By: Sarah Morton
Tracy Metro has long been recognized for her eclectic design sense and engaging personality, qualities that have made her a well-regarded figure in the world of interior design and television. From her lively appearances on House Doctor to her new venture as an author, Tracy continues to explore fresh ways to rethink our living spaces. Her latest book, Design by STICKER, which is set to release on December 17th, offers an invitation to refresh your home’s decor with a sense of playfulness. In her own words, it’s a “fun read with practical takeaways, some educational insights, and inspirational pieces of furniture to admire.” With this book, Tracy hopes to empower readers to experiment with design in a way that feels approachable and enjoyable.
The inspiration for Design by STICKER came to Tracy during a meeting with Harper Collins in 2020. “They asked me to write a craft/interior design book about how to create a ‘happy home,’” Tracy recalls. While brainstorming ideas, she came across a sticker page at the back of a book, completely unrelated to design, which featured phrases like “Good Vibes Only!” “It got me wondering if a repositionable sticker book about interior design existed… To my surprise, I found that nothing quite like it had been done before!” With this realization, she set out to create a book that not only shared design principles but also allowed readers to experiment with different styles—without the pressure of permanent changes. “It was at that moment that Design by STICKER was born!” she says with enthusiasm.
In Stick It!, Tracy provides a variety of tips that simplify the basics of interior design, making it feel less intimidating and more like a creative collaboration with a friend. “The take-away bits are bite-sized… almost like a fun-sized candy bar,” she shares. The interactive element of repositionable stickers adds another layer of accessibility, allowing readers to “play with layering in different styles of furniture to see how they work together.” Tracy believes that the freedom to experiment, without the fear of permanent decisions, can help readers uncover their own unique design preferences. “If you don’t like it, no problemo!” she reassures. “All they have to do is unstick the piece of furniture and replace it… since the stickers are repositionable, it’s a low-risk way to explore ideas.”
For Tracy, design is a deeply personal journey, and she encourages people to let their personalities shine through in their homes. “Our homes are our sacred spaces; they are the places where we can be our most authentic selves,” she reflects. “If you’re doing it right, your home reflects who you are… Creating a space that feels true to you can contribute to a sense of well-being.” Her approach emphasizes creating a home that isn’t about chasing trends but rather about crafting an environment that feels uniquely yours. “If your home feels like you, then it can become a powerful foundation for your life.”
Photo Courtesy: JOPR / Tracy Metro
Tracy’s work on House Doctor has also shaped her understanding of the impact of simple changes. “Oftentimes, people think they need to get a new sofa, area rug, repaint the walls, AND add a cool statement piece to make a difference,” she says. But sometimes, she finds, meaningful design can be achieved through small adjustments like decluttering or rearranging existing furniture. This idea aligns with one of her key design principles: color connectivity. “Select one color and repeat it in the room three times throughout, and you’ll create a sense of cohesion!” It’s a straightforward technique that can make a room feel more unified, and it’s something anyone can try without needing professional help.
Through Design by STICKER, Tracy hopes readers gain confidence in their ability to make design decisions, regardless of their experience level. “It’s important to note that this book isn’t meant to guide you through designing a room from start to finish,” she clarifies. “But what readers can do is play around with the design principles I share. They can explore ideas in a low-pressure way.” For her, the goal is to make the process of decorating accessible and enjoyable. “It’s the perfect gift for anyone with even a passing interest in design,” she beams.
While Stick It! is a playful approach, Tracy is serious about one thing: encouraging her readers’ creativity. “Let your freak flag fly!” is her signature mantra, and she urges readers to embrace their unique style without hesitation. “In general, people worry about doing anything too bold because they fear it might go out of style,” she says. But according to Tracy, the more you lean into your personal taste, the more timeless your decor can feel. “If you love it today, chances are you’ll still appreciate it in 10 years… So, embrace your individuality and have fun!”
One of the key lessons Tracy has learned from her career is the importance of editing down your belongings. “One of the most common mistakes I see people make is having way too much stuff!” she laughs, admitting she’s no exception to this herself. However, she believes that paring down to only what you truly love can lead to a sense of mental freedom. “If you can shift your mindset to let go of things that aren’t adding value, you’ll likely feel a greater sense of clarity and liberation.”
With her varied roles as a TV host, designer, and now author, Tracy’s days are busy. But it’s a lifestyle she embraces wholeheartedly. “If my clients aren’t happy, then nobody is happy!” she exclaims, emphasizing that their satisfaction always comes first. Yet she finds joy in each of her roles. “This kind of repositionable sticker book about interior design is a new concept, so I’m excited to share it with everyone.” For her, every day is an opportunity to share her passion for design, a sentiment that shines through in her spirited book.
Design by STICKER is more than just an activity book—it’s Tracy’s invitation for you to explore, experiment, and, most importantly, have fun. Her ultimate goal is to help people feel empowered in their own homes. “What’s the worst that can happen? You might need to repaint a wall because the color isn’t quite right? Or recover a sofa?” she laughs, radiating her trademark optimism. “Tell them that Aunt Tracy said, ‘Let your freak flag fly!’” With Stick It!, Tracy Metro shows that interior design can be accessible, transformative, and, above all, a joyful expression of self.
Published by Tom W.
