Today we’d like to introduce you to Valerie Deroy.
Hi Valerie, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
I began my career in Paris, working in the world of haute couture, cosmetics, and home décor — industries where craftsmanship, detail, and artistry are not luxuries, but standards. Paris shaped my eye. It taught me reverence for proportion, materiality, and the quiet power of beautiful spaces.
When I met my husband and we relocated to Atlanta for his career, I experienced a striking cultural shift — not just geographically, but in lifestyle. In a city like Paris, life unfolds outward. Homes are often smaller, and much of daily living happens in cafés, galleries, and public spaces. In Atlanta, I discovered something deeply meaningful: home was the center of life. Spaces were larger, gatherings were hosted indoors, and interiors played a far more central role in everyday living.
I was fascinated by the contrast — particularly in scale, furniture proportions, and the way rooms were used. The French sensibility I carried with me felt both different and complementary. I began to see an opportunity: to blend the refinement and restraint of French design with the warmth, generosity, and livability of Southern homes.
That vision led me to found Valerie DeRoy Interiors in 2000.
From the beginning, my objective was clear — to create bespoke, high-end interiors that balance luxury with comfort and functionality, always reflecting the personality of the client. True luxury, to me, is not only about beautiful materials; it is about how a space makes you feel and how effortlessly it supports your life.
I quickly realized that for many clients, design can feel overwhelming. The ability to visualize an entire transformation — to see the finished space before it exists — is not something everyone finds easy. That is where I felt I could truly serve. I wanted to offer not just design, but clarity and reassurance. A smooth, highly professional yet approachable experience. A process where every detail is handled with care, allowing clients to feel inspired rather than stressed. We earned a few awards over the years, including emerging talent shaping and defining Atlanta and best of design awards.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No it has not been a smooth road.
Owning an interior design firm requires wearing many hats. Of course, creativity is at the heart of it — but behind every beautiful space is an intricate structure of logistics, coordination, and emotional intelligence. You are managing client expectations, collaborating with vendors and contractors, overseeing procurement, monitoring budgets and timelines, and constantly refining the operational side of the business.
Design is as much about psychology as it is about aesthetics. Understanding what a client truly desires — sometimes before they can articulate it themselves — requires listening deeply and reading between the lines. You are not just designing a room; you are interpreting a lifestyle, a rhythm, a family dynamic.
Over time, one of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that we all have natural strengths and weaknesses. Early on, I tried to do everything myself. But real growth came when I understood that building a strong team is essential. The key is to hire for your weaknesses — to surround yourself with people whose talents complement your own. That shift transforms challenges into collaboration and allows the creative vision to flourish.
The journey hasn’t always been smooth, but it has always been purposeful — and every challenge has strengthenedthe business and my perspective as a designer.
We’ve been impressed with Valerie Deroy Interiors, LLC, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
We are known for creating and transforming interiors in an engaging and refreshing way. As a bespoke design firm, we offer different tiers of service — from reimagining a few rooms or remodeling kitchens and bathrooms, to designing and specifying an entire home, whether for private clients or builders.
Our priority has always been to guide our clients through a professional yet enjoyable process, ensuring it feels seamless and stress-free. We believe that beyond the finished space, what truly stays with you is the experience — the people you worked with and how you were treated along the way.
Celebrating 25 years in business is a personal and meaningful milestone. We are deeply grateful to the clients who have trusted us, and to the contractors, builders, architects, and vendors who have helped us create beautiful interiors over the years.
What does success mean to you?
Success is when a client walks into their home and feels completely at ease, when the space truly reflects who they are and supports how they live. It’s hearing that a dining room has become the heart of family gatherings, or that a once-overlooked corner is now someone’s favorite place to unwind. On a personal level, success also means balance — building a business that reflects my values, It’s about longevity and trust. Many of my clients return years later or refer their friends and family, and that continuity means more to me than any single achievement.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://valeriederoy.com
- Instagram: Valerie_deroy_interior
