Wondering how some designers turn their passion for history into a thriving business?
In this episode, I sit down with Anika Schachtler, who has carved out an exciting niche restoring and redesigning historical homes from the 1800s and early 1900s in Quebec.
Anika shares her journey from design school graduate to successful business owner, revealing how she built a network of skilled craftspeople who understand historical restoration. She explains the delicate balance between preserving original features and creating functional spaces for modern living, showing how she combines antique pieces with contemporary comforts.
If you’ve been considering historical home design as your niche, this episode offers practical insights to help you get started. Anika discusses the importance of finding the right support network, working smart rather than hard, and managing the business side of design. She highlights how restoration work involves much more than furniture selection—from working with old electrical systems and stone foundations to planning thoughtful extensions.
Ready to explore historical home restoration as your design specialty? This episode will help you understand what it takes to succeed in this rewarding niche. Tune in now!
Why you’ve got to check out today’s episode
- Discover a profitable design niche – the historical home restoration
- Understand the unique approach required for historical homes
- Get practical business insights about working smart, managing challenges, and growing a business
About the Guest:
Anika, an interior designer from Quebec, started Anika Schachtler Design to help homeowners breathe new life into their century-old homes while keeping their souls intact.
She specializes in renovating and restoring farmhouses and cottages from the 1800s and early 1900s, creating spaces that feel timeless, welcoming, and built to last. Her approach is thoughtful and hands-on, blending the best of the past with the comforts of today.
Connect with Anika Schachtler:
Website: Anika Schachtler Design
Instagram: @anikaschachtlerdesign
Check out these episode highlights
01:39 Anika’s Journey into Interior Design
03:29 Renovating Historical Home
- Different considerations when renovating historical homes compared to typical remodels or new builds
- Focuses on existing elements and original features rather than on interior finishes
- The process involves salvaging and integrating original features into the design
- The importance of collaboration with skilled artisans and craftsmen who specialize in historical renovations
05:25 Choosing to Run Her Design Firm
- Initially worked for a design firm while taking on side clients
- Eventually transitioned to full-time business ownership
- The importance of working smart and thinking big
- Importance of focus and time management (like batching tasks)
08:49 Advice for Designers
- Recommends joining designer groups or programs for support
- Currently part of “Power of Process” by Rebecca Hay
- Connect with other designers and share experiences and advice (networking)
10:45 Common Misconceptions About Interior Design
- People often think interior design only involves furniture and decor
- Her work involves complex structural elements: Electrical systems, Plumbing, Stone foundations, Property extensions
11:48 Anika’s Design Approach
- Offers full-service design and implementation
- Balances historical preservation with modern functionality
- Combines original features with contemporary needs
- Sources antique furniture pieces locally
- Pairs historical elements with modern comfort items
14:06 Inspiration, Motivation, and Future Plans
- Inspired by the “soulfulness” of historical homes
- Passionate about preserving history while making spaces functional
- Plans to keep business lean but grow with part-time help
- Currently has a designer and admin assistant
Next Steps
- Join the Design Mentor to kickstart a successful career in interior design!
Grab your freebies:
- Furnishings Investment Guide
- Remodel Budget and Timeline Guide
- Your Roadmap to a Career in Interior Design
- 3 Things I Wish I had known when I Started my Career
Take a Quiz!
- Find Your Perfect Interior Design Style if you are curious about your design style
- Find Out What Type of Interior Designer You Should Be!
Check out the best books every interior designer should have here.
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Thanks for listening! I hope this helps you discover if interior design is the career for you. See you next week…