Meet Colleen Callahan, the visionary founder of High Castle Interiors, whose journey into the world of design is a story of passion, resilience, and creativity. From her roots in a family of entrepreneurs, Colleen has always been inspired by the spirit of innovation and the pursuit of beauty. Her design philosophy redefines what it means to create functional yet stunning living spaces, allowing her clients to experience environments that uplift and inspire.
Based in the vibrant city of Nashville, Colleen embraces the energy and creativity that surrounds her, channeling it into bold, unique designs that reflect the personalities of her clients and the city itself. With a keen eye for detail and a commitment to excellence, she pushes the boundaries of traditional design, aiming to create homes that are not only visually striking but also rich in character and history.
In this feature for Women On Topp magazine, Colleen shares her insights on starting her own business, the challenges she faced along the way, and the inspirations that fuel her creativity. Her journey is not just about personal achievement; it’s about empowering others in the design community and fostering a collaborative spirit. Join us as we delve into the world of High Castle Interiors and discover how Colleen continues to elevate the art of interior design, one stunning space at a time.
What inspired you to start High Castle Interiors, and what was the most challenging part of launching your own design business?
Growing up, I was surrounded by entrepreneurship—both sets of my grandparents owned their own businesses, and my mother started her own resume typing company when my siblings and I were just kids. This environment instilled in me a deep-rooted desire to follow the same path, despite its challenges. I knew early on that I wanted to channel that entrepreneurial spirit into my passion for design.
Watching my family members navigate the ups and downs of running a business not only inspired me but also solidified my determination to create something of my own. The most challenging part of launching High Castle Interiors was taking those initial steps and believing in myself. As a solo entrepreneur, the weight of every decision falls on my shoulders, which can be daunting. However, I’m incredibly fortunate to have a strong support system—family, mentors, and former bosses—who have been there to guide and encourage me along the way.
How has being based in Nashville influenced your work and the types of projects you take on?
Moving to Nashville has been a transformative experience for my career! Known as the new “It” city, Nashville’s rapid growth has brought a surge in demand for unique, high-end custom homes. This has aligned perfectly with my passion for creating designs that push boundaries and defy expectations. In Nashville, there’s a palpable desire for homes that stand out—people are eager for innovative, non-cookie-cutter designs that offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
This environment has allowed me to work on more ambitious projects, where my bold, out-of-the-box ideas are not just welcomed but celebrated. The city’s vibrant culture and creative spirit have also influenced my aesthetic, inspiring me to incorporate local art, music, and history into my designs. Being in Nashville has truly accelerated my ability to design distinctive, high-end homes that reflect both the client’s personality and the city’s dynamic energy.
What advice would you give to aspiring interior designers who want to start their own business?
Starting your own interior design business is an exciting journey, but it’s important to remember that being a business owner is a whole different ballgame compared to just being a designer. You’ll find yourself juggling a lot of roles and it can feel like you’re constantly trying to keep all the plates spinning. My best advice? Start by nailing down your processes and systems. Whether it’s how you communicate with clients, manage projects, or keep track of finances, having a solid foundation will make everything run a lot smoother. You’ll thank yourself for it one day!
Another big one is pricing. It’s crucial to know your worth and set your rates confidently. Don’t be afraid to charge what your work is truly worth, but also be transparent with clients about what they’re paying for. Having a reliable system to keep track of all the moving pieces—like orders, timelines, and budgets—will help you stay on top of things and deliver a great experience to your clients.
Remember, you’re always learning. Running a business means continually picking up new skills, not just in design. The more organized and prepared you are, the easier it’ll be to focus on the fun part—bringing your creative vision to life for your clients.
What are your long-term goals for High Castle Interiors, and how do you plan to achieve them?
My long-term vision for High Castle Interiors is to evolve into custom builds and expand our services to cover every aspect of new construction homes. Imagine working with us to create your own custom floor plan, and then watching as we bring your dream home to life—something truly unique and one-of-a-kind. I’ve also got big dreams of taking our services overseas, particularly into Europe, so keep an eye out for that! I don’t know how to think small, I can only think big!
I would also say that continuing to connect with senior designers, builders, and architects will be pivotal to building High Castle Interiors up to this level and experince. I’ll never stop learning from those who have already walked this path. There’s so much value in connecting with successful entrepreneurs who understand the challenges ahead and can offer wisdom and guidance. I’m looking forward to building something truly special with High Castle Interiors, and I’m excited for what the future holds!
How do you stay inspired and continually generate fresh design ideas for your clients?
Staying inspired is easy for me, especially with all the developments and new constructions happening around me—it’s like a constant source of creativity. But when it comes to generating fresh ideas, I love looking at what high-end designers are doing in other countries. A lot of people don’t realize that what’s considered “new and trendy” in the U.S. has often been popular in places like London or Paris for a while. I find it fascinating to see how different cultures approach design, and I’m always eager to bring those influences into my work.
Pinterest is a great tool for sourcing ideas, but nothing beats traveling and experiencing different designs firsthand. I was lucky enough to study abroad in London during my senior year of college, where I interned at Connaught Kitchens as a design assistant. That experience was a game-changer for me—I got to visit job sites and see just how much further ahead interior design ideas were compared to what I was used to in the States. It really opened my eyes and changed the way I think about design and the limitations we often place on ourselves.
I don’t believe in designing around trends. Instead, I’m always looking to push boundaries and bring something unexpected and inspiring to my projects. Whether it’s drawing from global influences or exploring new places, my goal is to create designs that are truly unique and stand the test of time.
What role does community play in your life, and how do you stay connected with other designers and professionals in Nashville?
I truly believe in the success of every designer and the importance of lifting each other up and empowering one another. What we do is challenging, and trying to go it alone can be tough. That’s why I think it’s so important to have the support and guidance of fellow designers in your community.
One of my favorite things to do is meet up with new designers, grab a coffee, and just talk design. We can learn so much from each other, and it’s amazing to see how everyone brings their own unique approach to the table. The design community in Nashville is so vibrant and diverse, and I feel incredibly fortunate to be a part of it and to be recognized as a fellow professional.
Staying connected with other designers and professionals here in Nashville not only keeps me inspired but also reminds me that we’re all in this together. We’re all contributing to the creative energy of this city, and I love being a part of that collaborative spirit.
What are some of your favorite places to visit for design inspiration?
I think my company name might give this one away—I’m absolutely obsessed with castles! There’s something magical about the history they hold and the feeling you get as you walk through them. The thought of a stone spiral staircase with grooves worn into the steps from centuries of footsteps just blows my mind. It’s like being connected to the past in the most tangible way.
But my love for history doesn’t stop at castles. I have a deep appreciation for historic buildings and the incredible character and integrity that went into their design and construction. Places like the Palace of Versailles, the Paris Opera House, Big Ben, and the Library of Congress are all huge sources of inspiration for me. Even the historic house in your neighborhood, with its original wood-carved molding and stained glass transom windows, can spark my creativity. There’s something so inspiring about spaces that were built to last, with every detail thoughtfully crafted.
How do you stay current with industry trends and continuously educate yourself?
Continual education is an absolute must for any interior designer! I’m always on the lookout for business courses that successful designers are promoting, and I can’t stress enough how much of a game changer this has been for me. These courses have really helped me understand the business side of design, which is just as important as the creative aspect. I also make it a point to attend in-person CEUs (Continuing Education Units) that my vendors put on for designers here in Nashville. It’s a great way to stay updated on the latest trends and techniques while connecting with other professionals in the industry.
I’d encourage anyone to pursue continual education, no matter what field they’re in. It’s so important to keep pouring into yourself and striving to improve. However, I would caution against relying too heavily on AI as your sole source of education. I’ve seen a lot of misinformation out there that could really trip someone up if they’re not careful. My advice is to connect with those who have been in the trenches and learn from their experience and wisdom. There’s no substitute for real-world knowledge and guidance from people who have already walked the path you’re on.
How do you handle stress and maintain your creativity during busy periods?
This is such a great question, and it’s so valuable to understand this about yourself. I used to really struggle with stress—it would completely paralyze me. I’d feel so overwhelmed during busy periods that I couldn’t make any progress because I was just too disoriented.
It’s taken a lot of work to get here, but I’ve learned how crucial it is to set healthy boundaries, prioritize eating well, get enough sleep, stay active, and spend time outside in nature. Taking deep, slow breaths regularly has been a game-changer for stabilizing my nervous system. I also make time for regular reflection—what I like to call “Brain Dumps”—where I review my life over the past week, month, or even six months, and figure out what’s working and what needs attention. It’s like giving myself a progress report on life.
These Brain Dumps do wonders for me. They help reduce stress, clear my mind, and give me clarity on what I’m grateful for and what I need to let go of. When I combine all of these practices, it’s my go-to remedy for maintaining balance and keeping my creativity flowing, no matter how busy things get.