Brave Heron Studio: Crafting Spaces with Intention
Design shapes more than just a space—it influences mood, well-being, and the way life unfolds within it. Rooted in a holistic approach to interior design, every project is carefully crafted to foster harmony, connection, and purpose.
From serene residential retreats to transformative commercial interiors, each space is designed to inspire and support those who experience it.
Through a refined, collaborative process, interiors are tailored to reflect personal stories while enhancing functionality and flow. The result is more than just a beautifully designed space. It’s an environment that enriches daily life and leaves a lasting impression.
Nicole Rivers, Principal Interior Architect
Nicole Rivers is a holistic interior architect, artist, and founder of Brave Heron Studio. She designs sanctuary-focused spaces for highly sensitive women and wellness-driven brands. Each environment is created to support healing, expansion, and embodiment.
Blending intuition with intention, Nicole integrates pattern, proportion, and texture in ways that mirror the harmony of the natural world, so that environments can support restoration.
Her work is rooted in the belief that design can be a tool for transformation—spaces that mirror your essence and evolve with you.
With over a decade of experience, a Master’s in Interior Architecture, and certifications in Classical Feng Shui, yoga, and healthy materials, Nicole brings depth and dimension to every project. Brave Heron is her love letter to the quiet power of thoughtful design.
Find me on Linkedin!
From Chaos to Sanctuary
Art and creativity have always been my voice—a way to navigate and make sense of a tumultuous world. Growing up in a dysfunctional home, I found solace in imagining new worlds, sketching designs, and crafting garments. I dreamed of being a fashion designer or archaeologist, traveling the world like Carmen Sandiago or Indiana Jones, uncovering beauty and history.
Though my artistic spark was nurtured in middle school art classes and the sanctuary of my Nana’s cozy, mid-century modern home in South Jersey, my confidence faltered as years of emotional neglect took their toll. By the time I was a senior in high school, I no longer believed in my talent or my future.
The next chapter of my life was rocky—marked by self-doubt, misaligned choices, and the numbing pursuit of escape. I earned degrees in Fashion Merchandising and Communication from F.I.T., but it wasn’t until I purchased my first home at age 30, amidst the grief of losing my Nana, that I rediscovered the power of space to heal and inspire.
My condo became a canvas for creativity. Painting, rearranging furniture, and curating vintage treasures reignited my love for design. This newfound passion propelled me into graduate studies in Interior Architecture and the launch of a handcrafted home goods business. Yet, the relentless hustle took its toll on my health, leading to a diagnosis of systemic lupus and other autoimmune conditions.
Forced to pause, I found refuge in the "little blue bungalow" I rented after moving back to my parents' home.
This sacred space became my foundation for healing—a place where I reconnected with Spirit and nature, practiced mindfulness, and began to alchemize my pain into purpose.
Today, I’m in remission, embracing the transformative power of holistic interior design. My home reflects who I am: a blend of vintage patina, sustainable design, and intentional energy. It is not just a space but a sanctuary—a supportive environment that nurtures my well-being and aligns with my goals.
Holistic interior design has taught me that our spaces mirror our lives. By consciously crafting environments that heal, inspire, and connect us to the divine and the natural world, we create containers for growth, self-care, and abundance.
This journey fuels my work at Brave Heron Studio, where I help others create sanctuaries that hold them through life’s peaks and valleys, empowering them to heal, expand, and thrive.