanks to that career, I bring a strong foundation in project management, logistics, cross-cultural communication, financial planning, and top-tier service etiquette. I’ve always worked in fast-paced environments, which helps me truly understand—and support—the busy lives of my clients today.

What do clients like about working with you?

Well, I am told my no-pressure, down-to-earth vibe is a breath of fresh air. There’s no designer diva energy here—just real talk, full transparency, and a smooth process from start to finish. I genuinely love connecting with people, and luckily, that seems to be contagious.

Plus, on the practical side, I speak fluent “contractor.” Homeowners and builders alike appreciate that I understand the nuts, bolts, beams, and blueprints—so the beautiful ideas don’t just stay on paper.

Tell me about a favorite project you’ve worked on and why?

Oh goodness, every project brings its own kind of magic. But a few special ones do stand out:

1. The Fuchsia Sofa Makeover
   A former colleague came to me during a tough life transition, saying, “The brown in that house is as muddy as I feel these days.”We started with an Italian plush fuchsia sofa (yes, fuchsia!) and transformed her condo into a space full of light, color, and personality. The best part? Her smile at the final reveal. Mood lifted, space transformed.
2. Making a House Feel “More American”
   One day, while hosting a newcomer family, their child turned to me and said, “Mrs. Liane, your house feels so welcoming—and way more American than ours. Can you make ours like that, too?”That moment sparked a beautiful conversation and deeper understanding: home design isn’t just about looks—it’s about belonging. We made  a few thoughtful tweaks, from the entryway to the kitchen, and had great cross-cultural conversations about everything from shoes at the door to book on a shelf.
3. The “Not-So-White” Kitchen
   A couple approached me for a kitchen remodel after 20 years of the same setup. They said they were going white—because “that’s what everyone’s doing.”But the more we talked, the more it was clear: they loved wood tones, warmth, and timelessness. We landed on birch cabinetry—a softer, lighter wood that brought in brightness without sacrificing their style. Their kitchen now feels like them, not just a trend.

Would you like to share a few fun things about yourself?

Where do I start? I’m happily married to my East Coast husband, and together with our teenage son and princess-spoiled outdoor cat, we’re a bilingual (English/German), outdoorsy, sports-obsessed crew. I used to run cross-country for my school team and now sprint between gym sessions and kayaking trips whenever possible.

I’m an extroverted introvert—love people, not the spotlight. I prefer cheering on my favorite humans: friends, family, and especially my clients.

And nope, I’m not your typical German neat freak. No floating shelves or glass cabinet doors in my kitchen—just big, forgiving drawers and doors that hide the beautiful chaos of real life.