Sandi Pleeter is the founder and lead designer of Haute Home, a new source for enhancing living and business spaces. Handling all aspects of her business, Sandi Harris Pleeter takes charge of conceptualization, pricing, vendor relations, lighting, and construction. She holds a BID interior design certification from the New York School of Interior Design in NYC.
Ms. Pleeter served on the sales staff of renowned fashion designer Todd Oldham. Later, she was the national sales director of Town and Country Living, a manufacturer and wholesaler of home textiles, where she oversaw product development, account management, and contract negotiations. She increased revenue by over 200 percent. She was a buyer and sales representative for Borobabi, a circular children’s clothing company.
Active in community service, Ms. Pleeter is a volunteer at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, leading visitors through modern art, American art, and other galleries, as well as participating in its children’s programs. In addition, she was a fundraiser for Ridgewood Public Schools in New Jersey and a co-op board member in NYC.
Ms. Pleeter earned a BA in communication from the State University of New York at Buffalo. In her spare time, she enjoys yoga, reading, traveling, and attending trade shows.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Every day is different—I thrive on variety and staying active! Whether consulting clients, hunting for vintage treasures, or styling a space, I keep my energy up with movement, fresh air, and (always) good coffee. Flexibility fuels my creativity.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Great design isn’t rushed—it simmers. I let ideas percolate through research, mood boards, and even subconscious marination (shower epiphanies count). When the vision clicks into place, that’s my green light to execute with total confidence.
What’s one trend that excites you?
Growth electrifies me—whether it’s a client’s evolving style, innovative smart home tech, or the quiet magic of personal reinvention. Change isn’t just inevitable; it’s the doorway to breathtaking new possibilities.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
My morning ritual is my favorite – early yoga to center myself before the day’s creative chaos, followed by that sacred first cup of coffee while reviewing my priorities. This combination of movement, mindfulness, and caffeine creates the perfect foundation for productive days filled with inspired design work. I’ve learned that when I honor this routine, everything else flows more smoothly – from client meetings to space planning to those sudden bursts of creative inspiration that often come mid-morning.
What advice would you give your younger self?
I would advise myself to go for it, trust the universe and love, love, love. Love makes the world go round.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Gratitude seems so cliché but it is cliché for a reason. Not everyone is lucky to find gratitude. I understand that. Sometimes just a gorgeous sky can do the trick, or a greeting with a neighbor, or a moment to reflect. Life is bumpy sometimes and glorious other times. So many layers. In either scenario, I want to remember and trust it all.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
When the whirlwind of deadlines and design decisions feels like too much, I hear my father’s steady voice: “This too shall pass.’” It’s my anchor. Then, I take a breath and break everything into tiny, manageable steps—whether it’s reorganizing a single shelf or tackling one email at a time. Before I know it, the overwhelm dissolves, and I’m back in my creative flow.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
My golden rule? Deliver beyond expectations—efficiently and joyfully. I listen deeply to clients’ visions, then refine them with realistic, beautiful solutions that leave everyone thrilled. When clients feel truly heard and projects run smoothly, satisfaction ripples outward; they refer friends, and I gain the privilege of more creative collaborations. It’s not just business—it’s building trust, one stunning space at a time.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Failure is a funny thing. Retrospectively, there is often a silver lining. I’d say early on, I said “no” too frequently. Now, I try to say “yes” in both business and personal situations.
What is one business idea you’re willing to give away to our readers?
Good question! A “Design Therapy” pop-up service—one-hour sessions to help clients solve their biggest home frustrations. Maybe it’s that awkward corner they avoid or a dysfunctional entryway drowning in backpacks and shoes. No full redesign needed; just smart, actionable tweaks to make their space work for them. It’s affordable for clients, low-commitment, and a golden opportunity to showcase your eye for solutions
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I am terrible with tech. It’s my weakness. Thank goodness for my sons. Tech might not be my superpower (thank goodness for my tech-savvy sons!), but I’ve embraced Canva as my digital sketchbook. I use it to quickly mock up mood boards, visualize color palettes, and share inspiration with clients—turning scattered ideas into cohesive visions. It’s intuitive enough for my “anti-tech” soul, yet powerful enough to make designs feel tangible before we ever lift a paintbrush!
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
Two profound companions on my journey: When Breath Becomes Air by Paul Kalanithi—a heartbreaking yet luminous meditation on what makes life meaningful. It reshaped my perspective on time and purpose. And Gut Punch podcast, which feels like coffee with a wise friend who isn’t afraid to talk about life’s messy pivots. Both remind me that beauty and growth often come from the unplanned chapters.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The Descendants remains my forever favorite—George Clooney’s raw performance in Hawaii’s lush backdrop is a masterclass in balancing beauty with life’s messy, emotional complexities. It mirrors what I love about design: spaces should be stunning, but they must also hold room for real life, grief, and unexpected grace.
Key learnings
- Growth emerges from embracing change—whether in design trends, personal evolution, or business challenges, adaptability fuels creativity.
- The power of small, intentional details—from $100 hardware upgrades to morning rituals—proves transformative in spaces and daily productivity.
- Client satisfaction stems from listening deeply and balancing visionary ideas with realistic execution, creating spaces that delight.
- Beauty and function coexist; the most meaningful designs honor both aesthetics and the messy, lived-in moments of life.
- Resilience is rooted in perspective—whether recalling a father’s wisdom or finding inspiration in life’s unexpected turns.