that speaks to you
My job is to set the stage for the life you want to live in a way that feels true to YOU. Creating real transformation for my clients and manifesting dreams into beautiful physical spaces brings me great joy.
My process begins with listening carefully to my clients’ likes, desires, frustrations, hopes, and dreams. Together, we transmute those ideas into layouts, materials, colors, special details, and new spaces.
Each of my projects is unique to its owner and its surroundings. I enjoy searching for the building blocks of each design—custom cabinets, metal work, glass, and steel, windows, doors, tile, custom inserts, bespoke elements, and more. I particularly enjoy creative and efficient space planning and applying two decades’ worth of technical knowledge to make my spaces functional and efficient.
I view design as a collaborative process, helping my clients create the perfect space for their life and home.
After making a career change to kitchen and bathroom design in 2001, Nicole studied in the interior design program at FIT while working in appliance, tile, and plumbing showrooms to educate herself about the technical aspects of the industry. In 2003, she was hired as a senior designer at New York’s Homeworks Kitchen and Bath (WoodMode) showroom (now closed) under the mentorship of the late Reeva Locker. During her four years at Homeworks, Nicole designed and managed 25 kitchen and bathroom renovations in New York City and became an expert in design specification and hands-on construction project management.
During this time, Nicole was named one of the “Top Designers to Watch Under 40” by New York Spaces Magazine and was elected President of the National Kitchen and Bath’s Manhattan Chapter (first serving as Vice President of Education). In this role, she co-produced three kitchen and bath mini-conventions in New York City where consumers could learn about the latest K&B products, and hosted monthly educational events for members of the trade in showrooms around the city.
In 2006, Nicole moved back to her hometown in New Jersey and launched Nicole Hough Designs, continuing her work with clients throughout the northeast. In April 2012, Nicole’s own kitchen was featured as House Beautiful‘s “Kitchen of the Month.”
Nicole holds a BA in Economics and International Relations from Bucknell University and an MBA with concentrations in Corporate Strategy, Economics, and Entrepreneurship from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business. In her other business roles, Nicole is also a recovery advocate and sober influencer and the founder of AFTER Alcohol-Free Magazine and afNAvigator.com, an alcohol-free search engine.
