👋 Sophie Dow Donelson here. My work explores — to paraphrase Churchill —how we shape our homes and how our homes shape us. I’m an writer, strategist, speaker, and design & decorating expert. I’ve been connecting the visual with the emotional for twenty years. My books include Uncommon Kitchens: A Revolutionary Approach to the Most Popular Room in the House and Style Secrets: What Every Room Needs.
SERVICES
I. Branding, Writing & Ghostwriting
Finding the words — for your book, your brand, your moment on stage.
Your work deserves language as thoughtful as your design. I help interior design firms develop their brand identity and reach. Here’s recent projects for three businesses in three corners of North America:
A manuscript & more. A prominent young designer had a book contract, a deadline, and only the threads of an idea. We worked from inception through submission — creating the narrative structure, quick-paced chapters, a salable title, and a personal introduction that feels completely her own. Gibbs Smith, Spring 2027.
A keynote speech. A designer preparing for his biggest stage moment yet needed a talk that felt like him — not a slide deck. I built a talk and visual presentation that supported his personal anecdotes, portfolio images, and made room for ad libs as needed — all with roaring momentum and a tidy conclusion that captivated the audience. (It was a hit.)
A written identity. A gifted designer on the cusp of big media attention needed her brand to catch up to her talent. A brief (and genuinely fun) series of phone calls yielded a website and social posts that finally sounded like her — plus communication guidelines to help her team and agencies build future content with confidence.
II. Speaking & Moderating
Great programming doesn’t just inform and entertain — it moves people. I bring a journalist’s curiosity, a broadcaster’s ease, and big-time design expertise to every stage and set. Whether I’m giving a talk or moderating a panel, my audiences know they’re watching a conversation that couldn’t have happened anywhere else.
Past clients include National Kitchen & Bath Industry Show (KBIS), Kohler, LG, Vrbo, New York Design Center, High Point Market Authority, Sharp Communications, and others.
And TV! I’ve hosted design shows on Magnolia, Discovery, and NBC; appeared as an expert on the Today Show and Good Morning America; and been “talent” for brands on countless network TV and radio shows.
III. Journalism
My first and longtime love. I regularly write features and cover stories for Veranda and Frederic magazines and have bylines in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, New York, Interior Design, Maine Home & Design, and others.
I’ve held many editor titles, including editor in chief of House Beautiful, America’s longest-published home decor magazine, where I inspired a new generation of design lovers to embrace color and happiness at home. Prior to that I edited Elle Decor, Cottages & Gardens, and Martha Stewart Omnimedia.
Every home has an interior life.
I’ll help you find the language for it.
I’m always game for a chat, email me or DM me!
sophie@sophiedonelson.com @sophiedow
Sophie Dow Donelson 