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As a career woman, working in market research and data analytics at Google, Washington, D.C. resident, Michaela Hillman has cultivated a living space that serves as both a creative sanctuary and a testament to thoughtful curation. Her role as a Market Research, Analytics, and Insights Manager requires precision and attention to detail—skills that seamlessly translate into her approach to home design. Drawing from her analytical background, Hillman approaches interior decoration with the same methodical consideration she brings to data interpretation, creating spaces that are both functionally efficient and aesthetically compelling.

Hometown: Northwest Indiana
Currently: Washington, D.C.
Size: 1200 square feet
Status: Own
Beds: 2
Baths: 2

Her Sourcing Strategy Came Into Play

Hillman’s sourcing strategy exemplifies this systematic yet creative approach, primarily utilizing Facebook Marketplace, Etsy, and traditional thrift stores. Each piece is evaluated not just for its visual appeal, but for its potential to contribute to the broader narrative of her space. This curation extends to her bargaining strategies, demonstrated by finds like a CB2 Carbon Burl Wood Console acquired at half its retail price through strategic marketplace monitoring.

The influence of her global perspective, shaped by visits to 30 countries and extensive domestic travel, manifests in an orchestrated collection of functional art pieces. Each item, whether a handcrafted rice paddle from Hawaii or an authentic azulejo from Lisbon, is a data point in the larger story of her travels. Her home has become a living dataset of experiences, each room analyzed and optimized for aesthetic impact and practical functionality.

Hillman’s Most Expensive Investments

Hillman’s most significant investments reflect her data-driven decision-making process. The Interior Define Graham Bed ($2,795) and Saatva Latex Hybrid King Mattress ($2,170) were chosen after extensive research and analysis of comfort metrics and design parameters. Her space is further enhanced by architectural features like 10-foot ceilings and abundant natural light, elements she leverages to maximize the impact of her “romantic maximalist” design approach. This fusion of analytical thinking and creative expression has resulted in a space that not only serves as a personal retreat but also showcases how data-driven decision-making can enhance creative pursuits.

The Point Of It All

Every morning, as sunlight streams through her north-facing windows, Michaela greets her home with gratitude. This space is more than just a collection of “pretty” pieces—it’s a living, breathing testament to the beautiful intersection of precision and creative expression. In a world where data drives decisions, Hillman has proven that numbers and narratives can coexist beautifully, creating a space that’s both measured and magical. Her home is proof that when we approach design with both heart and mind, we create something truly extraordinary — a space that’s not just lived in, but deeply loved.

Keep up with Michaela on Instagram and TikTok.