Designing a home with intention is a similar process to writing your personal narrative—it takes time to unfold and requires a strong commitment to the process – ensuring that the story we’re crafting isn’t just heartfelt, but also well-considered and impeccably delivered. And what I love most is that it’s often the smallest details which bring real joy in the final design.
When thinking about doing the details well, I believe time is the most valuable asset we have. Truly ‘good’ design requires many hours of reflection and revision, just as an artisan dedicates hours to perfecting their craft, we too must invest the time and elements of our creativity to curate a cohesive and deeply felt design. Be it through the color palette, the unique mixture and tension found in the materiality, or a handcrafted piece that adds a touch of soul all these elements must be thought through and wrestled with fully.
This thoughtful approach to design isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that resonate with the lives lived within them—spaces that offer comfort, stir joy, and ignite inspiration. By doing the details well, we ensure that every element has its place and purpose, from intricate tile patterns that function almost like art, to the ambient lighting that sets the mood for the stories told around a dining room table.
I think that in this way, design is a very emotional and personal journey for each family or client. It requires a commitment to a process that doesn’t shy away from the missteps, the unexpected moments where you need to pivot or the small triumphs that keep you going, knowing that all are an important part of the process. It’s a reminder that each decision, though seemingly minor, are what crafts the story of a home that is unequivocally yours.
And when each decision is made with intention, designer and client can revel in a home that feels storied, meaningful, soulful and well-loved. As Beata Heuman (one of my favorite designers) says, it’s when everything comes together, when each part is thoughtfully considered and executed that “every room will sing.” This isn’t just about creating spaces; it’s about setting the stage for life’s most precious moments and memories, your unique story unfolding within the details around you.