This self-taught young designer was motivated to learn as much as possible about the kitchen-and-bath industry, making a commitment to NKBA programs that earned her CKBD certification and Thirty Under 30 honors as she grew her Rhode Island-based interior design business.
By Donna Heiderstadt
In 2021, just three short years after making the jump from studying nursing to designing kitchens and bathrooms, Lyndsey Seddon founded her own design firm and showroom, Seddon Design Co., in Pascoag, RI. Having grown up surrounded by new builds and renovations — her family is in the construction business — she immediately took calculated steps to develop her design, project management and self-taught CAD skills while simultaneously achieving NKBA’s Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) certification.
Since founding her design firm, Lyndsey has served as the lead designer and specifier for new homes in a multimillion dollar residential development, completed numerous remodeling jobs and taken on larger commercial design projects. Lyndsey has also juggled her career launch with motherhood, as she and her husband, Devan, welcomed their son, Boden, in April 2022.
Lyndsey’s current favorite project is a master bathroom she recently completed for a client in Providence, RI, that required the complete gutting of the bathroom in a third-story residence — a challenging project because the 15-18 inches of concrete between each unit required incredibly precise saw-cutting to redirect the plumbing. “Everything was upgraded, from a high-tech toilet to Kohler’s new Statement and Anthem collection in the shower,” she says. “The client now has a modern, walk-in curbless shower, with tiles that are 36×72 in size across the entire floor. This project stands out to me for both the technical challenges and the beautiful, modern results.”
We asked Lyndsey to offer insights into how her involvement with NKBA — in addition to achieving CKBD certification, she was also named a member of the Thirty Under 30 Class of 2024 — has helped her establish credibility and grow her business.
What inspired you to achieve CKBD certification from the NKBA so early in your design career?
When I switched career paths from nursing to design, I promised myself I would immerse myself fully in this field. I discovered the CKBD certification as an opportunity to learn as much as possible. The study guides and flashcards were great tools for learning and refreshing my knowledge, and they helped me identify areas where I could grow. Achieving my CKBD certification is something I’m incredibly proud of, and it feels like a major milestone in my career.
How has CKBD certification helped you in developing your design business? What advice do you have for other young designers considering certification?
The design world is vast, and consumers appreciate seeing that you’re involved and knowledgeable. Since I’m self-taught, gaining the CKBD certification has been invaluable. It’s a fantastic resource, and I believe it gave me credibility in a field where I didn’t have formal education. My advice for young designers is to go for it. Certification helps you grow your knowledge, and clients see it as a mark of professionalism.
How has your business and homeowner requests for kitchen and bath projects changed since you founded your design company in 2021?
Since starting my business post-COVID, I’ve noticed a shift in what homeowners are requesting for their kitchen and bath projects. Clients are spending more time thinking about how their homes serve them after being inside so much. Many now emphasize wanting their homes, particularly their kitchens, to feel welcoming and functional. There’s a focus on organic, clean and elegant designs that can stand the test of time.
I’ve also had to adapt my style to fit the diverse range of projects I’ve taken on between SDC and House of LT with co-founder Talia Formicola, from colorful beach investment properties and new builds in Narragansett to old-charm homes in Newport, to finishing entire logo cabin homes in the woods. Each project has pushed me to evolve my approach based on both the environment and what each client truly needs.
My business has come a long way since I first started. What began with smaller-scale flip homes has grown into managing multi-million-dollar projects, working on historic properties, and fully furnishing homes. It’s been an exciting journey of growth and change!
What do you enjoy most about your job, and what are currently the biggest challenges?
What I enjoy most about my job is the final reveal — seeing the clients’ reactions when they first experience their new space. It’s incredibly rewarding, especially knowing how much they’ve invested emotionally and financially. The best part is when they send me photos of family gatherings in their redesigned space months later; that’s when I know the work truly made an impact.
Currently, my biggest challenge is time management. We’re finally looking to hire someone new at the firm, but it’s proving to be tough in today’s market. Balancing being a mom and running my own business is a constant challenge, and I’m learning that it’s okay to have dedicated family time and to prioritize work when needed. Finding that balance is key.
What message would you like to send to other young designers about joining the NKBA, attending KBIS and applying to programs like Thirty Under 30?
My message to young designers is simple: network, network, network! I wish I had started doing this earlier in my career. Through the NKBA, I’ve built connections all over the country, and even abroad. These relationships allow us to bounce ideas off each other, share product recommendations and support each other through the challenges of the industry.
Being part of NKBA’s Thirty Under 30 has been a special achievement — something I promised my younger self I would reach. I highly encourage young designers to get involved in the NKBA, attend KBIS and apply to programs like Thirty Under 30. It’s incredibly rewarding, so never give up and always strive for growth!
