Member Spotlight: Katie Argueta of Argueta Abode Designs

moms to know

Mar 5

Designing a Life on Her Terms: How Motherhood Fueled My Boldest Leap

Katie Argueta

For Katie Argueta, interior design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about connection, intuition, and transformation. As the founder of Argueta Abode Designs, she has a unique ability to step into a space, instantly visualize its potential, and create designs that feel deeply personal to her clients.

Her approach extends beyond furniture choices and color palettes; she dives into the emotions and functionality of a space, considering how it will shape her clients’ daily experiences. Katie doesn’t just design rooms—she crafts environments that promote comfort, creativity, and a sense of belonging. Whether it’s a peaceful retreat for a busy mom, a family-friendly space where little ones can thrive, or a refined area that elevates a home’s aesthetic, she ensures that every design choice serves a greater purpose.

By blending strategy with intuition, Katie seamlessly bridges the gap between what her clients say they want and what they actually need. She has an innate talent for picking up on unspoken preferences, effortlessly curating mood boards, sketches, and product selections that reflect not just their taste—but their lifestyle. Through her work, she transforms homes into intentional, functional, and inspiring spaces that help her clients live their best lives.

FOLLOW Katie

The Moment Everything Shifted

I remember it so vividly—just a few months into my return to work after maternity leave with my second baby, I found myself stuck in an impossible juggling act. My husband and I were piecing together childcare day by day. Since I mostly worked from home and he was a contractor with a flexible schedule, he would step in to watch the kids whenever I had calls. But the reality was, it wasn’t sustainable. He was constantly pulled away from job sites, and I was trying to keep everything together, unsure of what my next career move should be. I knew I wasn’t happy in my job, but I hadn’t yet admitted to myself that I needed a change.

Then came the moment that forced me to face it head-on. My husband was stuck at work, and I had a Zoom meeting scheduled with my team and a client. I did everything I could to set myself up for success—loaded the playroom with toys, turned on a show, handed out snacks. But as the meeting time approached, I could feel it all unraveling. The distractions weren’t enough. My kids were getting restless, and just as I was about to unmute myself, they both started crying, demanding my attention.

I sat there, laptop open, heart racing, two little ones clinging to me—and in that instant, something inside me snapped. I can’t do this anymore. Without hesitation, I shut my laptop, messaged my team that I was taking my remaining PTO, and walked away for good. The unknown was terrifying, but the relief I felt in that moment was undeniable.

At first, I scrambled to find freelance marketing work, thinking that was the natural next step. But nothing stuck. Every opportunity felt forced, and the more I searched, the more I questioned—why was I pouring so much energy into building someone else’s business when I could be building my own?

That’s when it hit me. Interior design had always been my passion, something I thought I’d pursue later in life. But why later? Why wait until retirement when I could take the leap now? Instead of helping other people grow their brands, I decided to bet on myself—to build a business doing what I truly loved. And from that moment on, there was no looking back.

Balancing CEO + Mama Life

With two young kids (ages 3.5 and 1.5), Katie knows the balancing act is real. She’s found her rhythm through a mix of preschool, grandma and friend support, quiet time, and—her personal favorite—the two free hours of childcare her gym provides daily. “I swear by my Monday.com boards to keep things organized,” she adds.

Katie also credits Made for Mothers for keeping her motivated and energized as she builds her business and navigates motherhood.

Design with Heart

Katie’s process is all about connection. She has a gift for understanding her clients’ vision quickly and translating it into mood boards, sketches, and design plans that feel like them. Whether reimagining a room’s purpose or creating a space that promotes peace and creativity, Katie’s goal is to elevate her clients’ lifestyles through intentional design.

A Life Designed with Purpose

From closing her laptop on a job that no longer served her to creating a thriving interior design business, Katie’s journey is a testament to trusting your instincts and betting on yourself.

She didn’t wait for permission or the “perfect” time. She made the leap, built her business from the ground up, and now helps others create spaces that bring them joy every day.

Her story is proof that sometimes, the moment that feels like an ending is actually the beginning of something greater.

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about YOUR HOST

Hey, I’m mariah

BOY MAMA and MADE FOR MOTHERS CEo + FOUNDER

My claim to fame is burning my multi-six-figure marketing agency to the ground when my son was born in order to create the village I needed so badly as a CEO & mom. I felt deeply alone, and I knew there was a better way! And guess what!? I figured it out, moms just need to be deeply rooted for, seen by, and surrounded by other moms!

If you're NEW to the Made for Mothers community, just know that his table is long and wide, there are plenty of seats, no cool girls, no gossip, no aggressive networking, no stressing if your babies can tag along... we're mothers first, and wildly ambitious entrepreneurs second AND you belong here!.