About Me

Hello! I'm Carole Kerch, founder and lead designer at Swell Design.

Growing up on the coast of California, I developed an early appreciation for the relaxed, sun-soaked aesthetic that makes coastal living so special. That sensibility has shaped everything I do as a designer, and it's exactly what I bring to every vacation rental I work on.

My journey into interior design started in fashion. For years I worked as a fashion designer, creating looks for photo shoots, catalogs, and runway shows for major department stores. I was immersed in the art of visual storytelling, transforming concepts into captivating designs and carefully crafting every detail to create a cohesive, inspiring image. When I became a mom and found myself spending more time at home, my creativity naturally shifted from fashion to interiors. The same principles I had honed in fashion, texture, color, composition, and mood, translated seamlessly into designing spaces that feel equally expressive and intentional.

What sets my work apart is that I've been on both sides of the vacation rental experience. As a vacation rental owner myself, I understand what guests respond to and what owners actually need: spaces that are beautiful, durable, easy to turn over quickly, and built to perform. I have a natural talent for cheerful, vacation-ready furnishings that feel fresh and inviting without being fussy. Guests should walk in and immediately feel like they're on holiday.

At Swell Design, I work with both individual property owners and vacation rental property managers across southern California. Whether you're furnishing a new property from scratch or refreshing an underperforming one, my goal is the same: a space that books well, photographs beautifully, and earns the kind of reviews that keep your calendar full.