The Art of Memorable Interiors

Pushing Limits of Traditional Design

By Hailey Bethke | Photography by Lauren Athalia

Our homes reflect our inner landscapes, showcasing unique personality and style in a physical representation of what it means to “be at home.” To live both easefully and beautifully requires a space that simultaneously appeals to aesthetics and functionality. Joy Hodges, an interior designer based in Pensacola, Florida, possesses this innate gift for elevating otherwise ordinary or overlooked spaces.

Hodges’s passion for curating intentional living spaces began as young as age three. She recalls excitedly organizing her dresser drawers and rearranging her childhood bedroom in her spare time. Her grandmother was another immediate source of inspiration, skillfully sewing intricate designs made from the most luxurious fabrics. Although Hodges initially dreamed of becoming a fashion designer, life would later call her to adorn the interiors of bespoke homes along Florida’s Emerald Coast.

Hodges established her company, Joy Hodges Designs, in 1994, expanding her creative offerings while raising her three children. “I dabbled in various design projects, from consulting to painting murals and faux finishes and crafting floral arrangements for weddings. In 2009, my husband and I ventured into flipping houses, a collaboration that evolved into a family endeavor with my son, Bran Gross, a master carpenter. Together, we breathed new life into homes, infusing them with my design expertise and his construction prowess. In 2018, our partnership expanded as we ventured into building spec houses, a venture that demanded precise planning and design,” Hodges shares. “While I hadn’t anticipated further expansion, fate intervened when an architect in town recognized my talent and offered me a significant commercial project. This opportunity propelled me to delve deeper into transformative projects alongside my son as we continue to elevate spaces through renovations and spec home construction.”

Hodges describes her style as bold, expressive, and timeless—three elements in every aspect of her work. “Each project I undertake at Joy Hodges Designs is infused with a sense of boldness, whether through striking color choices, innovative design elements, or daring artistic expressions,” she explains. “Yet, amid this boldness, there’s always an underlying sense of timelessness, ensuring that each space remains relevant and captivating for years to come.”

In addition to her refined taste, what sets Hodges apart from other designers is her extensive background in home renovations and interior design, cumulating over thirty years of industry experience. “With my son as my trusted partner in construction and master carpenter, I have a remarkable advantage when it comes to bringing design visions to life,” she continues. “Whether it’s renovating an existing space or starting from scratch, I have the expertise and creativity to turn ideas into reality. Perfecting how to integrate design and construction knowledge seamlessly allows me to create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing, structurally sound, and functional. This unique combination defines the essence of Joy Hodges Designs and sets me apart in the industry.”

Despite having many successful projects under her belt, Hodges continues to push the boundaries of traditional design. She firmly believes in thinking outside the box and continues to challenge herself with every creative endeavor. “Each project is like a blank canvas, and I approach it with the intention of reflecting the unique individuality of my clients,” she says. “So, while I have some guidelines, I’m always open to letting the creative process unfold naturally and allowing the design to flow organically with each project. Over the years, I’ve learned to balance boldness with subtlety, recognizing that each client’s preferences and lifestyle are unique. My design philosophy has evolved to prioritize aesthetic appeal, functionality, and emotional response, creating spaces that are not just visually stunning but also deeply meaningful and reflective of my clients’ individuality.”

This feeling of genuinely feeling at home drives Hodges’s desire to create meaningful spaces. “For me, a house becomes a home when it evokes a sense of neuroaesthetics, sparking emotion and a sensory experience,” she expresses. “It’s about creating an environment of peace and tranquility, where every corner tells a story, and every detail elicits a feeling of comfort and belonging. To ensure functionality, I delve deep into understanding how my clients live in their spaces. From their daily habits to the dynamics of their family life, I gather insights that inform every design decision. I carefully source furniture that looks beautiful and feels comfortable and practical, drawing each space to scale to ensure the perfect balance of form and function.”

“As for the beauty of a space, it’s a collaborative journey fueled by inspiration. Whether drawn from nature, art, color, texture, or a cherished piece of furniture, every element is carefully curated to reflect each client’s unique vision and personality. By infusing each space with inspiration and creativity, I strive to create environments that transcend mere aesthetics, becoming a true reflection of the family who inhabits them.”

She continues, “As for the beauty of a space, it’s a collaborative journey fueled by inspiration. Whether drawn from nature, art, color, texture, or a cherished piece of furniture, every element is carefully curated to reflect each client’s unique vision and personality. By infusing each space with inspiration and creativity, I strive to create environments that transcend mere aesthetics, becoming a true reflection of the family who inhabits them.”

Hodges gives us an exclusive look into one of her most recent projects: her personal residence, a private waterfront abode in Pensacola. She describes the home’s personality as charming, feminine, and elegant. “Every detail is delicately curated to create a serene and inviting atmosphere,” Hodges shares. “A subtle palette of soft hues, including hints of pink, adds a touch of warmth and grace to the space, inviting you to embrace tranquility as soon as you step through the door. It’s a place where sophistication meets comfort, where every corner whispers of refined beauty and effortless charm.”

The entire design process was filled with many challenging moments, as any artist encounters when creating a project from the heart with fine attention to detail. “My biggest lesson was using too many 4000K downlight features,” Hodges recalls. “And my biggest challenge was convincing everyone that the stair rails and brick needed to be painted white!”

Still, she says, “The most rewarding part of the project, without a doubt, was seeing my vision come to life—especially when it involves collaboration with my son and business partner. Witnessing him build the cabinetry and furniture, from the intricate cubbies by the elevator to the meticulously hand-carved bathroom from pecky cypress, fills me with immense pride. Every piece tells a story, from the butter-smooth dining table to the consoles crafted from leftover cypress exterior stair material and the magnificent bunk beds in the kids’ room. It’s not just about creating beautiful spaces; it’s about sharing these moments of creation and seeing our shared vision materialize into something truly spectacular.”

When asked about her favorite space in the home, Hodges immediately shares her love for the “hers” bathroom and closet. “I placed a stunning Ro Sham Beaux chandelier over a luxurious tub centered in the middle of the bathroom, which casts a soft glow over the water. To add a touch of coziness, I included a fireplace, perfect for long, relaxing baths. But the closet—oh, it’s a dream! With a ten-foot wall of shoe storage and plush, high-pile white carpeting, this space feels like you’ve entered your own slice of heaven.”

Hodges offers three pieces of advice for creating memorable, statement-making living spaces in your home. “First and foremost, a cozy conversation seating area is a must—a place where family and friends can gather and connect. Secondly, I believe in the power of pillows and throws to add style and comfort to a space, so I always make sure there are plenty of decorative pillows and throw blankets on hand. Last but certainly not least, a large island serves as the heart of the home, providing not only utility but also a central gathering spot for loved ones to come together. These elements create a warm, inviting atmosphere that makes a house feel like home.”

What’s next for Hodges and her team? “We have two exciting ventures in the pipeline,” she shares. “Firstly, we’re working on my son’s personal home, a project that’s close to my heart and is currently under construction, set to be completed by early summer. We’re also embarking on a spec house project in early April. Both houses are situated on narrow lots, so we’re embracing a shotgun-style layout with garage apartments, promising to bring a unique touch to each space.”

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Designing with bountiful creativity, attention to detail, and mastery of cohesive aesthetics, Joy Hodges is a seasoned interior designer elevating spaces in Pensacola, Florida, and beyond. Follow along on Instagram @joyhodgesdesigns and her website JoyHodges.com to connect with Joy and her team.