Today we’d like to introduce you to Alona Perov.
Hi Alona, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
From an early age, I recognized how an environment or interior setting affected my senses. I either felt comfortable or uncomfortable. Consciously, I didn’t understand why, but subconsciously I could tell when a layout wasn’t working or when a space felt too dark or unbalanced. I also had a constant desire to make improvements almost everywhere I went. My first “project” was at seven years old, when I transformed our tiny backyard shed into a playhouse. I remember carefully choosing where a chair or stack of pillows should go and feeling an instinctive pull toward creating comfort and possibility within a space. Looking back, that was the first sign of the intuition and curiosity that have guided me ever since.
As I grew older, that early passion evolved into formal training and eventually into a 15-year career in the construction and design industry. I began in design firms, honing my skills in creating functional, beautiful spaces, and later transitioned into managing both residential and commercial projects. That blend of creativity and technical experience ultimately led me to start my own boutique interior design business, where I get to bring that same childhood instinct—seeing potential and transforming it thoughtfully—into every project I take on.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It definitely hasn’t been a smooth road—rewarding, yes, but far from linear. Having three children brought on its own set of challenges. When I became pregnant with my first, I decided to leave the design firm I was working for and start my own business. I thought that working for myself would offer the flexibility I needed with a newborn, but I quickly discovered how much there is to build behind the scenes and how difficult it can be to attract those first clients. Fortunately, I had strong relationships with contractors and realtors who referred my initial projects, giving me a foundation to start from.
That momentum didn’t last long, though. After my second child was born, the sleep deprivation and demands of breastfeeding meant I had to pause new project intake, which made me feel like I was starting over a second time. When my third arrived—with even more responsibilities—the cycle repeated, and once again I rebuilt, this time expanding my services to include home staging.
Just as things were stabilizing, Covid hit. My husband and I took a hard look at our lifestyle, work-life balance, and long-term goals and made the life-changing decision to shut down our business in Toronto,Canada; sell everything, and relocate to Raleigh, North Carolina. So for the fourth time, I started my interior design business from scratch—new brand, new market, new network. Each restart has made me more resilient, resourceful, and intentional, and those experiences continue to shape how I grow my business today.
As you know, we’re big fans of Co Interiors Inc.. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Co Interiors is a boutique interior design studio that focuses on creating thoughtful, functional, and beautifully cohesive spaces for real people and real lifestyles. I specialize in residential design; everything from full-service renovations and new builds to furnishing, styling, and space planning. What I’m most known for is my ability to blend aesthetics with practicality. With 15 years of experience in both interior design and construction project management, I approach every project with the eye of a designer and the mindset of a builder. That means my clients get spaces that look beautiful but also work effortlessly for the way they live.
What sets Co Interiors apart is our commitment to clarity, communication, and problem-solving. I believe design should feel exciting, not overwhelming. Clients consistently tell me that beyond loving the final result, they appreciate how supported and understood they feel throughout the process. I’m proud that my brand has become synonymous with approach ability, thoughtful detail, and delivering solutions, not just concepts.
I’m also proud of the way Co Interiors prioritizes creating low-stress, high-impact transformations. From establishing a clear vision, to collaborating with trades, to managing all the small decisions that go into a project, my goal is to make the experience enjoyable and seamless for every client. I also offer purchasing management with a transparent structure to save clients time, stress, and costly mistakes.
At its core, Co Interiors is about elevating how people feel in their homes. I want readers to know that whether someone needs help re-imagining their floor plan, selecting finishes, or furnishing an entire home, they’ll receive personalized service, thoughtful design, and a partner who’s fully invested in bringing their vision to life.
What matters most to you? Why?
What matters most to me is creating spaces and experiences that genuinely improve people’s daily lives. Interior design isn’t just about aesthetics to me; it’s about how a space makes someone feel, how it supports their routines, and how it reflects their story. I care deeply about that connection between environment and well-being because I’ve felt it myself since I was young. It’s what drew me into design in the first place.
Equally important is integrity in how I show up for my clients. Clear communication, follow-through, problem-solving, and delivering on my word matter to me. Clients trust me with their homes, and I don’t take that lightly. I want them to feel supported, understood, and confident from start to finish.
On a personal level, my family also plays a huge role in why I do what I do. Building a business that allows me to be present for my children while still pursuing my passion is something I value deeply. It has shaped how I run my company; prioritizing balance, intention, and meaningful work over simply taking on more.
Ultimately, what matters most is creating impact, through thoughtful design, strong relationships, and a business built on honesty, care, and purpose.
Pricing:
- $350 for inital design consultation to establish the foundation of your dream project.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.co-interiors.com
- Instagram: @curatorofinteriors
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/curatorofinteriors/
