Today we’d like to introduce you to Cesarina Johnson.
Hi Cesarina, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Starting college in 2008 at the University of Central Arkansas, all I’ve done is eat, sleep and breathe Interior Design. When I moved to Dallas to pursue the larger opportunities regarding Interior Design, my journey took me through 3 different full service Interior Design firms. Each one shaped me in an important way. I learned construction details, execution standards, client relationships, and what it truly takes to execute at a high level. I’m deeply grateful for those beginning chapters because they gave me a strong foundation. But no matter how much I was learning, there was always this internal roar telling me I wanted more. Not more projects, but more freedom. More intention. A clearer vision of how I believe the most successful projects and client experiences should feel. Over time, that vision became impossible to ignore. I knew exactly how I wanted to design, how I wanted clients to feel during the process, and how I wanted homes to live once they were finished. In 2024, I finally listened to that voice and founded House of Moxie. The idea was simple but bold: burn up the rule book and design more fearlessly. While I’m fluent in all design styles, what truly sets me apart is my willingness to push boundaries. I’m not afraid to give a space that extra “je ne sais quoi”, that unexpected moment that makes it feel personal, elevated, and different. I want my homes to stand out, to feel lived-in but powerful, refined but unapologetic. House of Moxie is the result of trusting my instincts and designing without fear, and that’s what continues to guide everything I create.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
One of the biggest obstacles I faced wasn’t external, it was internal. For a long time, I knew I had a clear vision and a distinct point of view, but stepping fully into it required bravery. It meant trusting myself enough to stand in my truth and believe that what I had to offer was not only valid, but valuable. Creating House of Moxie was as much a personal decision as it was a professional one. Moxie reflects how I live, how I work, and how I move through the world with intention and confidence.
I also didn’t grow up surrounded by luxury. My mother was a single mom raising three kids, and that experience shaped my work ethic and perspective. When I entered the luxury design space, there were moments of doubt, moments where I questioned whether you needed to come from that world in order to design for it. But I quickly learned that luxury isn’t about where you come from. It’s about understanding quality, storytelling, craftsmanship, and how a space makes someone feel. Once I moved to Dallas and immersed myself in the industry, I absorbed everything I could, and my confidence grew.
Through it all, there was always a stronger voice inside me urging me forward. My vision has always been clear, and learning to trust it was the turning point. The obstacle became the catalyst, pushing me to create something that feels honest, fearless, and entirely my own.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
What’s important to know about my business is that I design with the big picture always in mind, but I obsess over the details. Every home begins as a complete vision, yet I approach it area by area, intentionally dissecting how each space lives, flows, and feels. Even in the largest homes, I’m very focused on creating intimacy. I love carving out special nooks, moments of charm, and unexpected pauses that make a space feel personal and layered rather than overwhelming. No corner is overlooked, and even the smallest spaces are designed with the same level of thought as the most prominent rooms. I specialize in high-end residential design with a fearless point of view. While I’m fluent in many styles, I’m known for pushing a design just one notch further than expected. That might show up in custom cabinet detailing, thoughtful material pairings, or unexpected applications of paint, wallpaper, and finishes. I’m very detail-driven, especially when it comes to millwork, textures, and surfaces that elevate a space beyond the obvious. What truly sets me apart is my ability to balance refinement with edge. I design homes that feel elevated and luxurious, but also warm, lived-in, and distinctive. I don’t believe luxury should feel predictable. Every project is curated to feel intentional, expressive, and timeless, while still carrying a sense of boldness that makes it unmistakably House of Moxie.
What quality or characteristic do you feel is most important to your success?
The quality that has been most important to my success is trusting my vision. Having clarity is one thing but having the courage to honor it consistently is what truly moves a business forward. I’ve always had a strong point of view, and learning to stand behind it, even when it meant taking risks or pushing beyond what felt comfortable, has shaped both my work and my growth. That trust shows up in how I design, how I lead clients through the process, and how I make decisions for my business. It allows me to design with intention, push boundaries thoughtfully, and create spaces that feel distinct rather than derivative. When you trust your vision, you’re able to guide others with confidence, and that confidence is felt in the final result. It’s what allows House of Moxie to remain fearless, focused, and authentic.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://houseofmoxiedesigns.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/houseofmoxiedesigns
Image Credits
Michael Hunter Photography (Photographer) & Arneson Custom Homes (Builder)
