In a world where interior design is often viewed as expensive and exclusive, California based interior designer, TV personality and now author Tracy Metro stands out for her fresh, approachable, and interactive take on the craft. Known for her appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Network’s Home Made Simple, TLC’s Design Spaces, and Hallmark’s Home & Family, Tracy has established herself as a trusted name in the design world. But what truly sets her apart is her unique ability to bring fun and creativity into people’s homes through her work as a designer, TV presenter, and now, author of Design by Sticker an interactive sticker book about interior design.
Tracy’s journey into interior design began at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she studied set design. Her passion for creating beautiful spaces quickly evolved into a career in interior design, and her work has garnered the attention of major brands like T.J. Maxx, Coca-Cola, and Samsung. But it was in 2020, when Harper Collins approached her to write a craft and design book, that she discovered her next big idea. “I was looking for inspiration from craft and interior design books when I came across one with a last page of stickers,” Tracy recalls. “It got me wondering—does a repositionable sticker book about interior design exist? I discovered it didn’t, and that’s when Design by Sticker was born.”
The concept behind the sticker book is simple yet innovative. Tracy explains, “There are short ‘n sweet chapters about design principles, color theory, and personal tidbits I’ve cultivated over the last 20 years.” The book serves as a fun introduction to interior design for beginners, offering a low-pressure way to explore different styles. “Readers can play around with the design principles I share in the book,” she adds. “They can do it in a low-pressure way as the stickers are repositionable! It’s so easy to just unstick a piece of furniture and replace it with another.”
Despite her wealth of experience, Tracy admits that the process of writing the book was not without its hurdles. “I thought my book was going to be mainly pictures and stickers,” she says, “but when I saw the contract called for 10,000 words about interior design, I freaked out!” With the help of her publisher, Tracy tackled the project bit by bit, waking up at 5:30 am over the holidays to write chapters while sipping espresso. Her dedication paid off, and the result is a sticker book that is as educational as it is fun.
In addition to her sticker book, Tracy’s time as the host of House Doctor has deeply influenced her design philosophy. “The show was a reminder that small changes can have a huge impact,” she notes. Tracy emphasizes that interior design doesn’t have to be expensive, offering practical tips like using blue painter’s tape to mock up where to place knobs or handles before committing. “Mock up before you mess up!” she advises.
Her personal style is a testament to her playful approach to design. “My personal style is maximalist 1970s retro,” she says with a laugh. “I’m kinda the ANTI-Coco Chanel who said, ‘Before you leave the house, remove one accessory.’ In my world, you layer on one more!” Tracy’s love for bold design choices is reflected in her admiration for movements like Hollywood Regency and Bauhaus, though she finds something to appreciate in nearly every design era.
For those new to interior design, Tracy’s advice is to start small but stay true to yourself. “If your home doesn’t feel like you, do whatever you can to make it represent you,” she says. “Your home should be a reflection of who you are.” She also stresses the importance of editing down possessions to avoid clutter. “If you can change your mindset on letting go of things that don’t add value, you’ll have bought yourself a ticket to liberty.”
Tracy’s sticker books, set to launch in December, will be available on two continents, a feat she’s understandably proud of. “It’s the perfect gift for anyone with any passion for design,” she says. By offering repositionable stickers, the book allows readers to experiment with different styles and arrangements without the fear of making permanent mistakes.
As for her future, Tracy is excited about continuing to inspire people through her work, both in print and on screen. “I love what I do,” she says. “I truly feel lucky every day.” Her parting advice for aspiring designers? “Know your value. It may change over time, but knowing it and being comfortable with it is key
