Design with Passion

After 15+ years in the corporate world focused on accounting and financial services, Krista Niebrugge was looking for a new spark. She didn’t want to only survive her corporate job but feel like she was thriving in all aspects of life. She and her husband Jake had recently purchased land to build their future forever home. Krista always loved design (she actually planned to be a Graphic Design major before switching to accounting) and thoroughly enjoyed the process of building their first home. As a result, she took a leap and enrolled in the Interior Design Program through the New York Institute of Art and Design. That leap sparked excitement and a growing confidence that this interest could transform into a passion project. With the unwavering support of her family and friends, Krista left her corporate position and launched Elsie & Ivy Interiors in Spring 2025.

Design with Inspiration

Krista’s paternal great-grandmother was Elsie Nacke. Elsie was an extremely hard worker who managed a grocery store while raising three children in Effingham, IL. Krista remembers her for her card-playing skills and unwavering confidence. It didn’t matter who she played, Elsie wasn’t afraid to win. In naming the design firm, Krista knew there had to be a family name element because family is everything. She also knew she was going to have to have that unwavering confidence to take the leap and follow her passion. Elsie was the perfect fit!

The Roman numeral IV represents the number four. In preparing for the launch of the design firm, Krista often said that this would be her and Jake’s fourth labor of love following their children Brooks, Lila and Mia. IV was translated to Ivy, and the name Elsie & Ivy Interiors was born.

Design with Personality

Krista Niebrugge
Owner & Designer, Elsie & Ivy Interiors

Krista Niebrugge was born and raised in Effingham, IL. She graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. She earned her CPA license and worked in public accounting at KPMG LLP before transitioning to Edward Jones. Krista held a variety of roles at Edward Jones within Internal Audit and Compliance. Prior to starting Elsie & Ivy Interiors, Krista served as the Department Leader of Branch Audit; in her role, she managed the largest branch inspection program for financial services firms within the US. Through her experiences, she gained invaluable project management expertise. Such skills will translate to interior design as successful projects require keen attention to detail, organization, and clear communication across clients, contractors, and vendors. Krista is focused on completing her interior design program in the Summer 2025.

On a personal note, Krista lives in Effingham, IL with her husband Jake and their three children: Brooks, Lila and Mia. You can usually find them at sporting events or dance competitions. The family loves cheering on the San Fransico 49ers and having dance parties to Taylor Swift. In Krista’s downtime, she loves to read, eat chips and queso with a spicy margarita, plan her kids’ birthday party themes, and create itineraries for future trips. Bucket list trips include Paris (Krista) and Australia/New Zealand (Jake).