Designing Dreams

When Dane Austin visited a theme park near his hometown of Annapolis, Maryland, he had no idea that a chance conversation would change his life forever. Fresh out of high school and struggling to break into the interior design industry, Austin, B.F.A. ’09, received crucial advice from a fine furniture maker: Move to a bigger city. This serendipitous encounter set him on a path that would lead to George Washington University and, ultimately, the creation of his own successful interior design firm, Dane Austin Design, based in Boston. Here, he talks about his creative process, the importance of personal style and how his experiences at GW laid the groundwork for his career.

What first inspired you to pursue interior design?

I moved in with my grandparents in Annapolis at the age of 6, and their lifestyle significantly influenced me. They were stylish, gracious hosts who loved to entertain and travel, bringing back beautiful objects and art. They had a great collection of fine furniture and antiques, and their home was filled with design magazines. I would spend hours flipping through those magazines, dreaming of creating similar spaces and lifestyles for myself.

What sets your design approach apart from others?

I believe in mixing high-end custom pieces with flea market finds and catalog items. This blend creates a unique, personalized space that feels effortless. Comfort is the ultimate luxury, so I prioritize investing in quality upholstery and bedding. Custom pieces, surprisingly, often cost just a bit more than standard items from brick-and-mortar stores but offer much more in terms of personalization and quality. By approaching design as a form of curation, we elevate our clients’ belongings and create spaces that truly reflect their personality and lifestyle.

How did your time at GW influence your approach to design and your career path?

I attended the Corcoran College of Art and Design [now part of GW], which was an incredible experience, especially studying at a school associated with an art museum. This environment taught me to look at design through a curatorial eye, considering composition, layering, lighting and color balance. I also received a well-rounded education. It was focused on the conceptual side of things, but we also had our hand in many different practices like printmaking, lithography, photography, stone carving, ceramics, drawing, 3D design and graphic design. Every aspect of that education fits into what I’m doing and creating now. I think of myself as an artist first, and interior design is my medium—I’m painting in 3D, and the client is my muse.

How would you describe your style?

When someone asks me my design style, it’s easy to say it’s about color and texture, but everyone says that. To give people a better image, I’d say think of Tom Ford meets Wes Anderson meets Billie Holiday—quality refinement, tailored elements, color, whimsy, sophistication, and a little bit of grit and soul. Embracing imperfections and celebrating them, knowing that nothing is perfect and never will be, is key.

How do you understand and meet the unique needs and preferences of your clients?

We take the time to get to know clients at the beginning of the process through a thorough lifestyle questionnaire. It covers their design aesthetic, needs, wants, and their definitions of quality and beauty. We also delve into minutiae like whether they drink tea or coffee, how they spend their time, their favorite charities, pets, children and even their favorite vacation spots. We love to peek into their closets to understand their risk tolerance for color, pattern and texture, which reveals a lot about their taste. It’s a very intimate process, but it helps us provide personalized and unique designs, and I love that I get to change people’s lives for the better, one home at a time.

Is there a particular project that you’ve found especially enjoyable to work on?

The most fun project is always the one I’m currently working on. It’s about being present and excited about current opportunities to be creative. I have many beautiful relationships and wonderful clients from the past, but it’s always the ones with a positive attitude and gratitude that stand out. They share their appreciation, understand the work we put in and are open to conversations when issues arise. Treating each other with respect, kindness and understanding makes the process enjoyable.

How do you stay current with design trends, and how do you decide which trends to incorporate into your projects?

Many designers are aware of the trends, but we don’t necessarily utilize them. We know what’s popular, but trends are often like fast fashion—not environmentally friendly, not timeless, and they become dated quickly. We don’t want to provide clients with something that won’t look good in a few years. I pay more attention to what resonates with clients over what’s trending at the moment.

What advice would you give to aspiring interior designers?

Learn the business side of design early on. You are an entrepreneur first who happens to be in the business of design. It’s not just about having a good eye; you need to know how to run the business. Get business classes and regular coaching as you grow. Also, pay attention to your health and wellness. Maintain a balanced life, spend time with family and friends, travel and find inspiration outside of work. For me, it’s yoga, meditation, Pilates and regular health appointments. Prioritizing your well-being will serve you in every aspect of life.

What’s next for you?

We’re in the process of expanding our business and want to be in multiple cities, potentially in Texas and California. I’d love to go international eventually. On a personal note, I’ve been in my current home [in Boston] since 2017 and used it as a tool for connection and community. It’s been featured in magazines and a book, and I’ve hosted many wonderful events there. But 
I’m ready for my next personal project.  

  Photography: Stacy Zarin Goldberg / Jared Kuzia Photography