Today we’d like to introduce you to Caitlin Mathias
Hi Caitlin, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Sure! My journey into design and real estate has been anything but linear—but that’s what makes it mine. I’m Caitlin Mathias, the founder of Yellow Door Properties, where we specialize in bold, beautiful interiors that breathe new life into homes, short-term rentals, and commercial spaces.
My creative roots go way back to my high school days at Savannah Arts Academy, where I immersed myself in graphic design and filmmaking. That love for storytelling eventually led me to earn a degree in broadcast journalism from the University of South Carolina. But somewhere along the way, I found myself drawn to a different kind of storytelling—the kind that happens through spaces.
I started in real estate over six years ago as a part-time admin and quickly worked my way up to become Director of Operations. That role gave me a behind-the-scenes look at what makes a property not just functional, but unforgettable—from seamless project coordination to curating stand-out client experiences. Alongside my work in real estate, I was investing locally and discovering how much I loved the process of transforming a house into a home.
It wasn’t long before design became more than just a side passion. As a self-taught designer with a keen eye and a relentless curiosity, I started bringing my vision to life—one project at a time. That eventually grew into Yellow Door Properties, a full-service design business inspired by the colorful charm of Savannah and built on the belief that beautiful spaces should feel just as good as they look.
Today, I get to help others reimagine their spaces with personality, intention, and joy. Whether it’s designing a cozy guest suite in a short-term rental or refreshing a family’s forever home, I bring heart, hustle, and a whole lot of creativity to every project.
When I’m not designing, you’ll probably find me on the beach at Tybee with my husband, our two sweet boys, and our two dogs (Grits and Pancakes), or curled up with a crochet project and a good podcast. Creating has always been at the core of who I am—and I’m so grateful I get to do it every day through Yellow Door Properties.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all—and honestly, I think that’s pretty common in any creative field. One of the biggest hurdles I’ve faced is the question that so many of us quietly carry: Am I good enough? Especially as a self-taught designer, I struggled with imposter syndrome early on. Without the formal credentials, there were moments when I questioned whether I truly belonged in the design world.
I remember my very first renovation—I poured everything into it, but halfway through the project, I hit a wall. I didn’t like where it was heading, and I realized it was because I was designing based on what I thought other people would want, rather than staying true to my own creative instincts. That experience taught me one of the most important lessons of my career: trust yourself.
Once I gave myself the freedom to lean into my own style, everything changed. My next renovation was more colorful, more fun, and more me. And the one after that? Even more so. Letting go of those doubts and leaning into my creative identity has made all the difference.
Of course, there are still challenges, especially navigating the design world as someone with a real estate background rather than a traditional design degree. But I’ve come to see that as one of my greatest strengths. I understand the business side of design—I know how to help investor clients make smart decisions about where to splurge and where to save. I can see a space not just for how it looks, but for how it lives, performs, and adds value over time.
The road hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been full of growth, grit, and a whole lot of learning—and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Yellow Door Properties is a full-service interior design studio that brings bold, beautiful, personality-filled spaces to life. We specialize in creating interiors that are both functional and unforgettable—whether it’s a cozy home, a vibrant short-term rental, or a stylish commercial space.
Our clients come to us for more than just pretty rooms—they come for thoughtful design that’s rooted in purpose. We’re known for using color, texture, and intentional layouts to tell a story through each space, all while keeping practicality and our clients’ goals at the forefront. From full home renovations to furnishing and styling, we offer a collaborative, down-to-earth approach that makes the process feel exciting and achievable.
What sets Yellow Door apart is the unique blend of creativity and strategy. With my background in real estate and experience as a local investor, I understand how design impacts property value—and how to help clients make smart, intentional decisions. I love helping investor clients figure out where to splurge and where to save, and guiding homeowners in creating spaces they truly love to live in.
Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Yellow Door Properties reflects who I am—bright, colorful, welcoming, and full of heart. It’s a brand that doesn’t shy away from personality, and that celebrates spaces that feel just as good as they look.
Whether you’re refreshing a single room, reimagining a short-term rental, or tackling a full renovation, I’m here to bring your vision to life—boldly, beautifully, and with plenty of fun along the way.
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
Growing up, I was definitely known for being a little quirky—in the best way. I was loud, energetic, and always ready to bring the vibe to any room. Yellow has always been my favorite color, and honestly, I think it sums me up pretty well: bright, bold, full of life, and a little unexpected.
I’ve always been someone who’s full of big ideas and even bigger energy. I was incredibly driven from a young age—always working toward a new goal or pouring myself into my next project. Whether it was school, a side hustle, or just rearranging my bedroom furniture for the 10th time, I loved being in motion and making something happen.
But more than anything, I always craved a creative outlet. Whether or not I had the skill didn’t matter—what mattered was the process. I needed to work with my hands, get messy, and make something. Art, DIY projects, painting, baking, crafting—you name it, I was trying it. I’ve just always felt my best when I’m creating, experimenting, and letting my imagination lead the way. That need to express myself creatively has stuck with me into adulthood and still shows up in everything I do—especially in my design work today.
At my core, I’ve always been a doer, a dreamer, and someone who wants to bring color—both literal and figurative—into the world around me.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yellowdoorpropertydesign.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yellow_door_properties/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61567668362672
Image Credits
Emily Caldwell
