Better Living

Welcome to this week’s newsletterwhere I explore the connection between beautiful spaces and better living.

In this issue, it’s all about the power of three—

  1. Design TherapyBecause the right space does more than look good—it makes you feel good.

  2. Behind the Scenes A kitchen renovation that led to an unexpected transformation.

  3. Curated Finds to share – A recent rare find that brings effortless style.

 

1.Design Therapy

When a space in your home no longer works for you, it quietly chips away at your comfort, ease, and even your productivity. That sense of “off” becomes a constant background noise in your daily life—a low-level tension that wears on you over time.  It’s something psychologists call environmental stresswhen the spaces around you don’t support how you live, they add mental clutter and emotional strain. And the truth is, it’s hard to fully relax or feel at ease when your surroundings keep reminding you of what’s unfinished or not quite right.

The good news is that it doesn’t take a full renovation to turn that feeling around. Thoughtful design can ease that tension almost immediately—bringing a sense of calm, clarity, and comfort back into your daily life. When your home finally supports the way you live, you feel it in everything—from better focus during the day to deeper relaxation at night.  Our goal isn’t just to create beautiful spaces; it’s to help you move from uncertainty to confidence, every step of the way.

Here’s how we do that:

  • We start by getting to know you. Our in-depth questionnaire helps us understand how you live—and how you want to feel in your space. It also makes sure we’re the right fit for each other. After all, design projects can span months, and it’s important that the relationship feels just as good as the end result.

  • Then we sit down for a two-hour consultation to kick things off. This is where we prioritize what matters most to you and explore the best path forward—whether that means phasing the project over time or diving right in.

  • We help you see the bigger picture. Instead of making isolated decisions, we look at how everything works together to create a home that feels cohesive and intentional. And if you’re a visual thinker, we’ll show you detailed renderings—whether it’s for a single window treatment or an entire room—so you can see the vision before making any big decisions.

  • And when it comes to budgeting, we believe clarity is empowering. Our custom budget worksheet helps you understand exactly where your investment is going, so you can move forward feeling confident and financially grounded.

If you’re still wondering whether it’s the right time to start, ask yourself this: Have you ever regretted creating a space that truly supports and inspires you?

The truth is, no one looks back and says, “I wish we had waited longer to enjoy our home.”

2. Behind the Scenes

Sometimes (okay, oftentimes) what starts as a one room project opens the door to something more.

When we began designing this client’s Bergen County, NJ kitchen, the original plan didn’t include touching the dual bar/office area—a small pass-through space connecting the kitchen and hallway. But as we got deeper into the design process and talked through how the client really wanted to feel in their home, something became clear. They didn’t just want a functional kitchen—they wanted the entire experience of moving through those connected spaces to feel more elevated… a little more exciting.

I could see it right away—this wasn’t just a pass-through. It was a transition space that had the potential to become a design moment. So, we breathed new life into it. A splash of unexpected blue cabinetry, an antique mirrored backsplash with brass bars and better lighting – these are intentional details that turned it from an overlooked area into one that feels cohesive and quietly stunning. Now, instead of feeling like a forgotten corner, it’s a seamless extension of the home’s beauty and function.

Before – our client’s thought was to update this walk-through space.

Before

 

After – We achieved a “wow” factor to make this space come alive.

We addressed the ceiling with a pattern that unites the two areas.

Custom brass edging detail and oversized pulls create a one of kind design.

And here is a glimpse of the kitchen design!

And finally…

3. Rare Finds to share.

Always on the hunt for unique lighting fixtures, I discovered this amazing silk and organza fixture on First Dibs.  Hand made in Israel, it is truly a work of art which means that it’s completely customizable.

So beautiful!

 

Design is personal, and the right choices make all the difference.

What to learn more?  It all starts with a conversation. Reach out and let’s explore what’s possible together.