Recently, I had the good fortune to interview Andrea Ritten, owner and founder of Andrea Rose Design in Minneapolis, MN. I’ve known Andrea for a couple of years and am both familiar and impressed with her interior design talent and work. She was kind enough to answer the following series of questions shedding light on the latest in interior design generally and her approach to design specifically. I particularly like her explanation on how to give any room that “WOW” factor.
1. What are your three biggest recommendations when designing or decorating a living room?
Prioritize function & feeling – Before beginning any room design, ask yourself two key questions: 1. How will this space be used? (Is it a place to unwind, host game nights, or gather with family to watch TV?) and 2. What emotions do you want people to feel when they enter? The mood you aim to create can be guided by color psychology, making it a perfect starting point for your design process.
In order to come up with the very specific design ideas, we create most designs with the assistance of state-of-the-art AI interior design software.
Establish a focal point – A living room without a defined focal point can feel chaotic. Whether it’s a fireplace, a striking piece of art, a statement light fixture, or a window with a stunning view, having a central feature that captures attention helps anchor the design and bring a sense of cohesion to the space.
Don’t ignore your personal style – It’s easy to get caught up in trends or try to recreate a showroom look, but that can leave your space feeling a bit lifeless. Your living room should reflect you—your taste, your lifestyle. Adding personal touches like family heirlooms, favorite colors, or travel mementos will make the space feel more authentic and truly yours.
2. What are three glaring mistakes people make when designing or decorating their living room?
The three biggest mistakes I often see come down to the basics—proportion, balance, and functionality. Overcrowding a space with furniture that’s either too big or too small throws off balance and makes the room feel cluttered. It’s important to leave some negative space so the room can breathe and flow naturally. Functionality is key too—a beautiful room won’t work if it’s not practical. Make sure there’s enough seating, storage, and that traffic can flow easily throughout the space.
3. Do you have a go-to style or are flexible and focus on the best style for the space/client?
I’m pretty adaptable when it comes to style. While I feel most at home with contemporary and transitional designs, I’m always excited to embrace a client’s personal taste. If they’re drawn to a different style, such as mid-century modern, or traditional look, I’ll gladly lean into that. After all, it’s their home, and it should reflect who they are.
4. Where or how do you start with a room or home design? Is it the space? Furniture selections? Layout?
I always begin with a color story. Color has the power to evoke emotions, so I make sure to ask my clients how they want to feel in the space. It can set the tone and even influence the overall weight of the room, making it a perfect starting point. From there, I create a functional layout, and then the furniture selections naturally fall into place. Sometimes, there’s a standout piece—whether it’s something I envision or an item the client already treasures—that inspires the entire design. Ultimately, there are no strict rules, just a creative flow that evolves with each project.
5. How do you stay up to date with all the latest product options out there
Keeping up with the latest in interior design can be time-consuming, but my strong network of suppliers and industry partners makes it effortless. These connections give me firsthand access to what’s new and trending, allowing me to stay ahead of the curve. I also make it a point to attend the High Point Market every fall, where many of the year’s most exciting products are unveiled. It’s a great way to immerse myself in upcoming innovations and bring fresh ideas to my projects.
6. What’s your view of AI in interior design? Do you use it? If not, do you think you’ll use it in the future?
AI is such an intriguing development in the design world, and I’m always open to exploring new tools and technologies. While I don’t currently use it, mainly because I haven’t had the chance to dive deep into its potential, I can definitely see myself incorporating it in the future—especially to streamline business operations like scheduling, budgeting, and workflow management. That said, I’m a big believer in authenticity, so I’m hesitant about using AI to create designs or images that lack a genuine, hands-on touch. There’s something irreplaceable about the artistry and emotion that goes into real-world design.
7. Do you have any rules you almost never break when it comes to design? What are they?
While I believe design should always be flexible and tailored to the client and the space, there are a few principles I almost never compromise on. One is functionality—a space has to work for the people living in it. No matter how beautiful a design is, if it doesn’t meet the client’s lifestyle needs, it won’t succeed. Another rule I follow is to always respect balance and proportion. Measurements are one of the most critical elements when creating a balanced space that is visually harmonious. Lastly, I avoid using overly trendy pieces as the foundation of a design. While trends can be incorporated in accents or accessories, the core of the design should be timeless, allowing the space to remain relevant and adaptable for years to come.
8. What are you most excited about with interior design going forward?
I’m really excited about the integration of technology and sustainability in interior design. The rise of smart home technology (like automated window treatments), allows us to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also incredibly functional and efficient.
Additionally, the increasing focus on wellness in design is inspiring. Creating spaces that promote mental and physical well-being—through elements like natural light, biophilic design, and thoughtful layouts—aligns with my passion for enhancing quality of life through design.
9. List three interior design trends that are most exciting to you right now?
I’m truly inspired by the growing emphasis on wellness in interior design. Wellness is a personal passion of mine, so I love the idea of designing intentional spaces that prioritize mental and emotional well-being. Additionally, I’m excited to see bold wallpaper and color drenching making a comeback—they add a dynamic flair that can completely transform a room! Those trends coupled with the rising focus on sustainability fall into my top three design trends right now.
Fast furniture! While it has made it easier for people to furnish their homes quickly, this trend contributes to a throwaway culture, lacking sustainability and oftentimes quality. I think this leads to trends being way overdone. You lose a sense of uniqueness and authenticity when you buy mass-produced furniture and copy and paste from a retailer design.
All White/minimalism design is another trend that’s been a bit overhyped. If taken too far, a space can really lack personality and feel stark. Your home should feel like a representation of who you are, and that requires adding character to a space.
11. What design elements or tips do you use that take a room’s design from decent to jaw-dropping? There are nicely designed spaces and then there’s “WOW!” What gets a space to WOW?
To truly achieve that ‘wow’ factor, you have to be bold enough to embrace it! Many clients hesitate at the thought of strong contrasts—like a dramatic black wall or a wallpapered ceiling—but those unexpected elements are what make a statement.
Another essential element that often flies under the radar is lighting. It’s incredibly underrated and can dramatically transform the ambiance of a room. My top tip? Aim for at least two layers of lighting, but ideally, three layers will give you the best results. This approach creates depth and warmth, enhancing the overall design.
About Andrea
Andrea Ritten is a certified Project Manager who transitioned from nearly two decades in the corporate world to pursue her passion for interior design and entrepreneurship. Based in Minneapolis, MN, she serves clients throughout the greater Twin Cities and beyond, delivering design projects that are both creative and deeply personal. As a lifelong aesthete, she believes in surrounding herself—and her clients—with beauty, creating spaces that reflect authenticity and well-being.
An advocate for women in business and mental health, Andrea integrates these values into her work whenever possible. Her favorite aspect of her career is the opportunity to forge genuine connections with clients while bringing their design visions to life. To her, true success comes from creating homes that resonate with the unique spirit of those who live in them.
