Why We Started: Behind Interior Design

A behind-the-scenes look at the vision behind our platform

Interior design is often seen as a visual profession…

Interior design is often seen as a visual profession. Beautiful images, inspiring spaces, finished results. But behind every well-designed interior lies something far less visible process, structure, and decision-making.

Behind Interior Design was created from lived experience. From years of working in the field, navigating complex projects, diverse clients, countless suppliers, and the constant balance between aesthetics and precision, especially within the higher-end segment of interior design.

A Profession That Never Stands Still

Interior design is a broad and demanding discipline. Each project brings new challenges: different expectations, budgets, technical constraints, planning requirements and collaborations. Designers are expected to think creatively, but also strategically. To understand materials, construction, detailing, measurements, lighting, logistics and execution, all while maintaining a clear vision.

What many people don’t see is that interior designers are never truly finished learning.

We are constantly searching for better understanding, clearer systems and smarter ways of working, not only to deliver strong results, but also to enjoy the process itself.

Our Journey as Designers

Behind Interior Design was founded by Melissa van Dal and Appie Vos, both practicing interior designers with years of experience across a wide range of residential projects.

Through our work, we’ve learned that confidence in design doesn’t come from inspiration alone, it comes from understanding why decisions are made and how to translate ideas into reality.

Over the years, our projects have been featured in various magazines and design books. Our work has been nominated for and awarded within the industry, and Appie has appeared on television in Design Secrets, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the daily reality of an interior designer’s work.

Yet despite recognition and experience, one thing has remained constant:the feeling that there is always more to learn.

Why Behind Interior Design Exists

We didn’t start Behind Interior Design because we believe we’ve “figured it all out.” We started it because we know how valuable shared knowledge can be.

This platform is built to help designers and ambitious home renovators better understand the profession, not through trends or quick inspiration, but through structure, clarity and real-world insight.

Everything we share is rooted in practice. In real projects. Real decisions. Real challenges.

Our goal is to support those who want to think more clearly, work more confidently and approach interior design with intention, whether you’re designing for clients or for your own home.

This Is Just the Beginning

Behind Interior Design is a platform in progress. It grows step by step, shaped by experience, curiosity and conversation.

We believe the strongest platforms are built together and we invite you to be part of that journey.

Follow Behind Interior Design for insights, tools and shared knowledge from inside the profession.