Have you ever went somewhere and felt like you were stepping into another world? That’s exactly the kind of experience I love to create—and it’s why themed design became my passion. It’s more than just decorating a room; it’s about storytelling, creativity, and transforming spaces into places where memories are made.
But my journey to themed design wasn’t planned—it was born out of a love for creating environments that sparked joy and wonder.
The Start of Something Magical
My love for themed design didn’t start with formal training or a grand vision—it started with Vacation Bible School. Growing up, my mom was always in charge of transforming our church's sanctuary, fellowship hall, and classrooms into different themed environments each summer. And guess who was right there helping her every step of the way? Yep, me! Those early days of turning ordinary spaces into something extraordinary sparked a love for creating immersive environments that would stay with me for life.
But the magic didn’t stop at church. My family had a deep-rooted love for theme parks, which added fuel to my growing passion. My stepmom is from Florida, and every year we’d take trips to Orlando, visiting both Disney World and Universal Studios. These parks became the backdrop for our family traditions, and I was completely mesmerized by how these places could transport you into different worlds with every step you took. The attention to detail, the sounds, the smells—all played a part in the adventure, creating immersive experiences that left an unforgettable mark on me.
![My mom with my kids, siblings and nieces on our way to Disneyland](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a68f7a_dde225c910a8485796b2ab805e12cea8~mv2.jpeg/v1/fill/w_480,h_640,al_c,q_80,enc_auto/a68f7a_dde225c910a8485796b2ab805e12cea8~mv2.jpeg)
When I had kids of my own, we kept the tradition alive. We would visit Disneyland with my mom, my children, and later, my nieces and nephews. Some of my favorite memories are riding Pirates of the Caribbean and Indiana Jones with my family, soaking in the magic of the rides and the excitement they sparked in all of us. My mom has since passed, but her legacy lives on in my passion for themed design. Those trips and those memories are where my love for creating immersive, memorable spaces really took hold.
That same inspiration led me to create one of my proudest projects—my own Pirate Cove Movie Room. Drawing on the magic I experienced as a child at Disneyland, I set out to design a space that would allow my family to make their own lifetime memories. Every detail was meticulously crafted to evoke the feel of an adventurous pirate voyage—from the weathered pirate mast to the night sky ceiling. It wasn’t just about creating a functional movie room; it was about bringing an entire world to life within the walls of my home. The magic in this room is palpable because of the love and dedication poured into every corner.
Even today, I continue to draw inspiration from theme parks. I regularly visit Universal Studios in Orlando with my kids and extended family, where I immerse myself in the themed lands, always paying close attention to the small details that make each space feel like its own unique world. That’s what excites me about themed design—the ability to transport people, to create a space that isn’t just beautiful, but an experience in itself.
Themed design is more than decor for me. It’s about creating a destination, an adventure, and a place that tells a story. It’s about crafting spaces where families, friends, and guests can make memories that last a lifetime. Whether it’s a cozy movie room or an immersive, imaginative retreat, my goal is to bring that same sense of wonder and excitement to my clients’ homes.
![Me, my husband, and my youngest kids in the immersive Diagon Alley at Universal Studios](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a68f7a_de9f89ce4d504914a823b7589c0e7d39~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_732,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a68f7a_de9f89ce4d504914a823b7589c0e7d39~mv2.jpg)
From Passion Project to Professional Pursuit
After seeing the joy the Pirate Cove brought to my own family, I knew I had to bring this magic to others. I wanted to help people create spaces that were more than just functional or pretty. I wanted them to experience the wow factor—the kind of room where you walk in and can’t help but smile in awe.
Whether it’s a whimsical candy room, a magical reading nook, or a movie-themed space, themed design allows me to take someone’s passions, personality and dreams, and turn them into something tangible.
![Gio Design Co's Candy Shop Themed Room](https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a68f7a_2139fd0880044116ab0884739502a701~mv2.jpg/v1/fill/w_980,h_735,al_c,q_85,usm_0.66_1.00_0.01,enc_auto/a68f7a_2139fd0880044116ab0884739502a701~mv2.jpg)
Why Themed Design Matters
Themed design is about creating spaces that tell a story. It’s not just for kids—it’s for families who want to share something special, for homeowners who want to reflect their passions, and for Airbnb hosts who want to create unforgettable guest experiences.
It’s about adding that element of surprise, joy, and even adventure to a home. When I design a themed room, it’s not just about the aesthetics—it’s about creating a space that makes people feel something. I want the rooms I design to bring happiness, inspiration, and a little bit of magic to the everyday.
The Future of Themed Design
Right now, I’m working on expanding my portfolio to bring even more themed designs to life. Each project is a new adventure—whether it’s creating an elegant, immersive space or something playful and fun. I’m always looking for ways to take themed design to the next level.
If you're dreaming of a space that reflects your passions and brings a bit of magic into your home, I’d love to help you make it a reality. Whether it’s a pirate-themed room, a movie lover’s retreat, or something entirely unique to you, themed design is my passion, and I can’t wait to bring it to your home!
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and let’s start creating a space you’ll love forever.
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