The Story Behind Omni Home Ideas

How One Phone Call Changed Everything

Hi, I’m Brad Smith, and this is the story of why Omni Home Ideas exists.

Most businesses start with a business plan or market research. Ours started with a phone call from a desperate homeowner who had spent $15,000 on a kitchen renovation and was in tears because she hated walking into her own home.

That conversation—and the transformation that followed—taught me something profound: Home isn’t just where you live. It’s where your life happens. And when your space doesn’t work for your life, everything else suffers.

Brad Smith - The story behind Omni Home Ideas
352+
Projects Completed
98%
Client Satisfaction
9+
Media Features
$2.8M+
Project Value Managed

Our origin story: The kitchen that changed everything

Every great company has an origin story. Ours started not with a business plan, but with tears, frustration, and a $15,000 mistake that taught us what really matters in home design.

In 2016, I was working as a freelance writer when I received a phone call that would completely change the trajectory of my life. Sarah, a client who had hired me for content writing, was calling—but not about writing. She was calling because she was desperate.

“Brad, I need help, and I don’t know who else to call. I’ve spent $15,000 on this kitchen renovation, and it’s worse than when I started. The contractor says everything is fine, but I hate walking into my own kitchen. I dread making breakfast for my kids. What was supposed to be the heart of our home has become the most stressful part of my day.”

The three-hour conversation that changed everything

Something about Sarah’s desperation struck me deeply. Instead of offering sympathy and hanging up, I found myself asking detailed questions:

  • How did she and her family actually use the kitchen?
  • What was her morning routine with two young kids?
  • Where were the traffic flow problems?
  • What had the contractor actually changed?
  • How did the lighting affect her mood and functionality?

Three hours later, I had walked her through a complete redesign approach that would cost less than $3,000 to implement—a fraction of what she’d already spent.

Before and after kitchen transformation - Sarah's kitchen Sarah’s Kitchen Transformation: The project that proved design isn’t just about aesthetics

“Brad, you saved my kitchen. You saved my mornings. You gave me back the heart of my home. My kids actually want to help cook now because everything makes sense. You didn’t just redesign our space—you gave us back our family time.”

Sarah Johnson, our very first transformation

That’s when I realized that interior design wasn’t just about making spaces look pretty. It was about understanding how people actually live and creating spaces that improve their daily lives.

Brad Smith at Pratt Institute Brad earning his Master’s degree at Pratt Institute

But I also knew that intuition wasn’t enough. If I was going to help people transform their most important spaces—their homes—I needed formal training, proper credentials, and a deep understanding of design principles.

So I made a decision that would define the next chapter of my life: I applied to Pratt Institute’s Master’s program in Interior Design while simultaneously planning to start Omni Home Ideas.

How we built Omni Home Ideas from the ground up

Starting a design company with no industry connections, no portfolio, and no reputation is humbling. Here’s the honest story of how we built Omni Home Ideas into a trusted authority in home design.

The early struggles nobody talks about

In 2017, fresh out of Pratt Institute with my Master’s degree, I faced the same challenge every new business owner encounters: nobody knows who you are, and nobody trusts you with their most important investment.

Early business building networking events The real story of building a business from networking events to late-night planning

My first year was a masterclass in humility:

  • 200+ coffee meetings with contractors, real estate agents, and potential clients—most leading nowhere
  • Every networking event in Dallas—chamber of commerce, business meetups, industry conferences
  • Cold outreach to 500+ homeowners—with a response rate of less than 2%
  • Three months without a single client—questioning whether I’d made the right career choice

Our breakthrough moment

The breakthrough came through content creation—combining my writing background with my new design expertise. The article that changed everything was titled: “How to Make a Small Living Room Feel Twice as Large for Under $500.”

What happened after our first viral article:

  • 47 consultation requests in the first month
  • 12 signed clients within 60 days
  • Average project value: $15,000 (exactly our target market)
  • 100% client satisfaction leading to word-of-mouth referrals

Growing the team and expanding our impact

By 2019, word-of-mouth referrals had created more demand than I could handle alone. That’s when I brought on Jenifer Holmes as Lead Interior Designer.

Brad and Jenifer working together Brad and Jenifer collaborating on client projects

Jenifer brought complementary skills:

  • Residential design expertise with a focus on family-friendly spaces
  • Exceptional color and texture coordination skills
  • Client relationship management that ensures every project runs smoothly
  • Sustainable design knowledge for eco-conscious clients

Our growth timeline:

2017 – Foundation Year

First 25 projects, establishing our process and reputation

2018 – Breakthrough Year

Viral content strategy, 50+ projects, first media coverage

2019 – Expansion Year

Added Jenifer, 75+ projects, commercial work begins

2020-2021 – Pandemic Pivot

Virtual consultations, home office specialization, 100+ projects

2022-2025 – Authority Building

Major media features, 352+ projects, industry recognition

Our unique approach to interior design

After working with hundreds of clients and completing over 352 projects, we’ve developed an approach that’s different from traditional interior design firms.

🎯

Function First, Always

Beautiful spaces that don’t work for real life aren’t successful designs—they’re just pretty pictures.

How we prioritize function:
  • Lifestyle Discovery: We spend hours understanding how you actually live
  • Traffic Flow Analysis: Every design optimizes movement through space
  • Daily Routine Integration: We design around your coffee ritual
  • Storage Solutions: Every item needs a logical place
💰

Budget-Conscious Luxury

Some of our most successful transformations have had the smallest budgets. Luxury comes from thoughtful design, not expensive materials.

Our budget philosophy:
  • 80/20 Rule: Focus 80% of budget on 20% of changes with biggest impact
  • Strategic Splurges: Invest in key pieces that anchor the design
  • DIY Integration: Identify which elements clients can tackle
  • Timeline Flexibility: Phase projects to spread costs
🌱

Sustainable and Timeless

Trends come and go, but well-designed spaces should last for years. We focus on creating timeless foundations.

Our sustainability approach:
  • Timeless Foundations: Classic elements that won’t look dated
  • Quality Materials: Durable choices that perform over time
  • Energy Efficiency: Solutions that reduce long-term costs
  • Flexible Design: Spaces that adapt as families grow

Meet our expert team

Our team combines formal education, professional certifications, and real-world experience to provide trustworthy, expert guidance.

Brad Smith, Founder & CEO
6+ Years

Brad “Omni” Smith

Founder, CEO & Lead Interior Designer

Founded Omni Home Ideas in 2017 with a mission to make exceptional design accessible to everyone. Specializes in budget-conscious solutions that maximize impact.

Master’s Degree, Pratt Institute 352+ Projects 98% Satisfaction
Jenifer Holmes, Lead Interior Designer
5+ Years

Jenifer Holmes

Lead Interior Designer & Design Coordinator

Joined in 2019 bringing exceptional color coordination skills and expertise in family-friendly spaces. Creates beautiful, practical solutions for real living.

Interior Design Certified Color Theory Expert Sustainable Design
Peter Beers - In Memoriam

Peter Beers

Remembered Always

We honor Peter’s memory and his dedication to creating beautiful, functional spaces. His contributions to our team and the design community continue to inspire our work.

Honor His Memory

Our proven 7-step process

Every project follows our systematic approach that ensures nothing gets overlooked and every client receives consistent, professional results.

1

Discovery & Lifestyle Analysis

Understanding how you actually live in your space

We start with an in-depth consultation about your lifestyle, preferences, budget, and goals. This isn’t just about what you want—it’s about how you actually live.

  • Daily routines and space usage patterns
  • Style preferences and inspiration sources
  • Budget parameters and investment priorities
  • Timeline expectations and lifestyle constraints
2

Comprehensive Space Analysis

Technical foundation for smart design decisions

We conduct detailed measurement, lighting assessment, and traffic flow evaluation to understand your space’s potential and constraints.

  • Precise measurements and architectural documentation
  • Natural and artificial lighting assessment
  • Traffic flow and circulation patterns
  • Structural limitations and opportunities
3

Concept Development & Visualization

See your space transformed before any purchases

We create initial design concepts with 3D visualizations so you can see exactly how your transformed space will look and function.

  • 3D renderings of proposed design
  • Floor plans with furniture layouts
  • Color schemes and material palettes
  • Multiple concept options for comparison
4

Strategic Material & Furniture Selection

Smart investments that maximize impact within budget

We choose finishes, furniture, and accessories that align with your budget while maximizing impact and ensuring long-term satisfaction.

  • Budget optimization using our 80/20 investment strategy
  • Quality assessment for durability and performance
  • Style cohesion across all design elements
  • Sustainability and eco-friendly options
5

Implementation Planning & Coordination

Detailed roadmap for smooth execution

We create detailed project timeline, coordinate contractors, and manage the purchasing schedule to ensure smooth execution.

  • Detailed project timeline with milestones
  • Contractor vetting and coordination
  • Material ordering and delivery scheduling
  • Budget tracking and expense management
6

Project Management & Quality Control

Professional oversight ensuring quality results

We oversee installation, handle any issues that arise, and ensure quality standards are met throughout the implementation.

  • Regular site visits and progress monitoring
  • Contractor communication and problem-solving
  • Quality control inspections at key milestones
  • Client communication and progress updates
7

Final Styling & Client Handoff

Perfect finishing touches and complete documentation

We place accessories, artwork, and finishing touches, then provide you with everything needed to maintain and enjoy your new space.

  • Professional styling and accessory placement
  • Care and maintenance instructions
  • Warranty information and contractor contacts
  • Professional photography for your records

Our Process Guarantee

This systematic approach has helped us maintain a 98% client satisfaction rate across 352+ projects. Every step is designed to eliminate surprises, manage expectations, and deliver results that exceed your vision.

Our editorial standards and review process

At Omni Home Ideas, we don’t just design spaces—we also provide trusted guidance through our comprehensive content. Here’s how we ensure every recommendation meets our rigorous standards:

Hands-On Testing

Every product personally tested in real-world conditions and evaluated over time.

Expert Research

Thorough verification using industry resources and professional networks.

Client Feedback Integration

Real-world experiences from families using our recommendations refine our advice.

Professional Peer Review

Multiple expert reviews ensure accuracy and completeness before publication.

Our Editorial Commitment

We only recommend products, techniques, and services that we genuinely endorse based on our professional experience and rigorous testing. Quality Promise: If any of our recommendations don’t meet your expectations, we’ll work with you to find a solution at no additional cost.

Industry recognition and media coverage

Our expertise and innovative approaches have been recognized by leading publications in the home improvement and interior design industry.

The Spruce
15M+ monthly readers
Designer Tips for a Stylish Pet-Friendly Space

Brad’s expertise in creating functional, beautiful spaces that work for families with pets.

Real Simple
12M+ monthly readers
How to Furnish a Home for the First Time

Our budget-conscious approach highlighted as expert resource for first-time homeowners.

Family Handyman
8M+ monthly readers
House Journal Expert Contributor

Regular contributions providing expert advice on home improvement and design integration.

Apartment Therapy
25M+ monthly readers
Clean Kitchen Habits Expert Guide

Brad’s systematic approach to kitchen organization featured as expert guidance.

9+
Major Publication Features
80M+
Combined Reader Reach
15+
Expert Articles Published
5
Years Media Recognition

How to work with us

Ready to transform your space? We offer several ways to work with us, depending on your needs, budget, and timeline.

Complete Design Service

Most Popular

Full-service interior design from concept through completion. Perfect for major renovations, new construction, or complete room makeovers.

  • Complete 7-step design process
  • 3D renderings and floor plans
  • Material and furniture selection
  • Project management and coordination
  • Final styling and accessory placement

Timeline: 6-16 weeks
Investment: Starting at $5,000

Design Consultation

Great for DIYers

Professional guidance and detailed plan that you can implement yourself or with your own contractors.

  • 2-hour in-home consultation
  • Written design recommendations
  • Product and material suggestions with sources
  • Layout optimization and space planning
  • 30-day email support

Timeline: 1-2 weeks
Investment: $500-$1,200

Virtual Design Service

Remote Friendly

Complete design service delivered remotely, perfect for clients outside the Dallas area or those who prefer virtual collaboration.

  • Virtual consultation and space assessment
  • Custom design plan with 3D renderings
  • Detailed shopping lists with direct links
  • Step-by-step implementation guide
  • Ongoing support via video calls

Timeline: 3-6 weeks
Investment: Starting at $2,500

Contact & business information

Omni Home Ideas

Professional Interior Design & Home Improvement Guidance

Address

2807 Allen St
Dallas, TX 75204

Phone

+1-214-613-3975

Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM CST
Email

[email protected]

24-hour response
Hours

Mon-Fri: 9 AM – 6 PM
Sat: 10 AM – 4 PM
Sun: Closed

Our Promise

If our initial consultation doesn’t provide you with at least three actionable ideas to improve your space, we’ll refund your consultation fee completely.