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Stick It, Love It, Live It: Tracy Metro’s Fearless Approach to Interior Design

Written by

Jorge Lucena

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Tracy Metro, a spirited interior designer and television personality, is rewriting the rules of interior design with her signature blend of creativity, approachability, and unapologetic self-expression. Known for hosting popular shows like House Doctor and for her vibrant style, Metro is now venturing into new territory with her interactive design sticker book released on December 17th, Design by Sticker, a project that embodies her love for bold choices, inventive experimentation, and encouraging others to embrace their inner designer. For Tracy, design isn’t just a profession; it’s a way to help others live fully and authentically.

Her book, Design by Sticker, takes a refreshingly interactive approach, inviting readers to design their own spaces using repositionable stickers. Inspired by the concept of hands-on creativity, Tracy conceived the book as a way for people to experiment without the fear of permanence. “I was looking at craft books and stumbled upon a random page of stickers, and a light bulb went off,” Tracy explains. “Why not make a repositionable sticker book where people can play with layouts, color schemes, and design principles without committing? I knew this was a new way to teach design—and a fun one!”

Design by Sticker is more than just a playful tool—it’s a vehicle for learning and self-discovery. It’s filled with Tracy’s hard-earned insights on color theory, spatial arrangement, and design fundamentals, all presented in short, digestible sections she calls “fun-sized candy bars” of knowledge. “This book gives readers permission to make mistakes and play with their style. Design should feel exciting, not intimidating,” she insists.

But while Design by Sticker is playful, Metro’s design philosophy is grounded in practicality and inclusivity. She believes beautiful design should be accessible to everyone, regardless of budget. Her philosophy, honed over years in the industry, is straightforward: “Design doesn’t have to be expensive. I always tell my clients to ‘mock up before you mess up.’ It’s about being resourceful, taking risks, and learning as you go.” Through her television work and design practice, she’s championed the idea that “cheap ‘n cheerful” makeovers can be as transformative as high-end ones, emphasizing creativity over cost.

Tracy’s accessible design principles are what she calls “color connectivity”—the simple yet impactful technique of repeating a color throughout a room. “Color connectivity is such an easy way for anyone to add flow and harmony to their space without the need for a professional designer,” she shares. “Choose a color and repeat it at least three times in the room. It’s a quick trick that makes any space feel cohesive.”

This accessible, hands-on style made Tracy a natural on shows like House Doctor and Home Made Simple, where she transformed rooms within tight budgets, proving that impactful design is possible for everyone. Her approach reflects her love for “maximalist 1970s retro” but also her respect for all design movements. “Asking me to pick a favorite style is like asking me to pick a favorite child! Every design movement has something magical, and that’s what makes this work so fun,” she says with characteristic enthusiasm.

Beyond her television and design projects, Metro wears many hats, including managing rental properties, running her design business, and now, promoting Design by Sticker. “My days are busy, and I love it that way,” she says. “I’m fully immersed in my clients, my book, and my projects. It’s about sharing what I love with as many people as possible.”

Through her projects, Metro’s ultimate goal is to empower people to make their spaces reflect who they are. “Our homes are mirrors of who we are,” she explains. “Your home should tell your story and be a place where you can truly be yourself. Don’t be afraid to let your freak flag fly!”

In Design by Sticker, Tracy Metro offers readers a uniquely interactive journey into the world of design—a journey that values experimentation, fun, and freedom from the fear of making mistakes. Whether it’s through repositionable stickers or her practical advice, she’s showing readers that design isn’t about perfection; it’s about discovery. Tracy’s mission is to help people create spaces that aren’t just beautiful but also deeply personal.

With Design by Sticker and her ever-energetic approach to life and design, Tracy Metro proves that home isn’t just a space to live in—it’s an extension of who you are, and it should bring joy, self-expression, and maybe even a little bit of fun-sized chaos into your life. As she puts it, “What’s the worst that can happen? You repaint a wall? Recover a sofa? Life’s too short not to take those chances.”

Embracing Tracy’s ethos, Design by Sticker is an invitation for everyone to explore, create, and live boldly within their own four walls.

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