How Thoughtful Design Transforms Lives

Small shifts that make a big impact

Oftentimes, much of my work never makes it to my Instagram feed. Maybe the project wasn’t professionally photographed, or I assumed it wasn’t quite “newsworthy.” But looking back, these behind-the-scenes consultations are full of quiet wins—small shifts that created big impact in the lives of the people we worked with.  They’re the kinds of changes that don’t always scream for attention but completely shift how a space feels—and how someone feels in it.  From rethinking furniture placement to choosing the perfect shade of paint, each decision is rooted in the psychology of design: calming chaos, supporting transitions, and making life just a little easier or more beautiful.

Here are several of those moments that have stuck with me—and why they mattered.

Downsizing with Ease

When you’re downsizing, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed – especially if you have a time crunch!  Our clients had been in their home for over 25 years and it was finally time to downsize. We were called in to help figure out what they could keep and what needed to go!  We started by measuring their existing furniture and then created a floor plan of their new home on Auto CAD, a program that we use for space planning. We placed the existing furniture into the new home’s floor plans, labeling each piece and room as well as each piece of furniture. This was all done at the client’s home…making the process efficient and stress-free. Armed with a copy of our plans, the movers knew exactly where each piece of furniture belonged.This process eliminated stress on move-in day —it gave them a sense of control during the transition.

 

Interior Paint Color Consultation

Color directly affects mood and a new layer of paint is the quickest, least expensive way, to make a change in any space.  Choosing the right hues can help you feel more energized, calm, or focused depending on the space. Our client requested a more “uplifting, lighter feeling space” – we started with the paint color on the walls and worked our way to the furnishings and window treatments!

Before

After

 

Exterior Paint Color Selection

Your home’s exterior sets an emotional tone before you even step inside. A well-chosen color palette does more than boost curb appeal—it creates a sense of welcome, identity, and joy. This client wanted their home to feel cheerful from the moment they pulled into the driveway. We chose this joyful blue color with navy shutters that made them smile every time they came home.

 

A Designer’s Eye For When You’re Stuck

Sometimes you just need a second set of eyes. These consultations provide clarity, reduce decision fatigue, and help clients trust their instincts again—alleviating the paralysis that comes from too many options. Over the years, we’ve consulted on kitchen and bath design to a client’s second home as far away as India!

 

Reimagining Ordinary Spaces

We believe every square inch deserves intention. A pass-through into a dressing room, a forgotten nook — these aren’t just transitional spaces, they’re opportunities.

In the photo below, we added an amethyst countertop to a dresser, wrapped the walls in a bold wallpaper, and transformed a hidden area into the a happy space.

 

 

Art Arrangement

We love when clients collect works of art.  There’s usually a story or emotional connection behind each piece—something that reflects who they are or what they love.   The placement of art  influences how a room feels and how you feel in it. We place your art in such a way that it creates a visual rhythm that’s both grounding and uplifting.

 

 

Rare Finds

In this issue of Rare Finds, I’m feeling the pull of the coast. While sourcing artwork for a client, I discovered a French artist whose work immediately caught my eye.

She creates limited edition dimensional clay wall art sculptures that adhere to your wall to create a free-flowing mural. We just purchased 350 pieces for a client’s home!

 

 

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

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