Influential Woman · Interior design and home staging
Deb Kreger
Interior Designer & Stager, Balanced Designs Co.
Cottage Grove, WI 53527
Her Story
About Deb
Deb Kreger is an accomplished interior designer and home stager with 23 years of experience creating beautiful, functional, and personalized spaces. Based in Cottage Grove, Wisconsin, she is the founder of Balanced Designs Co. where she helps families transform their homes into environments that reflect their personalities, lifestyles, and stories. Deb earned her Associate of Arts degree in Interior Design from Madison Area Technical College in 2003 and later expanded her expertise by earning a home staging certification through the International Association of Professionals in 2024. Throughout her career, Deb has been dedicated to making interior design approachable, meaningful, and accessible for clients at every stage of life. She believes the most successful designs come from genuinely understanding clients as individuals and highlighting their hobbies, passions, lifestyles, and favorite colors rather than imposing her own aesthetic. Her design philosophy centers on creating authentic spaces that feel like home, incorporating thoughtful details, organic materials, and elements of biophilic design that promote comfort, connection, and mental well-being. In addition to her design work, Deb is the host of the Balanced Designs Co. Podcast, where she shares practical insights on creating beautiful homes without the overwhelm or unnecessary expense. She has also been an active member of Design for a Difference since 2019, a collective of interior designers who volunteer their time and talents to support community projects, including a 2025 project at Yahara House that was featured on local news. Deb encourages aspiring designers to build a strong technical foundation, continue learning, listen carefully to their clients, and remember that while trends may change, the importance of creating spaces that truly serve the people who live in them remains constant.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Deb
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to genuinely caring about my clients and building meaningful relationships with them as individuals. I believe the best design work comes from truly understanding a client’s lifestyle, passions, hobbies, and personal preferences rather than imposing my own style. My goal is not to make a space reflect me, but to create a home that authentically represents the people who live there. By listening closely and incorporating their favorite colors, interests, and unique experiences, I am able to design spaces that feel personal, intentional, and truly their own.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I have ever received is to do what you love, because when you are passionate about your work, it no longer feels like a job. Pursuing something that genuinely inspires and fulfills you allows you to bring your best self forward, stay motivated, and create meaningful results. When you find work that aligns with your passions and values, success becomes a natural extension of the dedication and enthusiasm you bring every day.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering this industry is to believe in themselves, stay persistent, and never give up on something they are truly passionate about. Do not let setbacks or a “no” discourage you from pursuing your goals. Continue learning, growing, and mastering your craft, while understanding that trends will come and go. The most important skill is learning to truly listen to your clients and understand what matters to them. Successful work is not about imposing your own style, but about creating spaces that reflect each client’s personality, lifestyle, and vision.
04What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge and opportunity in my field right now is the increased accessibility of home design through television shows and online platforms, which has inspired more people to enter the industry. While this creates exciting opportunities, it also makes it essential for professionals to have a strong foundation of technical knowledge and education. Understanding important standards, including ADA requirements and industry best practices, is critical to providing quality work and earning clients’ trust. Expertise, credibility, and a commitment to continuous learning set true professionals apart and ensure that designs are not only beautiful but also functional and responsible.
05What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that are most important to me in both my work and personal life are authenticity, wellness, and creating meaningful connections with the environment around us. I strive to incorporate organic materials and natural elements into my clients’ homes, creating spaces that feel balanced, comfortable, and connected to nature. I am especially passionate about biophilic design and the positive impact it can have on mental health and overall well-being. My goal is to create environments that not only look beautiful but also support healthier, more intentional ways of living.
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