Meet Kayla
A lifelong love of home, tradition, and the stories held within our walls.
I’m the founder and principal designer behind Cardinal Interiors. Rooted in Southern hospitality and inspired by the way a beautiful home can shape a family’s everyday life, my work is about far more than creating lovely rooms. I design timeless, deeply personal interiors where families can live graciously, gather often, and build a legacy for generations to come.
Let’s work together
Once upon a time
I thought I would own a social media marketing company for the rest of my life. Then interior design found me.
Before Cardinal Interiors, I owned a social media marketing company with my best friend. Together, we helped small business owners share their stories, grow their businesses, and work toward their biggest goals. It was fulfilling work, and we had so much fun doing it.
Then I took a small side job with a local interior design company, helping inside its retail storefront. I quickly fell in love with the fabrics, faux florals, layered patterns, and endless possibilities of color. Before long, I was given the opportunity to complete my first full design project from beginning to end. When the installation was finished, I pulled out of the client’s driveway on cloud nine. Seeing the entire room come together, and watching the client experience her transformed home, made something click.
I knew I had found the work I was meant to do.
Not long after that first installation, I stepped away from the marketing company and entrusted it to my friend so I could pursue interior design wholeheartedly. Seeing the joy on my client’s face as she entered her newly finished living room gave me a feeling I couldn’t quite explain, and all these years later, it still hasn’t gotten old.
Since then, Cardinal Interiors has grown from one exciting project into a full-service design firm. I’ve had the privilege of transforming everything from primary suites and kitchens to new builds, commercial spaces, and entire family homes. Every project is different, but my favorite moment remains the same: watching a client walk into a finished space and realize that it feels even more like home than it did before.
Today, I get to build Cardinal Interiors with the support of my high school sweetheart and husband, Brandon, while raising our two little ones here in Middle Tennessee. We live close to family, are deeply rooted in a church community we adore, and feel incredibly grateful for the life we’ve built. This business has given me the opportunity to do work I genuinely love, serve wonderful families, and help create homes where their own stories can unfold. It’s a privilege I never take for granted.
Top: My babe, Brooks. Left, my fave place, NYC. Right: My second love is hosting. Here’s my son’s 1st birthday, His Rookie Year!
My really official bio, the TL;DR version
Kayla Compton is the founder and principal designer of Cardinal Interiors, a full-service design firm rooted in timeless style and Southern hospitality. A wife, mother, and lifelong lover of tradition, she helps families create beautiful, deeply personal homes that support everyday life, welcome the people they love, and tell their stories for generations to come.
Now for the important stuff
Super fun facts
- 01
I have an obsession with antiques. Every room in my house has at least 3 antique pieces.
- 02
My hubby and I are high school sweethearts and we've been married for 9 years now!
- 03
My favorite movie is Pride & Prejudice (the Kiera Knightley version) and I've watched it probably no less than 1,000x.
- 04
I still read magazines. Southern Living is nostalgic for me.
The Quiz
Your at-a-glance guide to where I stand on all the truly important things.
- Favorite indulgence
- Birthday Cake of all kinds (I don't discriminate.)
- Celeb I'd love to meet
- Julia Roberts
- Guilty pleasure
- The Smartless Podcast - I've listened to every episode at least twice!
- Alternate universe job
- Florist! I love arranging flowers.
- Favorite place I've been
- NYC, there's nothing like the city!
- Drink of choice
- Pistachio Cream Cold Brew from Starbucks
- Can't live without
- My color-coded digital planner!
- Usually craving
- Something sweet... or sushi
- Beach vs mountains
- Beach, beach, baby
- Favorite show to binge
- Anything that is a murder mystery!
What we stand on
Cardinal Company Values
Rooted in Tradition, Designed for Today
We believe in the timeless power of tradition, the stories, rituals, and styles that connect generations. Our work honors the past while thoughtfully adapting it to modern life, helping families rediscover what matters most.
Home is a Feeling
Coziness isn't just a look, it's a feeling. We craft spaces that invite connection, warmth, and comfort. Every detail is intentional, designed to make home feel like a true sanctuary.
Integrity in Every Detail
Honesty, fairness, and trust are the foundation of every interaction, with our clients, our team, and our partners. We hold ourselves to the highest standards in both words and actions.
Beauty with Purpose
Design is more than aesthetics. We believe in creating spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful, environments that support daily life while inspiring joy and calm.
Every Family Has a Story
We celebrate the uniqueness of every family. Our designs reflect their stories, values, and way of life, with no two spaces ever exactly the same.
Luxury in Experience
Luxury is not just about materials, it's about feeling cared for. From concept to completion, we provide a seamless, elevated experience that makes clients feel understood, respected, and delighted.
Ready to create a space that is uniquely you?
Contact me today to get started on your journey.
Let’s work together