Tracy Metro’s Sticker Book Revolution: Bringing Fun and Freedom to Interior Design
Tracy Metro, a dynamic force in the world of interior design and television, is changing how people think about decorating their homes. With her innovative Design by Sticker sticker book, she’s inviting everyone—whether seasoned designers or beginners—to explore the world of interior design in a playful, pressure-free way. Known for her bold style and infectious energy, Tracy’s approach empowers people to embrace creativity and fun when designing their spaces.
The Spark Behind the Sticker Book Concept
The idea for Tracy’s sticker books came from a moment of inspiration. “In 2020, Harper Collins asked me to write a craft/interior design book about how to create a ‘happy home,’” Tracy explains. “While I was looking at other books for ideas, I saw a last page with unrelated stickers that said things like ‘Good Vibes Only!’ That got me wondering—does a repositionable sticker book for interior design exist? When I realized it didn’t, that’s when Design by Sticker was born.”
For Tracy, these books offer a unique way for people to explore interior design without the fear of making mistakes. “Design by Sticker can be such a valuable learning tool for beginners,” she says. “The book is filled with bite-sized, fun chapters on design principles, color theory, and personal design tips I’ve gathered over my 20-year career.”
Navigating the Creative Process
Creating these books came with its own set of challenges. When Tracy initially pitched the concept, she envisioned a playful activity book. But the project evolved into something bigger: “I thought we were just going to do an adult activity book with pictures and stickers, but when I saw the contract, it called for 10,000 words on interior design. I FREAKED OUT!” she laughs. “I wasn’t sure I had that much to say, but with my publisher’s support, I broke it down into small steps. I ended up writing a chapter a day over the holidays and finished the first draft within a few weeks.”
Making Design Accessible
Tracy’s mission has always been to make interior design accessible for everyone. Whether working with high-end clients or offering tips to viewers on shows like House Doctor, she’s constantly emphasizing that good design doesn’t have to break the bank. “Design doesn’t HAVE to be expensive,” she stresses. “You can always ‘mock up before you mess up,’ trying out different ideas with digital tools or simple tricks like using painter’s tape to see where things will go.”
Her time as a TV host has also influenced her design philosophy. “On House Doctor, I learned that small changes can have a huge impact. Sometimes, just rearranging or cleaning up a room can make all the difference.”
Celebrating Bold and Eclectic Style
When it comes to her personal style, Tracy loves to mix it up. “My style is very maximalist 1970s retro,” she admits. But she finds beauty in a wide range of design movements, from Industrial to Hollywood Regency. “I’m kinda the ANTI Coco Chanel,” she jokes, referencing her belief in adding more rather than taking away. “In my world, layering on one more accessory or color is always a good idea!”
One key design principle she swears by is color connectivity, which she encourages everyone to try. “It’s a simple concept—repeat one color three times in a room, and you’ll create harmony,” she explains.
Interior Design and Mental Health
Tracy is a firm believer in the connection between a well-designed space and mental well-being. “Our homes are our sacred spaces, where we’re our most authentic selves,” she says. “If your home doesn’t reflect who you are, you’re missing an opportunity for it to be a launching pad for your life. A home that feels right can foster mental health, whereas a home that feels off might create stress.”
For her, design is deeply personal, and she encourages everyone to embrace their unique style. “Let your freak flag fly,” she says, urging people to take risks in their home decor. “If you love it today, chances are you’ll still love it in 10 years!”
The Playful Approach to Design
With her sticker book, Tracy hopes to take the fear out of interior design and make it fun. “The repositionable stickers let you experiment with different furniture and layouts without the pressure of permanence,” she says. “You can mix and match, and if something doesn’t feel right, just peel it off and try again. It’s all about giving people the freedom to play with design.”
Looking Ahead
As she continues to inspire creativity with her books and TV work, Tracy is excited about what’s to come. Her sticker books offer a new, interactive way to think about design, and she’s eager to see how readers will use them to explore their personal style.
In the end, Tracy’s message is clear: design should be fun, and it should reflect who you are. “What’s the worst that can happen?” she asks. “Maybe you have to repaint a wall or recover a sofa—but that’s part of the adventure. Life is too short not to have fun with it. So go ahead, let your freak flag fly, and enjoy the process!”
