Meet Maria Bowers Who Turned from Finance to Design
Maria Bowers is a New Jersey-based interior designer with over a decade of experience transforming houses into dream homes. As the founder of BDesign’D, her studio specializes in creating livable, elegant spaces that balance beauty and functionality. Maria works closely with homeowners—whether they’re tackling a full renovation or just refreshing a room—offering everything from detailed space planning to curated design palettes and digital project guides.
Her journey into design wasn’t linear. After leaving the finance world to raise her two kids, Maria sought a creative outlet and stumbled upon an online interior decorating certification. What started as a hobby soon turned into a thriving business in 2016, fueled by requests from friends and family.
Today, Maria helps clients reimagine kitchens, bathrooms, basements, and entire homes, while also offering DIY-friendly digital design services for those who want professional guidance with a hands-on approach.
Discovering Coohom: A Game-Changer for Realistic Renderings
Maria first discovered Coohom in 2020 during the pandemic, when she needed a way to present highly realistic 3D renderings to clients remotely. Maria said:”I was hooked immediately—the rendering quality and intuitive interface made it so easy to learn. I haven’t looked for another tool since.”
Initially, she used Coohom for space planning and photorealistic visualizations of kitchens, bathrooms, and living areas. But as the platform evolved, she found herself relying on it even more. “Now that Coohom includes specialized tools for kitchen and bathroom design, I can keep everything in one program instead of switching between Chief Architect or SketchUp. It’s streamlined my entire workflow.”
Coohom in Action: Transforming Maria’s Design Process
When asked about how Coohom streamlined her workflow, Maria didn’t hesitate: “Coohom has become essential. It lets me create detailed layouts and lifelike renderings so clients fully understand the vision before committing. It speeds up decision-making and elevates the level of service I can offer – whether it’s a full renovation or just space planning tweaks.”
This power was on full display in one of her recent projects: a multi-functional basement renovation featuring a wine cellar, guest suite, and lounge. “I used Coohom to map out different kitchen layouts, test cabinetry configurations, and experiment with finishes. The renderings helped my clients visualize everything—from appliance placement to lighting—before construction even started. It gave them the confidence to move forward without hesitation.”
Design Philosophy & Advice for Coohom Beginners
Maria describes her style as “refined yet approachable”—mixing timeless elements with layered textures, neutrals, and subtle pops of color. “I want every space to feel curated and personal, but also comfortable enough to live in. My clients inspire me the most—their stories, daily routines, and how they want to feel in their homes.”
When asked about her advice for beginners, Maria shared:”Start simple, but don’t be afraid to explore! Coohom can feel overwhelming at first, but once you master the basics, the possibilities are endless. My biggest tip? Experiment with lighting and textures early on—they make a huge difference in how your final design comes across.”
Looking Ahead: A Digital-First Design Future
Maria is embracing remote design services, offering digital palettes, planning guides, and virtual consultations so clients can access professional guidance from anywhere. “Tools like Coohom let me expand beyond traditional design. Now, I can help more homeowners confidently tackle renovations on their own—with expert support just a click away.”
From finance to a flourishing design career, Maria leveraged Coohom to turn her creative passion into a thriving business that transforms homes and lives. It didn’t just help her visualize spaces – it helped visualize a whole new career path. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just discovering your creative calling, you can learn from Maria’s journey that reinventing your career is always possible and never too late as long as you have the right tools.
