Christine Cook

What was your entry point into the interior design industry?

My entry into the design industry began with an internship while I was still in college at Iowa State University. That internship led to a position with a small design firm, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience and confirmed that design was the career path I wanted to pursue. After getting engaged and moving to Louisiana, I quickly learned that finding a traditional design position wasn't easy in a smaller market. Since there was only one design firm in town, I took a role as a visual merchandising manager for a large retailer. While it wasn't residential design, it taught me a tremendous amount about product presentation, customer psychology, and creating visually compelling environments. When I moved to Houston, I joined an interior design firm where I spent the next eleven years refining my skills and working on a wide variety of residential projects. Along the way, life took me all over the world. Whether living in different cities across the U.S. or overseas, I continued working remotely with clients and projects in multiple locations, which broadened my perspective on how people live and what they value in their homes.

When my family eventually returned to Houston, I launched EP Interior. Every step of the journey - from internships and visual merchandising to managing projects across different regions and cultures - has shaped the way I approach design today and contributed to the firm we've built.

How would you describe your signature style?

I would describe my style as "midimalism" with a global influence. At its core, "midimalism" is about creating spaces that feel thoughtfully curated rather than overly minimal or overly decorated. I believe homes should feel layered, warm, and personal, with each piece serving a purpose while still contributing to the overall story of the space.

My love of travel - and the opportunity to live in different parts of the United States and overseas - has had a tremendous impact on my design perspective. I am constantly inspired by architecture, craftsmanship, materials, and the way different cultures approach their homes. Those influences often find their way into my projects through collected details, natural materials, unique textures, and unexpected moments of character.

The result is a balance of clean lines and functionality paired with warmth, personality, and a sense of place. I want every project to feel timeless, livable, and deeply connected to the people who call it home.

How does Houston affect your design style?

Houston is incredibly diverse, and that diversity is reflected in the homes we design. Our clients come from many different backgrounds, lifestyles, and parts of the world, which means no two projects are ever the same. One of the things I love most about designing in Houston is the opportunity to create something completely unique for each client rather than being confined to a particular aesthetic or regional style.

The city also has a strong appreciation for entertaining and family life, so functionality and livability are always top priorities. We design homes that are beautiful, but also meant to be enjoyed, whether that's hosting a gathering of friends or managing the day-to-day realities of a busy family.

Beyond the projects themselves, Houston has an incredible design community that is both supportive and inspiring. I enjoy being involved with the various industry organizations and collaborating with fellow designers, builders, architects, and industry partners. It's amazing to see the level of talent in this city and how busy our industry remains because of Houston's size, growth, and ever-evolving population. The energy here creates endless opportunities for creativity and innovation.

Do you have a favorite color/palette to work with?

I tend to gravitate toward warm, earthy palettes layered with rich accents. Greens, blues, warm neutrals, and natural wood tones are frequent favorites because they create depth and longevity. That said, I believe color should always be selected as part of the overall story of the home rather than following a formula. Some of my favorite projects incorporate bold color in unexpected ways.

What are your favorite types of projects to work on?

I especially enjoy full-home remodels and custom new construction projects because they allow us to shape every aspect of the design experience. I love collaborating with architects, builders, and homeowners from the beginning to create spaces that are both beautiful and highly functional. Seeing a vision come together from concept to completion is incredibly rewarding.

Where do you draw inspiration from?

Travel is one of my biggest sources of inspiration. Whether exploring a new country or trying out a new restaurant, I am constantly collecting ideas and details that influence my work. I find inspiration in art, fashion, nature, and everyday moments! Sometimes the smallest details can spark an entire design concept!

How do you balance function/style?

I believe great design starts with understanding how a client lives. Function has to be on the forefront of the project because it is the only way that the style can be appreciated! We spend a great deal of time learning about our clients' routines, needs, and priorities before making design decisions. When done well, a space should be both beautiful and effortless to live in because the function is truly the foundation and the style is what brings the clients homes and personalities to life!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In five years, I hope to continue growing EP Interior in a thoughtful and sustainable way. As our firm expands, I anticipate needing a larger showroom and would love to continue growing that aspect of the business. I can also see us having an additional location that provides easier access for clients in other parts of Houston, allowing us to better serve a wider audience while maintaining the personalized experience that has always been important to us.

Professionally, I am especially excited about expanding our involvement in custom homes where we can collaborate from the earliest stages of design and help shape every detail - from architectural selections and interior finishes to furnishings and styling. Those opportunities allow us to create truly cohesive homes and showcase the full scope of what our team can do.

Just as importantly, I want to continue building a strong team and refining our systems so the company can thrive independently. In five years, I will have a teenager at home, and while I am incredibly passionate about my career, I also recognize how important those years will be with my family. My goal is to scale the business in a way that allows our team members to grow into leadership roles, continue delivering exceptional work for our clients, and create the flexibility for me to be present for the moments that matter most. To me, success is building a business that supports both professional growth and a fulfilling personal life.