From studying interior design in Cincinnati to purchasing her first design business at just 23, Bridget Vandenburgh has always followed a bold and creative path. After returning to her hometown of Lancaster, Ohio, she and her parents purchased Woods Interiors, launching a design career that has now spanned more than 34 years.

Her story truly comes to life on Sanibel Island, a place she loved since childhood vacations. In 2005, she moved to the island shortly after Hurricane Charley, helping homeowners rebuild during a challenging but meaningful time that shaped her coastal design approach.

In 2018, Bridget and her husband Erik, a realtor with John R. Wood, founded Bridget Vandenburgh Interiors on Sanibel. With Erik involved from the start, the business grew quickly, supported by Bridget’s decades of experience and their shared commitment to quality.

Today, BVI is eight years strong and continues to expand across Southwest Florida. The studio recently celebrated the one-year anniversary of its Fort Myers location, a bright and welcoming space just minutes from the islands. From this new home base, Bridget and her team work on everything from large new builds to beachfront condo renovations for both full-time and seasonal residents.

How did your design career begin?

My path started in Cincinnati, where I earned my BA in Interior Design from Mount Saint Joseph in 1992. Soon after graduating, I returned to my hometown of Lancaster, Ohio—and at just 23, with the support of my parents, purchased an existing design firm called Woods Interiors. It was a leap of faith, but one I embraced wholeheartedly. I spent those early years learning quickly, designing everything from residential homes to local commercial banks.

My connection to Sanibel Island began long before my career did, though. I grew up vacationing there with my parents, and in 2005 I decided it was time to start fresh in the place that always felt like home. The island was still recovering from Hurricane Charley, and many homeowners needed help rebuilding. It was an intense, meaningful chapter that shaped the designer I am today. Since then, I’ve worked on everything from large-scale new builds to beachfront condo renovations, always with a focus on creating spaces that feel relaxed, beautiful, and uniquely coastal.

How would you describe the signature style of your studio?

Our aesthetic is rooted in a refined coastal sensibility, characterized by a relaxed, textural, and effortlessly livable style. We love using performance fabrics (a must near the beach), layered textures, and pops of color to create warmth and personality. We’re never afraid of pattern: a bold wallpaper in a powder room or a playful accent wall always adds a moment of joy.

While we’re known for our coastal flair, we approach every project with a fresh perspective. Each home has its own story to tell, and we love helping clients express it.

Do most of your clients find you through walk-ins, or do you work with long-time regulars?

We’re fortunate to have many long-term clients who return to us year after year. Much of our new business comes through word-of-mouth referrals from past clients, local realtors, and island rental companies. Building relationships is at the heart of our studio, and we’re grateful that so many clients place their trust in us.

Tell us about your sourcing process. How do you choose the brands and products you bring in?

We’re always searching for pieces that feel unique, inspired, and true to our aesthetic. Each year, we attend High Point Market to explore new collections, meet with sales reps, and see what’s trending in the design world. It’s a whirlwind, and a lot of walking, but we love every minute.

Between High Point visits, we travel to the Atlanta and Dallas markets to source accessories, lamps, art, and the finishing details our clients love. Coming back refreshed and inspired each season helps us create spaces that feel current yet timeless.

Are there specific products or categories your Bridget Vandenburgh Interiors is known for?

With more than 30 years of experience across every type of home, our reputation is most closely tied to coastal interiors and yes, everyone knows we love blue! But we don’t stay in one lane. Green is our second favorite, and we’re thrilled when clients bring new palettes to the table. We’re currently completing a year-long condo project that blends soft pinks, corals, and hints of green. It’s fresh, unexpected, and has been such a joy to bring to life.

We’re also well known for our condo packages and full project management services. Many of our clients split time between Southwest Florida and their northern homes, so they rely on us to oversee remodeling and ensure every detail is handled with care. And thanks to our trusted local workroom, we provide custom upholstery, pillows, drapery, and bedding—those finishing touches that truly make a space feel personal.

Do you have a favorite vendor or partnership that stands out?

It’s impossible to pick just one! We’re lucky to have long-standing partnerships with brands we truly admire. Lexington Furniture, Sherrill Furniture, Worlds Away, Villa & House are a few of our essentials. We value vendors whose craftsmanship is consistent and whose reps provide outstanding support. Those relationships make all the difference.

What are your hopes for the future of your business?

Celebrating eight years in business feels surreal. Time flies when you are having fun!. We’re constantly learning, evolving, and grateful for the friendships we’ve built along the way.

Looking ahead, we want to continue expanding our client base through social media, magazine features, and staying connected with past clients. And while we’re thrilled with our new Fort Myers showroom, my secret dream is to open a second location back on Sanibel Island, where this chapter of my journey began. With a little convincing, I think my husband might get on board eventually! Until then, we’re grateful to be just minutes from the islands we love.