Margaret Bienert doesn’t just design spaces. She builds daydreams you can step into.

 Through her love of vintage charm, pastel romance, and unapologetic whimsy, she reminds us that interiors aren’t meant to be neutral backdrops, but joyful reflections of who we are. From her enchanting boutique stay, Sweetheart Hideaway, to the colorful worlds she shares through her work, Margaret invites guests to experience design as delight. In this conversation, she shares the early influences behind her color-soaked aesthetic, why bathrooms deserve as much imagination as any other room, and how small, playful details can transform everyday routines into something transportive.

Your work celebrates vintage charm, kitsch, and playful nostalgia. What early memories or places first shaped your love for colorful, character-filled spaces?

The earliest memories I can think of are Disney cartoons that featured completely girly interiors with lots of colors and ribbons and heart-shaped furniture. I would daydream about living in places like that! When I got a bit older, I watched a ton of Doris Day movies from the 60s and that world was just full of pastel colors and romance and I think that solidified my love of vintage interiors.

From heart-shaped tubs to whimsical hotel bathrooms, you’ve seen it all. What makes a bathroom feel joyful, romantic, or transportive rather than purely functional?

I think it’s important to put the same amount of effort into the decor as you put into the function. With every necessary element of a space, ask yourself how it could be made in a more fun or delightful way. I think that’s how you end up with a heart-shaped tub, a swan-shaped faucet, or pink toilets and red showerheads! Bringing whimsy and surprising elements into a design will automatically transport you because it’s not all familiar in a way that your brain can kind of ignore. I think being intentional with those kinds of touches, even on a smaller scale like adding decorative towels or fun soaps, are all ways to bring a romantic feel to a room.

Sweetheart Hideaway feels like stepping into a daydream. When you design a space, how do you balance nostalgia with modern comfort so it feels magical, not gimmicky?

I start by designing the look first - so bringing in those super authentic and nostalgic vintage pieces to be the base. Once I have the design I love, I go through each element and ask if it is functional, comfortable, and quality enough for the room and start making some changes. Sometimes that means simple upgrades like replacing a bed platform or mattress, and other times it means admitting a chair isn’t comfortable enough and shopping around for a similar style to swap in.

In a world that often leans minimal and neutral, you champion kitsch and personality. Why do you think people are craving more playful, expressive interiors right now?

We’re in an era of being bombarded with bad news constantly. That may never change, but it certainly gives our brains a desperate need for joy and rest. I do think a minimal, neutral space can help with the relaxation part, but sometimes a space that is full of whimsy and personality refreshes the brain in a totally new way that can actually bring some hope and empowerment. A bold room can give someone permission to be totally themselves and remind you that life is worth living boldly!

You’ve stayed in countless hotels through A Pretty Cool Hotel Tour.  What’s one small detail in a bathroom or shower that instantly tells you a place was designed with care?

I really love when there are multiple lighting options! That way the room can be bright if you’re getting ready and doing your makeup, but have softer light if you’re trying to relax.

What’s one small, joyful detail from a vintage hotel stay you wish everyone could bring into their everyday routine?

Towel swans! They’re actually so simple to learn how to fold but they are so fun and all you need is towels. Next time you’re having a guest stay over, put a couple of towel swans on the end of their bed and witness their surprise and delight!