On the Couch With Erika Powell

Outside the Box

Erika McPherson Powell sees life in the details. She was born (an identical twin) in Norfolk, Virgina, but was raised in a handful of towns across the United States. Unlike many of her classmates, Erika spent her high school years following her parents to antique and flea markets and assisting with their endless renovation projects.

She spent a summer in New York City as intern for Victoria Hagan Interiors and for renowned textiles maker Scalamandré before graduating cum laude with a bachelor of science degree in interior design from Auburn University.

At 23, Erika set out on her own and began Urban Grace Interiors in the sleepy coastal town of Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. Erika is also the mastermind behind a blog of the same name, which serves as a daily dose of her creative, interesting musings for readers around the world.