Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Delabre.
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I’m a third-generation Italian American, born and raised just outside of Detroit, Michigan. I come from a long line of entrepreneurs—it’s in my blood. My great uncle owned funeral homes, my grandfather ran a cement company, my uncle is a jeweler, and my parents built a successful pizza business from the ground up. Growing up in that environment, I always knew I wanted to start something of my own. It wasn’t a question of if, but what.
I was the first in my family to go to college and began my studies at Eastern Michigan University as a behavioral psychology major with a minor in ceramics. I’ve always been fascinated by how people think and feel in spaces—and ceramics gave me a hands-on creative outlet. After three years, I realized I wanted to blend my love of human behavior and aesthetics in a more tangible way. That’s when I made the leap to Chicago to pursue a degree in Interior Architecture at a fine arts college, where I earned my Bachelor of Science.
My early design career started in Chicago, where I worked for architectural firms and honed my technical skills in millwork, construction documentation, and finish specifications. In 2014, I relocated to Colorado with my husband and focused on school design. In 2021 launched Oak Street Interiors, combining my architectural background with a deep passion for residential design and real estate staging.
Today, my work is grounded in both beauty and purpose. Whether I’m renovating a kitchen or staging a home for sale, I bring a thoughtful, intuitive approach to every project—designing spaces that are timeless, functional, and reflective of the people who live in them.
My story is shaped by family, grit, reinvention, and the belief that the best spaces aren’t just beautiful—they feel like home.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all—and I’m actually grateful for that. The challenges helped shape both me and my business.
I graduated with a degree in Interior Architecture right into the 2008 recession. Full-time design jobs were nearly impossible to find, so I pieced together contract work at architecture firms, worked part-time at CB2, and waitressed on weekends just to stay afloat. It was a year filled with frustration, grit, and a lot of hustle—but eventually, I was able to turn one of those contract roles into a full-time position. That experience taught me early on how to stay determined and keep moving forward, even when things felt uncertain.
In 2014, we moved to Colorado, and shortly after, I became a mom. Then came COVID. Like so many parents, I found myself juggling full-time childcare with part-time work, trying to navigate “online preschool” for my oldest while my youngest was in daycare. It wasn’t sustainable. I reduced my hours at the firm I was with so I could be more present for my kids, but I still needed to contribute financially.
That’s when I started thinking seriously about launching my own business. I had always worked in commercial design, so I didn’t know much about the residential world. I decided to start with home staging—it gave me the flexibility I needed, helped me build a strong local network of general contractors and tradespeople, and offered a foot in the door to begin offering design services to clients whose homes I staged.
The first two years were lean. Every dollar I earned went back into the business to help it grow. Then, in the middle of building momentum, my dad passed away. Just six months later, my mom was diagnosed with stage 4 lung cancer. It was one of the hardest periods of my life—personally and professionally.
But I kept going.
In 2023, I left my part-time job and committed fully to Oak Street Interiors. I opened an office inside KILN, a co-working space that’s been a game-changer for connection and visibility. Last year, I rebranded to focus exclusively on luxury residential interiors and boutique commercial design.
It’s been a long, emotional, winding road. And there were many moments where it would’ve been easier to quit. But deep down, I always knew this was what I was meant to do. I just had to build it my way.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
At Oak Street Interiors, we specialize in luxury residential interiors and boutique commercial spaces, with a strong focus on renovations—especially kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and full-home transformations. Whether it’s a modern family home, a refined primary suite, or a thoughtfully designed boutique office, every project is approached with care, creativity, and intention.
I bring a background in interior architecture, so my work blends beauty with functionality. I’m not just selecting finishes—I’m thinking about the structure, how the space flows, how it supports daily life, and how it can evolve over time. Clients come to me because they want more than just a “Pinterest-perfect” room—they want timeless design that feels personal and purposeful.
I’m most proud of the trust I’ve built with my clients. Many of them come to me during major life transitions—renovating a forever home, creating space for a growing family, or downsizing after a loss. These are emotional journeys, and I don’t take my role lightly. I’m there to guide, support, and ultimately create a space that helps them feel grounded and at home.
What sets me apart is the way I bridge high-end design with architectural depth and clear communication. I understand how to work seamlessly with contractors and trades, and I advocate for my clients every step of the way. My projects are known for their clean lines, warm palettes, and balance of form and function.
I’ve built Oak Street Interiors intentionally—client by client, with a focus on quality over quantity. Many of my projects are referrals or repeat clients, which I take as the highest compliment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.oakstreetinteriors.com
- Instagram: @oak_street_interiors
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-d-7a306613/
Image Credits
I took all the photos accept for the park hyatt nomi one. I google searched it. I was the lead designer for the project while at Lohan Anderson Chicago,IL
