Designing for real life

Photography by Brandi Stage Portraiture | Makeup/hair: Bria Fowler, Elle Louise, LLC

When Paula Gamboa talks about design, it’s clear she’s not just describing floor plans and fixtures; she’s talking about life — how it unfolds, how it changes and the crucial role our homes play in our personal stories.

“I’ve worked across design, construction, operations and leadership, which has given me a rare perspective,” Gamboa says. “I understand not just how a space should look, but how it’s built, how it functions over time and how decisions made early can either simplify or complicate a homeowner’s life.”

That holistic approach bolsters everything she does today as co-founder, CEO and interior designer with Gulfport-based FC Design Center. The full-service showroom offers flooring, finishes and expert guidance — serving as a trusted resource for customers navigating important decisions.

“Our clients include homeowners, builders, developers and design professionals who value thoughtful planning, realistic budgeting and a streamlined experience,” Gamboa says. “They aren’t simply looking for materials; they’re looking for clarity, confidence and the assurance that every decision is being made with intention.”

‘BECAUSE HOME MATTERS’

Gamboa has a better understanding of transition and uncertainty than most. Before design became a passion, it was a necessity for the Florida native, whose family came to the Coast after Hurricane Katrina to help rebuild.

In 2014, she launched FloorCo Flooring & Design Center, which she rebranded and expanded last year into the FC Design Center.

“I saw firsthand how overwhelming construction and renovation can be for homeowners; there was a clear gap between vision and execution,” Gamboa says. “FC Design Center was created to close that gap. I wanted to build a place where clients could make informed decisions, feel supported and trust that beauty and function didn’t have to be mutually exclusive.”

Her husband, Gus, serves as her partner in both life and business, and together, they’ve built not only companies — but a family rooted in shared values, creativity and momentum. Being mom to three very different boys has shaped Gamboa and her approach to leadership in ways her career never could.

“Life unfolds quickly between job sites, ball fields and performances,” she says, “and it has taught me to value adaptability, presence and intentional use of time.”

Bringing a deep sense of empathy to her work, she realizes that homes must be designed with real life in mind — accounting for families’ schedules, budgets and evolving needs. From the start, she’s been motivated by the belief that a home can be both beautiful and approachable — thoughtfully designed without feeling out of reach.

“This work matters because homes matter,” Gamboa says. “They hold our lives, our families and most meaningful moments. Being entrusted with that responsibility is not something I take lightly; it’s what fuels my passion.”

HELPING CLIENTS MOVE FROM UNCERTAINTY TO CONFIDENCE

When homeowners feel stuck in a space, Gamboa is there to help them determine what’s not working and why. Once the obstacles are cleared, clients can focus more easily on what works for their goals and lifestyle; small, intentional tweaks — like refining finishes, adding wallpaper or adjusting how light enters a room — can be transformative.

“My role is to simplify the process and translate possibilities into clear design solutions,” Gamboa explains, “helping clients move from uncertainty to confidence by selecting materials and products that bring function, balance and longevity back into their home.”

One important distinction she draws for clients is between permanent design decisions and flexible ones. For instance, features like flooring, cabinetry, countertops and layouts should feel “timeless and grounded,” Gamboa says, while elements like wallpaper or decorative finishes are less permanent and easier to update as tastes change.

“When homeowners want the biggest impact from a single investment, professionals consistently point to foundational updates,” she adds. “Paint, flooring and lighting offer the highest return because they influence how the entire home looks, feels and functions.”

She tends to be wary of trends that are rooted in extremes, like overly bold finishes, highly specific color moments or materials picked purely for visual impact. While these choices may feel exciting in the moment, Gamboa cautions, they can date a home quickly.

“By anchoring the home in durable, classic materials and allowing personality to show through adaptable elements,” she says, “spaces can continue to feel right five, 10, or even 20 years from now.”

Her further words of advice: Slow down, ask questions, and work with professionals who see the full picture.

“The biggest mistake is making decisions too quickly — or too emotionally — without understanding long-term impact” Gamboa says. “Another is separating design from construction, which often leads to costly miscommunication.”

HOME: AN EVOLVING CONCEPT

More than ever, Gamboa has noticed a dramatic shift in what homeowners desire design-wise. Above all, they want spaces that feel calm, intentional and functional — and they’re prioritizing durability, purposeful layouts and materials that age well.

“There’s a growing appreciation for natural textures, layered neutrals, quality flooring and cabinetry and finishes that feel timeless rather than trendy,” Gamboa says. “Comfort, flexibility and livability are driving decisions.”

Over the next decade, she predicts that the concept of “home” will continue to evolve — becoming more about supporting real life and balancing comfort, function and longevity than chasing trends. When they walk through their front door, she adds, homeowners are looking to feel grounded while knowing that their spaces can adapt as life and circumstances change.

“I see my company evolving in the same way,” Gamboa says. “Our focus is on thoughtful design, trusted product knowledge and guiding clients toward confident, long-term decisions.”

TREATING TRUST WITH CARE

Homes often represent new beginnings or difficult endings, and Gamboa respects those emotions. When clients put their home — their most valuable and personal possession — in her hands, she realizes that far more than aesthetics is at stake.

“I want to be remembered as someone who built real relationships,” she says, “(and as someone) who cared deeply about the homes entrusted to me and the families who lived in them.”

One particular transformation stands out for Gamboa not just because she undertook it for a close friend, but because it marked a turning point in her career — a point where she owned her expertise and knew she was where she belonged. The friend granted Gamboa full creative control of the large-scale renovation, allowing her to select every finish and make every decision.

What stayed with Gamboa afterward wasn’t just the freedom, but the trust that freedom represented — not only in Gamboa’s taste, but in her judgement and skill.

“Earlier in my career, success was about achievement and momentum,” she recalls. “Today, it’s about sustainability — strong systems, empowered people and a life that feels aligned. Success now means growth without burnout and impact without compromise.”

Gamboa’s goal for her business isn’t to be the biggest or the flashiest — but to be the most trusted. And the grateful entrepreneur never takes a client’s faith in her for granted.

“I treat that trust with care — making thoughtful decisions that respect the people, the budget and the life happening inside the space …,” Gamboa says. “If my legacy is one of trust, connection and empowerment, where clients felt seen and teams felt valued, then I will have built something that truly lasts.”