Today we’d like to introduce you to Cristi Island.
Cristi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve believed that the spaces we live in shape the way we live our lives. That belief became the foundation of my 20-year career as an interior designer, where I had the privilege of creating homes that were not only beautiful but deeply personal. Over the years, I designed and sold homes across San Diego, each project teaching me how to balance luxury with livability and how to bring out the unique spirit of every space.
Seven years ago, I moved to San Diego, ready for a new chapter. With its coastal charm and vibrant lifestyle, the city inspired me to build something fresh—a high-end Airbnb and luxury-focused design firm. What started as a vision quickly became a thriving business, allowing me to merge hospitality and design in a way that elevated guest experiences while maximizing property value. I learned how to create spaces that didn’t just photograph well but left lasting impressions, leading to a loyal following and repeat success.
That journey naturally led me into real estate. For the past five years, I’ve thrived as an agent, blending my design expertise with my passion for sales. I don’t just list homes—I stage, market, and position them to shine. My background allows me to see not only what a home is, but what it could be, and I love helping clients unlock that potential.
Today, my work is about more than selling homes—it’s about creating lifestyles, helping people find spaces where their lives can unfold in new and exciting ways. From high-end design to luxury rentals to real estate, every step of my journey has built on the one before, bringing me exactly here: where passion meets purpose.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
My path hasn’t been a straight line or a perfectly smooth ride. While I was building a career I loved in design and later in real estate, I was also navigating the most important role of my life—being a mom. Motherhood has always been at the center of my world, and like so many women, I found myself constantly balancing ambition with responsibility,
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
my work isn’t just about homes—it’s also about people. I have a special passion for helping families find the right space for the life they’re building. I understand what it means to create a home, because motherhood has been such a defining part of my own journey. Balancing business and family hasn’t always been easy, but it’s shaped me into someone who values connection, resilience, and hard work above all else.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up, creativity was always at the core of who I was. I was constantly exploring different outlets—photography, ceramics, painting, and any project that let me work with my hands. I also had a love for antiquing, digging through treasures and imagining the stories behind each piece. Those early passions shaped the way I see the world today: with an eye for detail, history, and beauty in the unexpected.
The minute I had the chance, I started traveling. Leaving the Midwest was more than just geography—it was about breaking out of the mold I’d grown up in and chasing possibility. Every new place, every culture, and every design I encountered expanded my perspective and fueled my creative spirit.
Pricing:
- Interior Design Services $95/hr
Contact Info:
- Website: Cristiisland.firstteam.com and thecolorpickers.com
- Instagram: @cristiislandhomes @thecolorpickers
- LinkedIn: Cristi Island
