Designing with Confidence: Embrace Your Unique Aesthetic

Designing your home or garden can feel like a daunting task. Many people struggle with balancing personal taste, budget constraints, and uncertainty about how to create a space that feels like “them.” Often, what results is a house that looks like it’s ready to be listed for sale—polished, generic, and void of personality. We’ve all seen homes that feel lifeless, as if they were designed to appeal to the broadest audience rather than the people who actually live there. These “staged” homes, while neat and tidy, often lack warmth, soul, and the intimate connection that comes from truly curated design.

So, what does it mean to create a curated space that is uniquely yours? It’s about designing with intention, confidence, and a deep understanding of what resonates with you personally. Curation, in this context, is more than just selecting objects and placing them in a room; it’s the thoughtful process of gathering elements that reflect who you are, your tastes, your memories, and your values. Curated spaces are the ones where you feel connected and inspired by every detail—spaces that tell your story.

Here’s how I take a home or garden from “staged” to “curated” and design with confidence:

1. Understand the Power of Emotional Response

Your home and garden should evoke feelings of comfort, relaxation, and joy. The places you spend time in directly influence your mental state and well-being. Let’s start by reflecting on the environments that make you feel at ease and uplifted.

• Color: Do you gravitate towards calming blues and greens, or do vibrant reds and oranges energize you? Choose colors that align with the emotions you want to foster in each space.

• Nature: Incorporating natural elements like plants, wood, and stone taps into our inherent need to connect with nature. Consider how you feel when you’re surrounded by greenery or the sound of running water—this is biophilia at work, and it can have a profound effect on your mood.

Here in the desert, I find that I am drawn to purples, greens, and creams when it comes to plantings so my garden is full of plants that showcase these colors. They create a sense of ease for me. I find that I feel a little anxious with all the brown homes and brown ground in the desert so I choose to offset that with the tones in my garden.

2. Know Your Personal Style

Your style is not something you should have to guess or imitate. It’s a reflection of your personality, experiences, and preferences. To uncover your personal style, ask yourself these questions:

• What’s my personality type? If you’re organized and detail-oriented, you might be drawn to minimalist, clean lines and structured spaces. If you’re creative and adventurous, you may prefer eclectic designs that combine different styles and influences. If you’re both organized and detail-oriented and creative and adventurous, (like me!) your style likely blends structure with spontaneity—something like "Refined Eclecticism" or "Curated Whimsy." You appreciate order but also crave the unexpected, balancing clean lines with personality-filled moments. I tell clients this is where precision meets play – Think of a beautifully arranged gallery wall where every frame is thoughtfully placed, but the art itself is bold, textured, and full of life. Or a minimalist backdrop that serves as a canvas for carefully chosen statement pieces—each one telling a story. A good example of this style is to take a glance at my Pinterest feed.

  I believe in a style that blends refined structure with playful creativity—a balance of order and originality, function and personality. I call it Curated Eclecticism.

  Imagine a home where every object has a place but also a story. Where a modern, neutral sofa sits next to a sculptural antique table. Where an airy, well-planned garden is softened by wild, climbing vines. It’s about creating harmony between the intentional and the unexpected, the polished and the personal.

What memories do I cherish? Sometimes our aesthetic preferences are deeply tied to past experiences. Does a piece of furniture remind you of a loved one? Are there flowers you remember from your childhood garden? Do you have a glass jar in your laundry room full of seashells your babies collected from the beach trips you’ve taken? Incorporating nostalgic elements into your design will help make your space feel personal and meaningful.

3. Embrace Functionality and Flow

Functionality is key in creating a space that is not only beautiful but livable. A well-designed space should flow seamlessly and cater to your daily needs. Consider how you want to use each room or garden space:

• Is it a social space? If you love hosting gatherings, prioritize comfortable seating and plenty of space for guests to move around.

• Is it a quiet retreat? For spaces meant for relaxation or reflection, focus on creating an atmosphere that feels calm and serene.

Functionality and aesthetic don’t have to be mutually exclusive. Combining both is what creates a truly harmonious environment.

This Suffolk home beautifully balances functionality and warmth, proving that a space can be both practical and inviting. Thoughtfully selected materials—like the tactile rush dining chairs, sturdy wooden table, and layered lighting—create an environment that is comfortable for everyday living yet visually curated. Every detail, from the intimate fireside mantel to the cozy reading nook framed by natural light, reflects a design ethos where beauty seamlessly serves a purpose.

Here are a few more views of this listing as I love the entirety of the space because it really has such a beautiful flow and freedom to how you use the space and yet it is dependably functional.

4. Curate, Don’t Stage

Staged homes often feel sterile because they prioritize universal appeal over personal meaning. A home that feels curated, on the other hand, reflects who you are. Begin by selecting items that you love, not just what looks good in a catalog. Curating is about gathering pieces that resonate with your values and experiences, rather than forcing your space to fit trends.

• Start with what you already have: Rather than purchasing a lot of new things, begin by incorporating meaningful pieces you already own. This could be a vintage chair, a cherished painting, or a beloved family heirloom.

• Layer in personal touches: Display items that tell your story—whether it’s travel mementos, photographs, or handmade items. These create an authentic atmosphere that no store-bought accessory can replicate.

5. Use Simple Design Principles

While the process of curating may seem overwhelming, breaking it down into digestible tips can make it easier:

• Start with neutral foundations: Begin with neutral colors for walls and large furniture pieces, then build upon them with colorful or textured accents. This creates flexibility for changes over time and lets the personality of the room emerge.

• Balance and proportion: Use symmetry or asymmetry to create balance in a room. A properly scaled rug, furniture placement, and art can make a significant difference in how a space feels.

• Don’t overcrowd: Give each piece room to breathe. Too many items can make a space feel chaotic and disorganized. Curate your space with a mindful balance of empty space and thoughtfully placed objects.

6. Design with Intention

Remember that design is not about perfection—it’s about creating a space that supports how you want to live. Don’t be afraid to experiment or make mistakes. Over time, your aesthetic will evolve as you refine your taste and grow more comfortable in your design choices.

• Trust your instincts: If a design choice makes you smile or feel at peace, trust that it’s the right one for you.

• Invest in pieces that matter: While it’s tempting to make short-term choices based on trends, invest in items that have lasting value to you—whether it’s furniture that reflects your style, plants that remind you of the outdoors, or art that connects with your soul.

Originally I had planned a stucco surround for this clients courtyard retreat. Both of us felt it a bit vanilla, but we wanted it to be crisp and refreshing. Then one day this client remembered seeing a surround at a old tile shop almost five years ago. She texted are darling friend who runs the store and the surround was still there! She bought it immediately and we made it happen! It has been the perfect investment to an already stunning plan.

Above all: Embrace Your Style with Confidence

Designing your home and garden is a deeply personal process, and it’s essential to honor your unique preferences and tastes. When you understand the science behind what makes a space feel right, you can design with confidence, curate thoughtfully, and create a space that feels truly yours. Let go of the notion that your home must meet anyone else’s standard or look like something out of a magazine. Trust yourself, embrace what you love, and curate an environment that reflects the life you want to lead—one that feels comforting, inspiring, and entirely you.

Beyond Trends: What Makes You Feel At Home?

In an era where Pinterest, Instagram, and Google offer an endless stream of curated interiors and perfectly manicured gardens, it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that style is something you choose from a menu of trends. But true personal style isn’t about copying what’s popular—it’s about creating a space that feels like home in the deepest sense of the word. I have a cousin who romanticizes life in the most beautiful way. She asked me once, “Where do you feel deep home?” I hadn’t ever thought about it before but I have thought about it ever since. Where do I feel deep home? Well for me, I need lots of green surrounding my home. Seems hard to come by in the desert but we have managed to live in an agricultural community with over 15 fruit trees, real grass that gets flood irrigation, where I plant roses, and lavender, and veg all year long. I think about my interiors and I need comfort and beauty so I have lots of places to sit and put your feet up, under windows so you can read and feel the sun and shade dance across your face. I collect art so my walls are stacked with photographs, vintage pieces, and commissioned work. These are elements of a deep home.

Your home and garden should be a sanctuary, a reflection of your lived experiences, memories, and natural inclinations. Instead of chasing aesthetics that look good online, focus on how you want to feel in your space.

1. Remember Where You’ve Felt Most at Home

Think about a place where you’ve felt deeply comfortable and at peace. It doesn’t have to be a house—it could be:

• A grandparent’s kitchen filled with the smell of homemade food

• A secluded mountain cabin with wood and stone finishes

• A cozy bookstore with soft lighting and worn-in furniture

• A Mediterranean garden with lush greenery and dappled sunlight

These places leave impressions because they engage more than just our eyes. They evoke memories, scents, textures, and emotions. What elements from those spaces could you bring into your own home? When I travel, I try and create some awareness around where I am and what is intriguing to me. I enjoy photographing spaces when I “feel something” and then I record what it was I felt. It is kind of a magical practice of mine and I encourage you to try it.

2. Focus on the Senses

Personal style isn’t just about how a space looks—it’s about how it feels. Take a sensory approach:

• Sight: Do you prefer light, airy spaces, or cozy, dimly lit nooks? My mom and I are different here. I open all the shutters and she closes them and lights lots of candles. I love that each space feels special. You can ask yourself these kinds of questions to help you determine what you like looking at. Are you drawn to natural materials like wood and linen, or do you love sleek surfaces like glass and polished stone?

• Touch: Do you like soft, layered textures, like wool throws and plush rugs? Or do you prefer clean, smooth finishes with minimal clutter? My little sister loves velvet and would upholster her whole house in it if she could as my brother will not use velvet in any finish in his home as he says it feels to him like nails on a chalkboard sound. Isn’t personal style interesting? We are all so different.

• Smell: Are you drawn to the scent of fresh herbs in a garden, the grounding aroma of cedarwood, or the crispness of citrus? My sweet little cousin says she loves coming to my house because it smells like vanilla and coconut. I don’t even know why! I use so many different scents here but it is what she smells and I love that she loves coming in and smelling my house!

• Sound: Do you love the quiet hum of nature, the rustling of leaves, the echo of an open-concept space, or the warmth of a room with books and textiles absorbing sound? I am a sound girl. I love playing music and will almost always have Spotify playing Elle Fitzgerald radio during the day. I love a life soundtrack and hope that one will be what people remember about being in my home.

These garden spaces in California awaken more than just your sense of sight. You can feel the sun on your skin, smell the fragrance of rosemary and lavender, and the sound of a splash for a refreshing dip in the pool. Its immersive. It’s intentional. It’s personal.

When you start thinking about your space beyond just how it looks, you’ll discover a deeper sense of personal style that goes beyond trends and reflects who you are and your preferences.

3. Define Your Energy

Different spaces give off different energies, and certain environments naturally resonate with different personalities. Ask yourself:

• Do I thrive in bright, energizing environments with lots of natural light?

• Do I crave a cocoon-like retreat with dim lighting and deep colors?

• Do I love structured, symmetrical gardens, or do I feel more at peace in wild, organic landscapes?

Rather than designing around a "look," start designing around the energy you want your space to hold.

I love the energy of this space from Alana Fletcher Interiors out of Toronto. This home is stunning AND lived in. The piano, the family photos, the cat on the stairs. Real people with real lives live in this home with bouncy, sunny energy! You could gather that they entertain and enjoy connectedness. But why? I will let you answer that.

4. Look at Your Everyday Preferences

Your personal style already exists—you just may not have recognized it yet. Look at:

• The clothes you feel best in (are they structured and tailored, or loose and natural?)

• The types of hotels, cafes, or restaurants you feel most comfortable in

• The materials, textures, and colors you naturally choose in other areas of your life

Heidi Callier leaned into the nature loving side of her clients by helping them curate a home that felt among the trees. I love how dark woods didn’t scare them and make this space even more impressive. Look at more of the project here.

These small daily choices often reveal deeper design preferences and make a house feel like your home.

5. Trust What You’re Drawn To—Even If It’s Unconventional

Some of the most interesting personal styles don’t fit neatly into a category. Maybe you love minimalist interiors but also have a deep attachment to antique furniture. Maybe you adore modern architecture but feel most at home with warm, vintage textiles. Allow your style to be an honest reflection of who you are, rather than what "makes sense" aesthetically.

This VIP client leaned into her individuality and pushed the boundaries of what is conventional. The tiled pool, the mix of saltillo and flagstone, the vintage fireplace surround. Our aim was create an intimate place to gather and I think we can all agree there will be a lot of gathering happening here.

Your personal style isn’t something you find on social media—it’s something you remember about yourself. The goal isn’t to create a space that looks good for others; it’s to craft a home that feels undeniably you. With years of experience guiding clients through the design process, I’ve learned that the most timeless interiors aren’t built on trends—they’re built on self-awareness. When you understand the principles of design and trust your instincts, you create a home that not only looks beautiful but also tells your story with depth and authenticity.

The Beauty of Imperfect, Personal Spaces: Why Your Home Shouldn’t Look Like an Ad

I love perusing English real estate listings. Inigo is by far my favorite site. It has become a ritual each weekend to go there and study the spaces that are listed for sale. Not just because of the rolling landscapes and historic freeholds, but because every home is so distinctly its own. A charming cottage with a slanted roof and ivy creeping up the side, a grand old home with worn stone steps and a front door painted in an unexpected hue—each one tells a story. Each one belongs to someone in a way that feels personal, intentional, lived-in.

And yet, here in the U.S., I see so many homes that feel like carbon copies of one another. Entire neighborhoods where each house is a variation of the same theme. Interiors that look as though they’ve been lifted directly from an ad, every piece sourced from the same retailer, arranged in the same way. There's a sense of fullness, yes—but where is the soul?

The Myth of the Perfect Home

Somewhere along the way, we started believing that a well-designed home means a perfectly coordinated one. We scroll through Pinterest, save images from catalogs, and buy into the idea that a space must look a certain way to feel 'right.' The McGee aisle at Target? Beautiful, sure. But if your space is a 1:1 recreation of an ad, where is the room for creative progress? Where is the space for you?

The truth is, when we design our homes to look exactly like someone else’s, we miss the opportunity to create something that feels deeply personal. Something that evolves with us, that reflects not just good taste, but lived experience.

The Power of Letting Go

Real design freedom comes when we release the need to follow trends and, instead, listen to ourselves. How do you want your home to feel? What colors bring you comfort? What pieces make you smile, remind you of something meaningful, or simply feel good in your hands?

It’s not about rejecting trends altogether. It’s about curating from them, picking what speaks to you rather than what’s dictated as 'right.' It’s about layering in the old with the new, mixing textures and tones, and allowing imperfection to be part of the process.

Finding Your Signature Style

Defining your personal style is not about choosing a theme and sticking to it. It’s about recognizing what makes you feel at home. Maybe you lean towards minimalism, but you love the warmth of layered textiles. Maybe you admire clean lines, but an antique hutch from your grandmother makes your heart sing. Maybe you appreciate modern design, but a moody, book-filled study feels like the coziest place on earth to you.

When you stop designing for others and start designing for yourself, something shifts. Your home starts to look less like a showroom and more like a place you truly belong. And that’s where the magic happens.

An Invitation to Curate, Not Copy

If you’ve been struggling to define your space, I encourage you to take a step back from the inspiration overload. Walk through your home with fresh eyes. What feels authentic? What feels forced? What, if removed, wouldn’t be missed?

Your home should tell your story, not someone else’s. Let’s create spaces that make room for creativity, for evolution, for you.

If you're ready to uncover what that looks like, let’s start a conversation. My bespoke design consultations are built for this very reason—to help you connect with your space in a way that feels deeply personal and intentional. Apply to work with me, and let’s define your style together.

The Art of Less: Curating Home Without Sacrificing Style

When people hear “less is more,” they often picture stark, empty rooms devoid of personality. But true minimalism isn’t about removing everything—it’s about keeping only what matters. It’s about curating your space with intention so that every piece has purpose, beauty, and meaning.

Some of my favorite designers like Rose Uniacke and Jessica Helgerson embody this philosophy, proving that a home can feel warm, inviting, and layered without being cluttered. Their work shows that minimalism doesn’t mean sacrificing style, color, or pattern—it simply means being more thoughtful in how these elements are used.

This approach isn’t about following trends. It’s about defining your unique style by embracing quality over quantity, functionality over excess, and timelessness over fleeting fads. In this post, we’ll explore how you can bring this mindset into your own home—designing with clarity, purpose, and an appreciation for the beauty of restraint. Embracing a "less is more" philosophy in interior design doesn't necessitate sacrificing warmth, personality, or vibrancy. It is about thoughtful curation and intentional design and how those approaches can create minimalist spaces rich in character and functionality.​

1. The Power of Thoughtful Curation

Intentional selection of each piece in your space ensures that everything serves a purpose, aligning with the minimalist ethos. Rose Uniacke's interiors are renowned for their refinement and luxury, achieved through exquisite quality and beauty. Her approach emphasizes that rare collectibles can coexist with everyday objects, creating a harmonious environment. ​Rose Uniacke

2. Designing for Your Life, Not Trends

Prioritizing timeless functionality over fleeting trends leads to spaces that remain relevant and personal. Jessica Helgerson's designs embody this principle, focusing on creating environments that are both beautiful and practical, tailored to the client's lifestyle. ​

3. Embracing Color, Texture, and Pattern—With Intention

Minimalism doesn’t mean avoiding color—it means using it with purpose. Thoughtfully chosen hues, textures, and patterns can bring depth and vibrancy to a space without overwhelming it.

Many of the homes I’m hired to help with feel sterile—as if they’ve been staged rather than curated for real life. They lack the warmth and personality that come from intentional design. True minimalism isn’t about stripping a space of life; it’s about making every choice meaningful.

In my Marston Drive project, we maintained a sense of restraint while embracing color in intentional ways. The landscape design celebrated natural vibrancy, using plants and materials that felt alive and harmonious. Instead of layering color for the sake of boldness, we amplified it through contrast, thoughtful placement, and the interplay of light and shadow. The result was a space that felt rich, warm, and curated—not generic.

The key isn’t how much color you use, but how you use it. When applied with care, even the most vibrant hues can feel timeless and sophisticated—creating a home that is both beautiful and deeply personal.

4. Learning to Edit Your Space

One of the most important skills in design isn’t knowing what to add—it’s knowing what to remove. Editing your space is about refining, distilling, and making intentional choices so that every element serves a purpose, whether functional, aesthetic, or emotional.

Many homes feel cluttered not because they have too much stuff, but because they lack a clear sense of hierarchy. When everything demands attention, nothing stands out. On the other hand, I often walk into homes that feel overly pared back—so pristine that they don’t reflect the personalities of the people who live there. The key is balance: curating a space that feels lived-in, layered, and intentional.

So how do you edit effectively? Start by asking yourself:

• Does this item add to the story I want my home to tell?

• Does it serve a purpose, or is it just taking up space?

• Is it competing with other elements, or does it enhance them?

Editing isn’t about creating emptiness; it’s about refining your home into its best version. It’s allowing the pieces you truly love to shine, rather than letting them get lost in the noise. It’s about knowing when to take something away so that what remains feels even more special.

When you embrace this mindset, your home stops feeling like a collection of things and starts feeling like a reflection of you..

5. Your Home as a Reflection of You

A home should feel as good as it looks. Too often, I see spaces that appear flawless in photos but don’t function well for the people living in them. Design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating an environment that supports the way you actually live.

When designing a space, I always ask:

• Is this space inviting and comfortable, or does it feel too precious to use?

• Does the layout encourage connection, movement, and ease?

• Are the materials durable enough to handle real life—kids, pets, daily routines?

A thoughtfully designed home balances beauty and functionality. It means choosing furniture that is as comfortable as it is stylish, selecting materials that will age gracefully, and allowing for imperfection—because real life is never pristine.

The goal isn’t to create a showroom; it’s to create a home that feels effortless, welcoming, and deeply personal. When every choice is made with intention, a space becomes more than just visually pleasing—it becomes a place where life unfolds naturally.

Adopting a "less is more" approach in interior design fosters clarity, personality, and a deeper connection to what truly matters in your home. By focusing on intentionality and thoughtful curation, you can create a space that is both functional and uniquely yours.​

By studying these examples and reflecting on your own preferences, you can cultivate a minimalist design that is both stylish and deeply personal.

Flow: The Power of Seamless Transitions in Our Homes and Lives

The power of flow in design goes beyond the aesthetics of a space. It encompasses the seamless transitions that create a feeling of harmony between different areas of our lives, from the quiet moments spend alone to the robust gatherings of family and friends. When designed thoughtfully, the transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces can feel effortless, almost as if one space is pulling you into the next, guiding you naturally from one experience to another. These moments, however subtle, are a reminder of how deeply our environment impacts our rhythms, our connections, and our sense of well-being.

As I reflect on my own experience with the changing seasons, I realize how much flow in design mirrors the ebb and flow of nature. Over the past few weeks, my garden has started to respond beautifully to the mild weather. It has filled out nicely, and when I look out the kitchen window, I am drawn into the vibrant green of the growing clover and parsley. It’s a feeling I can’t ignore—rather than sitting at the dining table for lunch, I find myself moving my outdoor sofa to the yard and eating in the sun, where the stone fruit trees are beginning to blossom, offering a peaceful and inviting space to share a meal. The garden doesn’t just exist outside my window—it draws me in, encourages me to experience its beauty, and provides a seamless transition between the indoors and out.

This feeling, one of natural connection and invitation, is exactly what we want in our homes. Think of spaces where the indoors and outdoors come together. The open doors or large windows that allow us to see the outdoor world as if it’s an extension of the living area. It’s not just a view—it’s a passage. A well-designed space should pull you from one realm to the other, not force you. It should feel as though your movements, whether it’s a quiet afternoon or a lively family gathering, are a continuation of one another, moving seamlessly between spaces.

Homes that allow for such fluidity make us feel grounded and connected to both nature and those around us. They provide a sense of unity, where no space feels isolated or disconnected from the next. The feeling of flow, when intentionally designed, creates a space where moments of quiet solitude can lead into moments of robust gathering, effortlessly.

A key element in creating these transitions is the flow of materials, colors, and design elements that connect the indoor spaces with the outdoors. The same stone or wood used in the living room can be extended to the patio or garden pathways, creating a visual and tactile connection between spaces. Natural light plays a vital role in this, too, casting its glow across both the inside and outside, blurring the lines between the two. When this is done well, the spaces don’t feel separate—they feel like parts of a whole.

But it’s not just the physical design of a space that contributes to this flow; it’s the way we live within it. When we’re intentional about how we move through our homes, how we connect with each space, we are allowing the natural rhythm of life to guide us. Whether it’s a quiet morning spent sipping tea by the window or an evening gathering around the fire pit, the movement from one space to another can feel as natural as the changing of the seasons.

And like nature itself, homes that embrace this flow create spaces that allow us to align with the seasons of life. They invite us to pause and take in the beauty around us, to connect with ourselves, our loved ones, and the natural world. They help us find our rhythm, and in doing so, they become not just spaces to live in, but places that nourish our souls.

In your own home, how can you create flow between your indoor and outdoor spaces? Perhaps it’s as simple as adding a bench or a hammock just outside your kitchen door. Or maybe it’s designing a path that leads from the living room to your garden, encouraging you to step outside and experience the world in a different way. The opportunities are endless, but the goal remains the same: to create seamless transitions that guide you into moments of peace, connection, and joy.

As you explore the images included in this post, take a moment to pause and reflect. Notice how each of these spaces—whether they are English homes for sale through Inigo (my favorite site to get inspired) or Arizona projects I have had the pleasure of being involved with—invites you to step from one world into another with ease. What feelings do these seamless transitions evoke within you? How does the flow between the indoors and outdoors change the way you perceive the space?

Do you feel a sense of calm as the boundaries between the spaces blur, or are you drawn in by the natural invitation to step outside and experience the world beyond the walls? Consider how you can incorporate similar transitions into your own home. Whether through thoughtful design choices or the simple act of connecting with nature, these spaces remind us of the profound impact flow can have on our lives.

Let these images inspire you to think about how your home can guide you toward moments of peace, connection, and joy. How can your own environment help you feel more aligned with the natural rhythms of life?

Surrendering to Design: Finding Beauty in What Is

We live in a world where inspiration is endless—mood boards, Pinterest saves, and Instagram reels filled with dream homes, perfect renovations, and idealized versions of life. It’s beautiful to dream, but sometimes, the pursuit of perfection keeps us from fully embracing what is already in front of us. What if, instead of longing for the next thing, we surrendered to the beauty of what we have right now?

A Lesson in Letting Go

A client recently hired me for a short consultation to help her create a clear direction for her backyard. We mapped out a plan that felt cohesive, functional, and beautiful. She left the meeting with a solid vision, relieved to have clarity and excited to move forward. But in the following weeks, doubt crept in. She sought opinions from landscapers, nursery employees, friends, and neighbors which I can attest makes for a lot of confusion as those industries offer conflicting information. The more advice she received, the more overwhelmed she became. She lost sleep over decisions we had already made, second-guessed everything, and ended up feeling paralyzed. Finally, we had an honest conversation where she admitted, “I need to let go and trust that this process is the direction it needs to go instead of doing so much work on my own and exhausting my efforts.”

This moment was pivotal. She realized that she had hired me not just for my expertise but to take the stress off her plate. And once she surrendered to that, everything fell into place.

Practical Ways to Surrender in Design

Surrendering to your space doesn’t mean giving up on beauty or creativity. It means learning to see what’s already there, leaning into what works, and releasing the pressure of perfection. Here’s how:

1. Honor What Exists

Instead of wishing your space had more windows, higher ceilings, or a different layout, highlight what is beautiful. Maybe it’s the afternoon light in one corner or the cozy intimacy of a certain nook. Work with what you have instead of fighting against it.

2. Invest in the Present

If you love a piece of art, hang it now. If a certain color makes you happy, use it. Don’t wait until you own your “dream home” to create an environment you love. A rented apartment, a temporary space—these are still places you live today.

3. Let Go of the “One Day” Mentality

Stop waiting for the perfect scenario to enjoy your surroundings. Light the candle, use the nice dishes, and make your home feel special even if it’s not your forever space.

4. Simplify and Curate

Good design isn’t about excess—it’s about intention. Thoughtfully choosing a few well-loved pieces, incorporating soft textures, and bringing in natural elements can transform any space. And most of this can be done without spending a dime.

5. Find Beauty in Imperfection

A home with signs of life—a stack of books by the bed, a candle burned halfway down, a chair that’s softened over time—carries a depth that perfection never will. Let go of the pressure to make everything flawless. Instead, embrace the charm of a well-loved space.

Accessible Design for Everyone

Even if hiring a designer isn’t in the budget, there are ways to bring intention into your space without spending a fortune:

• Rearrange what you already have – Move furniture around to create new energy in a room.

• Bring in nature – Cut branches from your yard, forage for greenery, or use dried flowers to add warmth.

• Declutter with intention – Remove things that no longer serve you to make space for what you truly love.

• DIY with heart – A fresh coat of paint, reupholstered cushions, or repurposing items can bring new life into a space.

• Focus on light – Open curtains, use mirrors to reflect natural light, and choose warm-toned bulbs to create a cozy ambiance.

At the end of the day, surrendering to your space is about shifting your mindset. Instead of feeling limited by what you don’t have, embrace the beauty in what you do. This practice doesn’t just apply to design—it’s a way of living, of finding peace in the present moment, and of making the most of where you are right now.

The Power of Contrast: A Lesson in Design and Life

Contrast is the secret ingredient that makes a space feel dynamic and compelling. It’s the interplay of opposites—light and dark, smooth and textured, structured and fluid—that brings depth and dimension to a room.

In design, contrast is used to create visual interest and balance. A matte black fixture against crisp white cabinetry. A sleek modern sofa softened by a chunky knit throw. The juxtaposition of old and new, bold and understated. Without contrast, spaces can feel flat, lacking the energy and movement that make them truly inviting. I wake up every morning to this bespoke piece I had custom built for my primary bedroom. The floral cut outs are reminiscent of my Granny’s kitchen that I spent many a hot summer afternoon. I like the dark play they have on the doors. The same reason I chose oil rubbed bronze for the hardware. Not to mention the pencil drawing and that stark contrast she contributes.

But contrast is more than just a design principle—it’s a lesson in how we live. Our days are shaped by opposing forces: busy moments and stillness, deep conversations and comfortable silence, the warmth of company and the peace of solitude. It is the presence of these differences that makes life richer.

Think about the week you’ve just had. Where did you experience contrast? Perhaps in the way morning light shifts through your home, in the textures of your favorite sweater against your skin, or in the transition from bustling city streets to a quiet room. Noticing contrast is the first step in harnessing its power.

So whether you're designing a room or shaping a day, embrace the push and pull of contrast. Play with opposites, appreciate the balance they create, and let the tension between them bring depth to both your spaces and your life.

What areas of your home (or your life) could use more contrast? I'd love to hear your thoughts.

In The Making

Welcome to In The Making — A Journey of Intentional Design

Design is not just about what we create; it’s about how we experience the world and the spaces we inhabit. As a designer, I believe life is an ongoing process, constantly unfolding and evolving—in the making—just like the spaces we curate. Whether you’re redesigning a room, transforming your garden, or completely reimagining how your environment aligns with your life’s goals, every decision contributes to the bigger picture. I approach each project with the understanding that we can choose to enjoy life right where we are, savoring the moments, details, and spaces that surround us.

My philosophy is rooted in the belief that spaces should reflect who we are, how we feel, and who we are becoming. I specialize in curating environments that enhance not only the beauty of a home or garden but also the well-being of the people who live there. My work is grounded in sustainability, mindful design, and an appreciation for the ever-changing nature of life itself. Just as our lives are in a constant state of flux, so too are the environments we create. These spaces aren’t static—they evolve with us, offering us the opportunity to reflect, grow, and thrive.

At the core of my offerings are Bespoke Design Consultations, where I collaborate closely with clients to create spaces that speak to their unique needs and visions. Whether you’re working on a single room or a larger project, my goal is to offer expert guidance that empowers you to make choices with confidence. Through Curated Small Garden Design, I help you craft intimate outdoor spaces that invite serenity and connection with nature. Additionally, my nonprofit, FLORA, encourages community involvement by teaching students to care for gardens on school campuses, fostering a deep appreciation for nature’s beauty and power.

This blog is a space where I’ll share my philosophy, design tips, seasonal inspiration, and stories from the journey of curating beautiful and intentional spaces. I invite you to subscribe to my Inside & Out newsletter, where you’ll receive exclusive insights, personalized design guidance, and deeper reflections on how to live a more intentional and connected life. Together, we’ll explore how the art of curation can enrich your life in ways big and small—because life, and design, are always in the making.